Ascent to Mount Kosciuszko.

Three Main Hiking Trails to Summit of Mount Kosciuszko.

Ascent Profile.

The walk up Kosciuszko presents little challenge to experienced climbers.
It is a pleasant hike from the Charlotte Pass Road or a slightly harder walk up from Thredbo village. A less travelled, but more interesting approach exists via Hannel’s Spur.
You can may also choose to extend the trip to take in the other surrounding peaks, and there are many fantastic multi day traverses, in all seasons. Consider Mt Townsend, Rams Head, Caruthers Peak, Mt Twynam.

Kosciuszko itself presents little in the way of a technical challenge, easily accessed by well-marked walking routes in a single day.
It does however provide an opportunity to experience and explore the unique elements of the Australian alpine environment.
An ancient landscape, it is characterised by vast rolling terrain, small but steep rocky outcrops, and vast views of the surrounding ranges.

Choosing a trip Trail.

Route Description – From Thredbo
6.5km one way – 6 hours.

  • Difficulty: Moderate track;
  • Kosciuszko Lookout – 2km;
  • Merritts Nature Track;
  • Rawson Pass – 5km;
  • Mt Kosciuszko – 6.4km;

Thredbo - click img right see other places on this route.

Kosciuszko Chairlift cos2

Begin at the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift and rises 560 vertical metres at Thredbo (15min). Kosciuszko Lookout is around 2km from the top of Thredbo's Kosciuszko Express chairlift.
Set amongst alpine herb fields, the lookout gives you panoramic views of Mount Kosciuszko, the upper catchment of the Snowy River, and the rugged, granite tors of the Ramshead Range. You can also walk up Merritts Nature Track from Thredbo Village to the top of the chairlift. This difficult 4km track takes around 2-3 hours uphill.
The marked trail runs past Ramshead Range (2,178 m) to Kosciuszko Lookout, then crosses the headwaters of the Snowy River, climbs to a saddle, and continues to Rawson Pass. Rawson Pass is at the foot of Australia's highest mountain, and there are great views along the main range.
The road crosses the Snowy River at 4.5 km and then ascends gradually to Seaman's Hut (6 km), Rawson's Pass (8 km), and, finally, to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko.

Charlotte Pass

click img see other places on this route.
 Route Description – From Charlotte Pass
9km one-way – 6 hrs.

  • Difficulty: Moderate/Hard track;
  • Snowy River – 4.5km;
  • Rawson Pass – 7.6km
  • Mt Kosciuszko – 9km;

Charlotte Pass - See other places on this route.

Hike from Charlotte Pass to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, through the peaks of Kosciuszko National Park. Set out along the old road to Mount Kosciuszko, to see Australia's highest mountains, historic huts, weathered snow gums and rock formations.
Begin at Charlotte Pass, cross the Snowy River the track climb gradually to Rawson Pass. Rawson Pass is where the old Kosciuszko Road, from Charlotte Pass, meets the metal walkway from Thredbo.
From here, walk to Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

Route Description – Hannel’s Spur, from Geehi Flats.
15.5km one way – 1 to 2 days.

  • Difficulty: Hard track;
  • Moiras Flat - 6.5km one-way;
  • Wilkinson’s Creek – 13km;
  • Mt Kosciuszko – 15.5km;

Hannel’s Spur See other places on this route.

Hannel’s Spur Track, from Geehi Flats

Hannel’s Spur offers the greatest elevation gain in Australia (1800m).
Commence at Geehi Flat on the Western side below the range, ascend through a range of vegetation from heavily forested slopes above the Geehi and Swampy Plain Rivers to sub-alpine and alpine tracts on the top of the range.
The trail is often overgrown toward the top of the treeline, some navigation may be required.
This walk is more manageable if broken into two days. Choose the first day to tackle the steep Hannels Spur ascent and wild camp near Wilkinsons Creek for ready access to water at the 10.5 to 13.5km mark.
You will reach the summit of Mt Kosciuszko early the next morning with a short 2 to 5km gentle ascent. After that, it’s mostly downhill for the rest of the day.