Hiking Mt Kosciuszko With My Daughters

One of the Seven Summits (According to Dick Bass)

They say every mountain teaches you something new.

Mt Kosciuszko taught us about courage, mindset, and the power of family — even when the wind is blowing 75 km/h and the temperature reads –4 °C.

The Climb Begins

Armed with snacks, layers of clothes, and big smiles, we started our hike toward the highest point in Australia. Mt Kosciuszko might not be Everest, but when the wind starts cutting through your jacket and the clouds roll in, it definitely feels like a serious adventure!

Each girl had two base layers, two jackets, a rainproof shell, and plenty of enthusiasm. Lara needed waterproof pants, and I — playing “porter mama” — carried spare gear for anyone who needed it.

The weather was brutal, but the spirit of the team was stronger.

Mind Over Mountain

About halfway up, the cold really started to bite. That’s when we practiced our “mental games.” I asked the girls not to dwell on how freezing or tired they felt, but to focus on warmer, happier thoughts.

Soon, we were singing songs, telling funny school stories, and keeping our minds moving forward as much as our legs. Hydration breaks and snack stops became our little victories along the way.

Reaching the Summit

Finally — the top! Winds were fierce, faces red, and fingers numb, but the pride on their faces said it all.

• Jacqui: “Proud.”

• Lara: “Accomplished! If I can do this, I feel like I’ll be able to do so much more!”

• Sophie: “I’ll come back when it’s summer!” (Fair enough — she hiked 3 km with Guy before turning back, saving her summit for another time.)

Even in the harsh conditions, there was laughter, teamwork, and that unmatched feeling of we did it.

Lessons From the Mountain

Back at our cabin, wrapped in blankets with hot drinks, the day’s hardships turned into fond memories.

Lara said, “It was really hard a few times, and all I wanted was to be in my warm bed… but I’m so happy we pushed through!”

That opened a great talk about life — how tough moments often come right before the best ones, and how resilience builds confidence.

They also loved comparing our hikes:

• Mt Gower — steeper and tougher (1000 m vertical in rain!)

• Blue Mountains — longer trails, usually great weather

• Kosciuszko — cold, windy, but beautifully rewarding

Each adventure has shaped them in new ways — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Reflections

I couldn’t have been prouder. Even through the shivers and gusts, we found laughter and strength together.We’ll definitely be back for Sophie’s summit, hopefully under clear skies and warm sunshine — but no matter the weather, we’ll always carry this memory with us.

SEA TO SUMMIT LIFESTYLE 🌏💪🏼