Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko

Download & Print Map and Notes

6 hrs

12.4 km Return

459 m

Hard track

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 the old Kosciuszko road and Australia's highest public toilet. From here, the walk continues up the footpath to the top of Mt Kosciuszko. Enjoy the view, and return the same way. If you would prefer the extra walk, you can avoid the chairlift by following Merrits Nature trail or the Dead Horse Gap track.

Looking at the top of the Dead Horse Gap track

Information signs on the Mt Kosciuszko path

Bottom end of the Mt Kosciuszko metal pathway

Passing the snow pole line on the Mt Kosciuszko path

Climbing up to the ridge east of the North Rams Head

Signpost on path for Mt Kosciuszko Lookout

Looking abck along the Mt Kosciuszko Lookout path to the main track

Mt Kosciuszko from from the Mt Kosciuszko Lookout

Near Cootapatamba Lookout with some snow on the path

Looking to Rawson Pass from the metal walkway

Rawson Pass Looking towads Mt Kosciuszko

Stone pathway towards the summit of Mt Kosciuszko

Sign at the int of Main Range track and Kosciuszko path

Looking over Wilkinsons Creek from near the summit of Mt Kosciuszko

Changing landscapes of the Australian alpine regions

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 be carrying 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.

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.

(0km) Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift → Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift

1.9 km

20 mins

558m

-1m Very easy

This walk heads into the 'Valley Terminal' building, where you can buy a ticket for the lift. Continue through the building and up the steps, where this walk turns right to find the bottom terminal of the 'Kosciuszko Express'. 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 to the top of the ridge. :) At the top step of the chair lift and turn left to find the restaurant (now on your right) and track information signs ahead.

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.

(2km) Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift → Int of Dead Horse Gap track and Kosciuszko footpath

350 m

6 mins

23m

0m Moderate track

Turn right: From the top of the chairlift[3], this walk follows the footpath around Eagles Nest restaurant[4][5] (keeping the building to your right). The walk passes the large map[6] and information signs[7], heading up the gentle hill along the paved path[8]. Near the top of the rise, the path leads to a signposted intersection with the 'Dead Horse Gap' track[9] (on your left), where there is also an arrow pointing back to 'Eagles Nest Restaurant'[10].

(2km) Int of Dead Horse Gap track and Kosciuszko footpath → Start of metal walkway

200 m

3 mins

-7m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Mt Kosciuszko Lookout' sign[11] north along the paved path, heading up the gentle hill. The path soon leads past an alcove with two information signs[12], then leads gently downhill to cross a river on a steel bridge[13] to find an intersection (with a narrow track on your right) at a lovely spot beside the creek.

(2km) Start of metal walkway → Int of Kosciuszko path and lookout walkway

1.3 km

31 mins

117m

0m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the bridge and up the metal steps, keeping the creek to your left. The path soon leads past a large 'Kosciuszko Walk' sign[14] and an 'Everything is connected' information sign[15]. Soon after the 'Thredbo 1.0km' badge[16][17] (welded to the track), this walk comes to a 'Plant communities - keeping a low profile' information sign[18], marking an intersection (where the snow-pole line starts to leave the main track)[19].
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk continues along the metal walkway, heading up the hill[20]. The walk soon passes a 'Flowers emerge with warmer weather' information sign[21], then heads up a series of steps to find 'A rocky mountain home' information sign[22] and a 'Thredbo 1.5km' tag[23] pointing back down the hill. The track mostly flattens out and heads over a gentle rise, soon leading to a clear 'Y' intersection[24] on the metal track, marked with 'Mt Kosciuszko Lookout' tag[25] welded to the track.

(4km) Int of Kosciuszko path and lookout walkway → Kosciuszko lookout

50 m

1 mins

-1m Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection[26], this walk heads north-east along the metal path that branches off the main path. The path leads a short distance up some steps[27] to soon come to the metal platform at the Kosciuszko lookout[28][29]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp right.

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.

(4km) Int of Kosciuszko path and lookout walkway → Lake Cootapatamba lookout

1.9 km

40 mins

94m

-45m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the metal walkway north, down the gentle hill (initially keeping Mt Kosciuszko lookout to your right). The walk continues along the metal walkway as it dips to cross the upper reaches of the Snowy River. About 400m past the 'Endangered Mammals Live between boulders' sign[30], the path leads to a faint intersection with the North Rams Head track (where the spur comes down to the metal walkway on your left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the metal walkway north into the saddle and up the spur. The path then crosses onto the left-hand side of the ridge as it comes to the signposted 'Lake Cootapatamba Lookout'[31] and the great valley view[32].

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.

(6km) Lake Cootapatamba lookout → Rawson Pass

790 m

14 mins

16m

-6m Hard track

Continue straight: From the lookout[33], this walk follows the metal walkway north[34], down to the bottom of the small hill, keeping Lake Cootapatamba to your left[35]. The path then heads up and around the side of the hill to a clearly signposted intersection[36] at 'Rawson Pass'[37].

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.

(6km) Rawson Pass → Mt Kosciuszko

1.6 km

39 mins

127m

-23m Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection at Rawson Pass, this walk follows the 'Mt Kosciuszko' sign[38] 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[39] (with the Kosciuszko summit track on your left), just past the 'Alpine Walks' sign and map[40].
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Mt Kosciuszko' sign[41] uphill along the upper track. This track winds steadily up and around the peak of the mountain, passing a stone-paved[42] section of track, and also a metal grate[43] before climbing a few steps[44] to the cairn at the peak of Mt Kosciuszko[45].

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).' .

Maps for the Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko 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 Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko

Altitude analysis for Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko

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	12.4 km
		Time	6 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

4.5km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 2.8km is flat with no steps. The remaining (690m) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

Around 6km 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, 8km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 8km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

6km 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, 8km 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 Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko 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

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

Charlotte Pass to Thredbo via Rawson Pass

12.2 km One way, 5 hrs

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

Total climbing: 431m

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 Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko walk.

Meadows Nature Track

3.1 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This circuit walk offers an enjoyable way of exploring the diverse environments near Thredbo Village. Starting near the centre of town, you will follow the Merritts Nature Track partway up the hill. Then, following the Meadows Nature Track signs, you cross a series of open ski runs before heading ba

Total climbing: 210m

Hard track

Pipeline Path

3.3 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

Starting from the Village Terminal, this walk leads you past the bobsled then down to Friday Drive and across the Thredbo River. From here, you follow the signposted Pipeline Path, a dirt track, along the hillside. The track leads to the picture-perfect Snowmakers Ponds for a picnic or a dip. Either

Total climbing: 101m

Moderate track

Thredbo to Village Weir return

2.2 km Return, 1 Hr

This short, relaxing walk starts from Thredbo and follows the Merrits Nature Track to the village weir. A great walk for those who enjoy following a well signposted track. The weir is a lovely spot to stop for lunch before the return journey, back down the hill to Thredbo.

Total climbing: 148m

Hard track

Riverside and Golf Course Walk

3.3 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk explores the Thredbo River from the village then loops around the golf course before returning along the roads to the Valley Terminal. You will see some snow gum forests and enjoy the Thredbo River from many angles. Allow some extra time to sit on a rock beside the river and enjoy the trou

Total climbing: 105m

Moderate track

Thredbo River track

4.8 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

Starting from Thredbo Village you wander along a few roads to the Thredbo Golf Course then follow the track as it winds along beside the Thredbo River to the Alpine way just near Dead Horse Gap. You will stroll through some lovely snow gum forests and enjoys views down to the river from the cascades

Total climbing: 224m

Moderate track

Thredbo to Cascades Lookout return

4.7 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk starts at Thredbo and follows the Riverside Track, along the Thredbo River. The walk passes the golf course and heads through the snow gum forest to the Thredbo River cascades lookout. This walk uses a well defined track from the outskirts of Thredbo Village.

Total climbing: 121m

Moderate track

Bridle Trail Loop

2.9 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk starts by heading through Friday Flats and following a signposted track along the grassy open hillside of Thredbo River valley. You follow the loop through an enchanting snow gum forest, enjoying more valley views in places. A peaceful walk, with only a few short hill climbs, and particul

Total climbing: 149m

Moderate track

Dead Horse Gap to Cascades Lookout return

4.1 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

This enjoyable walk starts at Dead Horse Gap, the highest point on the Alpine Way. The walk follows the Riverside track downstream, along the Thredbo River, through the valley and the snow gum forest to the cascades lookout. This walk follows a well defined track and, although close to the road, yo

Total climbing: 135m

Moderate track

Bob's Ridge Trail

9.7 km Return, 4 hrs

Starting near Dead Horse Gap on the Alpine Way, you will follow the wide Cascade Trail upstream along the Thredbo River. After crossing the river, you will follow the trail through snow gum forests to the signposted Bobs Ridge. From the rocky outcrops at Bobs Ridge, there are great views west over t

Total climbing: 379m

Hard track

Cascade Hut

19.6 km Return, 7 hrs 30 mins

Starting near Dead Horse Gap on the Alpine Way, you will follow the wide Cascade Trail past Bobs Ridge to Cascade Hut in the Pilot Wilderness Area. You follow the Thredbo River for a while before heading over Bobs Ridge, enjoying the distant views into Victoria. The walk then explores a few wooded f

Total climbing: 797m

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