Australian Alps Walking Trail

Stretching from the outskirts of Canberra all the way to the alpine village of Walhalla in Victoria, the Australian Alps Walking Trail (AAWT) is a 655-kilometre wilderness epic that traverses the roof of the continent. This is not a casual stroll; it’s a serious multi-day trek through remote, high-altitude landscapes where you’ll encounter snow gum woodlands, boulder-strewn peaks, glacial cirques, and wildflower-carpeted plains. For international travellers craving an authentic backcountry experience, the AAWT offers a raw, unfiltered taste of Australia’s alpine environment, distinct from the coastal clichés. The trail is best tackled in sections, with the northernmost leg in NSW providing easier access and spectacular ridge-walking.

Highlights & What to See

• Mount Kosciuszko Summit – Australia’s highest peak (2228 m) is a must-do side trip from the AAWT, with panoramic views of the Main Range.
• Snowy River Gorge – A dramatic, fern-lined canyon where the trail follows the river through lush temperate rainforest.
• Wildflower Displays – In summer (Dec–Feb), the alpine meadows explode with billy buttons, snow daisies, and trigger plants.
• Historic Huts – Scattered along the route, these rustic stockmen’s and cattlemen’s huts (e.g., Tin Mine Hut, Valentine Hut) offer shelter and a glimpse into the region’s pastoral past.
• Wildlife Encounters – Keep an eye out for wombats, eastern grey kangaroos, and the elusive mountain pygmy possum.
• Jagungal Wilderness – A remote, trailless section in NSW where you’ll navigate by compass and cairns across broad, treeless plains.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least 4–6 days for a one-way section hike (e.g., Thredbo to Kiandra), or a full 4–6 weeks if you’re tackling the entire trail end-to-end. Most self-drive travellers tackle the northern NSW sections in 3–5-day chunks, using Thredbo or Jindabyne as a base. For a taste, the 2-day walk from Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko and back is a popular introductory loop. Note that the trail is not continuously marked – you’ll need strong navigation skills (map, compass, GPS) and be prepared for rapidly changing weather, even in summer.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kosciuszko National Park – The AAWT runs through its heart; explore the park’s other walks, ski resorts, and thermal pools at Yarrangobilly Caves.
• Snowy Mountains Scheme – Visit the visitor centre at Cooma to understand the engineering marvel that diverted rivers for hydroelectricity.
• Canberra – Australia’s capital, only two hours north, offers cultural attractions like the Australian War Memorial and Parliament House.
• Brindabella Range – A less-crowded alpine area near Canberra with the Namadgi National Park and the start of the AAWT at Yankee Hat.
• Thredbo Village – A lively alpine resort with chairlift access to the trail, plus restaurants and accommodation.

Please check official sources for current details.