Tips for Hiking in the Australian Alps: Mount Kosciuszko 

The Australian Alps are a vast and iconic mountain range that stretches across New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria and includes 16 national parks and reserves. A playground for adventure and nature lovers, there are so many stunning backcountry hikes in the Australian Alps during the summer months. Plus epic snow adventures in the winter months for really keen hikers!

The Australian Alps is one of my favourite places in Australia to explore - with the Snowy Mountains roughly 5.5 hours from Sydney and the Victorian Alps around 3-4 hours from Melbourne. The bushfires earlier this year affected various areas of the Australian Alps, luckily there were many areas that were unaffected and are in desperate need of our business when domestic travel re-opens. 

While we sit at home in social isolation, now is the perfect time to start dreaming up your next adventure… So here is an introduction to one of my favourite ‘must do’ hikes in the Australian Alps, Mount Kosciuszko summit. If you’ve never hiked in the Australian Alps before, then the Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk, up Australia’s highest peak, is a great one to start with so be sure to add it to your bucket list! 

Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk (Snowy Mountains, Australian Alps)

The Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk is a great introductory walk and won’t disappoint with its stunning panoramic views. You'll be literally on “the roof of Australia” at 2228m. Don’t let that put you off though - even though it’s Australia’s highest peak it’s still a relatively easy grade walk that is quite achievable.

Soak up the sweeping alpine meadows, bubbling alpine rivers and weathered snow gums. During early summer admire amazing displays of wildflowers including snow daisies, billy buttons and other wildflowers. This is a great day hike to do with family and friends, plus you’ll tick off one of the “Seven Summits”! 

Which route to take?

There are three routes that will take you to the summit showcasing stunning Australian Alps wilderness. I have personally ticked off all of them! It’s such an iconic day walk that I love going back every few years. My favourite route to take is going up via Merritts Nature Track starting in Thredbo which starts on a small nature trail through gum tree forests and past enchanting streams. However if you’re looking for something a little less strenuous and technical then I’d recommend taking the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift up the first section which then takes you to the start of the easy - medium 13km footpath to the summit.  The Summit Trail from Charlotte pass is also an easy - medium grade gravel road, however, is a longer 18.6km return hike.

Option 1: Thredbo start via Kosciuszko Express Chairlift (13km return, 4 to 5 hours)

This is one of the shortest and easiest ways to summit Mount Kosciuszko and best if you’re going with young kids. Starting in Thredbo, catch the Kosciuszko Express chairlift up to the start of the trail (one of the only running chairlifts in the summer months). After your fun chairlift ride, pass the rocky granite outcrops of the Ramshead Range and cross the headwaters of the snowy river and on to Rawson Pass. Take in the sweeping views from the top! On the way back down grab yourself a nice treat from the Eagles Nest Restaurant at the top of the chairlift before taking the 5 minute ride back down.

Option 2: Thredbo start via Merritts Nature Track (4km nature trail + 13km footpath, 6 to 8 hours)

Instead of getting the chairlift, my favourite option is going along the Merritts Nature Track. It is a challenging 4km track that takes about 2-3 hours uphill before meeting the main 13km footpath. It may be more challenging but worth it as it’s such a tranquil and magical walk through the bushland. You’ll pass trickling streams and painted forests of paperbark gums. Stop at a small lookout on the trail which is a great shaded spot to rest your legs with a bench seat and take in the view across the wide valley. When you get to the top of the trail, treat yourself to a rewarding beverage at Eagles Nest restaurant before joining the main trail (with the chairlift goers). Enjoy the panoramic views from the top! 

Option 3: Charlotte Pass start on The Summit Trail (18.6km return, 6 to 8 hours) 

Starting at Charlotte Pass, the popular Summit Trail follows Old Kosciuszko Road. The old road which is only open to walkers and bike riders is quite wide and well graded. Stop for lunch after you cross the Snowy River at the historic Seaman’s Hut built in 1929.From Rawson Pass it’s a fairly short distance on a footpath to Mount Kosciuszko’s peak. On a clear day, the views span all the way to the horizon in every direction from the highest point in Australia.