Rainbow Lake walking track
Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park
Overview
Rainbow Lake walking track is a short and easy walk for the whole family, with great opportunities for picnicking, birdwatching, and enjoying the fresh Snowy Mountains air.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Distance
- 2.5km return
- Time suggested
- 45min - 1hr 15min
- Grade
- Grade 3
- Trip Intention Form
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It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.
- Personal Locator Beacon
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If you're planning to loan a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) from one of these locations, wait and fill out your trip intention form in person.
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- Opening times
Rainbow Lake walking track is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather, snow conditions or fire danger.
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
Wind through wide expanses of snowgrass framed by snowgum trees and dotted with delicate alpine wildflowers the region is renowned for, like billy buttons, paper daisies, and silver snow daisies. Though snow-covered in winter, the track is radiant in spring, making this a picturesque walk you and the kids will love.
There are some gentle climbs and small creeks to cross before catching first glimpses of sun sparkling upon Rainbow Lake, but it’s all part of the adventure. After your walk, take your pick of lakeside picnic spots, and then bask in the sunshine to soak up the splendour of your surroundings in the Australian Alps region.
Rainbow Lake was created in the early 1900s to supply water to what used to be Hotel Kosciuszko. This delightful slice of Snowy Mountains heritage is also a great spot for fly fishing, so try your luck for trout. Gang gang cockatoos are just one of the birds which might pop out to greet you while you’re there, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for shy wombats.
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Conservation program:
Southern corroboree frog conservation project
An iconic endangered species, the southern corroboree frog, found only in Kosciuszko National Park, faces the grave threat of extinction. Saving Our Species aims to prevent this from happening by battling chytrid fungus, protecting frog habitat from pests, and fostering a captive breeding program.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Snowy Region Visitor Centre
- 8.30am to 5pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 6450 5600
- srvc@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 49 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne NSW 2627
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).
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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