Charlotte Pass to Thredbo via Rawson Pass

Download & Print Map and Notes

5 hrs

12.2 km One way

431 m

Hard track

Starting at Charlotte Pass, this walk follows the Summit Walk, along the old Kosciuszko Road, as it crosses the Snowy River and passes Seamans Hut. The walk then makes its way to Rawsons Pass, where there is the optional side trip to the top of Mt Kosciuszko. From here, the walk follows the metal walkway down past the Rams Head Range to the Chairlift, and down to Thredbo.

Australia's highest public toilet at Rawson Pass

looking down at the village from the chairlift

Covered in snow part of the year

This walk leads through an extreme alpine environment and all walkers must be well prepared. During summer, be prepared for both very hot and cold weather, high winds, rain, snow, extreme UV levels and some sections of snow or ice on the ground. Before starting this walk, check advice with Snowy Region Visitor Information Centre (02) 6450 5600, the weather forecast and the snow conditions then change your plans as needed. These notes, grades and walking times have been written for use in the summer months only. Between May and the end of October, this walk is likely to be covered in snow/ice, visitors should carry and be prepared to use snowshoes or cross country skis. When there is a chance of significant snow on the ground, visitors will need particularly strong navigation and snowcraft skills - tracks and signage may not be visible. For most visitors, it is best to consider this walk closed during the colder months. Between the long weekend in June and October, the road between Perisher Village and Charlotte Pass is closed by the RTA. It is possible to organise oversnow transport.

(0km) End of Kosciuszko Road → Snowy River bridge

4.5 km

1 hr 27 mins climb

164m

-73m Hard track

From the end of Kosciuszko Rd at Charlotte Pass[1] (just near the toilet block[2]), this walk heads along a wide management trail[3], following the large 'Summit walk' sign[4]. The walk initially dips down a bit[5] and heads through a grove of snow gums[6]. This walk soon leaves the snow gums and the landscape opens to a fantastic view of the Snowy River and the valley (on your right)[7]. After about 1km, the walk passes a yellow 'MT K 8' sign[8] on a snow pole. This walk continues along the management trail and gently undulates up along the side of the long ridge, passing several more 'Mt K' milestone signs counting down. After a while, the old road heads up and over a ridge[9], passing the 'MT K 5'[10] and the original 'K 3' milestone (on your left) to find the un-signposted concrete bridge over Merritts Creek[11].
Continue straight: From the bridge, this walk follows the management trail west through the valley, where the trail soon bends right and passes a 'Snowy River' sign[12], coming to the bridge crossing the river[13].

(4km) Snowy River bridge → Seamans Hut

1.5 km

27 mins

95m

0m Hard track

Continue straight: From the 'Snowy River' sign[14], this walk crosses the bridge and heads north-west up along the management trail[15]. The trail bends right and heads up towards Seamans Hut (visible in clear weather[16]). The walk winds up the long hill and bends left, near a flat clearing with some valley views (to your right[17]). Here, the old road bends left and heads up the hill, coming to the signposted 'Seamans Hut'[18].

Seamans Hut

This hut was erected in 1929, after a young skier named Laurie Seaman perished in a blizzard when he was separated from his group. The hut was built using money donated by Seaman's parents, for the use of those who might need emergency shelter in the mountains. It was renovated in 1938 due to fire. Seamans Hut is a 7m x3m granite stone building with a wood stove, although there is little wood in the area. More info.

(6km) Seamans Hut → Rawson Pass

1.6 km

31 mins

114m

-15m Hard track

Continue straight: From 'Seamans Hut'[20], this walk follows the management trail, heading west up the gentle hill, keeping the large valley to your right[21]. The trail winds steadily up along the side of the long hill and, about 150m past the road cutting, this trail leads to a stone path and Australia's highest toilet block[22]. The walk then follows the stone path past the toilet and bike parking area[23] to come to a clearly signposted three-way intersection at 'Rawson Pass'[24].

Rawson Pass

Rawson Pass is where the old Kosciuszko Road, from Charlotte Pass, meets the metal walkway from Thredbo. It is home to highest public toilet in Australia, this recently-added facility is perfectly positioned for those taking the walk up to the top of Kosciuszko. Rawson Pass is well signposted and 500m south east of Mt Kosciuszko (by straight line). There is also a place for to park mountain bikes for those cycling along the old road from Charlotte Pass.

(8km) Rawson Pass → Mt Kosciuszko

1.6 km

39 mins

127m

-23m Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection at Rawson Pass, this walk follows the 'Mt Kosciuszko' sign[25] uphill along the stone pathway. The stone pathway soon becomes a gravel track and winds up and around the hill, keeping the peak of Mt Kosciuszko to your left. About 500m along the gravel track, this walk comes to a 'Y' intersection[26] (with the Kosciuszko summit track on your left), just past the 'Alpine Walks' sign and map[27].
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Mt Kosciuszko' sign[28] uphill along the upper track. This track winds steadily up and around the peak of the mountain, passing a stone-paved[29] section of track, and also a metal grate[30] before climbing a few steps[31] to the cairn at the peak of Mt Kosciuszko[32]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

Mt Kosciuszko

Mt Kosciuszko is the highest peak on the Australian continent, at 2228m above sea level. It was named by the Polish explorer Count Paul Edmund Strzelecki and named in honour of the Polish national hero General Tadeusz Kościuszko. Now a popular tourist attraction, thousands of people walk up to the summit each year. On a clear day, the 360-degree views from the summit across the roof of Australia are fantastic. There are higher mountains elsewhere on Australian territory. 'The highest mountains in Australian Antarctic Territory are Mt McClintock (3490 meters) and Mt Menzies (3355 meters).' .

(8km) Rawson Pass → Lake Cootapatamba lookout

790 m

14 mins

-16m Hard track

Turn left : From 'Rawson Pass', this walk follows the 'Kosciuszko Walk - Lake Cootapatamba Lookout' sign[34] south along the metal walkway as it gently winds down along the side of the hill. Keeping Lake Cootapatamba on your right[35], the path soon leads up a short hill to find the signposted 'Lake Cootapatamba Lookout'[36][37].

Lake Cootapatamba lookout

Situated on the Kosciuszko walk, this platform looks down over Lake Cootapatamba, in the valley on the western side of the path. This is a pleasant place to stop and enjoy the mountains and views.

(8km) Lake Cootapatamba lookout → Int of Kosciuszko path and lookout walkway

1.9 km

40 mins

45m

-94m Hard track

Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk follows the metal walkway heading south down the gentle hill, initially keeping the view to Lake Cootapatamba to your right. The path leads down the ridge across the saddle to find a faint intersection with a foot pad, where the spur from the rocky North Rams Head (on your right) meets the track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads south along the metal walkway, keeping Rams Head ridge line to your right. The walk follows the metal walkway past the 'Endangered Mammals live between boulders' sign[38] then across the upper reaches of the Snowy River. Here the walk heads up this hill to find a three-way intersection of metal paths, with the Kosciuszko lookout track (on your left).

(10km) Int of Kosciuszko path and lookout walkway → Kosciuszko lookout

50 m

1 mins

-1m Hard track

Turn sharp left: From the intersection[39], this walk heads north-east along the metal path that branches off the main path. The path leads a short distance up some steps[40] to soon come to the metal platform at the Kosciuszko lookout[41][42]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

Kosciuszko lookout

Kosciuszko lookout is about 30m off the main Kosciuszko walk, along a metal walkway. At the lookout, there is a larger platform with an information sign about how the landscape was formed over the years. Granting a great view of the Snowy Mountains to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko.

(10km) Int of Kosciuszko path and lookout walkway → Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift

1.8 km

40 mins

-141m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the metal walkway south, up the hill (away from the lookout). The track leads over the gentle rise and soon comes to 'A rocky mountain home' information sign[43] and a 'Thredbo 1.5km' tag[44] pointing down the hill. Here the walk heads down a series of steps to mostly flatten out at the 'Flowers emerge with warmer weather' information sign[45]. Soon after this, the walk comes to a 'Plant communities - keeping a low profile' information sign[46], marking an intersection (where the snow-pole line on your left joins the main track)[47].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the metal walkway south, downhill, soon passing a 'Plant communities - keeping a low profile' information sign[48] and a 'Thredbo 1.0km' badge[49][50] welded to the track. The walk continues to follow this track down the hill, then past the 'Everything is connected' information sign[51] and the large 'Kosciuszko Walk' sign[52]. At the bottom of the steps, this walk comes to an intersection (with a minor track on your left) just before a bridge at a lovely spot beside the creek.
Continue straight: From the end of the metal walkway[53], this walk crosses the creek using the metal bridge[54] and follows the paved path up and over the gentle rise[55], heading towards the ski lifts. Soon the path leads past a small alcove with two information signs[56]. Here the walk continues along the path a short distance to find a signposted intersection with the 'Dead Horse Gap' track[57] (on your right), where there is also an arrow pointing back to 'Mt Kosciuszko Lookout'[58].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows 'Eagles Nest Restaurant' sign[59] down along the paved path towards the chairlift building[60]. The path gently winds down the hill to find the top of the 'Kosciuszko Express' chairlift[61] and the Eagles Nest Restaurant[62].

Eagles Nest Restaurant

This is Australia's highest restaurant, providing great food and outstanding views. It is easily accessible, nestled on the mountain directly opposite the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift, and is open year-round. For more information, call (02) 64576019.

Kosciuszko Express Chairlift

This is one of the few lifts operating in the summer months at Thredbo, and is made quite popular by thousands of people walking to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko each year. Lift tickets can be purchased from the store at the bottom of the chairlift. Lift tickets are $31 return ($25 one way) per person. This lift is generally closed during November and May for maintenance each year, but the the Snowgum chair can be used at this time instead, this will add extra walking time to you walk. More info.

(12km) Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift → Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift

1.9 km

20 mins

-558m Very easy

Turn left: From the top terminal, walk up to the platform as directed by the chairlift operator and sit down in the seat, letting it scoop you up. Once seated, pull down the safety bar and enjoy the ride down to Thredbo village. :) After alighting at the bottom, this walk turns right to almost immediately turn left down a set of steps and heads through the building to find an open area at the front of the 'Valley Terminal' building where there are some large maps.

Maps for the Charlotte Pass to Thredbo via Rawson Pass walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Perisher Valley	1:25 000 Map Series	85252S PERISHER VALLEY	NSW-85252S
Chimneys Ridge	1:25 000 Map Series	85241N CHIMNEYS RIDGE	NSW-85241N
Kosciuszko	1:100 000 Map Series	8525 KOSCIUSZKO	8525
Jacobs River	1:100 000 Map Series	8524 JACOBS RIVER	8524

Cross sectional view of the Charlotte Pass to Thredbo via Rawson Pass bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Charlotte Pass to Thredbo via Rawson Pass

Altitude analysis for Charlotte Pass to Thredbo via Rawson Pass

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	12.2 km
		Time	5 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

6km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 5km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (2.2km) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

Around 12km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 2.4km follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 14km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 14km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

12km of this walk is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety and another 1.9km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation). The remaining (350m) is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 14km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Charlotte Pass to Thredbo via Rawson Pass walk.

Merritts Nature Track

3.7 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walk explores the native bushland around the winter skiing area. After riding the Kosciuszko Express chairlift up the hill, arriving near the Eagles Nest restaurant, the walk winds through the snow gum forest, following ski runs and bush tracks back down the hill. The walk passes the popular

Total climbing: 65m

Hard track

Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Kosciuszko lookout

3.8 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

This scenic walk explores the start of the track heading towards Mt Kosciuszko from the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift. The walk takes you to the Kosciuszko Lookout, following along side the Rams Head Range, along the metal walkway. This walk takes in the views of Thredbo, North Rams Head

Total climbing: 149m

Hard track

Dead Horse Gap Track

5.3 km One way, 3 hrs

Starting from near Dead Horse Gap on the Alpine Way, this walk follows the signposted track across Bogong Creek and up the ridge to top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift. This walk provides wide views that expand as you climb, exploring a snow gum forest lower down and the open grass herb fields as yo

Total climbing: 486m

Hard track

Merritts Traverse

5.8 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This walk starts with a scenic journey to the top of the hill on the chairlift. Starting along Merritts Nature walk, this walk soon detours down the hill by following a series of signposted management trails and ski runs. The walk visits a few scenic creeks, but the main highlights are the wide view

Total climbing: 167m

Hard track

Thredbo to Cootapatamba lookout return

7.5 km Return, 3 hrs 45 mins

This walk starts at the Thredbo Village and takes a ride up the Kosciuszko Express chairlift to the Eagles Nest restaurant. Then on foot, you head along the footpath, winding up towards Mt Kosciuszko, passing North Rams Head and the Kosciuszko lookout. The walk soon arrives at the metal platform o

Total climbing: 287m

Hard track

Summit Trail - Charlotte Pass to Snowy River

9 km Return, 3 hrs

Starting at the end of the road at Charlotte Pass, this walk follows the old Kosciuszko Road towards the main range, stopping at the bridge over the Snowy River. At this point the Snowy River is still in its infancy, as is starts its long journey to the ocean in Victoria. The walk follows a well d

Total climbing: 237m

Hard track

Dead Horse Gap Loop track

9.8 km Circuit, 4 hrs 30 mins

This walk starts with a ride up the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift. There is an opportunity to eat at Australia's highest restaurant, before heading over the Rams Head Range. After enjoying the spectacular views from the Rams Head Range, the walk drops to Dead Horse Gap, then follows a bush track alon

Total climbing: 144m

Hard track

Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo River loop

10.1 km Circuit, 5 hrs

This loop walk starts from Dead Horse Gap and does a large circuit up to the Eagles Nest Restaurant and down the Chairlift before returning along the Thredbo River. Along the walk there are stunning views from the top of the Rams Head Range, before the opportunity for lunch at Australia's Highest Re

Total climbing: 710m

Hard track

Summit Trail - Charlotte Pass to Seamans Hut

12 km Return, 4 hrs 30 mins

This nice walk starts from Charlotte Pass and follows the old Kosciuszko Road through the mountains to Seamans Hut, crossing the famous Snowy River along the way. Seamans Hut is a great place to enjoy lunch and is openly available for day use (and for emergency use at night). Most of this walk gives

Total climbing: 332m

Hard track

Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko

12.4 km Return, 6 hrs

This popular walk starts with a ride up to the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift, and goes to the top of Mt Kosciuszko. From the top of the chairlift, the walk follows a footpath, passing the Kosciuszko and Cootapatamba lookouts, as it winds up to Rawson Pass. At Rawson Pass, the walk meets t

Total climbing: 459m

Hard track

Summit Trail - Charlotte Pass to Rawson Pass

15.2 km Return, 5 hrs 30 mins

This walk starts at the end of the road at Charlotte Pass, and follows the Old Kosciuszko Road as it winds through the mountains to Rawson Pass. The walk passes the well known Snowy River and Seamans Hut. Rawson Pass is at the foot of Australia's highest mountain, and there are great views along th

Total climbing: 461m

Hard track

Summit walk - Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko - Summit Trail

18.5 km Return, 6 hrs

This popular walk starts at Charlotte Pass and follows the Old Kosciuszko Road, as it winds through the mountains, to Rawsons Pass, then continues to the top of Kosciuszko. The walk passes the well known Snowy River and Seamans Hut. From Rawsons Pass it is a fairly short walk up the footpath to Mt

Total climbing: 611m

Hard track

Main Range Walk - Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko

21.9 km Circuit, 9 hrs

This full day walk explores some of the greatest alpine country on offer in NSW. The walk grants views of Blue, Club and Albina Lakes, climbs to the top of Mt Kosciuszko and crosses the famous Snowy River twice. This main range circuit is one of the classic walks in New South Wales, as the views in

Total climbing: 920m

Hard track

Guthega to Thredbo camping overnight at Wilkensons Creek

25.8 km One way, 2 Days

This great overnight walk explores the Kosciusko National Park between Guthega and Thredbo, visiting some fantastic sights along the way like the Snowy River, Blue Lake and Mt Twynam, Lake Albina and Mt Kosiuszko. The Wilkinsons Creek camping area is a nice place to stop and reflect as the sun sets.

Total climbing: 1364m

Experienced only

Main Range Track - Loop from Charlotte Pass camping near Mt Townsend

27.7 km Circuit, 2 Days

This great overnight walk starts from Charlotte Pass and provides access to some of the best sights around the Kosciuszko National Park. Just a few of the features along this walk include reaching the summits of the two tallest peaks in Australia, looking down on some glacial lakes and crossing the

Total climbing: 1260m

Experienced only

Main Range Circuit from Guthega

45 km Circuit, 4 Days

This four day walk explores the Kosciuszko National Park, covering many of the key features of the park between Guthega and Rawson Pass. Some of the more popular sights you will visit are the Snowy River, Blue Lake and Lake Albina, a couple of great alpine huts and the two highest peaks in Australia

Total climbing: 2317m

Experienced only

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Charlotte Pass to Thredbo via Rawson Pass walk.

Charlotte Pass to Mt Stilwell return

3.8 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

This enjoyable walk starts from the end of Kosciuszko Rd, Charlotte Pass, and follows the ridgeline, on the western side of the village, up to the top of Mt Stilwell. The walk passes the Tbar and Chairlift stations along the way. This walk follows a clear track to the top, and is great for those lo

Total climbing: 203m

Hard track

Main Range Track - Charlotte Pass to Blue Lake

9.3 km Return, 4 hrs

This walk starts from the end of Kosciuszko Road, at Charlotte Pass, and follows the signposted Main Range Track to the Blue Lake lookout. The walk crosses the famous Snowy River along the way. The Blue Lake lookout is located a short walk down sidetrack and provides stunning views of the lake. The

Total climbing: 542m

Hard track

Main Range Track - Charlotte Pass to the Snowy River return

1.6 km Return, 45 mins

This walk starts at the end of Kosciuszko Road, Charlotte Pass, and follows a paved footpath down, between lightly scattered snow gums, to the bottom of the valley, where it comes to the famous Snowy River. The Foremans Hut ruins can be found along the optional side trip described in the notes.

Total climbing: 123m

Hard track

Snow Gums Boardwalk

374 m Return, 15 mins

This short walk starts at Charlotte Pass and follows a stone path, then boardwalk, discovering snow gums and two great lookouts. The first lookout provides great views west, up the Snowy River and Club Lake Creek to the Main Range and Australia's highest peaks. The next lookout is high on a rocky

Total climbing: 15m

Moderate track

Charlotte Pass Village and Mt Stilwell loop

4.2 km Circuit, 2 hrs 15 mins

This loop walk starts at Charlotte Pass, and winds up to Mt Stilwell's peak, with stunning views in every direction. The walk then goes along the ridge line to the village lookdown, near the demolished Tbar station, before returning to the village through the snow gum forest. There is an optional s

Total climbing: 295m

Hard track

Charlotte Pass to Village Dam

778 m Return, 30 mins

This short, leisurely walk starts at the bottom of the Kangaroo Ridge Triple Chairlift, just on the edge of the village. The walk follows the faint grassy service trail around the edge of the great snow gum forest to the small dam in Spencers Creek, not far from the village. This is a great walk fo

Total climbing: 45m

Moderate track

Charlotte Pass to Village Lookdown

2.4 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This is a fun walk, starting from the bottom of the Kangaroo Ridge Triple Chairlift, and following the management trail and bush track up the side of the ridge through a great snowgum forest to the top, where it comes to the village lookdown, near an old demolished Tbar station.

Total climbing: 215m

Hard track

Porcupine Walk

5.6 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

Starting at the Perisher Valley Reservoir, this walk heads up through Rock Creek valley to the the panoramic views from Porcupine Rocks. On this walk, you will wander through button grass plains and among groves of snow gums whilst passing some granite tors. From the top of this walk, there are grea

Total climbing: 214m

Hard track

Bullock's track - via Bullock's Hut

5.2 km Circuit, 2 hrs

This walk explores some of the history and beauty along the Thredbo River around Bullocks Flat. Starting from the Thredbo Diggings campsite, you will follow the clearly signposted Bullocks Track though the scattering of snow gums and granite boulders to Bullocks Hut, before returning to the campsit

Total climbing: 110m

Moderate track

Bullock's Track via Muzzlewood Flat

4.5 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This pleasant circuit walk explores some lovely sections of the Thredbo River, as well as some snow gum forests, granite boulder outcrops and a series of frost hollows. Much of the first half of this walk follows the Thredbo River passing some inviting grassy areas where you can sit and enjoy the wa

Total climbing: 102m

Moderate track

Bullocks Hut

1.5 km Return, 30 mins

On this walk, you will explore a historic section of the Thredbo River around Bullocks Flat. Starting at the ski tube car park, this walk follows the signposted track under the rail bridge to the historic Bullocks Hut. There is an optional side trip across the Thredbo River to explore some rusty rui

Total climbing: 22m

Moderate track

Rock Creek Snowshoe Trail

3 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This well signposted, winter-only snowshoe walk is a great way to get into snowshoeing for the first time. Starting from Perisher Village, this walk soon leaves the main road to follow a series of snow poles up a gully and around a small hill. There are some interesting information signs to help y

Total climbing: 84m

Moderate track