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Illawong walk

Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Thu 10 September 2026, 2.32pm

Applies from Thu 10 Sep 2026, 4.25pm. Last reviewed: Thu 10 Sep 2026, 2.32pm.

Safety alerts: High altitude walks - Snow covered and hazardous conditions

Many areas above about 1800m in altitude in Kosciuszko National Park are currently snow covered from recent snowfalls and post winter snow. Please note the following information when visiting these areas:

General:

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.
  • Deep soft spring snow can collapse underneath you - mind your steps.

Avalanche:

  • Even at this time of year 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 or spring and can be fatal.
  • Back country travellers should check snow and weather conditions before departure and remain alert.

 

Perisher/Main Range - areas above about 1800m, including: Kosciuszko walk, Main Range walk, Summit walk, Mt Stillwell walk and Hanells Spur walk:

Expect some continuous snow cover and long stretches:

  • Skis or snowshoes may make your trip easier and safer. 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 and not visible. Most don't have above snow markers.
  • Take extreme caution when on all steep slopes.

 

High sub-alpine - areas above 1700m - Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk, Snowgum boardwalk, Porcupine walk, Schlink Hut walk and Dead Horse Gap track:

 

Expect short stretches of snow cover:

  • Ensure footwear is waterproof, solid and with good grip. 
  • 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.

See on map

Applies from Mon 13 Jul 2026, 5.00am to Sun 4 Oct 2026, 11.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 18 Aug 2026, 10.28am.

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 ongoing fox baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program from Monday 13 July 2026 to Sunday 4 October 2026. The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of foxes.

The program will take place in Kosciuszko National Park including:

  • Main range area
  • Perisher valley
  • Dead horse gap
  • Munyang
  • Illawong/Guthega

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species.

Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. 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.

Please contact the local Jindabyne NPWS area office for more information on (02) 6450 5555.

See on map

Upcoming management events

Upcoming management events
Date Event Title
9 November 2026 Closed areas Parts of southern Kosciuszko National Park closed for feral animal control operations Details

Applies from Mon 9 Nov 2026, 5.45am to Fri 27 Nov 2026, 10.11am. Last reviewed: Thu 10 Sep 2026, 8.44am

View a map of the closed areas here.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting aerial control operations in some parts of this park. Areas will be closed each weekday from 5:45 am to 8:15 pm, from Monday 9 November to Friday 27 November 2026.

Closure notices will be placed at relevant public access points. Do not enter the closed areas. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

The following facilities and areas within Kosciuszko National Park will be closed:

  • Rennix walk
  • Rainbow Lake walk
  • Porcupine walk
  • Waterfall walk
  • Illawong walk
  • Snowies Alpine Walk: Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk
  • Snowies Alpine Walk: Charlotte Pass Village to Perisher Valley walk
  • Snowies Alpine Walk: Perisher Valley to Bullocks Flat walk
  • Hannels Spur track
  • The Main Range - Dicky Cooper Bogong south along Rolling Grounds (down to ~1300m elevation to West, ~1600m elevation to N, E) to Wilkinson Valley
  • Ramshead Range - Merritts Creek east to Sawpit Creek
  • Part of Perisher Range including Mount Guthrie (Snowy River east to Mount Paralyser)
  • The area east of Guthega Link Road, eastwards to Diggers Creek
  • The area east of Whites River corridor and west of the Brassy Mountains, including Disappointment Spur Hut, Tin Hut and Mawsons Hut
  • Snowy Plain area, including Gungarlin River campground, Daveys Hut, Kidmans Hut, CSIRO Hut and Botherum Plain Hut
  • The area east from Diggers Creek (Guthega Road) and north of Kosciuszko Road towards Jindabyne Pumping Station
  • The area west of Dead Horse Gap walk and Kosciuszko walk , including North, Central and South Ramshead
  • Cootapatamba Hut
  • Pilot Wilderness Area, including Teddys Hut and Tin Mines Trail
  • Moonbah, Grosses Plain and Ingebyra areas

The following facilities and areas will remain open:

  • Resort areas
  • Public road corridors
  • The Australian Alps Walking Track (Cowombat Flat to Whites River Hut – refer to map of closed areas for diversions)
  • The Whites River corridor, including Horse Camp Hut, Whites River Hut, Schlinks Hut, Valentines hut and Grey Mare Hut
  • Kosciuszko walk
  • Summit walk
  • Summit trail
  • Main Range walk
  • Mount Stilwell walk
  • Pallaibo walk
  • Dead Horse Gap walk
  • Thredbo River walk
  • Thredbo Valley track (walking and cycling)
  • The Pilot Wilderness mountain bike ride (Alpine Way to Barry Way), including Cascade, Ingeegoodbee and Nine Mile Trails

Please note that the closed sections of trail that form part of the Ultra Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB race routes will not be closed on the listed event dates.

For more information, email the local NPWS office or call 13000 PARKS (1300 072 757).

Details

Nearby alerts

Applies from Thu 10 Sep 2026, 4.25pm. Last reviewed: Thu 10 Sep 2026, 2.32pm

Safety alerts: High altitude walks - Snow covered and hazardous conditions

Many areas above about 1800m in altitude in Kosciuszko National Park are currently snow covered from recent snowfalls and post winter snow. Please note the following information when visiting these areas:

General:

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.
  • Deep soft spring snow can collapse underneath you - mind your steps.

Avalanche:

  • Even at this time of year 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 or spring and can be fatal.
  • Back country travellers should check snow and weather conditions before departure and remain alert.

 

Perisher/Main Range - areas above about 1800m, including: Kosciuszko walk, Main Range walk, Summit walk, Mt Stillwell walk and Hanells Spur walk:

Expect some continuous snow cover and long stretches:

  • Skis or snowshoes may make your trip easier and safer. 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 and not visible. Most don't have above snow markers.
  • Take extreme caution when on all steep slopes.

 

High sub-alpine - areas above 1700m - Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk, Snowgum boardwalk, Porcupine walk, Schlink Hut walk and Dead Horse Gap track:

 

Expect short stretches of snow cover:

  • Ensure footwear is waterproof, solid and with good grip. 
  • 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 19 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 13 Jul 2026, 5.00am to Sun 4 Oct 2026, 11.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 18 Aug 2026, 10.28am

Other planned events: Notice of 1080 ongoing fox baiting program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program from Monday 13 July 2026 to Sunday 4 October 2026. The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of foxes.

The program will take place in Kosciuszko National Park including:

  • Main range area
  • Perisher valley
  • Dead horse gap
  • Munyang
  • Illawong/Guthega

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species.

Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. 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.

Please contact the local Jindabyne NPWS area office for more information on (02) 6450 5555.

Affects 1 park and 7 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 5 Jun 2026, 8.32am to Fri 2 Oct 2026, 8.33am. Last reviewed: Wed 12 Aug 2026, 9.41am

Other planned events: Winter road closures 2026

The following roads are closed from 10am Friday 5 June until Friday 2 October 2026:

  • KNP5 - Cabramurra to Khancoban Road
  • Olsen's Lookout Road
  • Geehi Dam Road
  • Kings Cross Road
  • Tumut Ponds Trail

For more information, call the Snowy Region Visitor Centre on 02 6450 5600 or Khancoban Visitor Centre on 02 6070 8400. Visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 5 locations nearby. Show list

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/illawong-walk/local-alerts

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
See more visitor info

Emergency services

For all NSW fires visit the Rural Fire Service

For the latest information on wildfires in your area please contact the NSW Rural Fire Service.

View all alerts for NSW

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