Mount Kosciuszko

Australia's highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko (2228 m), sits within the stunning alpine landscapes of Kosciuszko National Park. This is a place of stark beauty: in summer, wildflowers carpet the high plains; in winter, snow transforms the terrain into a playground for skiers and snowshoers. The summit walk is surprisingly accessible, offering sweeping views of the Great Dividing Range and a genuine sense of being on top of the continent.

Highlights & What to See

• Summit Walk via Thredbo: The most popular route – take the Kosciuszko Express chairlift from Thredbo, then follow a well-graded 13 km return walk across the Ramshead Range to the summit. It's a half-day adventure with minimal climbing.
• Main Range Walk: For a longer, more immersive experience, this 22 km loop from Charlotte Pass traverses alpine heath, glacial lakes, and the Rawson Pass before reaching the summit. Allow a full day.
• Snowy Mountains scenery: Beyond the summit, the park boasts glacial lakes like Lake Cootapatamba (Australia's highest lake) and granite tors that catch the golden light at sunrise and sunset.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for the rare corroboree frog, snow gums with their twisted bark, and – if you're lucky – a wild brumby (horse) roaming the plains.
• Thredbo and Perisher: These alpine villages are gateways to the park, offering year-round activities from mountain biking in summer to skiing in winter.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors allocate a full day for the summit walk from Thredbo (about 5–6 hours return). If you're keen on the Main Range Walk or want to explore more of the park's trails and lakes, plan for two days. In winter, allow at least a day for skiing or snowshoeing. The park is best visited in the warmer months (November to March) when the trails are snow-free and the wildflowers are in bloom.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Jindabyne: A charming lakeside town with accommodation, restaurants, and water sports on Lake Jindabyne.
• Thredbo Village: The main alpine resort at the base of the chairlift, with excellent après-ski and hiking options.
• Perisher Valley: Australia's largest ski resort, with cross-country trails and summer mountain biking.
• Snowy River National Park (Victoria): A wild, rugged park downstream from the Snowy Mountains, known for white-water rafting and deep gorges.
• Cooma: The historic gateway town with the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre, explaining the massive Snowy Mountains Scheme.

Please check official sources for current details.