This summer get yourself closer to the sky with the ultimate alpine adventure

This summer, here’s a thought – if you’re craving fresh air, big skies and trails that push you to explore – maybe it’s high time you headed for the peaks of the Snowy Mountains.

Yes, there’s a brand-new experience awaiting you in Australia’s alpine region, in the newly completed Snowies Alpine Walk, a 55-kilometre, multi-day trek connecting Thredbo to Charlotte Pass.

Broken into four distinctive stages, this walk takes you through some of Australia’s most breathtaking alpine scenery, from ancient snow gum forests and historic huts to rugged ridgelines and crystal-clear glacial lakes.

The full trail can be completed in four days, offering hikers a chance to immerse themselves in the vastness of the Kosciuszko alpine wilderness, each section delivering a fresh perspective of the region’s beauty.

Stage 1: Guthega to Charlotte Pass (9 km)

Starting at Guthega, you’ll follow the breathtaking Snowy River Valley and experience the full splendour of the park’s sub-alpine landscape which, in summer, is transformed into a kaleidoscopic carpet of wildflowers. This section of the walk offers uninterrupted horizons and views onto the grandstand of the Main Range. And you’ll get the opportunity to cross Spencers Creek on Australia’s highest suspension bridge at 1627 m above sea level.

Stage 2: Main Range Walk (22 km)

Setting out from Charlotte Pass through the glacier-carved landscapes of this protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, you’ll cross the fabled Snowy River, journey past Hedley Tarn and Blue Lake, then it’s high up along the rugged Main Range to the very rooftop of Australia, Mount Kosciuszko (2228 metres). From here, the track loops back to Charlotte’s Pass via Rawson Pass and then winds down to historic Seaman’s Hut, built in 1929. The two-room hut is a memorial to skiers Laurie Seaman and Evan Hayes who perished in a blizzard while returning from Mt Kosciuszko in the winter of 1928. The walk then takes you further down into a valley where you’ll cross the Snowy River and head back to Charlotte Pass village.

Stage 3: Charlotte Pass village to Perisher Valley (12.7 km)

Here’s when you’ll trek through the wide-open spaces of high-country plains before hiking up and down ridges and valleys. At high points you’ll see spectacular views of Thredbo Valley and Bullocks Flat below. Looking back, you’ll see a new perspective of the Main Range and, about nine kilometres in, you’ll see the granite boulder formation known as Porcupine Rocks to your right.

Stage 4: Perisher Valley to Bullocks Flat (12 km)

Your final day is worth the wait as you’ll get the chance to explore one of Kosciuszko National Park’s newest trails which winds through tracts of spectacular snow gums, towering alpine ash forests, tea tree gullies and along raised platforms through mossy alpine bogs. In the final section, you’ll find yourself walking alongside Thredbo River towards Bullocks Flat where historic Bullocks Hut, a fishing lodge built in 1934, still stands.

DAY TREKS

You don’t need to tackle the full multi-day walk to experience the magic of the Snowies, though – these shorter, guided and independent day hikes provide equally breathtaking slices of alpine beauty for hikers of all abilities.

Trek 1: Conquer Mt Kosciuszko – Australia’s Highest Peak

Distance: 13 km return | Grade: 3 (Moderate) | Duration: 4–6 hours

An essential Australian experience. At Thredbo you’ll hop on the Kosciuszko express chairlift, which carries you to 1937 metres, and set out on a wide, well-marked path to the continent’s highest point. The climb is steady but accessible, offering breathtaking views of the Main Range and wildflower-strewn meadows. Every week there are new flowers popping up along the walk. Flowering now are Alpine Sunray, Mountain Celery, Herbfield Clemisia, Alpine Stackhousia, Candle Heath and many more.

For an unforgettable twist, try the Full Moon Guided Hike — where the trail comes alive under the soft glow of moonlight. There’s also a hot chocolate in it for you!

Trek 2: Bundilla accessible track – Perfect for a family of trekkers

Distance: 1.1 km return | Grade: 4 (Easy) | Duration: 30-90 minutes

Mostly flat with a small slope at the end, Bundilla accessible track is a shared-use track suited to families with prams and young children, cyclists and wheelchair users.

Starting from Bullocks Flat Skitube Carpark D you’ll follow a small stream as it winds its way to the Thredbo River, where you’ll be rewarded with superb views of the Crackenback Range. Continuing beside the water’s edge, the track then traces Thredbo River to its meeting point with Little Thredbo River at Bullocks Hut.

It’s perfect for day trips where you will enjoy a peaceful walk with impressive mountain and river views. Along the way you’ll also find great places to stop for a swim, fish and picnic, so make sure to pack your towel, fishing gear or picnic basket.

Trek 3: Thredbo to Dead Horse Gap – Snow Gums and Rivers

Distance: 11 km | Grade: 3 (Moderate) | Duration: 3–4 hours

For those wanting a mix of forests, rivers, and scenic views, the walk from Thredbo to Dead Horse Gap delivers it all. Starting near Thredbo Village, the trail winds through snow gum woodlands and offers moments of serenity along the Thredbo River. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, and birdlife that call this lush landscape home. This is an ideal choice for a relaxed, scenic day hike.

Trek 4: The Aries Tor sunset hike

Distance: 7 km | Grade: 3 (Moderate) | Duration: 4 hours

This is a photographer’s dream! A striking rock formation that captivates hikers, photographers and nature enthusiasts. A ‘tor’ is a prominent rock or pile of rocks, usually found on the top or side of a hill and this offers an experience that’s a little off the beaten track. A guided-only walk.

Accommodation options in the Snowies

After long days of trekking, you’ll need a comfortable place to rest. Kosciuszko National Park and its surrounding areas offer excellent accommodation options including alpine lodges and historic huts scattered throughout the park.

There’s also:

1. Thredbo Village
   • Cozy lodges, hotels and apartments close to trailheads. Popular choices are private chalets ideal for families or groups.
2. Perisher Valley
   • Stay close to nature with alpine lodges or modern self-contained accommodations. Ski Rider Hotel offers family-friendly stays year-round.
3. Campgrounds
   • For a fully immersive wilderness experience, consider camping along the way. The closest campgrounds to the trail are:
     • Thredbo Diggings Campground – Set beside the Thredbo River, offering easy trail access.
     • Island Bend Campground – A scenic riverside option perfect for campers.
     • Ngarigo Campground – Ideal for those starting hikes near Thredbo and Dead Horse Gap.

These accommodations cater to a range of preferences, from luxury lodges to rustic camping adventures. Book early to secure your ideal spot — particularly during the summer hiking season.

Plan your alpine adventure

Daily hiking essentials checklist

• Warm layers (alpine weather changes quickly)
• Waterproof jacket
• Enclosed hiking shoes/boots
• Minimum two litres of water per person
• Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Plenty of food for snacks and a bag for rubbish
• Camera and spare batteries.

Multi-day treks

• First, check out this guide to remote camping in Kosciuszko National Park
• Topographic map and compass (know how to use them) plus download the NSW National Parks app
• Matches and a torch
• First aid kit
• Your mobile phone or a satellite phone. Download the Emergency Plus app
• If you’re really heading bush, a personal locator beacon (PLB) to use as a last resort
• If you’re camping take a good tent and sleeping bag.

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Hiking Responsibly

• Research your walk and make sure everyone is comfortable with the planned route
• Check weather forecasts and park alerts and be aware that weather conditions can change rapidly
• Check the difficulty. Some walks need rock scrambling and abseiling skills. If you’re not sure of the difficulty, contact the local NPWS park office
• Go at the pace of the slowest person and don’t overestimate your abilities
• Walk in groups of three or more people. In an emergency one of you might need to wait with the injured person while the other gets help
• Tell your family or friends where you’re going, when you expect to return and who is with you. They can contact NSW Police if you don’t return on time. You can do this by filling in a trip intention form
• Keep yourself and our wildlife safe by understanding the risks of wildlife encounters
• Stick to marked trails
• Pack out all waste
• Respect wildlife and fellow hikers.

Visit NSW National Parks Snowies Alpine Walk or Thredbo’s Hiking Guide to plan your next adventure.