The alpine regions of Australia’s Snowy Mountains are a world treasure. Above tree-line, a profusion of colourful wild flowers dot the grasses, bogs and mosses. In some locations, large granite structures add further beauty. And in the small pools of water one can sometimes hear – and occasionally see – the endangered black and yellow corroboree frog.

This tiny area with its unique plants, animals and landscape only covers about 30 hectares, less than one twenty-millionth, of Australia’s territory. And this ecology is extraordinarily fragile, with very thin soils. The summer growing season is very short, with sometimes tempestuous weather and huge winds, while the long winters cover the land with snow and ice, preventing growth.

For me, this is perhaps the most beautiful place on earth. Over the past 35 years, I have backpacked here perhaps 50 times. I have climbed all of Australia’s highest mountains, most of them many times. Although I am not religious, this is my spiritual home. It is where I come to relax and recharge my batteries.

This region is not pristine. For 100 years during the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, cattlemen and shepherds brought their animals to graze on the rich grasses during the summers. Today, one can still see the remains of fencing in some places, as well as the remnants of a few huts and corrals. However, in 1954, the government banned grazing and the environment slowly began to heal.

The greatest threats to this alpine environment are feral animals such as foxes and pigs. Fortunately, the foxes seem to be under control – I have not seen a fox here for more than 20 years. Pigs have been a problem, especially in the northern areas around Mount Jagungal, as some people have deliberately left pigs for future hunting, an action that has badly damaged the environment. Such actions are, of course, illegal, as national parks strictly prohibit both the use of guns and hunting.