Best trails in Kosciuszko National Park

4.3(11,149 reviews)

Australia
:
#11 of 637 national parks

Kosciuszko National Park is one of New South Wale's largest national park and it is part of the Australian Alps. The northern region is home to Walgal people and the southern region to the Ngarigo. It was named after Australia's highest peak which it encompasses: Mount Kosciuszko. Its landscape consists of Alpine mountains partially covered of rocks, forests, lakes and rivers. It is a great place to hike, camp and snowshoe in the winter.

There are several different Indigenous names for Kosciuszko that exist which far out date the1840 naming of it, these names are Jagungal, Jar-gan-gil, Tar-gan-gil, and Tackingal.

Top trails

#1 - Snowies Alpine Walk: Main Range Walk

This trail is the second leg of the Snowies Alpine Walk. It is also a popular day walk/hike around some of the key spots in the Kosciuszko range including the peak of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest mountain. The route features a few side treks to Blue Lake and Mount Townsend’s summit to ensure that you can enjoy the views the whole way. This route has a mix of terrain, amazing views and some stunning alpine lakes along its length. The last section up to the summit can be quite...

#2 - Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk

This is a great day walk/hike along the Summit Walk peak of Mt Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest mountain. The route ensures that you enjoy the views the whole way. This is one of the shorter options to walk to peak. This route has a mix of terrain, amazing views and some stunning alpine lakes along its length. The last section up to the summit can be quite difficult depending on the time of year - in the winter the wind chill factor and snow can make this hike much harder. It is highly...

#3 - Eagles Nest to Kosciuszko Summit

Starting at Eagles Nest, at the top of Thredbo's Kosciuszko Express chairlift, the walk proceeds along a well maintained walkway through the Alpine region of Kosciuszko National Park to the top of Mt Kosciuszko, Australia's highest peak. The last section before the summit can be quite difficult depending on the time of year - in the winter, the wind chill factor and snow can make this hike much harder. However, it is highly recommended to do this hike in early winter for the beauty in the...

#4 - Kosciuszko walk: Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko

This is a great short hike to the top of Mount Kosciuszko - Australia's highest point. The last 800 metres can be quite difficult depending on the time of year and weather conditions – in the winter the wind chill factor and snow can make this hike significantly harder. However, it comes highly recommended to do this hike in early winter for the beauty in the landscape as it transitions to snow. From the summit at 2,228m take in the spectacular views of the Australian Alps and the expansive...

#5 - Charlotte Pass to Blue Lake Lookout

This is a scenic trail through the Kosciuszko National Park, located in the Snowy Mountains Region of New South Wales. This out and back route begins from the Charlotte Pass Lookout car park at the end of Kosciuszko Road in the village of Charlotte Pass. The trail features some stunning views along the way and a few sections which are quite steep.

This is a beautiful bushwalk that is ideal for bird watching, river picnics among wild flowers, landscape photography and swimming in the Snowy River. The trail can be continued further to extend the return journey to glimpse more of the Thredbo-Perisher landscape in Kosciuszko National Park. Start in Guthega Village (4x4 vehicle recommended) and follow the valley carved out by the Snowy River, through alpine heathland and snow gums. There might be an opportunity to experience some of the...

This is a wonderfully scenic walk in the Kosciuszko National Park through alpine moorland past a rocky and imposing landscape that starts in the small ski resort town of Perisher. This is a family friendly trip although can be dependant on weather so definitely check the forecast before heading off. Porcupine Rock is a stunning natural rock formation that is definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.

#8 - Snowies Alpine Walk: Guthega to Charlotte Pass

This trail is the first leg of the Snowies Alpine Walk. The route can also be completed as a day hike with transport organised from Charlottes Pass or as a return journey. This trail is the shortest section of the Snowies Alpine Walk, taking you from Guthega to Charlotte Pass. The Snowies Alpine Walk is a 56-kilometer trek spanning multiple days in Kosciuszko National Park. It involves summiting Australia's tallest mountain, exploring alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, and witnessing...

#9 - Waterfall Walking Track

This track leading you past Sawpit Creek Waterfall is a great option for all weather conditions and is well marked the whole way. Enjoy making your way through the eucalyptus forest, granite boulders and flowering and fruiting heathland with native fauna to be spotted along the way. Fees in Kosciuszko National Park depend on the time of year and area of the park, information can be found here: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/kosciuszko-national-park/visitor-info

#10 - Merritt’s Nature Trail

This is an enjoyable hike through Kosciusko National Park, located in the Snowy Mountains Region of New South Wales. The trail begins from the parking area near the Kosciuszko Express Bottom Station and follow Merrit's Nature Trail all the way to the Kosciuszko Express Top Station, where the Eagle Nest Cafe is also located. This is a great hike up the mountain with a decent amount of steady elevation across a well maintained track that is designated for pedestrians only.

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Visitor info

Hours & contact

Open 24 hours

Passes & fees

Fee required

General park hours

Every day • Open 24 hours

Phone

1300 072 757

Kosciuszko National Park charges a fee to enter. The entry fee depends on the time of year and area of the park.

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Guides

Top Picks in Kosciuszko National Park

8 trails

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Trail reviews for Kosciuszko National Park

14,575 trailgoers Busiest in January

Daniel Levy

Apr 24, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Great trail in very good conditions. I thought the views are better than the Mount Kosciuszko…

Porcupine Walk

Terry Power

Apr 12, 2025•Hiking

Great conditionsGreat views

The trail is part way along the Main Range walk from Charlotte Pass towards Kosciuszko. The views across the mountains are then over Blue Lake (looks like it would be better named as ‘Green Lake’) are well worth the walk.

Charlotte Pass to Blue Lake Lookout

michael thorley

Feb 8, 2025

This was an excellent, challenging but rewarding adventure exploring some amazing country that the masses don't get to see. I completed the trail over 2.5 days, starting from Charlotte's pass. With a late start I stopped by Blue Lake for a swim then continued on to the top of mount Twynam for lunch, skipping little Twynam and making my way to Wilkinson's camp. I'd highly recommend this camp as it was in a gorgeous wind protected valley with plenty of flat spots, right by a clean creek for a dip and water refill. Well worth the extra distance. 20.5km, 860m elevation. Day 2 I backtracked slightly and started the ascent towards Mount Townsend which is a challenging off trail hike, I then skipped Mount Du Feur as there was consistent up and down elevation battering my knees. After proceeding up Kosciuszko I continued on to camp just below Rams Head North. There is water before and after this peak, so I opted to fill up towards the end of the board walk and carried all the necessary water to camp, allowing me to collapse a few hundred metres shy of the next water source. 18.8km, 1,080m elevation. Day 3 I woke up to gale force winds, which made the exposed and off trail hiking to Rams Head and Rams Head South less appealing. I opted to skip these and take the easy 9km back to Charlotte's pass. 9.1km, 100m elevation. My key tips for anyone considering this walk would be: - Bring serious sun protection. I wore shorts and my legs got badly sunburnt even with sunscreen - Don't underestimate the elevation, particularly for Townsend and surrounding peaks. Pack dropping may make this more pleasant. Trekking poles were great for assistance going up, and taking weight off the knees going down - Water is plentiful, I needed no more than 1.5L at a time, and would usually finish off 200ml or so right as I arrived at the next stream - There is plenty of camping, but consider making it to a lowpoint in the elevation to find wind protection

Australia's 15 Highest Peaks Route

Terry Power

Apr 11, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkGreat conditionsGreat views

This is a must do trail if you are Kosciuszko way. Taking the chair lift to Eagles Nest reduces the difficulty of the Kosciuszko summit goal. The early autumn season made this a pleasant walk and not too cold. The raised metal boardwalk makes for an achievable trail for most levels of fitness.

Eagles Nest to Kosciuszko Summit

Terry Power

Apr 11, 2025•Hiking

Great views

This short walk takes in some beautiful Snow Gums and ends with a lookout view all the way to Mt. Kosciuszko.

Main Range Lookout via Snow Gums Boardwalk

Deborah Boulden

Mar 14, 2025•Hiking

This walk is difficult because it is long, but it is manageable with reasonable fitness. Stunning views over the alps. Exposed for 8 hours it takes to complete so make sure you are covered up well and reapply sunscreen. Lots of sunburnt walkers were observed. No toilets at all until after summit of Kosciuszko

Snowies Alpine Walk: Main Range Walk

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Kosciuszko National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Kosciuszko National Park is Snowies Alpine Walk: Main Range Walk, which has a 4.8 star rating from 1,524 reviews. This trail is 15.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 2,785 ft.

What is the longest trail in Kosciuszko National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Kosciuszko National Park is Australian Alps Walking Track: South to North. This trail is estimated to be 437.0 mi long.

How many trails are in Kosciuszko National Park?

There are 206 trails in Kosciuszko National Park. These trails have an average 4.3-star rating from 11,149 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Kosciuszko National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Kosciuszko National Park has you covered. Australian Alps Walk Track North to South boasts the most elevation gain with 101,505 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Australian Alps Walking Track: South to North, which will get you 98,362 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Kosciuszko National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 96 camping trails in Kosciuszko National Park and the most popular is Snowies Alpine Walk: Main Range Walk with an average 4.8 star rating from 1,524 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Kosciuszko National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 45 running trails in Kosciuszko National Park and the most popular is Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk with an average 4.7 star rating from 746 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Kosciuszko National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 36 biking trails in Kosciuszko National Park and the most popular is Thredbo Valley Track: Thredbo to Bullocks Flat with an average 4.6 star rating from 120 community reviews.