Mount Kosciuszko walk: routes to Australia's summit

Mount Kosciuszko walk options come down to two routes: a short one from Thredbo and a longer one from Charlotte Pass. Both reach the top of Australia's highest mountain, which stands 2,228 metres above sea level in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales. Neither needs climbing gear. Most people with modest fitness can finish either one in a day.

If you want the easy answer, take the Thredbo route. It is shorter, and a chairlift does the steepest work. Pick Charlotte Pass if you want a longer, quieter day on the old road.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Mount Kosciuszko (revision of 11 August 2010).

The two routes side by side

The two tracks meet at Rawson Pass. From there you make the final climb to the summit together. Distances and times in different guides vary a little, so treat these as a guide and not a promise.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Mount Kosciuszko (revision of 11 August 2010).

The Thredbo route

This is the popular choice. You ride the chairlift up from Thredbo village, and it operates all year. That cuts out much of the climb and saves your legs for the way down.

From the top of the chairlift, the walk to the summit is about 6.5 km. A raised mesh walkway carries you over much of the way. It protects the native plants and stops the ground from wearing away, so please stay on it. The track is not hard, and one account puts the walk to the top at around 1 hour 45 minutes.

If you skip the chairlift and walk from the village, expect a much longer and harder day. Allow extra time, and start early.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Mount Kosciuszko (revision of 11 August 2010).

The Charlotte Pass route

A road runs to Charlotte Pass, and the walk starts there. The path to the summit is about 8 km each way. It follows the old road to Rawson Pass, where the Thredbo track joins, then makes the final climb. Until 1976 you could drive to Rawson Pass, close to the top. The road was then closed to public cars to protect the alpine ground.

This route has no lift and is longer, so it suits people who like a full day on foot. It is a gentle grade, and anyone with modest fitness should manage it.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Mount Kosciuszko (revision of 11 August 2010).

Timing and weather

Snow covers the peak and the land around it in winter and spring. It usually begins in June and can last until October or later. In late August, when this guide is published, you should expect snow on the high ground. Snow poles mark both tracks, and cross-country skiers use them as a guide.

The summit is high and open, so the weather can change fast, even in summer. Pack warm layers, a wind and rain jacket, sun protection, food and plenty of water. Start early so you are back well before dark. Check the forecast on the morning you go, and turn back if the weather turns bad.

General information, not medical advice. With a heart, lung or joint problem, ask a GP whether a full day walk at altitude suits you.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Mount Kosciuszko (revision of 11 August 2010).

Park entry fees

The National Parks and Wildlife Service asks every vehicle in Kosciuszko National Park to display an entry permit. Thredbo's website listed the 2008 rates. A day permit for one car cost $27 in winter, from the June long weekend to the end of the October long weekend. It cost $16 for the rest of the year. An annual pass cost $190 and covered all New South Wales national parks.

Those are the latest figures we could confirm, and rates can change. Check with the National Parks and Wildlife Service before you travel. Chairlift tickets are separate, so ask Thredbo for the current price.

Sources for this section: Thredbo, Kosciuszko National Park entry fee (page as archived in January 2009).

Which route should you choose?

• First time, short on time: take the Thredbo chairlift route.
• Want a longer day: walk from Charlotte Pass.
• Walking in snow: follow the snow poles and allow extra time.
• Poor weather: wait for a better day. The summit will still be there.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Mount Kosciuszko (revision of 11 August 2010).

Sources

1. Wikipedia, Mount Kosciuszko, revision of 11 August 2010: en.wikipedia.org
2. Thredbo, Kosciuszko National Park entry fee, as archived in January 2009: web.archive.org