Kosciuszko National Park is one of Australia’s most spectacular alpine destinations and home to Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain on the Australian mainland at 2,228 metres above sea level.
Located in the Snowy Mountains of southern New South Wales, the park offers hiking, skiing, mountain biking, scenic drives, alpine lakes, wildflowers and dramatic high-country landscapes.
Mount Kosciuszko from the Snowy River in Kosciuszko National Park.
About Kosciuszko National Park
Kosciuszko National Park is the largest national park in New South Wales and protects much of Australia’s alpine environment.
The park includes snow-covered peaks, granite landscapes, alpine meadows, rivers, wetlands, forests and important habitats for native wildlife.
Mount Kosciuszko is the highest mountain on mainland Australia and one of the main attractions in the national park.
Unlike many of the world’s highest mountains, reaching the summit does not require technical climbing during suitable summer conditions.
There are several walking routes to the summit, with popular approaches beginning from Thredbo and Charlotte Pass.
Kosciuszko Walk from Thredbo
One of the most popular ways to reach Mount Kosciuszko is from Thredbo.
Visitors can take the Kosciuszko Express chairlift up the mountain and then follow the walking track towards the summit.
The route passes through alpine landscapes and provides extensive views across the Snowy Mountains.
Conditions can change quickly at high altitude, so walkers should carry warm clothing, water and suitable footwear even during summer.
Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk from Charlotte Pass
Another option is the Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk from Charlotte Pass.
The official NSW National Parks route is approximately 18.6 kilometres return and usually takes around 6 to 8 hours.
The track is graded Grade 3 and follows a formed route through the high alpine landscape.
Main Range Walk
The Main Range Walk is one of the most impressive longer hikes in Kosciuszko National Park.
It explores some of Australia’s highest country and passes alpine lakes, ridges and extensive mountain scenery.
This walk is best suited to experienced and well-prepared hikers because alpine weather can change rapidly.
Thredbo
Thredbo is one of Australia’s best-known alpine villages and provides year-round access to Kosciuszko National Park.
During winter, it operates as a major ski resort.
During the warmer months, visitors come for hiking, mountain biking, sightseeing and access to the Mount Kosciuszko walking tracks.
Perisher
Perisher is another major alpine resort within Kosciuszko National Park.
It is best known for skiing and snowboarding during winter but also provides access to walking tracks and alpine scenery during the warmer months.
Charlotte Pass
Charlotte Pass is Australia’s highest alpine village and provides access to several important walking tracks.
During summer, visitors can drive to Charlotte Pass via Kosciuszko Road.
During winter, the road between Perisher and Charlotte Pass is closed to normal vehicles, and access is generally by oversnow transport.
Winter Activities
Kosciuszko National Park is Australia’s premier snow-sports destination.
Winter activities include:
Skiing
Snowboarding
Cross-country skiing
Snowshoeing
Tobogganing in designated areas
Snow sightseeing
Major ski areas include Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn.
Summer Activities
During the warmer months, the national park becomes an excellent destination for walking, cycling and sightseeing.
Popular summer activities include:
Walking to Mount Kosciuszko
Mountain biking
Scenic chairlift rides
Photography
Wildflower viewing
Fishing
Camping
Scenic drives
Alpine Wildflowers
During summer, sections of the high country are covered with alpine wildflowers.
The flowering season varies depending on weather and snow conditions, but December through February is generally an excellent period for seeing alpine vegetation.
Visitors should remain on marked tracks to protect fragile alpine plants.
Wildlife
Kosciuszko National Park provides habitat for a variety of native wildlife.
Animals that may be seen include:
Kangaroos
Wallabies
Wombats
Echidnas
Possums
Native birds
The park is also home to the endangered mountain pygmy-possum, one of Australia’s rarest small mammals.
Things to Do in Kosciuszko National Park
Walk to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko
Visit Thredbo
Explore Charlotte Pass
Ski or snowboard in winter
Walk the Main Range
See alpine wildflowers
Go mountain biking
Enjoy scenic drives
Visit alpine lookouts
Explore the Snowy River headwaters
Best Time to Visit
Kosciuszko National Park can be visited throughout the year.
December to March is generally the best period for hiking in the high alpine areas.
June to October is the main snow season, although exact conditions vary each year.
Spring can still bring snow and icy conditions at higher elevations.
Getting to Kosciuszko National Park
The main gateway town is Jindabyne.
From Canberra, the drive to Jindabyne is approximately two hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
From Jindabyne:
Thredbo is approximately 33 kilometres away
Perisher is approximately 33 kilometres away
Charlotte Pass is around 40 kilometres away
Park entry fees apply on major access roads into the alpine areas.
Winter Driving
Winter driving in Kosciuszko National Park requires additional preparation.
Between the June and October long weekends, two-wheel-drive vehicles travelling on specified alpine roads are required to carry snow chains.
Roads may also close temporarily because of snow, ice or severe weather.
Always check current road conditions and park alerts before travelling.
How Long Should You Spend?
A single day is enough to visit Thredbo and complete a shorter alpine walk.
Allow 2 to 4 days if you want to explore several areas of the park, climb Mount Kosciuszko and visit Jindabyne, Charlotte Pass and other alpine locations.
A longer stay is recommended during winter if skiing or snowboarding is your main reason for visiting.
Suggested Summer Day
A good summer itinerary could include:
Start the morning in Thredbo
Take the chairlift into the alpine area
Walk towards Mount Kosciuszko
Reach the summit and enjoy the mountain views
Return to Thredbo in the afternoon
Finish the day with dinner in Thredbo or Jindabyne
Travel Tip
Alpine weather can change very quickly, even during summer. Carry warm and waterproof clothing, adequate water, sun protection and suitable walking shoes.
Before starting any longer walk, check the latest weather forecast, road conditions and NSW National Parks alerts.
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