3 Day Solo Hike from Rock Bottom to the Mountain Tops

In this video I set off on a 3 day solo journey to hike to the mountain tops, to clear the head and mend the spirit. What ill I learn?
The Silly Swagman NEW Patreon page!:
bit.ly/SillySwagmanPatreon
You can support the channel by hitting the 'JOIN' button on the homepage and becoming a member, or by purchasing a piece of Silly Swagman merch from the link below :)
www.thesillyswagman.theprintb...
ALTON Hammock: (Affiliate Link)
bit.ly/AltonAffiliateMattsy
Or one off payments to fuel the next adventure (keep me alive) can be sent via paypal:
www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...
You can also follow along on Facebook & Instagram.
Your support helps keep fuel in the car, helps replace broken equipment such as camera gear and boots, and also gives me the support to peel away from the 9-5 grind to produce more content that we can all enjoy!
Thanks everyone!

[@robertfredericks3587]

Hi Matt , half way through your video , great so far but what touch's me is your total honesty , life is tough if I knew you in real life I would be proud to call you a friend.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Man, thank you so much mate. I appreciate that 🙏

[@SamClarkPhoto]

Ditto!!

[@AZMUNDOGATES]

My man. You got this. Do what fills your soul with those who love seeing your soul full

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks a lot brother! You know I will 🙏 Couldn’t be more ready for the year ahead 💪

[@AZMUNDOGATES]

@@TheSillySwagman go get em brother.

[@user-up6jv6ui2t]

I did this in 1963 I was 10 years old. I didn't, notice you had too be supper fit.the hut hasn't changed

[@peterstone5356]

Hey mate, A great book read from an old timer in the bush is "Hell West and Crooked" by Tom Cole. If you need a place around Wollongong to stop and reset in your travels let me know, we can have a pub meal and a beer, a spot to sleep, wash your clothes and talk shit.

[@robertmosley1834]

G'day Matt, firstly we are sorry for your break up, it's never easy 👍 Just like you to remember that your GREEN family are always there for you when needed, your a top bloke and will find your footings again and be better and stronger than ever. Take care mate, we love your content 😊

[@amberruby4896]

My grandad grew up around the Barrington mountains, and funny enough, also use to warm his barefeet in cow pats waiting for the bus haha

[@trudiswanson9855]

"Sorry if it's boring" he says! Goes down for his "baptism" and I'm yelling at the screen, "Red Bellies! Browns! " and then chances past a Copper Head!! ... after pulling of a dozen leaches!! You got to see some Brumbies, nice, and were rewarded with a cloudless view. Hugs and congratulations, love and thanks going your way. T.

[@petracollins8623]

How right you are Matsy, the simpler life is the more rewarding. Reconnect with nature and realise how fortunate you are to experience this.

[@TheSillySwagman]

That’s it! Exactly right. No need to over complicate things 👌

[@Pipzcool]

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike. - John Muir Good on ya Matt looking forward to seeing what a epic year await you in the wilderness ⛰️🩷🙌

[@theguidedidiot8807]

Just watched a literal baptism. Whatever your creed, after he got out of the water and the skies opened up to grace him with water, then light. That was a special moment.

[@officialtassieboysprospecting]

Looked like a pretty good reset mate, loved the rain 🌧️ added a nice touch to this and Amen to your words of inspiration can’t agree more.

[@TheSillySwagman]

It sure was, mate. And yeah the rain really did add a nice element, not just to the video but to the hike. Actually enjoyed chilling out under the tarp, listening to it land on the tarp. 👌

[@mspalding]

Another great experience of the ‘resilient’ Australian bush , bourn in the bush as I was your videos take me back to my younger years. So enjoy your monologue and your humour and your pure down to earth Ausie relaxed nature. Well done Mattsy, keep on keeping on with your journey…….just love watching your adventures……

[@erroleabrown4317]

We are all made to think we have to be perfect, the pressure is unreal, you being sensible enough to get out and clear your head is a step forward’ No one is perfect and we shouldn’t expect it” be kind to you and wait to get your strength in fazes. Half way would have been great for the night and then fresh in the morning to do the other half. People used to walk at a normal pace till work places made us think we had to hurry all day every day it’s rubbish don’t listen be honest and wise with your life. Life is amazing when it’s our choices.

[@dpk1385]

Well said. 👌👌

[@user-ArtsyVW]

It seems strange, but we all seem to feel the same way, 'it's like we know you.. you seem to connect to us aswell, (likeminded-types you're talking to)... you talk and ramble to us like you know us... You got this🤗, we all look forward to your future 'action, travels, words of life experiences, camping, fishing, cook ups, more cool thoughts straight out of experience, food... ' ... love the absolute- free way of describing your thoughts... so refreshing "find some cold water, baptise myself 🤔 find cold water and dunk🤩,.. nahhhh "rise like a fenix!!"... yeah! that's the one... all of above.

[@charlierussell2368]

Great job- Its the only way alot of us will ever get to see this beautiful land...CHEERS

[@Blashswanski]

Mate, It's amazing that you pulled off this whole video without any jump cuts. Sorry to hear about your stresses. Always a tough one. Excited for this year's content though... such a great idea. If you ever need a place to park around Eden or Wagga Wagga, let me know and I'll hook you up. The Eden place is spectacular: Beowa NP on three sides, lake on the fourth... shit bed though... fold-out couch... actually, we have a rental in Eden proper too, but you'll have to pay for that.

[@andrewcowley6979]

Bloody good to have you back! Good Sunday night viewing I see nothing but great things to come for sharing your 2024 travel and appreciate the great Australian landscape views without any discomfort 😂 on my part.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Hahaha thanks mate 😂 it’d be my pleasure 🤣 Thanks a lot for tuning in and helping make sure the channel gets back on track 🙏

[@PerspectiveAustralia]

We’re so glad you’re back! If you’re ever up QLD way, hit us up. We’d definitely get worse leg cramps than you, but we’d be up for an adventure.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Haha! Thank you! No doubt I will be up North, once summer is over 😂

[@kurts64]

Mattsy you bloody legend mate. Epic vid, love the little music touches and those last fireside thoughts. Fully endorse your baptism in that creek. Had a similar moment in 1992 when I was 8 yrs old. My old man had just passed and a mate of his, Mick, took me camping up there even though dad couldn't make the trip anymore. As a "manhood test", Mick's son and I had to take a freezing cold bath in that creek. Over the years since, that trip and that cold water challenge became a pivotal childhood memory, the first big thing done without my Dad, a lesson about challenges, and the generosity people can show in hard times. I've never been back there since, but seeing ya up there was pretty emotional tbh! Keep yourself fit and healthy on the road mate, take care of yourself out there and remember you got an army of supporters!!👍👍🇦🇺

[@YTC9]

Walkabout, the new sabbatical come holy sacrament - book in for 40Nights and 40days! Brilliant 🥾🙏

[@TamSB199]

Good to have you back! Take care of yourself on this new adventure.

[@PaulMacDonald-bc2nx]

Great to see you back out amongst it Mattsy …. As a kid growing up in rural NZ, I can confirm I never wore shoes … I quite often had numb toes from the frost in the grass … But I never put my feet in cow pats to warm them up..🤣

[@TheSillySwagman]

Hahaha sure sure mate 😂😂 That is so wild though. I love it. I wish I grew up like that haha!

[@SamClarkPhoto]

Ha ha. Mum struggled to get shoes on me too, and we used to have cow pat fights on the way to school, when they were frozen with ice.

[@PaulMacDonald-bc2nx]

I forgot about the poo fights ..🤣🤣 we did do that … the half dry ones were the best … it funny how we were connecting to nature and didn’t even know it …… some time a rock or stick jammed soo far in your foot, it almost became part of you …🤣

[@jamesrich2790]

Great to have you back in the tube ! James Brighton UK

[@naturalist7022]

Great to see you back, Mattsy, sorry to hear you've been going through some painful times. Immersing yourself in nature is the best way to heal and cleanse the soul and to restore inner strength. Hearing about your road trip is exciting, I'm looking forward to it. You know you got this, go take in that beautiful country of yours! You're a top guy, I wish you all the best on your journey. 😉💪💚Amazing video to come back with!

[@jwinaccount]

Nothing will make you feel more old and slow like mattsy referring to someone else and “young and fit” 😂

[@TheSillySwagman]

Hahaha that got me so good 😂😂

[@TheSillySwagman]

Sorry mate 😆

[@Whiterabbit42]

Hey Matt, Thankyou Brother! 🤍

[@andyprice4696]

Mattsy a breakup is never easy and I understand you lost a bit of motivation for awhile. Life threw some shit at you but hey, it’s a new chapter right at the start of 2024. Make this your best year yet. You’re free of work and just do you man. I’m here for all of it and would love to see all Australia has to offer. Hate that you had to go through some hard times but, I’m excited for the freedom that awaits you. Keep healthy and keep moving forward sir!

[@bronzewilldo1657]

Thanks Matty’s.. Your a bloody legend be in touch soon mate onwards and upwards 💪🏼

[@margaretgood580]

Hello Mattsy ❤ so sorry about your breakup.. some things are meant to be for a reason.. never look back you need to move forward with a chin up ❤ Your an absolute funny bugger, love your videos ❤ rest up those legs and CHILL... stay clear of them snakes and LEECHES 😳 catch you on your next video ❤

[@TheSillySwagman]

Haha thanks a lot Margaret. I shall do 😆 The good thing about filming the adventures is I have to find somewhere to sit still for a week while I edit. Gives me a good chance to rest up and drink coffee 😅 Thanks for the encouragement!

[@gabby-fy2yi]

Glad to see you liked the hut! Thanks for the shout-out 😂

[@TheSillySwagman]

Haha! Heya Gabby! No worries 😂 I’m glad we all survived the speedy walk down 🤙 Take care!

[@herbsmith6871]

Great to see you back my friend! Great video! Thanks for sharing 🤠

[@damedavidfrith55]

Hi Matt when one door closes another will open take care mate hug and happy trails

[@Phlyjb]

THE TOPS!!! This hike is so nostalgic! Did it in scouts back in the day, junction pools is such a beautiful spiritual place, perfect for a cleansing! Keep it up brother!

[@richardeljay]

Risen like a Phoenix!

[@vickizacharia]

Beautiful video Mattsy. You always have a way with words (fire scene). Thank you for sharing this with us. Soooo bloody excited for you and your upcoming adventures 😊

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks Vicki! 🙌 It’s always good when I have a real life experience to help draw on with the monologue. That little adventure provided me with so much fuel 🙏 Thanks for watching as always

[@joonies82]

Lorved the vid mate. I havent been out since summer, and now packing my bag with no plans locked in. Cant wait to get back out. Thanks for opening up and taking us on your outing. Great stuff mate

[@ironbrothers607]

Hey mattsy, nice video mate 👍, how life changes, my pop passed at the age of 105 last year at the war vets at the plateau one of the last diggers remaining where we use to visit him on the weekend when we bumped into you that time and had a chat. I said to my brother that was the end of that and we wouldn't see you around again as there were no more visits to be had and that chapter was over. Now you are starting a new chapter of life as that is all it is a series of chapters. Am sure you are going to have some great times ahead and we will keep connected through your travels and videos ahead to follow you on your journey around, look forward to it and all the best mate for your adventures ahead of you 👍👍

[@MrMisuma]

New fan from Denmark 😊🇩🇰 I thought leeches came only from the water and would attach themselves only from the water. Shows how little I know 🙈 Love the video!

[@TheSillySwagman]

Welcome friend from Denmark! Would love to make it over there one day. And yes, as long as the ground is damp and it’s a humid forest, they aren’t too far away 😂

[@mikePNW]

Nothing like fishing in your underwear during a rain storm 😅 Great video Mattsy! Sorry things have been difficult for you but super happy and excited for you to start your next chapter. You'll only be that much stronger in the end 💪

[@TheSillySwagman]

Hahaha Why not mate 😂😂😂 Thank you! I’m excited for it 🙌

[@nathansloan3784]

Brother , just watching that fire get cranking , I am loving what you are doing man truely , it’s inspirational, heart warming , capturing , and all of the divine above !!! Your ideaology on life and how you are able to conceptualise it , express clearly and metaphorically is beautiful. 10/10 watch at all times , thankyou for being you brother 🤝

[@JakeHollibone]

Glad to see you back on KZbin mate Also, glad you showed me all the leeches on this hike so I don’t have to do it myself 😂

[@user-zh9qw6kj1u]

Keep up the good work Mattsy. Your videos are inspirational and I love the honesty and emotion you show.

[@andyprice4696]

Yes!! Glad to see the swagman back.

[@danmoriarty9623]

She took everything but your backpack. Better than most of them.

[@hrieg]

So good to see you back man! Exciting times ahead for the channel, here's to a new chapter!

[@melindaharrington900]

Thank you, love authentic Australian content.

[@markwis5285]

Good onya Mattsy ... Good to see you back and doing what you enjoy

[@aft3rmath04]

The Barringtons is such a special place. Great video Mattsy! Take care brother.

[@Peakoilcompany]

Nice one Matt. Lovely monologue over the fire near the end. You bring it to those who can't get there atm. Sorry to hear about your turn in life, but it's inspiring to see where you're going now. I'm looking forward to watch your destinations. This episode brought back a lot of old memories for me. I spent a lot of time up there in the 90s. Compass days 😊 Barrington Tops is hard going hey, especially off track, and in the humid summer. It's magic under snow, and easier in from North end, can't remember the name of the road, through Gloucester, there's a picnic ground at the snow level. There's also a way in the from the East, similar beech forest, but not as steep as the Corker. Cookers! Isn't it shit when the fancy stuff shows how easily it fails. All in all I can't fault the Trangia, still to this day. Though lately, I'm carrying a Solostove (twig fire) with a Trangia burner in there for backup. I think it's the way to go. Twigs when you can, metho when you can't. Glow worms under the falls next to Selby Hut. Sorry to see the mess in the hut, standards seem to be slipping lately. It's always been a pretty rough shack though. Burraga Swamp is worth a look too. The beech forests down lower are amazing, especially when the red cedars show colours. It's almost better to do the tops for the tops, and the forest valleys in separate trips. The climbs are killers. Where to next? Maybe give us videos on the planning options. You/we might pick up good tips.

[@crane2]

Welcome back! We have all missed you!

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thank you! 🙏🙌🙌

[@ERIKOFFTRACK]

Good stuff Mattsy, what a great battle to blow the cobwebs out. Beautiful part of the world too. Im really excited to see what this year brings you mate. All the best.

[@duckman12569]

Welcome to the single life man, you seem like you're able to be content with your own company, so that'll help you a lot. Unfortunately I can't help with advice on sunburn. I mean, I can't even help myself on that front.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Haha! Damn! I could really do with some tips 😂 Thanks for watching mate

[@holdingmyground]

Seriously well done on this Mattsy, a cracking start to 2024. I felt every bit of this one with you. A few years ago I did a day trip up to Carey's Peak from Polblue campground, ditched my MTB at Junction Pools and walked the rest of the way to Carey's - I was so happy to see that bike on the way back, I may have even shed a few tears of relief. It felt like a slog with a bike, so walking the whole Corker trail with the loop included is a serious commitment!!

[@videopic1235]

Hi Matt… Happy you are back in business … Time for new things… Love you work.Greetings from sunny South Africa👍

[@DestinationOffroad]

Wow oh wow. Love this video. You just keep pushing through everything and getting it all done. What the new generation fail at.

[@Neile-13579]

Hey Matt, sorry to hear things have not gone well but good to see your positive view of the future. We always enjoy your adventures and we look forward to where it goes from here.

[@flatwaterflatlander5937]

Gonna be bloody awesome!

[@cordellkent4790]

G’day M8, M@c, thank you for your ‘Insights’. I was going call them Benedictions, but Insights fits better. I think I have watched everything you have on KZbin, and I am pleased that you share your adventures, thoughts, humour and Insights. One Digger to another, Thank You!

[@benb9582]

I love your videos mate. Thank you. Keep doing what you’re doing, it’s worth it.

[@bradprescott7865]

Have spent several days camping at junction pools and Polblue swamp… love this area 🙏🏼

[@allieb1621]

An awesome (but gruelling) first adventure for 2024 but, like always, you did make it back very much intact and you still managed to keep smiling through the pain and exhaustion. Kudos mate and lotsa hugs for all of your difficulties. It was a fantastic journey with amazing views - thanks for sharing. 🤗

[@craig2795]

It’s good to see you back out there lad. Life is a tough old journey at times and it is full of many steps, twists and turns along the way. We don’t know where it will lead us most times but with a grateful appreciation of where it has lead until now and a pioneer spirit of where it will lead us all next it will be one hell of a journey to look back on every step of the way. 👍

[@ASlice33OfAdventure]

Great video bro. My old man is from NZ and he and his used to do the same thing, barefoot to school and jump in cow poo to warm up ahahah. It made me smile when you read it out.

[@torchandbucket4214]

Great vid mate. As real as it gets 😘

[@NigelHealey]

About bloody time mate! Ha, only joking, great to see you back out and amomgst it. Amazing how a good tramp resets the mind. I am about ready for a reset myself👍

[@antstott7017]

Your way with words is beautiful, what you said while getting the fire going was so eloquent and honest

[@smoothwetsuitmike]

Bloody loved that! One of your best 👌.

[@HighVibesAU]

Your speeches kill me every time❤❤ incredible video

[@CameronMcKay.-]

Great to see you back out in the bush. My 7 year old and I watch these together and she has been constantly asking when a new vid was coming out.

[@TheSillySwagman]

Ohh that’s so damn cool to hear! What a little legend she is 😄 thanks mate! Plenty more adventures coming 💪

[@bootsnmud]

Mate great adventure. I was stoked to see you string your tarp exactly where I had my tarp and hammock for a solo trip up in Barrington Tops. Stuff like that connects us adventurers.

[@andrewmudie423]

Great vid mate!

[@YonderingYowies]

Very keen for things to come Mattsy!

[@Ben-hz7cp]

great video

[@_roam.free_]

Love ya work man.

[@grahamjamieson1489]

Hey, I loved your trip. Thanks for sharing the location as it enables others to venture out to the same spot. Inspirational!

[@johncopas8371]

Hey Matt, Well done again. I really enjoy your words of wisdom. They have so much depth. Keep going buddy!!

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks a lot John, I appreciate you saying so, mate. Here’s to some big adventures this year 💪

[@JasonMcCann841]

Fun and challenging no doubt. All the best young feller. 1987?? Just a baby!

[@jerryg957]

Thanks for posting, very nice video.

[@dorknuckle]

Thoroughly enjoyed that, thank you 😊

[@robseymour7433]

Thanks

[@DaveandBuddyOutdoors]

Great stuff Mattsy, Loved it all, and I don't blame ya for having a little break, relationships come and go, but mother nature will be there for you, always. And a life on the road ain't for everyone, but I've no doubt you'll be alright 👍 Looking forward to more adventures. Take care Wishing you all the very best D & B 👍

[@shenwow6478]

I’ve been going to Gloucester Tops and Barrington Tops since I was a kid. It’s definitely a healing place for me. Whenever life gets too busy, I go there to recharge. I loved watching this video, getting to enjoy the beautiful of Barrington from my lounge room 😌

[@whatwouldjoedrewdo]

Awesome video! Thanks Matty 🙏

[@phd001]

Loved this video ❤ Sorry to hear about the bad side of the life shifts but it sounds like you have a great plan for the next chapter. One thing I really love about your videos that no one else (I follow) does is the philosophical over dubs. They are so well written and I can totally relate to all of them and everything you say in them. Thanks heaps bro

[@DaveMacsCamp]

Another great video mate. Can't wait to see where the next year takes you and who is game enough to go Collab trekking with you !!

[@theborrisator]

Smashing 🔥

[@TheSillySwagman]

Haha cheers mate! 🙌

[@joshuathefisherman930]

You got this Bud, chase the adventures! Can’t wait to see what you get into. All the best from Texas🤙🏻

[@Russell-Aus]

Fell asleep listening to the rain drops on your tent, I was looking forward to watching it again from the comfort of my bed after work today , It's always so enjoyable to watch your video . Thank you

[@hahahihi6123]

Nice to see u back. Exercise n natural are good for you if you going through tough time. It happened to me before. Looking forward to your adventure

[@aramarsh]

Good to see you are back Matty, I walked the Corker trail a couple of times, it’s a beaut place, actually the whole of the Barrington tops is pretty special, thanks for sharing and take care young fella 👍🏻

[@RockyGully]

Wow what a hike to dust off the cobwebs mentally and physically! I appreciate your honesty and and I hope that you make lemonade from life's lemons. The Barrington Tops has been and still is my outdoor playground for a long time .At times it a can be spiritually malevolent or uplifting as you can testify to. What a shame that unlike New Zealand , we have a very little decent bush huts .In Australia they are readibly accessible by vehicle so they are vandalised and ruined by the uncaring minority .Keep up the good work bud and if you ever need more information on this place ,don't hesitate to give me a yell .By the way ,I swore that my last trip to the Junction Pools was my last due to the rubbish and very ordinary facilities. Cheers mate👍👍

[@philipwest2091]

Cracking vid bud! New year, new start. Keep looking forwards bro 🍻

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks mate! 100%. Ready!

[@erneststewart9117]

I used to live near Barrington tops years ago when I lived at Wingham it was amazing I used to travel a lot of the rivers in a 16 foot Canadian canoe and I absolutely loved it, so I know haw you feel when your out there doing it, keep it up.

[@dudemanismadcool]

Rocky Crossing is amazing. Beautiful location. All of Barrington and Chichester is though.

[@melindaholme5414]

Awesome. Loved this and can’t wait to watch as the year pans out!

[@tim_butcher]

Hey mate, I like the following in the footsteps / standing on the shoulder of giants scene at the hut. Definitely something you could do more of when you come on down to Tassie. Let us know when you’re headed our way ✊

[@harbour_explore]

Great vid mate! Good to see you back out there💚🍃

[@robertperelman7359]

Absolutely perfect. I enjoyed every moment of it

[@soundslikesweeney]

A really lovely video of the trials and tribulations of life and hiking. I continue to enjoy being on this crazy journey of living vicariously with you Mattsy. :)

[@TheSillySwagman]

Thanks brother 🙏 Glad to have you tuning in for the first video of the year. Here’s to a big one 💪

[@shaungill6992]

Great episode mate loved every minute good to see you back on track and look forward to watching the adventures throughout the year 👍