Australian Alps Walking Track

Stretching 650 km from Walhalla in Victoria to Tharwa near Canberra, the Australian Alps Walking Track is one of Australia’s great long-distance walks. This alpine trail weaves through Victoria’s high country, the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, and the ACT, offering hikers a raw, untamed journey across Australia’s highest peaks. Expect crisp mountain air, wildflower-strewn meadows in summer, and the chance to spot kangaroos, wombats, and the elusive corroboree frog. This is not a casual stroll; it’s a serious backcountry adventure for experienced walkers seeking solitude and spectacular alpine scenery.

Highlights & What to See

• Mount Kosciuszko – Australia’s highest peak (2228 m). The summit walk offers panoramic views of the Snowy Mountains and is a must-do for any hiker.
• Namadgi National Park – In the ACT section, this park features granite tors, alpine bogs, and Aboriginal rock art sites that reveal ancient stories.
• Snowy River & Alpine Ash Forests – The track follows the Snowy River through towering ash forests and across the iconic Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme area.
• Wildflower Displays – In December–January, the alpine meadows burst into colour with billy buttons, silver snow daisies, and alpine grevilleas.
• Historic Huts – Scattered along the route are stockmen’s huts and former hydro workers’ cabins, offering shelter and a glimpse into the region’s pastoral and engineering history.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers allocate 4–6 weeks to complete the entire track, but few tackle it in one go. A more realistic approach is to break it into sections: a 5–7 day hike from Tharwa to Kiandra (Namadgi and Kosciuszko) or a 10-day stretch through Victoria’s Alpine National Park. For a taster, the 2–3 day walk from Charlotte Pass to Thredbo via Mount Kosciuszko is stunning and more accessible. Plan your trip between November and March; outside these months, snow and icy conditions make the track dangerous.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kosciuszko National Park – The park itself is a highlight, with ski resorts in winter and hiking in summer. Combine a summit attempt with a stay at Thredbo or Perisher.
• Snowy Mountains – Explore the region’s hydro-electric scheme, trout fishing in Lake Jindabyne, and the historic town of Cooma.
• Alpine National Park (Victoria) – The Victorian section offers the Bogong High Plains, Mount Feathertop, and the historic town of Bright.
• Namadgi National Park (ACT) – Just south of Canberra, this park has excellent day walks and is a great start or end point for the track.
• Canberra – The nation’s capital is a short drive from Tharwa. Visit the Australian War Memorial and Parliament House after your hike.

Please check official sources for current details.