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Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko

Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park

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Overview

This iconic day walk from Thredbo will have you conquering the summit of Mount Kosciuszko in a couple of hours. You'll quite literally be on a high as you soak in the epic views from Australia's highest point.

Where
Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park in Snowy Mountains
Distance
13km return
Time suggested
4 - 5hrs
Grade
Grade 3
Trip Intention Form

It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.

Personal Locator Beacon

Hire a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for free at Snowy Region Visitor Centre in Jindabyne, Perisher Valley Office, Tumut Visitor Centre or Khancoban Visitor Centre.

Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Opening times

The track is generally snowbound in winter (June to October). You can get to Mount Kosciuszko on cross-country skis or snowshoes, but there are no snow poles marking the route.

What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen, snacks, clothes for all weather conditions, topographic map, gps, compass, personal locator beacon
Please note
  • The track starts at the top of the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift which takes 15mins. For opening hours and chairlift prices visit the Thredbo website.
  • You can also walk up Merritts Nature Track from Thredbo Village to the top of the chairlift. This difficult 4km track takes around 2-3 hours uphill.
  • Steel mesh walking platforms have been installed along this trail to protect the environment. These surfaces may be sharp. Running is not permitted.

If you’re visiting Kosciuszko National Park in the warmer months, a walk to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko is a must-do.

Starting at the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift at Thredbo, this popular day walk takes you to the rooftop of Australia. After the scenic chairlift ride, you'll travel past the rocky granite outcrops of Ramshead Range, and through alpine wildflowers (spring). Stop at the lookout for views of the country's highest mountain.

The track crosses the headwaters of the Snowy River, before climbing above Lake Cootapatamba and on to Rawson Pass. From here, it’s a gradual climb to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko (2228m). The sweeping 3600 views across the Snowy Mountains and Victorian High Country are sure to wow you. Stay a while to soak in the fresh alpine air, pack a summit snack, and wallow in your sense of achievement, before returning along the track to Thredbo.

Take a virtual tour of Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • A couple takes in the view from Cootapatamba lookout in Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Luke McLachlan © DPIE

    Cootapatamba lookout

    Enjoy alpine views from Cootapatamba lookout as you hike the popular walking track from Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko, in the Snowy Mountains.

  • Stone steps lead up to Mount Kosciuszko summit lookout, in Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Elinor Sheargold © DPIE

    Mount Kosciuszko summit lookout

    Mount Kosciuszko summit lookout marks the top of Australia’s highest mountain, in Kosciuszko National Park. Hike up from Charlotte Pass or Thredbo and soak in majestic views across the high country.

  • A couple take in the alpine landscape from the viewing platform of Kosciuszko lookout in Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Luke McLachlan © DPIE

    Kosciuszko lookout

    Kosciuszko lookout offers spectacular views of Australia’s highest peaks, including Mount Kosciuszko, and alpine landscapes in Kosciuszko National Park, near Thredbo.

 

Google Street View Trekker

Using Google Street View Trekker, we've captured imagery across a range of NSW national parks and attractions. Get a bird's eye view of these incredible landscapes before setting off on your own adventure.

Google Trekker at Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Photo: J Spencer/OEH.

 

Think Before You TREK

Are you planning a bushwalk, going somewhere remote or where the weather is extreme? Stay safe by planning your trip for all conditions and telling someone about it.

Bushwalkers in Wollemi National Park. Photo: Daniel Tran/DPIE

General enquiries

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
See more visitor info

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