Hiking Mount Kosciuzsko The Summit walk

Truly Australia’s most famous hike, the Kosciuszko summit track takes you right to the top of Australia.

It is certainly one to tick off the bucket list, this day trip allows you to take in the expansive views and experience the unique landscapes of the Snowy Mountains.
It is a great sense of achievement when you reach the highest point on this great continent and take a photo of yourself right at the top.

Although it may sound intimidating, climbing Australia’s highest mountain is not as challenging as many other countries highest mountains. This makes it much more accessible to nearly all that want to tackle it. This track is rated overall as a Grade 3 track. Which means no experience is required, but expect to encounter short steep sections, occasional steps and possible snow bank crossings.

For the best experience, allow yourself the full day to take it all in. This feat can be achieved in 4-6 hrs at a casual pace. So it is an adventure that the whole family can do and an activity that can get everyone off their phones and back interacting with each other.

There is a lot to take in along the way as you will encounter historic mountain huts, ancient rock formations and the uniquely coloured snow gums.

If you are fond of the admiring the local flora, Kosciusko's colour is a result of being home to more than two hundred species of alpine flowering plants. In early summer you will see an amazing display of wildflowers including mountain roses, buttercups and silver snow daisies.

There are two different ways you can approach this walk. Either park your car at Charlottes Pass and walk along a winding path for an 18.4km round trip. Or take the Kosciuszko lift up at Thredbo and take the shorter 14km track. Each way gives a unique perspective of the region and both paths meet at Rawsons pass intersection before making the final push to the top.

The best time to do this walk will be anytime from late October to Mid- May.
From June to October the Snowy Mountains are blanketed in a thick layer of snow and access is limited. It is still possible to reach the summit, but snowshoes or touring skis will be required to do so.

Even during these summer months, you can expect the weather at any time to change fast so it is best to be prepared. Ice cold winds, strong UV rays, swarming levels of flies and unexpected weather changes are all challenges that can be encountered.

Even if the weather does take a turn, the Summit track is well signed and as long as you stay on the trail, you will be fine to navigate your way.

What to take:

• Our best advice for this walk would be to carry a backpack packed with items that you may need.
• Suncreen is a must! It is an exposed environment with not much shade to speak of. This means the sun will beam down on you with intensity.
• 1-2 litres of water or more and some snacks or packed lunch for sustenance.
• A jumper or windproof jacket can be a great thing to have if the mountain breezes pick up or if you encounter some poor weather.
• Sunglasses, Hat, Sun protective clothing and if the forecast is variable, light rain jacket and pants.
• Good quality hiking shoes. Being a longer track, it is important to have adequate foot support and rugged sole of a good quality pair of hiking shoes. This will make the experience much more enjoyable and you won’t be suffering from foot fatigue and blisters by the end of the day.
• Walking poles are a great addition to aid your full day of walking and gain extra stability.

Be sure to stop in Jindabyne before you make your way up and we can kit you out with anything you may need. We have a wide range of footwear, clothing and equipment that will make your Kosciuszko hike one to remember.

Here at Jindabyne Sports you will get real service and expertise to explore the Snowy’s.