Nearby alerts
Applies from Tue 2 Jun 2020, 12.12pm to Mon 12 Oct 2020, 11.55pm. Last reviewed: Thu 13 Aug 2020, 10.27am
Closed areas: Kosciuszko National Park - Winter 2020
Park access
- As always, temporary road closures or traffic restrictions may be implemented to manage safety on roads. Please ensure that you have planned ahead and keep up-to-date on relevant alerts on ski resort webpages and Live Traffic.
- Roadblocks to control access from Jindabyne toward Thredbo and Perisher will be installed to manage road safety issues and COVID-19 capacity on every weekend and some other peak visitation days during the snow season. The ski resort COVID Safe plans do not allow for snow play at the resort areas, and there is limited capacity for safe parking of vehicles on roadsides to undertake snow play outside of resorts. As a result, when these roadblocks are implemented, only visitors who can provide evidence of one of the following will be granted access:
- A completed NPWS Trip Intention Form for snowshoe, cross country skiing and other backcountry activities
- A pre-purchased resort lift pass
- Pre-booked accommodation, campsite or other commercial booking that is located beyond the roadblock
- A need to access to undertake work or resident living beyond the roadblock
- A plan to transit through the Alpine Way to Khancoban or beyond
- Emergency or other essential need
Access may be denied despite a visitor being able to provide evidence of the above if there is no car parking available, or if there are other road safety issues occurring.
- When no roadblocks are implemented, the only requirement to enter Kosciuszko National Park is a valid NSW Parks Pass displayed on your vehicle, if you're visiting a location where park use fees apply. Trip Intention Forms or a resort lift pass are required if you are planning on-snow sporting activities. Note that if car parks are full or visitation exceeds capacity a Trip Intention Form or a resort lift pass does not guarantee access to Kosciuszko National Park.
- Payment at NPWS vehicle entry stations and the NPWS Perisher office will be by card only. Cash will not be accepted. Card payments are preferred at NPWS visitor centres.
- All public carparks which are open throughout Kosciuszko National Park will operate as per previous snow seasons. Parking spaces cannot be reserved, and a pre-purchased resort lift pass or a pre-registered NPWS Trip Intention Form does not assure that a parking spot will be available when you arrive.
- To cater for an increase in backcountry activities this snow season, Cascades trail head and Dead Horse Gap carparks are available, at this stage, for day parking only.
- Should restrictions under the Health Order be amended, NPWS will also enact the appropriate changes.
Ski season on-snow activities
All on-snow sporting activities undertaken this year in Kosciuszko National Park will require a pre-purchased resort lift pass or registration with NPWS in advance, via a Trip Intention Form. Check the resort websites for current status and conditions.
- If you intend to use the ski lifts, don’t leave home without a valid pre-purchased lift pass
- Visitors wishing to undertake on-snow backcountry activities will need to register a Trip Intention Form (TIF) with NPWS prior to their arrival. Examples of on-snow backcountry activities which can be undertaken after a TIF is lodged include backcountry snowshoeing, cross country skiing, skiing and snowboarding.
Tobogganing
- Tobogganing, sledding and snow-tubing are not permitted within Kosciuszko National Park in 2020.
- The COVID-safe plan prepared by Perisher Resort does not allow for tobogganing, sledding and snow-tubing. Tobogganing is not permitted at Thredbo Resort by the lessee.
- Selwyn Snow Resort, which has the only other dedicated tobogganing location, is closed due to bushfire damage.
- There are no accessible areas in Kosciuszko National Park that will allow these activities to be safely undertaken or in accordance with the current COVID-19 physical distancing requirements.
Snow play
- Examples of snow play activities include sightseeing, building a snowman, throwing snowballs, going for a short walk or other similar activities.
- Due to capacity constraints with COVID-19, NPWS recommends that visitors do not visit for the purpose of snow play in 2020. Visitors wishing to undertake a snow-based activity who do not wish to purchase a lift pass may consider doing an activity such as snow-shoeing or cross-country skiing instead of snow play.
- During peak visitation periods such as weekends, to manage visitor safety there will be roadblocks installed for access toward Thredbo and Perisher. Visitors entering for the purpose of snow play will be denied access on these days.
- NSW Police, Transport NSW and NPWS are concerned about the safety of snow play user groups. This is due to areas along road corridors becoming crowded because snow play areas are not available at resorts.
- On days where there are no roadblocks installed, visitors can enter Kosciuszko National Park to undertake snow play activities (excluding tobogganing) if they undertake these activities in a safe and suitable location outside of resort areas.
- NPWS is supporting resort areas to manage visitor numbers for the winter 2020 season due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Personal safety
- Visitors must take responsibility for their own personal safety, including staying well clear of roads, maintaining physical distancing, parking safely and obeying road safety signage such as 'No stopping' and 'No parking'.
- Before going backcountry, lodge a Trip Intention Form, review advice at the NPWS Alpine Safety page, and it is recommended that you book a guided tour with a licensed tour operator.
- For safe driving tips visit Transport NSW - Driving in the Snowy Mountains or How to Drive in the Snow.
Affects 1 park and 32 locations nearby. Show list
Applies from Tue 31 Mar 2020, 12.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 30 Jul 2020, 3.44pm
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 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
- The Yarrangobilly Visitor Centre, walks and the thermal pool are open but all caves remain closed to the public.
- 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
- Bicentennial National trail. For more information visit the Bicentennial National Trail website.
- 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 annual winter or fire damage:
- Alpine Way area:
- Olsens Lookout Road
- Geehi Dam Road
- Geehi Walls trail
- Major Clews trail
- Grassy Flats trail
- Murray Gates trail
- Cabramurra area:
- 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:
- Goobragandra Power Line Road
- Bullocks Hill trail
- Cumberland trail
- Long Plain Road
- Pocket Saddle Road
- Port Phillip trail
- Broken Cart
- Blue Waterholes trail
- Four Mile trail
- Kosciuszko Road Perisher to Charlotte Pass
These roads and trails will remain closed until the October Long Weekend or until hazardous trees are treated, debris is removed and repair work is completed.
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. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
Affects 1 park and 45 locations nearby. Show list
Applies from Wed 29 Jul 2020, 9.43am to Mon 2 Nov 2020, 9.44am. Last reviewed: Thu 30 Jul 2020, 3.40pm
Safety alerts: High altitude walks - snow covered and hazardous winter conditions
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 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.
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:
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 and 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.
Affects 1 park and 12 locations nearby. Show list
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.
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
Applies from Mon 25 Feb 2019, 9.07am. Last reviewed: Wed 29 Jul 2020, 10.44am
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.
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
Applies from Mon 8 Jun 2020, 1.59pm to Mon 2 Nov 2020, 3.22pm. Last reviewed: Wed 29 Jul 2020, 9.46am
Closed areas: Rawson Pass toilet
Rawson Pass toilet remains closed and will reopen when snow conditions allow. For more information, call the NPWS Jindabyne area office on 02 6450 5621.
Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list
Applies from Mon 25 May 2020, 2.04pm. Last reviewed: Wed 29 Jul 2020, 9.43am
Safety alerts: Seamans Hut toilet closed
Seamans Hut toilet is still under construction and will remain closed for winter 2020. 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.
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
Applies from Mon 27 Jul 2020, 10.41am to Fri 21 Aug 2020, 10.42am. Last reviewed: Mon 27 Jul 2020, 1.17pm
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.
Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list
Applies from Tue 28 Apr 2020, 9.17am. Last reviewed: Thu 23 Jul 2020, 4.40pm
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 (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.
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
Applies from Wed 20 May 2020, 7.00am. Last reviewed: Thu 30 Jul 2020, 3.15pm
Closed areas: Thredbo Valley track closed
The entire Thredbo Valley track, along with Muzzlewood loop and Bullocks walking track, are closed to all visitation due to significant tree fall and unassessed tree risk to visitors following recent heavy snow fall.
This closure 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.
Affects 1 park and 4 locations nearby. Show list
Applies from Tue 21 Jul 2020, 7.08am to Fri 25 Sep 2020, 8.20am. Last reviewed: Fri 17 Jul 2020, 11.39am
Other planned events: Notice of 1080 baiting
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting a baiting program using bait containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of foxes.
The program will be conducted in areas adjoining Thredbo, Charlotte Pass, Perisher, Schlinks Pass and Guthega areas between Tuesday 21 July and Friday 25 September 2020.
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 Jindabyne office on 02 6456 5600.
Affects 1 park and 13 locations nearby. Show list
Applies from Wed 17 Jun 2020, 8.00am to Thu 1 Oct 2020, 12.00pm. Last reviewed: Mon 15 Jun 2020, 3.20pm
Closed areas: Kosciusko National Park - Winter closures
Old Geehi Hut (YHA Hut) and Behrs Flat campgrounds in Kosciuszko National Park will be closed for winter and reopen on Thursday 1 October 2020.
Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list
Applies from Fri 5 Jun 2020, 5.59am to Fri 30 Oct 2020, 4.22pm. Last reviewed: Mon 20 Jul 2020, 11.29am
Other planned events: Campground bookings
If you plan to stay at an NPWS campground after 1 June 2020 you'll need to make a booking first. This also applies to campgrounds that did not require bookings previously.
If you can't find your preferred campground on a webpage for Brindabella National Park, please check this list of lesser-known campgrounds and make your booking.
If you're still unable to find your preferred campground phone 1300 072 757.
Affects 1 park and 4 locations nearby. Show list
Applies from Sun 29 Dec 2019, 8.14am. Last reviewed: Wed 29 Jul 2020, 3.04pm
Closed parks: Park closed due to bushfire
Ellerslie Nature Reserve is closed due to safety risk to visitors from fire-affected dangerous trees and damaged infrastructure. Do not enter the park. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
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.
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
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.
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
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.
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
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.
Affects 1 park nearby. Show list
