Most Romantic Hike In Australia

6/06/2022

SHARED 6 TIMES

6/06/2022

SHARED 6 TIMES

People say you should go the extra mile when you’re trying to impress someone, so how about going the extra 10 miles (17km) by hiking to the most romantic hut out there – Valentine Hut.

Highlights

Check out a beautiful historic hut
Challenging hike
Experience the raw Jagungal Wilderness

The Lowdown

If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day idea with a little more adventure than most, Valentine Hut on the outskirts of the Jagungal Wilderness could be the answer.

Located under Mt Gungarten and near Valentine Creek, Valentine Hut is a challenging day hike (or half day bikepacking trip) from the Guthega Power Station.

The first 10km is relatively easy going, despite the fact that it’s mostly uphill to Schlinks Pass. Then it really gets tricky when you turn off towards the hut, trading smooth gravel road for soft, uneven and heavily undulating track that’s common to the Jagungal.

Valentine Hut

Valentine Hut is painted bright red, with white trim and decorated with the occasional love heart. Inside, there’s a central room with table and benches, shelving and a pot belly stove. Perfect for whipping up that special Valentine meal you’ve carried from the car park, or better yet a camp cocktail. At the very least you can get the fire going to keep warm during the colder months (the area receives snowfall in winter, don’t underestimate the conditions!).

Around the hut you can explore Valentine Creek, or wander down to the nearby Valentine Falls. Otherwise, sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful quiet of the Jagungal Wilderness.

Remember, you need to carry your own shelter as Valentine (like all Kosciuszko Huts) is intended as an emergency shelter. Always leave the huts clean and tidy.

If Valentine is too far, there’s a couple of huts on the way that can be used for a shorter overnight trip, to extend the trip to several nights or as a bail out option if you, or your date, get tired.

Activities

Hiking
Romancing
Photography
Bikepacking

How To Get There

First, park at Guthega Power Station, then follow Schlinks Pass Road. About a km after the Schlinks Hilton, turn off on to Valentine Trail and follow all the way to the hut. Be prepared to get your feet wet on several creek crossings.

Difficulty

Expert — it’s no joke in the Jagungal. You need to be fully self sufficient and prepared for any weather — it snowed heavily in late November just this year!