Photo: MD111 / CC BY-SA 2.0
The Snowy River Walking Track is a remote and rugged multi-day hike that follows the wild Snowy River through Kosciuszko National Park. This challenging trail offers a true wilderness experience, with dramatic gorges, snow-gum forests, and abundant wildlife. It’s a journey for experienced bushwalkers seeking solitude and raw natural beauty.
Highlights & What to See
- Snowy River Gorge: Spectacular cliffs and rapids carved through granite, with clear pools perfect for a refreshing dip.
- Pinch River Junction: A scenic campsite where the Pinch River meets the Snowy, surrounded by tall snow gums.
- Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos, wombats, and lyrebirds; platypus are often seen in the quieter river pools.
- Historic huts: Remnants of early grazing and mining, such as the Tin Hut and Cowombat Flat Hut, offer glimpses into the region’s past.
- Alpine flora: In spring and summer, wildflowers carpet the river flats, including billy buttons and trigger plants.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most walkers allow 4–5 days to complete the 64 km (one-way) track from McKillops Bridge to Deddick Trail or vice versa. The terrain is rough and involves multiple river crossings, so a steady pace of 12–15 km per day is realistic. Plan for extra time to enjoy side trips and swimming spots. The track is best walked between November and April; outside these months, river levels can be dangerous and snow may block access.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Kosciuszko National Park: Explore Australia’s highest peaks, including Mount Kosciuszko, and the popular Thredbo and Perisher ski resorts.
- Snowy Mountains Scheme: Visit the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma to learn about the engineering marvel that diverted these waters.
- Jindabyne: A lakeside town offering accommodation, supplies, and water sports on Lake Jindabyne.
- Alpine Way: A scenic drive linking Thredbo to Khancoban, with sweeping views of the Snowy River Valley.
- Buchan Caves: South of the track, these limestone caves offer guided tours through stunning stalactite formations.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Kosciuszko National Park — MrActiniuM / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Snowy Mountains Scheme — TomGonzales / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Jindabyne — Tim J Keegan / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Alpine Way — taki Lau / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Buchan Caves — Unknown photographer but possibly Dr. F. Magnus Kiel, 1879 - 1949 / Public domain
- Thredbo — Picturesk / CC BY-SA 3.0