Guthega to Charlotte Pass

Download & Print Map and Notes

6 hrs 30 mins

15.2 km One way

908 m

Experienced only

This walk explores the wonderful alpine country between Guthega village and Charlotte Pass at the end of Kosciuszko Rd. Starting with views of Guthega Dam, the walk visits Illawong Lodge and crosses the Snowy River suspension bridge before climbing up to Mt Twynam. Once on the Main Range track, you can take short side trips to Carruthers Peak and Blue Lake Lookout before crossing the Snowy River again and walking up to Charlotte Pass. A great walk for people who enjoy some off-track sections in their walks.

* This walk passes through very remote areas and sections have no visible track. At least one person in your group should have training and experience in off track walking and navigation. Even with these notes and a GPS these extra skills and equipment are required.

Guthega Pondage looking along Blue Cow creek arm

The track heading up the hill on the western side of Blue Cow Creek

Following the track on the eastern side of the Snowy River

Blue Lake intersection on the Main Range Track

Path looking south to Carruthers Creek Valley

Main Range Track south of Carruthers Creek

Confluence of Club Lake Creek and the Snowy River

Path near Snowy River looking up towards Charlotte Pass

Looking across the Main Range Track from Charlotte Pass

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.

Guthega

Guthega is a relatively small township, north of Perisher, and comprises mostly of hotel and lodge-style buildings. The most popular service in town is the Guthega Alpine Inn, open year round. The town is remote and access is by an all-weather dirt road. There are great views over the main range and the Guthega Pondage (part of the Snowy River Scheme). Guthega offers a great place to ski in winter, and to holiday in summer. In summer, there is plenty of walking, mountain biking, fishing and relaxing to be done. Walkers please note - there is no public water supply in the township, please fill water bottle before coming (or be willing treat and use the creek water).

Guthega Alpine Inn

Guthega Alpine Inn is on Guthega Road, about 500 metres past the base of the chairlift and 'Guthega Centre'. The hotel provides a year-round service including accommodation and meals. The hosts are friendly and the hotel provides a great base for walkers and other holiday makers. Please phone and book ahead for meals and accommodation. Phone 02 6457 5383 More info.

(0km) Car park below Guthega Alpine Inn → Int. of Guthega road servicetrail and Flying fox track

480 m

10 mins

-34m Moderate track

From the car park (just below Guthega Alpine Inn, on Guthega Rd, 500m past the Guthega Centre), the walk follows the concrete road down the hill, keeping the main valley to the left. The road passes a small stone building and light post, just before coming to an intersection with another road heading off to the left, below the building named 'Toibunga'.
Turn sharp left: From the intersection, the walk follows the concrete road down the hill towards the dam. After about 100m, the track veers right at another intersection, following the lower track. The concrete track turns to the right, but this walk continues straight, onto the wide dirt management trail (between the small boulders). Soon the trail bends right and comes to an intersection with a bush track.

(0km) Int. of Guthega road servicetrail and Flying fox track → Flying Fox

330 m

9 mins

15m

-44m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk heads between the boulders and is fairly flat initially, then, near a snow gum, the track steps down steeply and then winds down the hill to a 'T' intersection above Blue Cow Creek. (There is broken glass along this section of track, left over from Snowy River Scheme Camps).
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk initially steps over a small, eroded gap in the track[1] and then heads upstream alongside Blue Cow Creek, keeping the creek to your right. Before long, the track comes closer to the creek, and reaches a rocky crossing with a bridge[2] and a flying fox[3] over the creek.

Flying Fox

This metal flying fox was put in place to provide a safer option for crossing Blue Cow Creek when the water rises over the rocks. There are many flying foxes in the area to help people cross creeks, especially useful during snow melt when water is cold, deep and fast-moving. In 2010, a metal bridge was installed over this creek, parallel to the flying fox, and the bridge is now the safest way to cross.

(1km) Blue Cow Creek crossing → Illawong Lodge

2.2 km

50 mins

129m

-87m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk crosses the creek on the bridge[4] next to the metal flying fox[5]. The walk then follows the bush track on the other side as it climbs to the top of the ridge. From the top of the hill, the track then winds down towards the Snowy River then turns left and generally follows it upstream. Soon the walk crosses a small creek and continues up the other side, undulating through the valley, crossing several more small creeks. The track winds left, away from the Snowy River, to climb the short hill to Illawong Lodge.

Illawong Lodge

In 1956, the year after the Guthega Dam was first filled, the Kosciuszko State Park Trust gave permission for the conversion of the then-dilapidated hut into the present simple lodge. The lodge is maintained by members of Illawong Ski Tourers and friends. The nearby suspension bridge over the Snowy River and the flying fox over Farm Creek were built by members of Illawong. NPWS now maintains the suspension bridge and a new bridge over Farm Creek which has replaced the flying fox. The lodge can be reserved by members of the general public - see illawong.asn.au. There is also a small emergency shelter in the base of the hut, on the western wall, with enough room for a few people to see out a blizzard, with some water, blankets and other emergency supplies. More info.

(3km) Illawong Lodge → Suspension bridge

160 m

4 mins

-28m Moderate track

Turn right: From the west side of Illawong Lodge (where the emergency shelter is located), the walk heads down towards the creek following the bush track. The track winds through scrub, passing through a grass clearing along the way. The walk soon comes to a cable suspension bridge.

Suspension Bridge

Constructed and maintained by Illawong Ski Tourers, and only a stone's throw from Illawong Lodge, this cable suspension bridge provides a safer way to cross the upper Snowy River. This provides the main access between Guthega and the Main Range. The bridge also provides great views of the valley.

(3km) Suspension bridge → Pounds Creek flats

2.6 km

1 hr 13 mins climb

342m

0m Experienced only

Continue straight: From the suspension bridge, this walk crosses the Snowy River to the west bank and climbs the hill, tending to the left of the top of the hill, and continuing up through the thick scrub. This section of the walk their is not track please fan out and minimse your impact. The walk winds up the ridge line through some more shallow scrub, passing through a thin tree line. The walk continues around to the left side of the ridge, where it gets much steeper, staying high out of the gully (which is to your left). The walk continues to the top of the ridge where it is much rockier, next to the large flats near the headwaters for Pounds Creek.

Pounds Creek Flats

Located in the far upper reaches of Pounds Creek, this large flat area on the side of the ridge makes a great place to camp. The plateau forms a shallow hanging swamp in the few months after winter, when the snow melts and pools in the area. This campsite is flat and sheltered from the wind by the mountain. Water supply from the creek is unreliable.

(6km) Pounds Creek flats → Twynam saddle

1.1 km

29 mins

131m

0m Experienced only

Veer left: From the flats, this walk heads south-west, following the ridge line that runs up the steep hill. The walk winds up and around the left side of the flats towards Little Twynam, bending around to the right as it approaches the top, then climbing up into the saddle between Little Twynam and Mt Twynam.

(7km) Twynam saddle → Mt Twynam

580 m

13 mins

97m

0m Experienced only

Turn right: From the saddle, this walk heads north up the grassy hill towards Mt Twynam, climbing up the steep hill and winding through rocky outcrops. The walk turns to the north-west and continuing up to the trig station at the top of Mt Twynam.

Mt Twynam

Mt Twynam is the largest peak on the ridgeline that winds around behind Blue Lake. It was once the location of a trig station, which was used for navigation until it was taken down. The metal frame, which was the lower half of the station, still sits on the peak today.

(7km) Mt Twynam → Int of Main Range and Mt Twynam tracks

2.9 km

1 hr 1 mins climb

26m

-166m Experienced only

Continue straight: From the top of the mountain, this walk heads north-west, away from Little Twynam. The walk winds down through the rocky outcrops onto the ridge line, where it meets the old management trail and follows it west along the ridge line. The trail heads anticlockwise around Blue Lake until coming around to the south. The walk continues down and along the trail until coming to the right-hand side of the last knoll.
Continue straight: From near the top of the hill, the walk follows the old 4WD trail south-west, down along the ridge line. At the end of the ridge, the trail winds down the steep, grassy hill into the saddle and around behind a signpost to the intersection with the Main Range track.

(10km) Int of Main Range and Mt Twynam tracks → Carruthers Peak

860 m

18 mins

99m

-2m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Main Range Track' sign[8] across the saddle then uphill along the clear track. The track winds up along the ridge and in time comes to a rocky clearing on the eastern side of Carruthers Peak[9] (where a short detour will reveal views down to Club Lake). Here the walk bends right and follows the clear track as it winds up the hill[10] to the views at the top of Carruthers Peak[11]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Carruthers Peak

Carruthers Peak is a prominent mountain that is found along the Main Range track, from which you can see great views down over Club Lake and out across the valley to Charlotte Pass. Carruthers Peak was named after the NSW Minister for Lands and Premier, Joseph Carruthers. This name was given in 1991 by Richard Helms, who had previously named it Crummer.

(10km) Int of Main Range and Mt Twynam tracks → Int of Main Range and Blue Lake Lookout tracks

880 m

17 mins

-60m Hard track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the wide track in the opposite direction to the 'Main Range Track' sign[12], keeping the valley to your right. The track winds gently along the side of the hill[13], generally heading downhill. In time, the walk comes to a paved area[14] with a view to Blue Lake[15], and some information signs[16] marking a three-way intersection.

(11km) Int of Main Range and Blue Lake Lookout tracks → Blue Lake lookout

640 m

14 mins

-72m Hard track

Veer left: From the paved area[17], this walk follows the dirt track next to the stone seat, heading east towards Blue Lake[18]. The rocky track winds down and around the northern side of the ridge[19] to a platform[20] with an information sign[21] and a fantastic view of Blue Lake[22]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Blue Lake

Blue Lake is the best example of a glacial lake in the alpine area. At 28m deep, this lake was formed when glaciers, flowing from the Great Dividing Range, converged and carved out a basin in the rock. This is visible in the cliffs behind the lake, where the glaciers have plucked out blocks of stone and carried them away. There is also a stream that flows from Blue lake, feeding Hedley Tarn just to the south.

(11km) Int of Main Range and Blue Lake Lookout tracks → Snowy River crossing

3.2 km

1 hr 7 mins climb

33m

-306m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the long, paved footpath[23] heading south, directly down to the valley (away from Blue Lake[24]). About halfway down this hill, the track passes a 'Remnants of an ancient sea' information sign[25], then continues down the paved path to rock-hop across Carruthers Creek[26]. The walk follows the wide track down the side of the hill, passing over a few paved sections[27]. As the track leads between the granite boulders[28] and over the top of the ridge, there are some views to Hedley Tarn[29] (to your left). The track then starts to wind gently down the hill, passing a 'Created by glaciers' information sign[30] and then, about 1.5km later, passes a 'Mountains of Soil' information sign[31] as the track becomes a bit steeper. About 400m after this sign, the track becomes paved[32] again and leads down to a creek. Here the walk crosses Club Lake Creek[33] using the rocks, to the narrow strip of land between the two creeks. (The creek may not be safe to cross when water covers the stepping stones[34]).

Snowy River crossing

At the lowest point of the the Main Range circuit track is the confluence (meeting) of the Snowy River and Club Lake Creek. The walking track uses stones in the river to try to get across with dry feet. Since the track crosses just above the confluence there is an 'island'[35] halfway across. These creeks may become impassable after rain and snow melt. This is lovely place to rest and enjoy the water and valley.

(14km) Snowy River crossing → End of Kosciuszko Road

790 m

18 mins

122m

-1m Hard track

Veer left: From between the creeks[36], this walk heads south along the wide track to cross the Snowy River using the stepping stones[37]. (Crossing the river is dangerous and is not advisable when the water is flowing over the stepping stones[38]). Soon passing the 'From the mountains to the sea' information sign[39], this walk continues along the wide, paved path that winds up the hill[40]. The path leads through a scattering of snow gums[41] for approximately 650m, then past a 'Glaciers shaped this ancient landscape' information sign[42]. Passing below Charlotte Pass lookout[43] (up to your left), the path soon comes to the turning circle at the end of Kosciuszko Rd at Charlotte Pass[44][45].

Maps for the Guthega to Charlotte 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
Kosciuszko	1:100 000 Map Series	8525 KOSCIUSZKO	8525

Cross sectional view of the Guthega to Charlotte Pass bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Guthega to Charlotte Pass

Altitude analysis for Guthega to Charlotte 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	15.2 km
		Time	6 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 5/6 Experienced only	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Rough unclear track (5/6)
		Signs	No directional signs (5/6)
		Experience Required	High level of bushwalking experience recommended (5/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather likely to have an impact on your navigation and safety (5/6)
		Infrastructure	No facilities provided (5/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

13km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2.2km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (240m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 4.9km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. Whilst another 3km follows a rough unclear track and a 1.5km section follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. The remaining 480m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

5km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 3.7km has directional signs at most intersection. Whilst another 3.2km has minimal directional signs and the remaining 3km Has no directional signs.

Experience Required

7km of this walk requires a leader with a high level of bushwalking experience and another 4km requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience. Whilst another 3.6km requires some bushwalking experience and the remaining 480m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

8km of this walk is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety and another 4km forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather likely to have an impact on your navigation and safety. Whilst another 2.8km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety and the remaining 400m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

6km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 4.3km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged). Whilst another 3.7km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and the remaining 1.1km has no facilities provided.

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk.

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

Illawong Walk

6.4 km Return, 2 hrs 45 mins

From Guthega village, this walk leads you over Blue Cow Creek and alongside the Snowy River to Illawong Lodge and the suspension bridge. You will be using a narrow, unsignposted but generally clear track. A flying fox is in place over Blue Cow Creek, however a more modern bridge offers a safer path

Total climbing: 343m

Moderate track

Guthega to Snowy River Suspension Bridge

6.4 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

This enjoyable walk starts from Guthega and mostly follows the famous Snowy River, to reach the cable suspension bridge. Before reaching the bridge, the walk crosses the Blue Cow Creek at the flying fox, and winds through the snow gums and the open plains.

Total climbing: 343m

Moderate 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

Guthega to Mt Twynam

14.8 km Return, 6 hrs 45 mins

This walk starts from Guthega and makes its way along the Snowy River to the Illawong Lodge, via the Blue Cow Creek flying fox. From the lodge, the walk crosses the suspension bridge and begins the climb up the ridge past Pounds Creek Flats to the top of Mt Twynam. From here, there is an optional si

Total climbing: 913m

Experienced only

Guthega to Blue Lake via Little Twynam

17.4 km Return, 8 hrs

This great walk starts at Guthega and explores the area east of Blue Lake. The walk heads to the Illawong Lodge, via the Blue Cow Creek flying fox, and then crosses the famous Snowy River at the suspension bridge. The walk then winds up the long ridge to the top of Little Twynam and down to Blue La

Total climbing: 1120m

Experienced only

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 Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk.

Guthega River Snowshoe

3.3 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This pleasant snowshoe walk starts from the car park at Guthega. You will wander down the gently hill following a wide trail, then cross Guthega Dam wall. There are great views over the pondage as you continue along the snow covered trail past Guthega Shaft. The flat trail soon ends and the more cha

Total climbing: 115m

Hard track

Guthega Trig

6 km Return, 3 hrs

On this walk, you will visit the old Guthega Trig station and its wide views over the Guthega Dam, the township and surrounding country side. The walk initially leads along management trails and across the dam wall before following a narrow foot pad up the ridge between Guthega River and Falls Cree

Total climbing: 377m

Very experienced only

Mount Piper Trail

5.2 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

This winter-only snowshoe walk starts from the Smiggins Centre and follows a snow pole line and cross-country ski trail to Perisher Valley. Starting along the road, you soon follow a snow pole line up and behind Mt Piper. There are some wide vistas over Perisher Creek Valley along sections of this

Total climbing: 167m

Hard 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

Wheatley Circuit

7.3 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This snowshoe walk follows a winter-only route. From Perisher Valley, you walk up along the Kosciuszko Rd to a gap, just past the last ski lift. Here you leave the road to follow the snow pole line up along the Wheatley Link among the snow gums and crossing some open plains. This link leads up to a

Total climbing: 251m

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

Munyang River Circuit

14.1 km Circuit, 5 hrs 30 mins

This walk explores the alpine country and huts around the Munyang River. You will explore parts of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, starting with the Munyang /Guthega Power station, before climbing up the steep old road to find some great views down the valley. Optional side trips can take you to the Gat

Total climbing: 649m

Hard track

Schlink Hut Walk

22.4 km Return, 9 hrs

This full day (or overnight) walk visits a series of interesting huts whilst exploring some open alpine country and parts of the Snowy Mountains Scheme. Starting at the Guthega / Munyang Power station, you climb up the steep old road to find some great views down the valley. Optional side trips visi

Total climbing: 918m

Hard track

Rainbow Lake Trail

2.5 km Return, 1 Hr

This popular walk explores the snow gums and alpine grasslands between Kosciuszko Rd and Rainbow Lake. The lake is the main focal point for the walk and is a great place to rest or have lunch. The man-made lake was built in the early 1900's to provide water to the Hotel Kosciusko, it is now a natu

Total climbing: 109m

Moderate 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

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 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