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Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk

Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk.

Track grading

Grade 3

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

18.6km return

Time

6 - 8hrs

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Short steep hills

Steps

Occasional steps

Quality of path

Formed track

Getting there and parking

Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk starts from Charlotte Pass, in the alpine precinct of Kosciuszko National Park. To get there:

  • Drive along Kosciuszko Road from Jindabyne, following the signs to Perisher and Charlotte Pass
  • Continue past the ski resorts of Smiggin Holes and Perisher Valley
  • Charlotte Pass Village is around 40km from Jindabyne and will take you around 30mins to drive there
  • The road between Perisher and Charlotte Pass is closed during winter

Road quality

All 2WD vehicles need to carry snow chains in winter, between June and October long weekends, on:

  • Kosciuszko Road (to Perisher)
  • Guthega Road
  • Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin

Snow chains are recommended for all vehicles driving in the park, including 4WD and AWD, in the event of extreme weather. Read our snow driving in Kosciuszko tips.

Check the weather before you set out as the road to Charlotte Pass can become covered in snow and ice.

Parking

Parking is available near the trackhead on Kosciuszko Road. Bus parking is available. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking may be limited.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

  • This park is in a remote location, so please ensure you're well-prepared, bring appropriate clothing and equipment and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.
  • Weather in this area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you're well-prepared for your visit. Always check weather conditions before your journey, and never set out if bad weather is approaching.
  • The walking opportunities in this park are suitable for experienced bushwalkers who are comfortable undertaking self-reliant hiking.

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.

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Cycling safety

Hundreds of cyclists head to our national parks for fun and adventure. If you're riding your bike through a national park, read these mountain biking and cycling safety tips.

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

Disability access level - hard

Kosciuszko National Park provides a TrailRider all-terrain wheelchair for hire free of charge, from the Snowy Region Visitor Information Centre, in Jindabyne.

The TrailRider offers visitors with mobility restrictions more opportunity to experience our park with family and friends.

Contact Snowy Region Visitor Information Centre or learn more about TrailRider.

Permitted

  • Cycling, including fat bikes or snow bikes, is permitted only on the section of trail between Charlotte Pass and Rawson Pass.
  • You can cross-country ski or snowshoe this trail in winter but there are no snow poles marking the route.
  • Walking is not recommended in winter as this trail is snowbound.

Prohibited

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

No open/wood fires are permitted in alpine areas. Remember to bring a gas or fuel stove if you intend to cook.

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.

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.

Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk

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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