The new Snowies Alpine Walk, an incredible 56km, 4-day walk on Monero Ngarigo Country in Kosciuszko National Park, is now open and ready for the summer walking season.
The walk, delivered by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), links the alpine locations of Guthega, Charlotte Pass, Perisher and Bullocks Flat with newly constructed track, combined with existing tracks. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled self-guided or guided.
Visitors will experience breathtaking views of high-country plains and snow-capped mountain ranges as they journey alongside the Snowy River, across glacier-carved landscapes to Mount Kosciuszko, before descending through subalpine meadows and tall montane forests to the Thredbo River.
Highlights
Whether you’re walking, exploring quiet mountain hubs, or soaking in the region’s natural beauty, the Snowies Alpine Walk offers an unforgettable adventure. Here are some of the highlights:
- Cross the scenic Snowy River at Spencers Creek on Australia’s highest suspension bridge.
- Climb Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest mountain at 2228m above sea level, and enjoy a 360-degree outlook of endless mountains stretching as far as Victoria and the NSW South Coast.
- See the Ramsar-listed Blue Lake, a rare glacial lake home to threatened species like mountain pygmy-possums and alpine tree frogs.
- The Snowies Alpine Walk connects charming alpine villages like Guthega, Perisher Valley, and Charlotte Pass, where the pace slows during summer.
- See multitudes of snow gums with their twisted limbs, as well as vibrant wildflowers in bloom through November to April, such as snow daisies, yellow billy buttons, and the anemone buttercup.
- Nature and history intertwine as you cross the fabled Snowy River and rest at Seamans Hut atop the Etheridge Range.
Guided or Self-Guided?
Guided Options
Women Embrace Hiking Snowy Mountains
Experience a guided multi day walk with like-minded women in the Snowy Mountains, including a sunrise from the summit of Mount Kosciuszko.
- 6 days 5 nights
- 56km, Grade 4 – Bushwalking experience recommended
- Guided walking tour with Women Embrace Adventure
- 1 night in hotel accommodation in Canberra and 4 nights in lodges at Lake Crackenback
- From $3,265 twin share
More information: womenembraceadventure.com.au
Australian Walking Holidays Snowies Alpine Walk
Experience Snowies Alpine Walk on a 4 day, 3 night guided adventure exploring the rooftop of Australia. Carry only a light day pack. Departs from Jindabyne.
- 4 days 3 nights
- 56km, Grade 4 – Bushwalking experience recommended
- Guided walking tour with Australian Walking Holidays
- Stay at Valhalla Lodge, Perisher Village
More information: australianwalkingholidays.com.au
Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
Experience the Snowies Alpine Walk on a 3 day, 3 night guided adventure with Thredbo Guided Adventures, including a scenic chairlift ride from Thredbo.
- 3 days 3 nights
- Options for 44km or 56km, Grade 4 – Bushwalking experience recommended
- Guided walking tour with Thredbo Guided Adventures
- Stay at Thredbo village
More information: thredbo.com.au
Self Guided Options
Spend 4 days walking in the iconic Snowy Mountains. Use our self guided itinerary to inspire your own Snowies Alpine Walk experience.
- 4 days 3+ nights.
- 56km Grade 4 – Bushwalking experience recommended.
- Travel to and from the walking track each day and stay at National Parks accommodation, campgrounds or find options nearby.
ITINERARY
DAY ONE: Guthega to Charlotte Pass – 9km
Settle into your adventure with a short but scenic hike. Walk to the sound of the snowmelt flowing through the iconic Snowy River with views of the Main Range as your backdrop. You’ll cross Australia’s highest suspension bridge over Spencers Creek.
DAY TWO: Main Range – 22km
Reach new heights on day 2 as you take on the challenge of Main Range loop. Start by rock hopping across the Snowy River before climbing to see views of Blue Lake. You’ll cross Carruthers Peak and pass Lake Albina before tackling the summit of Australia’s highest mountain. Enjoy panoramic views from the top of Mount Kosciuszko before heading past historic Seamans Hut to finish the loop.
DAY THREE: Charlotte Pass Village to Perisher Valley – 12.7km
Walk through varied alpine landscapes linking towns at Charlotte Pass Village and Perisher Valley. Along the way, you’ll see expansive views of Thredbo Valley and the giant granite rock boulders at Porcupine Rocks. You’ll also walk through sub-alpine areas that are home to summer wildflowers, wombats, and echidnas.
DAY FOUR: Perisher Valley to Bullocks Flat – 12km
Day 4 is the perfect Snowy Mountains encore with moody alpine ash forests, mossy alpine bogs, and lush woodlands. You’ll also see sweeping views of the Monaro Plain and Ramshead Range before finishing your walk along the Thredbo River.
The Snowies Alpine Walk is a joint state and Commonwealth-funded project, with $17.1 million from Restart NSW’s Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund and $10 million from the Australian Government’s Regional Recovery Partnerships Program.
As part of the 6-year Snowies Alpine Walk project, NPWS built more than 28km of new tracks and upgraded some of the existing tracks and associated infrastructure that form part of the walk including the Porcupine walk, Illawong walk, Main Range loop and the Kosciuszko Summit.
The Snowies Alpine Walk will showcase the diversity of alpine landscapes, unique ecosystems and breathtaking views of the precinct and provide new walking experiences to attract a range of visitors in warmer seasons.
More information: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
