Snowy Mountains

New South Wales

Ngarigo Country

Mount Kosciuszko - Our tallest mount

Mount Kosciuszko

Mount Kosciuszko

Mount Kosciuszko is Australia’s highest mountain, located in the Snowy Mountains in Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales. The mountain was formed by a geologic uplift and not  by volcanic activity.

Kosciuszko National Park is the location of the closest downhill ski slopes to Canberra and Sydney, where you will find the Thredbo, Charlotte Pass, and Perisher ski resorts. The peak and surrounding areas get a covering of snow in the winter & spring (June-October or later).

There are 3 popular walks to the peak:

  1. You used to be able to drive from Charlotte Pass to within a few metres of the summit, but in 1977 the road was closed to public vehicle access due to environmental concerns. The road is open from Charlotte Pass for walkers and cyclists for 7.6km to Rawson Pass, from there a 1.4km walking path leads to the summit. Cyclists must leave their bicycles at the bicycle rack at Rawson Pass, then continue on to the summit on foot. A modest level of fitness is required to walk to the top. The road from Charlotte Pass is marked by snow poles, providing as a guide for cross-country skiers.
  2. The peak can be approached from Thredbo, taking 3 to 3.5 hours return. The Thredbo Kosciuszko Express chairlift operates all year-round, and the walk to the peak starts there. The walking path is a mesh walkway constructed to protect the native vegetation and prevent erosion. It is 5km to Rawson Pass, where it meets the track from Charlotte Pass. From there it is a further 1.4km to the summit. This walk to the summit is the easiest of all the Seven Summits and a popular walk in summer months. The track from Thredbo is easily followed until covered by snow in winter.
  3. Hannel's Spur Track, is officially Australia's biggest vertical ascent of 1800m. It is a challenging 15.5km track which approaches from the north west and is the only route to pass though the Western Fall Wilderness Zone (4 different bio-diversity bands along the ascent). This is the same annual route that the stockmen once brought the cattle up & down from the valley almost 2km below to graze in the alpine meadows. Hannel's Spur Track is about a 1.4km hike south/south/east of the Geehi Rest Area on the Alpine Way road between the towns of Thredbo and Khancoban.

Every year in December, the Coast to Kosciuszko ultramarathon running race (240km) takes place. It starts at the coast & concludes by ascending to the top of Mount Kosciuszko.



Mount Kosciuszko Map   

Latitude:

-36.4539979

Longitude:

148.2550252



18 Mar 2018

MORE ABOUT NSW

Browse State by State



More Places to Go


Midnight Oil recorded a song called "Kosciusko" on its 1984 album Red Sails in the Sunset


It used to be possible to access the summit of the mountain by road until it was closed from Charlotte Pass in 1977 due to environmental concerns.


Bondi Beach shooting: Community shattered, Nation united
Bondi Beach shooting: Community shattered, Nation united

An unbiased account of the Bondi Beach shooting & how Australia responded.

Bushfires Australia - Plan & Act
Bushfires Australia - Plan & Act

It is ALWAYS a good idea for you to develop a written bushfire survival plan when traveling around Australia.

Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is situated on western outskirts of the Sydney CBD with activities and things to do for most tastes and people.

Balingup
Balingup

Balingup is not only a place of scenic beauty, it also has the Bibbulmun Track passing through it.

The Wines of Barossa
The Wines of Barossa

The Barossa Valley is a renowned wine-producing region northeast of Adelaide, and is the main source of employment for many residents.

Bush Fires in Australia
Bush Fires in Australia

Australians live with the risk of bush fires. Hot weather, long dry periods, and volatile natural vegetation makes most parts of Australia particularly vulnerable to fire.

Unveiling the Mysteries of Old York Hospital
Unveiling the Mysteries of Old York Hospital

Whether you're passionate about history, fascinated by the paranormal, or an admirer of architectural splendor, the Old York Hospital captivates.

Yalata [The Nullarbor]
Yalata [The Nullarbor]

Yalata is an Aboriginal community located 200 kilometres west of Ceduna on the Great Australian Bight in South Australia.

LGBTQIA+ Pride Across Australia
LGBTQIA+ Pride Across Australia

Explore Australia’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ pride festivals, from Perth’s PrideFEST to Sydney’s iconic Mardi Gras. Discover inclusive events, regional celebrations, and the spirit of community that makes Australia a proud and welcoming destination.

Living with Kangaroos
Living with Kangaroos

Kangaroos are one of the most iconic animals in Australia, and they are not restricted to rural areas or the outback.

TOP