Mt Kosciuszko + Snowy Mountain Trails

This is a fantastic walk starting in Charlotte Pass and heading down into the valley following the famous Snowy River. This route takes you to the Illawong Swing Bridge that is a cable bridge similar to something you might find in Nepal or the Himalayas.

This is an incredible route through some stunning alpine landscape that is both challenging and serene. This area is known for some fairly erratic weather with snow even being recorded in the middle of Summer. Taking plenty of layers is essential to being safe and having a good time in this rugged area.

If trail is open we will continue to Guthega before returning back to Charlotte Pass.

Start the day with a gentle crossing of the stepping stones over the Snowy River – bring a spare pair of socks just in case! Trek past the Sentinel and along alpine ridges to Blue Lake, a spectacular glacial cirque. Continue to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak (2,228 m), and enjoy lunch with panoramic views of the Main Range. If the 22 km day feels a little too challenging, don’t worry — there’s an optional shorter route available so you can still enjoy the highlights at a more comfortable pace.

The afternoon features a scenic traverse along the high-country ridge before an easy 9 km descent back to Charlotte Pass Village.

Banjo Pattersons words are brought to life in the Snowy’s ancient granite outcrops and the ridgelines and valley that go on for as far as the eye can see as we walk the Perisher Valley.

We start at the trailhead tucked behind Perishers ski lodges and see first up the great work that has gone into creating this walk with well-made paths, steps and steel bridges.

Around 3.5km we get to a a lookout showing views over Thredbo Valley and Monaro plains. Soon after we wind down the valley, which is made easier on the knees with switchbacks and steps towards Bullocks Flat.

We will take a break at the 13km mark , stopping for a picnic lunch at Charlotte Pass before returning the same way back to Perisher. We have the opportunity to add on the Porcupine walk, though short, adds a special touch, with elevated lookout points

This out and back route begins and ends from the parking area at the Charlotte Pass Lookout at the end of Kosciuszko Road.

Enjoy making your way out to Mount Twynam (2196m) and back, passing the Blue Lake Lookout along the way. There is also the option to make an adventurous detour up to summit Tenison Woods Knoll and/or The Sentinel on your way back.

This may involve a river crossing so bring a small towel to dry your feet.