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Rainbow Lake walking track

Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Rainbow Lake walking track.

Track grading

Grade 3

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

2.5km return

Time

45min - 1hr 15min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

Some bushwalking experience recommended

Steps

Occasional steps

Gradient

Short steep hills: The track is mostly flat with some short steep hills.

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles: The track is grass along its length. There are points where the track may be uneven due to rocks and vegetation.

Other barriers

Other barriers: There are 3 creek crossings, one early in the walk, one midway along the walk and one just before Rainbow Lake. At each crossing, you'll need to rock-hop across the water to get to the other side.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Rainbow Lake walking track is in the southern precinct of Kosciuszko National Park. To get there:

    • From Jindabyne, head west towards Barry Way. 
    • Exit the roundabout onto Kosciuszko Road
    • After 1.8 km, take a slight right to stay on Kosciuszko Road
    • Continue along Kosciuszko Road for a further 22km
    • The end of Rainbow Lake walking track is on the left

    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.

    Parking

    Bus and car parking is available in a gravel carpark at the track head adjacent to Kosciuszko Road.

    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.

    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.

    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).

    River and lake safety

    The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

    Accessibility

    Disability access level - no wheelchair access

    Rainbow Lake walking track is 2m wide and mostly flat, but there are parts of the track that wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility may find difficult to navigate:

    • The track is grass along its length
    • The track has occasional steps and some short, steep hills.
    • There are points where the track may be uneven due to rocks and vegetation.
    • There are 3 creek crossings, one early in the walk, one midway along the walk and one just before Rainbow Lake. At each crossing, you'll need to rock-hop across the water to get to the other side.

    Permitted

    • You can cross-country ski or snowshoe this track in winter but there are no snow poles marking the route. 
    • Walking isn't recommended when this track is snowbound.

    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

    • Cycling, including fat bikes or snow bikes, is not permitted on this track.

    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.

    Rainbow Lake walking track

    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