Kosciuszko National Park

Southern Kosciuszko Photo: Murray Vanderveer Walking tracks

Wals k in the Alpine Area Charlotte Pass to Blue Lake Lookout: 05 Kosciuszko Walk Grade 4 5km one-way When the winter snow melts you will 5km one-way – 2 hours discover an ancient landscape worn down The Main Range Track and Summit Walk are Plan with weather and track conditions in mind by millions of years of wind rain and ice and linked as a loop walk. During spring, walk where summer wildflowers now thrive. Be the Main Range Track as described below. If Very steep; formed track; clearly sign-posted; no experience required; many steps. prepared though as snow can fall at any the stepping stones across the time of year covering the tracks and bringing are covered this walk is not recommended. cold conditions. Thredbo to: After rock-hopping across the Snowy River Kosciuszko Lookout – 2km one-way

Grade 2 below Charlotte Pass, the track climbs 01 Snow Gums Boardwalk Rawson Pass – 5km one-way through alpine herbfields past Hedley Tarn Mt Kosciuszko – 6.4km one-way 400 metre loop – 15 mins Lookout to Blue Lake Lookout. This summer only track begins at the top Gentle hills; formed track; clearly sign posted; It then climbs which of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift at no experience required; many steps provides spectacular views to the west. It Thredbo (cost applies). It runs beside the continues along the exposed ridge of the rocky outcrops of Range and This summer walk starts at Charlotte Pass Main Range above Club Lake and Lake passes through alpine herbfields and heath lookout. You will see many of ’s Albina until it meets the Summit Walk to Kosciuszko Lookout. It then crosses the highest peaks and learn how climate affects between Rawson Pass and Mt Kosciuszko. headwaters of the Snowy River, climbs to alpine life. The boardwalk traverses Turn right to climb Kosciuszko before a saddle above and sub-alpine woodland on the Guthrie Range. returning via the old road to Charlotte Pass continues past Etheridge Range to (see Summit Walk and Trail). Rawson Pass. 02 Grade 3 Mt Stilwell Walk It is then a gradual climb for a further 1.4km 04 Summit Walk Grade 3 3.8km loop – 2 hours (40 mins) one-way along the Summit Walk Plan with weather and track conditions in mind 9km one-way – 3 hours up to Mt Kosciuszko’s summit. Return to Plan with weather and track conditions in mind Short steep hills; formed track, some obstacles; Thredbo along the same tracks. clearly sign posted; no experience required; Short steep hills; formed track; clearly sign many steps. posted; no experience required; occasional 06 Grade 4 steps. Dead Horse Gap Track Charlotte Pass to lookout­: 5km one-way – 2 hours 850 metres one-way Charlotte Pass to: Plan with weather and track conditions in mind Snowy River – 4.5km one-way During summer, walk from the turning circle Very steep; formed track, some obstacles; Seaman’s Hut – 6km one-way clearly sign-posted; some bushwalking at Charlotte Pass or take the chairlift from Rawson Pass – 7.6km one-way experience recommended; many steps. Charlotte Pass Village during peak periods Mt Kosciuszko – 9km one-way (cost applies). The lookout at the top of This summer only walk is best begun from Kangaroo Ridge Chairlift has views of the This summer only walk or mountain bike the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift Main Range and Mt Kosciuszko. The walk to ride passes through snow gums, heath and (cost applies). The track passes through Mt Stilwell from the here is currently along herbfields and has extensive views of the alpine herbfields and heath below the an undefined route. Return the same way. Main Range. The trail follows the old road craggy peaks of the Rams Head Range. to Mt Kosciuszko. In 1976 the NPWS closed 03 Main Range Walk Grade 4 the road to public vehicles because of It then winds down a ridge through snow safety and environmental concerns. 22km loop – 8 hours gums until the is reached near Dead Horse Gap on the . Plan with weather and track conditions in mind After crossing the Snowy River the track You can then follow the Thredbo River Track climbs gradually to Rawson Pass. From Very steep; formed track, some obstacles; (see Alpine Way Walks) to Thredbo. clearly sign posted; some bushwalking here, walk to Mt Kosciuszko’s summit. experience recommended. Ko sciuszko Road walks 10 Rennix Trail Grade 3 guthega road walks The first three walks listed below are 13km loop – 5 hours The cultural heritage of the Snowy suitable all year. The higher you go though, Mountains comes alive in this area. You will the more chance snow will cover the track Gentle hills; formed track, some obstacles; clearly sign-posted; some bushwalking discover historic huts previously used for during the winter months – always check experience recommended; occasional steps. grazing, the hydro-electric scheme and with one of our visitor centres before setting ski-touring set among snowgums. out on your walk. This walk through sub-alpine woodland provides views over the Snowy River to the 14 Illawong Walk Grade 3 Grade 3 07 Sawpit Walk west and Lake Jindabyne to the east. There 5km loop – 3 hours 2km loop – 1 hour are some steep sections. Plan with weather and track conditions in mind Gentle hills; formed track, some obstacles; Turn back at the Snowy Hydro radio clearly sign-posted; no experience required; repeater tower and return the same way. Short steep hills; formed track, some obstacles; ocassional steps. clearly sign-posted; some bushwalking experience recommended; many steps. This walk may be covered by snow during You can start this walk from the southern winter – contact one of our visitor centres. Starting from Guthega Village, this is an end of the Kosciuszko Education Centre or intimate summer only walk following the from the Sawpit Creek picnic area. 11 Rainbow Lake Trail Grade 3 Snowy River Valley through alpine heath and majestic snow gums to one of the oldest The track follows Sawpit Creek downstream 3km loop – 1 hour buildings in the park – Illawong Hut (formerly through woodland. The thick shrub growing Short steep hills; formed track, some obstacles; Pounds, Pounds Creek, Tin Hut 1). beside the creek is predominantly woolly clearly sign-posted; some bushwalking tea tree. After about one kilometre, a track experience recommended; ocassional steps. Grade 5 junction is reached. The Sawpit Track takes 15 Schlink Hut Overnight Walk a sharp turn to the right while the Pallaibo Begins at Dainer’s Gap downhill from the 22km loop – 2 days Track continues following the creek. The chainbay on the left side of the road towards Sawpit Track climbs back to the Kosciuszko Perisher from Sawpit Creek, 1.7km past Plan with weather and track conditions in mind Mountain Retreat (cabins/camping area). Sponar’s Chalet. The walk winds through Very steep; formed track, some obstacles; no Walk through this complex to return to the snowgrass and snow gums to Rainbow directional signage; experienced bushwalkers; occasional steps. picnic area. Lake. Return the same way. The lake is created by a dam which was 08 Pallaibo Walk Grade 3 Munyang (1320m above sea level) to: built to supply water to the Hotel Kosciusko. Horse Camp Hut (1560m) – 4km one-way 5.6km one-way – 2 hours Sponar’s Chalet had been the staff quarters White’s River Hut – 8km one-way for the hotel which was built in 1909 and Short steep hills; formed track; clearly sign Schlink Hut (1780m) – 11km one-way posted; some bushwalking experience burnt down in 1951. The old fences near a recommended; many steps large boulder just before you descend to the Take maps 1:25 000, lake are a reminder of the period when this Scammells Lookout 1:25 000 and This track starts at the Sawpit Creek picnic area was leased for grazing. Youngal 1:25 000 OR area and finishes at Thredbo River picnic Rooftop’s Jindabyne– This walk may be covered by snow during area. Most visitors arrange to be picked up winter – contact one of our visitor centres. From the (Munyang) from the Thredbo River picnic area. the road zig-zags steeply for about 2.7km. Take care as vehicles may use this road to The first part of the walk follows the Sawpit 12 Porcupine Walk Grade 3 service infrastructure. After another 1.3km Track. When the Sawpit Track branches off 5km loop – 1 hour 40mins to the right, continue along the creek down an unmarked track to the left leads to Horse past two small cascades (locally known as Short steep hills; formed track, some obstacles; Camp Hut – built in 1950s by the Snowy Sawpit Falls and Charlie’s Cascades). clearly sign-posted; some bushwalking Mountains Authority to house surveyors experience recommended; ocassional steps. and abandoned in the 1960s. This is a good As the track drops down towards Thredbo place to camp overnight if starting late. You River it crosses former grazing land. This summer walk starts at the Perisher will need to take you own tent though as Valley reservoir. To reach the start of huts are now for emergency use only. After crossing Sawpit Creek the track the track, turn left beside the Man from follows the river downstream to the picnic From here it is approximately 4km to White’s Snowy River Hotel if you’re heading up area. River Hut – built as a shepherds hut in the mountains, take the first turn right and 1934 then used by ski tourers. There is a follow the road until you reach the reservoir. 09 Waterfall Walk Grade 3 track to the left over a shallow river. From 6km loop – 2 hours The track wanders through snow grass and here head back up Schlink Trail for 3km to snow gums until a large group of granite Schlink Hut. Schlink Hut, also called the Gentle hills; formed track, some obstacles; boulders is reached. These boulders ‘Hilton’ because of its size, was built in clearly sign-posted; some bushwalking provide extensive views of the Main Range 1960-61 by the Authority experience recommended; ocassional steps. and Thredbo Valley. Return the same way. to house maintenance workers. You may see galaxias, a small native fish, in the creek This track starts at the Sawpit Creek picnic This walk may be covered by snow during that runs by the hut. You may see these fish area and passes under the road. It runs winter – contact one of our visitor centres. climbing on the rocks. roughly parallel to the left of Sawpit Creek until it crosses the creek below a small 13 Perisher–Blue Cow Walk Grade 5 Camp overnight then return the same way waterfall. 8km loop – 3 hours or veer left onto Disappointment Spur Trail below White’s River Hut. Walk past The tall trees with fibrous bark growing Short steep hills; formed track, some obstacles; Disappointment Spur Hut (no toilet facilities) near the falls are alpine ash. Alpine ash was clearly sign-posted; some bushwalking and down to Guthega Power Station. experience recommended; many steps. logged in this area late in the 19th century. Disappointment Spur Hut was built as a survey shelter by the Snowy Mountains The track passes between huge granite You can walk from Perisher to Blue Cow Authority in the 1950s. boulders before returning to the terminal during summer where there are picnic area. views of the Main Range. Return along the This walk may be effected by snow during same management trail. Watch for traffic. winter – contact one of our visitor centres. al pine way walks crossing it and climbing to the top of Bob’s Kha ncoban to Cabramurra Ridge, where there are views over the Stroll beside a cool mountain river or walk walks Murray River valley into Victoria. to historic huts. Some walks can only be On the doorstep of Jagungal Wilderness enjoyed when the area is clear of snow – Continue to Cascade Hut, built in 1935. Area these walks take you to high country always check with one of our visitor centres The hut is in the Pilot Wilderness Area so historic huts in snowgum woodland. before setting out. mountain bike riders will need to stay on the designated trails. You can camp overnight 21 Paton’s Hut Walk Grade 5 16 Bullocks Track Grade 4 near the hut (toilet facilities only) then return 5.2km loop – 1 hour 4.5km loop – 1 hour 30 mins the same way. Plan with weather and track conditions in mind Short steep hills; formed track, some obstacles; This walk may be covered by snow during limited signage; no experience required; many winter – contact one of our visitor centres. Short steep hills; formed track, some obstacles; steps. no directional signage; some bushwalking experience recommended; occasional steps. 20 Geehi Huts Walk Grade 2 This track begins from either Thredbo T ake maps Scammells Lookout Diggings camping area or from the western 5km one-way – 1 hour 1:25 000 and Youngal 1:25 000 side of the Bullock’s Flat car park (car park Gentle hills; formed track; clearly sign-posted; OR Rooftop’s Jindabyne–Khancoban ‘C’) opposite the Skitube terminal. Both no experience required. routes are signposted. From the trailhead car park at Tooma Reservoir you can follow the Dargals Trail The main track goes to Bullock’s Hut which Geehi to: for 2.6km to Paton’s Hut. The walk takes was built in 1934 as a holiday cottage for Dr Keeble’s Hut—1km one-way you through montane forest and alpine ash H. Bullock. The walk can also be shortened Old Geehi Hut—3km one-way stands before emerging on to the open to 3.3km (loop) by bypassing Bullocks Hut. country of the Toolong Plain. Take maps Scammells Lookout 17 Thredbo Valley Track Grade 3 1:25 000 and Youngal 1:25 000 Paton’s Hut lies on the edge of this plain. OR Rooftop’s Jindabyne–Khancoban It was originally built on a grazing lease in to Thredbo Diggings: 1934 from bush poles, sawn timber and From the Geehi campground and Geehi Hut 2.4km one-way – 30 mins corrugated iron. Destroyed in the 2003 wade across the Swampy Plain River (do not Thredbo to the Old Ranger Station: bushfires, it was rebuilt in 2008 as part attempt in high water) and walk or mountain 6.5km one-way – 1.5 hours of the Huts bike ride across Behrs Flat to Keeble’s Hut. Conservation Strategy. Short steep hills; formed track; clearly There are magnificent views back to the sign-posted; some bushwalking experience recommended; no steps. Main Range. If you don’t want to get your Return the same way. The Dargals Trail feet wet, follow the 4WD trail downstream beyond Toolong Plain leads to the Tooma Parts of this multi-use track are currently from the southern end of the bridge across River within the Jagungal Wilderness Area. under construction, however, you can the Swampy Plains River at Geehi. access two sections. The first section This walk may be effected by snow during You can walk or ride along the trail to begins at either Thredbo Diggings winter – contact one of our visitor centres. another crossing on the same river that camping area or from the western side of leads to Old Geehi Hut, restored after the the Bullock’s Flat car park (car park ‘C’) 22 Round Mountain Walk Grade 5 2003 wildfires. Return the way you came opposite the Skitube terminal. Both routes or continue on a loop to the Geehi Walls 4km loop – 1 hour are signposted. Trail junction where a right turn takes you Plan with weather and track conditions in mind The second section of the track begins at through montane forest back to the Alpine Way 2km from Geehi campground, a total Very steep; rough track, many obstacles; Thredbo Village and goes to the Old Ranger no directional signage; some bushwalking Station past Bullocks Yard. distance of approximately 8km. experience recommended; occasional steps.

18 Thredbo River Walk Grade 3 STAYING SAFE T ake maps Scammells Lookout 1:25 000 and Youngal 1:25 000 4km one-way ­­– 2 hours The may not be as OR Rooftop’s Jindabyne–Khancoban Gentle hills; formed track, some obstacles; high or steep as mountain ranges clearly sign-posted; some bushwalking overseas but strong winds, rain and low From the Round Mountain trailhead and car experience recommended; many steps. temperatures can make our exposed park, walk or mountain bike ride through alpine areas dangerous. Weather can sub-alpine habitat at 1600 metre elevation This track begins opposite the Cascade change quickly so always be realistic for 1.5km to the junction with the Farm trailhead near Dead Horse Gap. It crosses about the current and approaching Ridge Trail. the Thredbo River several times on bridges conditions as well as your own abilities. as it follows the river downstream to the Turn left here and descend a further 0.5km It is best to travel with others and Thredbo golf course. Along the way it to Round Mountain Hut. There are extensive tell someone where you’re going and passes cascades and still pools which views south along the Toolong Range to when you’ll be back. Always check provide habitat for both introduced trout . Return the same way. the weather before leaving and and native platypus. change your plans if bad weather is A steep descent beyond the hut leads to the approaching – at any time of year. open valley of the headwaters. 19 Cascade Hut Trail Grade 4 18.8km loop – 5 hours Take layers of warm, waterproof This walk may be effected by snow during clothing – even in summer and even winter – contact one of our visitor centres. Plan with weather and track conditions in mind on day trips – as well as plenty of food TO FIND OUT MORE Short steep hills; formed track, some obstacles; as it helps provide heat for the body. limited signage; experience bushwalkers; Think about hiring a Personal Locator For further information, including detailed occasional steps. Beacon (PLB) from one of our visitor maps and directions, contact Snowy Region centres as phone coverage in the park Visitor Centre 02 6450 5600, Khancoban Alpine Way to Bob’s Ridge—4.8km one-way is patchy and cold can affect batteries. Visitor Centre 02 6076 9373 or visit:

From the Alpine Way the Cascade Hut Trail www.environment.nsw.gov.au/parksafety nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/kosciuszko- follows the Thredbo River upstream before national-park 22

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19 Khancoban Charlotte Pass JINDABYNE