Snowies Alpine Walk: The ultimate Australian Alps experience

If you spend a little time exploring the Snowy Mountains of NSW, you'll quickly realise you've stumbled upon a truly special place. Kosciuszko National Park, which sits on Monero Ngarigo Country, is the largest park in the state covering 6,900km²  – that’s nearly three times the size of the ACT.

Of course Mount Kosciuszko itself, Australia’s highest mountain at 2,228m, is a stand-out. Dig deeper however and you’ll find so much more, from tranquil snow gum forests and historic huts to granite outcrops and vibrant meadows of wildflowers.

With the national park celebrating its 80th year there couldn’t be a better time to unveil a new way to experience its wonder – introducing: the Snowies Alpine Walk. This four-day hike is the ultimate way to experience the pristine Australian Alps. The carefully-built trails protect the untouched environments you’ll encounter and they’re made for everyone, from experienced explorers to new hikers getting their first taste of alpine air.

Glacial valleys, Ramsar-listed wetlands, mountain ash forests, and the beginning of the mighty Snowy River are just some of the environments you can expect on this adventure with altitude. Make sure you visit the Snowy Region Visitor Centre in Jindabyne before hitting the trail to learn which species to look out for, and the latest updates on conditions. 

Jindabyne is a 462km drive from Sydney, 526km from Melbourne, and only 178km from Canberra. Make sure you leave more time than your maps app recommends though – you don’t want to rush such a beautiful drive!

You’ll be light on your feet on the Snowies Alpine Walk, spending four days hiking 56km. The walk is designed to be completed as a series of day walks with just a daypack. Here’s how to experience it for yourself.

• Crossing Australia’s highest altitude suspension bridge – Spencers Creek Suspension Bridge. 
• Porcupine Rocks and sweeping views over the Thredbo Valley.
• The glacial amphitheatre of Blue Lake.
• Summiting Australia’s highest peak – Mount Kosciuszko.
• Looking for echidnas and wombats on the Charlotte Pass Village to Perisher Valley walk.
• The vibrant wildflowers that paint the landscape in spring and summer.
• Getting cosy in Creel Bay Cottage, Creel Lodge or Numbananga Lodge.

The Snowies Alpine Walk makes the roof of Australia more accessible than ever before. There are 56km of grade 3 and 4 trails to enjoy, with road access to the start and end of each day. Completing all four days of this walk is the best way to immerse yourself in this unique alpine environment, and all of its varied ecosystems. You can choose to go it alone, as a self-guided walk, or join a guided tour group (more on these later). You’ll also need to organise car shuffles for one-way tracks or book a transfer, taxi or shuttle service for the end of your hike. Find more information on transport options here.

When the snow melts Kosciuszko National Park comes alive, while cool air and warm sun combine to create ideal hiking conditions. The time to hike the Snowies Alpine Walk is between November and April, and this can vary slightly depending on conditions. In winter the route is covered by snow and closed to vehicle access.

You’ll need somewhere to stay each night while completing the walk. There's NSW National Parks accommodation at Creel Bay cottages, Creel Lodge and Numbananga Lodge offering a bit more comfort, while camping is available at Thredbo Diggings and Island Bend campgrounds. Other accommodation options are available in Jindabyne, Guthega, Charlotte Pass, Perisher and Thredbo.

You’ll need to pay entry fees before you drive into the park. Be sure to check the opening hours of visitor centres and park offices before leaving reception in town.

Distance: 9km one way | Time suggested: 3 hours | Grade: 3 | Toilets: Charlotte Pass car park

From Jindabyne it’s a 45 minute drive to Guthega that includes some graded dirt roads. Once you're out of the car, your gorgeous introduction to the Snowies Alpine Walk begins by leaving Guthega Pondage behind and tracing the Snowy River toward the highest mountains in Australia, also known as the Main Range. You’ll pass Illawong Lodge and the Illawong Suspension Bridge, which is a gateway to the backcountry for winter skiers and boarders.

From here the Guthega to Charlotte Pass trail leaves the Illawong walk behind and heads toward Charlotte Pass. Much of the trail here is made of metal grating to protect the sensitive alpine species below and minimise erosion.

Near the junction of Spencers Creek and the Snowy River, around 3.3km from Guthega, you’ll find the new Spencers Creek Suspension Bridge. At 1627m above sea level, it’s the highest suspension bridge in the country and an engineering marvel, with construction designed to minimise the impact on the creek and surrounding habitat.

From late spring you can expect the rivers and creeks to be rushing with snow melt, while in summer blooms of wildflowers carpet the landscape. There are a number of gorgeous spots along the trail to have lunch and soak in the fresh beauty of an alpine meadow with its spectrum of colour. Just make sure you take your rubbish with you and leave no trace when you’re finished.

You'll finish the first leg of the Snowies Alpine Walk at Charlotte Pass where you can high five your mates before heading to your accommodation to refuel for the adventure-packed days ahead.

Distance: 22km loop | Time suggested: 7-9 hours | Grade: 4 | Toilets: Charlotte Pass car park, Rawson Pass, Seamans Hut

Yesterday was a good warm up for day two, the most challenging day of the Snowies Alpine Walk. This loop track keeps parking simple which is great because you’ll need all day to do the route justice.

You’ll be heading to the roof of Australia on the Main Range walk where cold conditions and strong winds are almost a given. Make sure your wind and waterproof layers are packed, and consider a beanie, gloves and warm neck gaiter. Waterproof shoes might be particularly useful too as the summit of Mount Kosciusko often holds onto snow well into summer.

Walking anti-clockwise, you’ll descend from Charlotte Pass car park to where the Snowy River and Club Lake Creek meet. Here you’ll need to cross a series of stepping stones (another reason for waterproof shoes or boots).

Next you’ll begin a long, steady climb that rewards you with the turnoff to Blue Lake lookout. This highly-recommended side trip leads to a view of one of only four glacial lakes on Australia’s mainland, which also feeds a globally-recognised wetland that supports various threatened plant and animal species.

Shortly after rejoining the main track you’ll pass 2000m above sea level on your way to Carruthers Peak and stunning views down a steep bowl of cliffs to Club Lake. As you head south-west you’ll pass some of Australia’s highest peaks on your left and right, with 2,228m Mount Kosciuszko looming straight ahead.

Have a snack and power up to the summit to claim your place at the top of Australia – it’s a pretty surreal feeling! Panoramic views will take you out to the plains and even into Victoria on a clear day. Breathe a deep breath and think about what you’ve already seen and achieved. Luckily there’s much more variety and excitement still to come.

From here it’s all downhill with some dirt road sections that take you rapidly back to your transport (and a post-hike feed) at Charlotte Pass. You’ll really feel the expanse of Kosciuszko National Park here as you traipse along some of the highest plains in Australia.

Make sure to leave a little time for the historic Seamans Hut, which is also a great place to have a little break if the weather’s taken a turn for the worse.

Distance: 13km one way | Time suggested: 4-6 hours | Grade: 3 | Toilets: Charlotte Pass car park, Perisher Valley

The section of trail from Charlotte Pass Village to Perisher Valley takes you through another spectacular landscape. Watch how the vegetation changes from day two, an example of the precious biodiversity that these alpine and subalpine environments are known for.

With the Main Range at your back you’ll meander toward the escarpment of the Thredbo Valley through wet heath and groves of snow gums. It’s not all downhill to Perisher though! Expect some climbing as you wind between granite outcrops, and don’t miss the excellent side trip to Porcupine Rocks where sweeping views over the Thredbo Valley and out toward Jindabyne truly give you a sense of your altitude and the scale of this place.

Try your hand at identifying some of the species you come across; Despite the harsh conditions this part of the walk is teeming with life making the most of every little microclimate. Today’s walk is right on the edge of the alpine zone, meaning you’ll dip into pockets of alpine mint bush before returning to the snowgrass and gums more familiar at higher elevations. 

The final section from Porcupine Rocks into Perisher features yellow paper daisies, billy buttons and purple flowering heath in early summer. Take advantage of the wildflower photo ops before heading to your car or transport.

Distance: 12km one way | Time suggested: 5 hours | Grade: 4 | Toilets: Perisher Valley, Bullocks Flat

The final day of the Snowies Alpine Walk is simply unmissable with a journey through the lush lower elevations and a descent to the Thredbo River on raised platforms that take you over unique mossy alpine bogs.

The Perisher Valley to Bullocks Flat trail begins by climbing back to the escarpment above the Thredbo Valley, winding for 3km past granite tors and rock outcrops that haven’t been accessible on foot until now. Take one last look at the gnarled snow gums before you reach the lookout and take in the views of the jagged Ramshead Range and Monaro Plain disappearing into the distance.

You’ll then begin your descent many hundreds of metres to the valley floor. Feel the scale of your surroundings change as the canopy becomes thicker here with alpine ash trees looming overhead. You’ll pass trickling cascades on their way to meet the rushing Thredbo River, feeding the tranquil tea tree gullies and mossy alpine bogs – you can experience this delicate ecosystem without harming it thanks to the raised platforms.

As you approach the Thredbo River you’ll meet the Thredbo Valley Track, so watch out for mountain bikers who share this trail. Cross the river and you’ll reach the historic Bullocks Hut, which is a beautiful lunch stop – perfect for making your alpine experience last that little bit longer. After that, it’s on to Bullocks Flat and the conclusion of four wonderful days on the Snowies Alpine Walk.

You might like to treat yourself to a night in Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa, or stay close to nature with a night at Thredbo Diggings campground and lots of time in the river for your weary legs. Whatever you do, make sure to celebrate a job well done – you just hiked more than 50km across the alpine roof of Australia.

Approved tour operators are available to help you make the most of your Snowies Alpine Walk experience. There are three multi-day tours available offering various routes and lengths. Lighten your daypack, learn from an experienced guide, and let someone else take care of the accommodation – you just have to focus on soaking up all the beauty the Australian Alps have to offer.

Don’t underestimate the weather in the Snowy Mountains. Even a cloudless ‘bluebird day’ can quickly turn to cold, rain, and wind, or a thunderstorm, even in the middle of summer. You can get the latest weather updates from the Bureau of Meteorology website.

It’s important not to underestimate this hike just because it takes place as a series of day hikes. Check the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website for alerts and weather warnings that might affect your trip.

The NSW Snowy Mountains is an alpine and subalpine region known for strong winds, rapidly-changing conditions, strong storms and low-visibility. In summer conditions can also be very hot and dry.

Being prepared for anything is the single most effective way to keep yourself safe. This means that sun protection, lots of drinking water, more food than you’ll need, warm clothing, waterproof clothing, and a Personal Location Beacon or satellite communicator are all important items for your daypack. Here’s everything we recommend bringing with you on this walk.

Snowies Alpine Walk essentials for your daypack:

• Hat – ideally a broad brim hat or bucket hat 
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Fleece or insulated jacket (down or synthetic)
• Thermal top and leggings
• Waterproof-breathable rain jacket
• Beanie or warm hat
• Gloves
• Comfortable and supportive hiking shoes (ideally waterproof)
• Water bottle to carry large amounts of drinking water
• More food than you need
• First aid kit
• Torch
• Physical map and compass or GPS maps
• Mobile phone
• NSW Parks app
• Emergency Plus app
• Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Satellite Communicator
• A comfy, supportive backpack to carry it all!