Back to previous page
Print factsheet

Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk

Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk.

Track grading

Grade 3

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

9km one-way

Time

3hrs

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Short steep hills

Steps

Many steps

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles

Getting there and parking

Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk is in the Thredbo-Perisher area of Kosciuszko National Park. You can start the walk from either Guthega or Charlotte Pass.

To get to Guthega and walk from there:

  • Drive from Jindabyne along Kosciuszko Road towards Perisher.
  • Turn off onto Guthega Road which is sealed until you reach Guthega power station.
  • From Guthega power station, continue straight ahead along an unsealed road for around 6.5km to Guthega Village.
  • Park your car at the Guthega Centre and follow the signs to the Guthega walk.

To get to Charlotte Pass and walk from there:

  • Drive along Kosciuszko Road from Jindabyne.
  • Go past the ski resorts of Smiggin Holes, Perisher Valley and Charlotte Pass Village to Charlotte Pass.

In winter (June to October) the walk is snowbound and only accessible on cross-country skis or snowshoes. There are no snow poles marking the route and experience in backcountry winter travel is necessary. If you plan to access this area in winter, please refer to Alpine safety advice.

Road quality

  • Sealed and unsealed road to Guthega
  • Sealed road to Charlotte Pass

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.

  • Mixture of sealed and unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • Most roads suitable for 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • Snow chains required after snow

Parking

  • There is a car park at Guthega village and parking is also available at Charlotte Pass a short walk from the Charlotte Pass trackhead, but it is limited. Arrive early, or book a shuttle with a local operator to avoid disappointment.
  • Contact a local Visitor Centre for more information on shuttle operators.

In winter:

  • There is no private vehicle access to parking at Guthega or Charlotte Pass.
  • Park at Perisher and arrange a shuttle with a local operator.

Facilities

Toilets

Available at Charlotte Pass and Perisher.

  • Non-flush toilets

Carpark

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.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

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

Water levels in Snowy Mountains rivers and dams can rise suddenly due to water releases from reservoirs, and after heavy rainfall. Please take note of our river and lake safety tips.

Accessibility

Disability access level - no wheelchair access

Permitted

  • You can cross-country ski or snowshoe in this area in winter.
  • Walking isn't recommended in winter, when this track is snowbound.

Camping

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

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

Open/wood fires aren't permitted in alpine areas. Remember to bring a gas or fuel stove, or solid fuel burner, if you intend to cook.

Cycling

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.

Generators

Horses

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.

Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk

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