Applies from Wed 29 Jul 2020, 9.43am to Mon 2 Nov 2020, 9.44am. Last reviewed: Wed 28 Oct 2020, 4.35pm

Safety alerts: High altitude walks - snow covered and hazardous winter conditions

Areas above 1600m in altitude in Kosciuszko National Park are typically snow covered in winter. Please note the following information when visiting these areas:

General: 

• Refer to our Alpine Safety page.
• Complete a trip intention form. This is a requirement for this winter.

Be prepared: low visibility, extreme winds, heavy snowfalls can all occur without warning, Wear and carry appropriate clothing, carry navigation equipment and be prepared for extreme conditions. Track surfaces and signs may not be visible.

Travel with care: Choose your routes carefully. Steep and icy terrain and thin snow/ice cover over rivers and lakes can make travel very dangerous.

Avalanche: There is a risk of avalanches in the higher areas of Kosciuszko National Park, particularly on Main Range and around Mount Kosciuszko.

Steeper, treeless slopes and the tops of ridges where overhanging cornices develop carry the greatest risk. Snow stability varies with wind, temperature and the amount and patterns of snowfall. Avalanches can occur at any time through winter and can be fatal. Back country travellers should check snow and weather conditions before departure and remain alert.

Perisher/Main Range - Kosciuszko walk, Main Range walk, Summit walk, Mt Stillwell walk, Snowgum boardwalk, Porcupine walk, Hanells Spur walk, Illawong walk, Dead Horse Gap track:

Expect continuous snow cover:

• Skis or snowshoes recommended. Ensure footwear is waterproof, solid and with good grip.
• Take a map and compass and know how to use them. All tracks are under snow. Most don't have above snow markers.
• Take extreme caution when on all steep slopes

Sub-Alpine - Rainbow Lake walk, Rennix Gap, Thredbo River track, Schlink Hut walk:

Expect long stretches of snow cover with occasional continuous coverage:

• Ensure footwear is waterproof, solid and with good grip. It is recommended that you carry skis or snowshoes.
• Take a map and compass and know how to use them. Sections of tracks will not be obvious and most don't have above snow markers.
• Take extreme caution when on all steep slopes due to slippery surfaces.

For more information, call the NPWS Snowy Region Visitor Centre on 02 6450 5600.

Applies from Wed 28 Oct 2020, 9.40am to Fri 1 Jan 2021, 4.22pm. Last reviewed: Wed 28 Oct 2020, 2.46pm

Safety alerts: High altitude tracks – steep snow drifts

High altitude walks partially snow covered and hazardous conditions

Areas above 1900m in altitude in Kosciuszko National Park are still partially snow covered. Please note the following information when visiting these areas:

General:

Refer to our Alpine Safety page.

Complete a trip intention form. 

Be prepared: low visibility, extreme winds, heavy snowfalls can all occur without warning, Wear and carry appropriate clothing, carry navigation equipment be prepared for extreme condition. Track surfaces and signs may not be visible.

Travel with care: Choose your routes carefully and steep and icy terrain and thin snow/ ice cover over rivers and lakes can make travel very dangerous.

There are still drifts about on the higher altitude parts of the main range. Please note the following information when walking in the areas listed below:

Main Range walk:

Please expect numerous snow drift crossings, and make sure that:

• Footwear is waterproof, solid (for stepping into steep snow drifts) and with good grip.
• You take a map and compass and know how to use them (sections of track are still not obvious under snow).
• You take extreme caution when walking over Muellers Peak as this drift is very steep.

The Summit trail/ Summit walk:

You will likely only encounter snow drifts above the ~6.5km mark (below Seamans Hut). Please make sure that:

• You're wearing good waterproof footwear for a more comfortable and safer walk.
• You have some idea of where you're going and/or have a map. The Summit drift presents a small risk of going off track.
• You take extreme caution when walking across snow drifts.

Kosciuszko walk:

• You will encounter a few drifts before Rawson Pass snow drifts. Please take care when traversing these.
• Beyond Rawson Pass the Summit drift requires caution.

For more information, please call Snowy Region Visitor Centre on 02 6450 5600.

Applies from Mon 27 Jul 2020, 10.41am to Tue 1 Dec 2020, 10.42am. Last reviewed: Wed 28 Oct 2020, 1.16pm

Closed areas: Waterfall track - part closure

Waterfall track in Kosciuszko National Park is partly closed from Monday 27 July to Tuesday 1 December 2020. The closure is due to damage to some platforms and stairs.

You can still access the western section of the track to the Waterfall (head clockwise from the track branch). The eastern section is closed. Signs will be in place to indicate the closed area. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Applies from Wed 19 Aug 2020, 8.32am to Sun 31 Jan 2021, 8.33am. Last reviewed: Mon 26 Oct 2020, 11.15am

Closed areas: Yarrangobilly Caves precinct open - cave tours closed

The following areas in the Yarrangobilly precinct in Kosciuszko National Park are now open:

• Yarrangobilly Caves Visitor Centre
• Thermal Pool
• South Glory Arch
• Bluff and Jersey lookouts, picnic area, barbecue, toilets and amenities. 

All caves are closed, including self-guided caves, managed show caves, adventure caves and wild caves. This means there are no guided tours running.

All accommodation can be booked in advance:

• Lyrebird Cottage is available for bookings from December 2020
• 1901 East and West Wings are available for bookings from February 2021
• 1917 Caves House is available for bookings from May 2021

For further information and daily updates, email or call Yarrangobilly Caves Visitor Centre on 02 6454 9597.

Applies from Tue 22 Sep 2020, 7.00am to Fri 18 Dec 2020, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 26 Oct 2020, 10.27am

Closed areas: Thredbo Valley track

Thredbo Valley track is currently closed due to wet and muddy conditions.

With further rain expected the track is likely to remain closed until at least Monday 26 October 2020, however this is subject to conditions improving.

These closures may be extended and any extension will be posted as soon as possible. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, call the NPWS Jindabyne area office on 02 6450 5600 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Applies from Mon 25 May 2020, 2.04pm. Last reviewed: Fri 23 Oct 2020, 12.51pm

Safety alerts: Seamans Hut toilet closed

Seamans Hut toilet is still under construction and will remain closed until complete. The construction site has several fenced compounds that will remain in place for winter. If using the area surrounding Seamans Hut or the new toilet construction site, please take care and use the area carefully as there are obstacles partly under snow. 

For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 6450 5600. 

Applies from Tue 27 Oct 2020, 7.00am to Fri 30 Oct 2020, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 23 Oct 2020, 12.29pm

Closed areas: Pallaibo walking track closed

Pallaibo walking track in Kosciuszko National Park is closed for trail construction works from Tuesday 27 October to Friday 30 October 2020.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Applies from Tue 31 Mar 2020, 12.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 22 Oct 2020, 12.36pm

Closed areas: Closed areas in Kosciuszko National Park

A number of visitor facilities, attractions and sites in Kosciuszko National Park remain closed or may have other restrictions until further notice. This includes a number of areas closed due to recent bushfires.

Check this map of northern Kosciuszko National Park to see if there are any closures before you set out.

Camping and accommodation

Some NPWS campgrounds and accommodation will need to remain closed. If you plan to stay at an NPWS campground that is open you'll need to make a booking first. This applies to campgrounds that did not require bookings previously. If you can't find your preferred Kosciuszko National Park campground on a webpage, check this list of lesser-known campgrounds in Kosciuszko National Park and make your booking from there. If you're still unable to find your preferred campground phone 1300 072 757.

Other closures

Bullocks Hut, including the access track from the Ski Tube Terminal, is closed due to maintenance works.

Fire-affected areas

Some sections of Kosciuszko National Park which have been burnt remain closed. This is because they still may pose a risk to visitors due to dangerous trees and damaged infrastructure.

Specific areas which are closed due to the fires include:

• Areas within the park:
  • Kiandra Court House
  • Landers Falls lookout
  • Wolgal Hut
  • Buddong Falls
  • Back country areas affected by fires. For more information please contact our visitor centres in Jindabyne, Tumut or Khancoban. 
• Cabramurra township. Snowy Hydro's operational town suffered significant fire damage and, for safety reasons, is temporarily closed.

The following key roads in Kosciuszko National Park are closed due to fire damage:

• Alpine Way area:
  • Murray Gates trail
  • Major Clews Fire Trail
  • Geehi Walls Trail
• Cabramurra area (currently closed until fire damage repair works completed – expected opening late 2020 or early 2021):
  • Link Road from Snowy Mountains Highway to Goat Ridge Road
  • Tooma Road - KNP5 (Khancoban to Cabramurra Road)
  • Goats Ridge Road
  • Elliot Way
  • Kings Cross Road
  • Tumut Ponds trail
• Snowy Mountains Highway area (currently closed until fire damage repair works completed – expected opening end of October 2020):
  • Goobragandra Power Line Road
  • Cumberland trail

Tantangara Road and Tantangara Dam access - Snowy 2.0 works

Before Christmas 2020

• Tantangara Road will be open to the public. Visitors should plan ahead for short delays and increased traffic required for essential road upgrades. Traffic management plans will be in place to provide public access along Tantangara Road during this time.
• Wares Yards campgrounds will be open to the public after the October long weekend, once hazardous tree works are completed.
• Access to the western foreshore of Tantangara Reservoir from Tantangara Road will be closed to the public, including Quarry trail
• Access to the southern end boat ramp will be maintained, although there will be some increased construction traffic around that area.
• Current boating and camping access to Tantangara Reservoir will still be available at access points on the northern end of the reservoir, via Port Phillip and Dam trails.
• Access to Currango and Old Camp will be open, via Tantangara Road, Port Phillip trail and Pocket Saddle Road

After Christmas 2020

• Tantangara Road will be subject to closures between Snowy Mountains Highway and the gate below Tantangara Reservoir Wall for periods of time while it is being upgraded, until approximately June 2021. These closures are required to allow for more extensive upgrades to Tantangara Road as part of the Snowy 2.0 project. The schedule of closures is subject to design and construction programs yet to be finalised.
• Wares Yards campground will be open to the public, however, there will be no vehicle access to the campground during road construction works, meaning visitors wanting to camp must ride or walk in. Once road works have been completed, Wares Yards will be open and accessible by vehicle.
• Access to the southern end of Tantangara via Quarry trail will be closed to the public
• Access to the southern end boat ramp will be closed until the road upgrade is completed
• Current boating and camping access to Tantangara Reservoir will still be available at access points on the northern end of the reservoir, via Port Phillip and Dam trails.
• Access to Currango and Old Camp will be open, via Port Phillip and Pocket Saddle Road

Do not enter closed areas in Kosciuszko National Park. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Please check our COVID-19 update for more information. To check which areas are closed, click the 'Show list' button on the Kosciuszko National Park page alert.

Applies from Thu 1 Oct 2020, 5.46pm. Last reviewed: Thu 1 Oct 2020, 5.54pm

Closed areas: Tantangara Mountain Hut (Harveys Hut)

Tantangara Mountain Hut (Harveys Hut) is closed for visitor use due to fire damage.

Applies from Fri 18 Sep 2020, 10.26am. Last reviewed: Fri 18 Sep 2020, 12.13pm

Closed areas: Four Mile Hut walk

Four Mile Hut walk is closed because it is in a closed area of the park that has been affected by bushfire.

Do not enter the closed areas. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

Applies from Tue 28 Apr 2020, 9.17am. Last reviewed: Mon 14 Sep 2020, 10.51am

Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 wild dog and fox baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting a baiting program using meat baits and canid pest ejectors containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dog and foxes. The program will be continuous and ongoing between Tuesday 12 May and Thursday 12 November 2020 in the following parks and reserves:

• The north east precinct of Kosciuszko National Park (within the Adaminaby/Yaouk wild dog control area)
• Yaouk Nature Reserve
• Scabby Range Nature Reserve

All baiting locations will be identifiable by signs.

Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected, and 1080 is lethal to cats and dogs. Pets and working dogs in the vicinity must be restrained or muzzled and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

For further information please call the NPWS Tumut office on 02 6947 7000.

Applies from Mon 21 Sep 2020, 11.17am to Mon 2 Nov 2020, 11.18am. Last reviewed: Thu 10 Sep 2020, 12.19pm

Other planned events: Wild dog and fox aerial baiting program - Adaminaby / Yaouk Wild Dog Plan Area

From Monday 21 September to Tuesday 29 September 2020, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting aerial baiting programs using meat baits containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dog and foxes.

The baiting programs will be happening in:

• the Adaminab /Yaouk Wild Dog Plan Area, including the Yaouk/Adaminaby area from Lone Pine trail to Lake Eucumbene in Kosciuszko National Park
• Scabby Range and Yaouk nature reserves

There will be signs at all baiting locations.

Domestic pets are not permitted on NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

For further information call the NPWS Tumut office on 02 6947 7000.

Applies from Wed 7 Feb 2018, 10.06am. Last reviewed: Wed 29 Jul 2020, 11.21am

Safety alerts: Hannels Spur track - difficult to follow

Hannels Spur track is difficult to follow and only suitable for experienced walkers. The track has been cleared but marking has not bee completed. Maintenance work is ongoing. For winter periods most of the higher altitude sections will be covered in snow.

For more information, call the NPWS Jindabyne Visitor Centre on 02 6450 5600.

Applies from Mon 25 Feb 2019, 9.07am. Last reviewed: Mon 31 Aug 2020, 8.37am

Closed areas: Closed areas due to exploratory works

Some areas of this park are closed due to the Snowy 2.0 exploratory works from Monday 25 February 2019, unless the closure is otherwise extended or removed. The closed areas are:

• Lobs Hole Ravine Road 4wd trail
• Wallace Creek lookout
• Lobs Hole Ravine campground

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please call the NPWS Tumut area office on 02 6947 7000 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Applies from Tue 12 May 2020, 12.00am to Thu 12 Nov 2020, 12.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 27 Apr 2020, 12.23pm

Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 wild dog and fox baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting a baiting program using meat baits and canid pest ejectors containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dog and foxes. The program will be continuous and ongoing between Tuesday 12 May and Thursday 12 November 2020 in the following parks and reserves:

• Bogandyera Nature Reserve
• Jingellic Nature Reserve
• Clarkes Hill Nature Reserve
• The southern Precinct of Kosciuszko National Park

All baiting locations will be identifiable by signs.

Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

For further information please call the NPWS Upper Murray area office on 02 6070 8400.

Applies from Mon 13 Apr 2020, 9.08am to Fri 30 Oct 2020, 4.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 18 May 2020, 10.46am

Closed areas: Major Clews Cottage closed for repair

Major Clews Cottage is closed for repair. For more details, contact Khancoban Visitor Centre on 02 6070 8400.

Applies from Fri 22 Sep 2017, 4.01pm. Last reviewed: Thu 15 Aug 2019, 2.59pm

Other planned events: Increased traffic in northern Kosciuszko National Park

There will be a gradual increase in truck movements on the Snowy Mountains Highway and Link Road over the coming months due to works associated with the Snowy 2.0 project. 

Your destination is still accessible and to assist in planning your journey safely and to avoid stress, please allow extra time in you travel plans.

For more information please call the NPWS Tumut office on 02 6947 7000.

Applies from Tue 1 Aug 2017, 8.27am. Last reviewed: Fri 15 Feb 2019, 2.40pm

Other planned events: 1080 Baiting Programs

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) conducts ongoing and seasonal 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) baiting programs in areas of Kosciuszko National Park. These programs are part of an integrated pest management strategy aimed at controlling wild dogs, foxes, feral pigs and rabbits. All baiting locations are identifiable to the public through signage erected around the baited area.

Domestic pets are highly susceptible to 1080 poison. Park visitors are reminded that dogs, cats and other pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted in Kosciuszko National Park.

For more information please contact the relevant NPWS office:

• Tumut, call (02) 6947 7000
• Jindabyne, call (02) 6450 5555
• Khancoban, call (02) 6076 9373.