To climb Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest mainland peak at 2,228 metres, take the Kosciuszko Express chairlift from Thredbo and walk about 13 km return, or walk the 18.6 km return Summit Walk from Charlotte Pass. December to March is the best time. Both are day walks that need moderate fitness and weather-ready clothing.
Mount Kosciuszko sits on the Main Range in Kosciuszko National Park in southern New South Wales, near the town of Jindabyne. Explorer Paweł Strzelecki named it in 1840 after the Polish leader Tadeusz Kościuszko. Because it is often counted among the Seven Summits, many hikers call it the easiest of the seven.
When is the best time to climb Mount Kosciuszko?
Summer, from December to March, is the most comfortable period. The tracks are clear of snow, days are long and the alpine meadows are green. Early summer brings wildflowers such as snow daisies and marsh marigolds, according to NSW National Parks.
Also readDelhi Food Guide: 8 Delectable Dishes You Must Try in Delhi
From June to October the walking tracks are usually snowbound. Experienced visitors use them for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, but this needs proper alpine skills and equipment. Spring and autumn are possible, though conditions change fast and snow can linger or arrive early.
Route 1: From Thredbo via the chairlift
This is the most popular and shortest route. From Thredbo village, ride the Kosciuszko Express chairlift to the top station. From there, a raised metal walkway and track lead about 5 km to Rawson Pass, followed by a 1.4 km climb to the summit.
The full walk from the chairlift and back is about 13 km. The path passes a lookout over Lake Cootapatamba, one of the highest lakes on the Australian mainland. Check chairlift operating hours and ticket prices on the Thredbo website before you go, and plan to catch the last lift down.
Route 2: The Summit Walk from Charlotte Pass
NSW National Parks lists the Summit Walk from Charlotte Pass as 18.6 km return, taking 6 to 8 hours, and rates it Grade 3 (hard). It follows an old road that is now closed to public vehicles and open to walkers and cyclists up to Rawson Pass.
Along the way you cross the Snowy River, with a picnic spot about 4.5 km in, and pass Seaman’s Hut, a stone shelter built in 1929. Cyclists can leave their bikes at the bike stands at Rawson Pass and walk the final stretch. There are no reliable water sources, so carry your own drinking water.
Routes compared
| Route | Start | Distance (return) | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kosciuszko Walk | Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift, Thredbo | About 13 km | First-timers, families with older children |
| Summit Walk | Charlotte Pass | 18.6 km (6 to 8 hours) | Fitter walkers, cyclists |
At the top
Both routes meet at Rawson Pass, where a public toilet built in 2007 is known as the highest public toilet in Australia. The final 1.4 km spirals up to the summit cairn, with views across the Snowy Mountains and, on clear days, towards the Victorian High Country.
The summit is a gentle rounded top, not a sharp peak, so most people spend time there taking photos and resting before walking back the same way.
Park entry fees
Vehicle entry fees apply on the Alpine Way and Kosciuszko Road. According to NSW National Parks, the fee for most of the year is AUD 17 per vehicle per day, rising to AUD 29 per vehicle per day in the winter season. Check the official website before travelling, as fees and road conditions can change.
Where to stay near Mount Kosciuszko
- Thredbo: The closest village to the chairlift route, with lodges, apartments and restaurants.
- Jindabyne: A lakeside town with more choice of stays, supermarkets and outdoor activities. It is a good base for both routes.
- Crackenback: Sits between Jindabyne and Thredbo and has resorts and cabins.
- Charlotte Pass: A small alpine village at the start of the Summit Walk, with limited accommodation.
What to pack
Alpine weather can turn cold, wet and windy within an hour, even in summer. NSW National Parks advises bringing clothing for all weather conditions.
- Waterproof jacket and a warm layer such as fleece
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses, as UV levels are high at altitude
- At least two litres of water per person, plus snacks
- A charged phone and a printed or offline map
Tips for Indian travellers
Indian passport holders need an Australian visa, usually the Visitor visa (subclass 600), which is applied for online through the Department of Home Affairs. Most visitors fly into Sydney or Canberra and drive to Jindabyne, as public transport to the park is limited.
Australia drives on the left, like India, which makes self-drive easier. For more trip ideas, read our travel section and fitness tips in health.
Further reading: Mt Kosciuszko.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Mount Kosciuszko?
From the top of the Thredbo chairlift, most people complete the roughly 13 km return walk in half a day. The Charlotte Pass Summit Walk takes 6 to 8 hours, according to NSW National Parks.
Is Mount Kosciuszko hard to climb?
It is not a technical climb. Both routes are on paths and need moderate fitness. The Charlotte Pass route is longer and graded hard because of its distance.
Can you climb Mount Kosciuszko in winter?
The tracks are snowbound from about June to October. Only experienced visitors with alpine skills and equipment should attempt it then, usually on skis or snowshoes.
How high is Mount Kosciuszko?
It is 2,228 metres (7,310 feet) above sea level, the highest point on mainland Australia.
Sources: NSW National Parks, Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk, Mount Kosciuszko on Wikipedia, Australian Department of Home Affairs.
