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Kosciuszko – Alpine Way drive

Kosciuszko National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Kosciuszko – Alpine Way drive.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Alpine Way scenic drive connects the Khancoban area and Thredbo-Perisher areas of Kosciuszko National Park. To get there:

    • From Jindabyne, follow Kosciuszko Road west for 3km then turn left onto Alpine Way.
    • From Khancoban, Alpine Way heads south-east and enters the park around 1km from town.

    Road conditions

    Roads can close in extreme weather. Get live traffic information and check the weather before you go.

    Alpine Way is steep, narrow and winding between Khancoban and Thredbo. Rockfalls can happen after rain. This section is not recommended for vehicles towing large caravans.

    It's compulsory for all for 2WD vehicles to carry snow chains in winter, between June and October long weekends, on Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin. Snow chains are recommended for all vehicles driving in the park, including 4WD and AWD. Read our snow driving in Kosciuszko tips.

    • Sealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles

    Weather restrictions

    • Snow chains required after snow

    Parking

    Parking is available at various attractions along Alpine Way.

    Facilities

    Toilets and picnic facilities are located at various sites along Alpine Way Drive, including Bullocks Hut, Thredbo Alpine Village, Geehi Flats campground, Scammells lookout and Khancoban Visitor Information Centre.

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Alpine safety

    Alpine areas present special safety issues. Conditions can be extreme and may change rapidly, particularly in winter. It’s important to be prepared and find out how to stay safe in alpine areas.

    Alpine Way is steep, narrow and winding between Khancoban and Thredbo. Watch out for minor rock falls, especially after rain.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    Accessibility

    Wheelchair-accessible facilities are available at several locations along Alpine Way, including:

    • Khancoban Visitor Centre
    • Scammells lookout
    • Geehi Flats campground
    • Tom Groggin campground
    • Thredbo Alpine Village

    Permitted

    Camping

    Permitted at designated campgrounds accessed along Alpine Way.

    Fishing

    You can fish in rivers and streams between the October and June long weekends. A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required to fish in all waters. Fishing in dams and lakes is permitted year-round, but some waterways may close temporarily or have restrictions. Refer to the NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide for information.

    Prohibited

    Drones

    Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.

    This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.

    Commercial filming and photography

    Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    If you're travelling through a national park or reserve on a public road you can have pets inside your vehicle. However, you must keep them inside your vehicle while driving through national parks or reserves. You must also comply with any conditions in the park’s plan of management, and you cannot stop to visit the park or use park facilities (unless for safety reasons, or to use publicly accessible toilets).

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas. The alpine resorts of Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass, Selwyn, Ski Rider and Kosciuszko Tourist Park are exempt, though some commercial and outdoor places within these resorts may have no smoking areas.

    Kosciuszko – Alpine Way drive

    Operated by

    Park info

    • in the Thredbo-Perisher area of Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains region
    • The Thredbo-Perisher area is open all year, but some roads and trails may close due to weather conditions or park management issues. Kosciuszko Road is closed between Perisher and Charlotte Pass in winter (June to October long weekends).

    • Park entry fees apply on Alpine Way and Kosciuszko Road

      Winter (June to October long weekends): $29 per vehicle per day (24hrs from purchase); motorcycles $12; bus passengers $11.45 per adult, $3.60 per child per day. Find out more about the winter entry surcharge.

      Rest of Year: $17 per vehicle per day (24hrs); motorcycles $7; bus passengers $6.60 per adult, $2.20 per child per day.

      Passes: Day passes, multi-day passes and annual All Parks Pass available from NPWS visitor centres, local agents and operating vehicle entry stations. Single and Multi-Day passes are also available via the Park'nPay app. Short Breaks Pass: $68 for 5 days park entry at price of 4 days (not valid winter).

      Read our Annual Pass FAQs for information.

      Buy annual pass

    Visitor centre

    • Khancoban Visitor Centre
      2 Scammel Street, Khancoban NSW 2642
    • Winter (June to September): Open 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 2pm on weekends. Rest of year: Open 9am to 4pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
    • 02 6070 8400