Five Lakes Trail

Hiking the Five Lakes Trail in Kosciuszko National Park is like walking through a living postcard. This easy, family-friendly loop threads past five pristine alpine lakes, each with its own character and colour — from deep sapphire to emerald green. With the dramatic granite outcrops of the Ramshead Range as a backdrop and wildflowers carpeting the meadows in summer, this is one of Australia’s most rewarding short walks.

Highlights & What to See

• Blue Lake – The largest and deepest of the five, its vivid cobalt colour is caused by fine glacial sediment suspended in the water. On a still day, the reflections of the surrounding peaks are mesmerising.
• Hedley Tarn – A smaller, more intimate lake with a peaty shoreline where you’ll often spot alpine birds and, in spring, blooming billy buttons and snow daisies.
• Cootapatamba Lookout – A short side track offers sweeping views over Australia’s highest lake and the Main Range, where snow can linger even in summer.
• Alpine wildflowers – From December to February, the trail is lined with snow gums, silver snow-daisies, and trigger plants, making this a paradise for botanists and photographers alike.
• Granite boulders and snow gums – The trail weaves between weathered granite tors and gnarled snow gums, their twisted trunks shaped by fierce winter winds.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 2–3 hours for the full 6-kilometre loop, including plenty of stops for photos and a picnic by one of the lakes. The trail is gentle and well-marked, so you can easily fit it into a half-day outing from Thredbo or Jindabyne. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms in summer, and be prepared for rapidly changing weather at any time of year.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Thredbo Village – Just a 15-minute drive away, this lively alpine village offers chairlift rides to the top of Mount Kosciuszko, excellent dining, and year-round outdoor activities.
• Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk – Australia’s highest peak is accessible via a longer but achievable day walk from Thredbo, combining brilliantly with the Five Lakes Trail for a full alpine experience.
• Jindabyne – A scenic lakeside town 30 minutes south, perfect for stocking up on supplies, enjoying water sports on Lake Jindabyne, or exploring the Snowy River.
• Snowy River National Park – Further south into Victoria, this park boasts dramatic gorges, pristine rivers, and the famous Little River Gorge – a great extension for adventurous travellers.

Please check official sources for current details.