An epic journey across the alpine roof of Australia

Snowies Alpine Walk is a 56km multi-day walk in Kosciuszko National Park that proves there's more to the Snowies than skiing. You'll climb Australia's highest mountain, wander through wildflower meadows and walk through glacier-carved landscapes and snow gum forests.

5 nights accommodation in Jindabyne, 5 breakfast, transport during the trek and guided by Lewis WigingtonItinerary:

Day 1:

Find your way to Jindabyne (easiest and quickest way is to drive), a picturesque ski town town in the Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales, Australia.

Meet with the trekking company's staff and guides

Check into accommodation and have some free time to explore

Evening meal with other trekkers (not included)

Day 2:

Preparation and Start of the Trek. Breakfast included

Morning briefing by the trekking guides, discussing the itinerary and safety guidelines.

Participants have breakfast and pack their daypacks with essentials for the trek.

Drive to the end point of the walk.

Our organised transport will take us to the start of the walk

Trek with the experienced guide leading the way Lewis Wigington

Distance: 9km

Time suggested: 3 to 3.5 hours 

Toilets at: Guthega Village and Charlotte Pass

Drinking water: Not available

Walk start: Guthega Village Walk end: Charlotte Pass

Your walk starts with views of Guthega Pondage before following the Snowy River. You’ll feel the instant serenity of nature as you walk to the sound of snowmelt and take in fresh mountain air. Hardy sub-alpine plants surround narrow track sections and raised paths to immerse you in the landscape. In summer, wildflowers like yellow billy buttons and snow daisies add life to the unique muted colour palette of the mountains. Within the first hour, the Main Range will start to pop into view which can be snow-capped even in summer.

After about 3km, you’ll reach Spencers Creek Suspension Bridge. At 1627m above sea level, it’s Australia’s highest suspension bridge and allows you to cross while peering into the cascading creek from above. Continue to wind your way up for another 5.5km before reaching the end of day 1 at Charlotte Pass. 

There are several rest stops and opportunities for participants to take in the breathtaking scenery.

Day 3:

Distance: 22km

Time suggested: 7 to 9 hours 

Toilets at: Charlotte Pass, Rawson Pass and Seamans Hut

Drinking water: Not available

Walk start and end: Charlotte Pass turning circle. We will drive to the start of the walk and circle back at the end.

Day 2 is challenging but filled with great adventure as you’ll summit Mount Kosciuszko. You'll also cross the Snowy River at Foremans Crossing by rock hopping, 

Pack clothes for all conditions as weather can be unpredictable and it can snow even in summer. You should also have enough water and food for a 7 to 9hr walk with steep sections. The 22km loop starts and ends at Charlotte Pass turning circle. There is very limited parking at the track head so booking a pre-arranged transfer is highly recommended.

Start the walk at the Charlotte Pass track head sign and follow the Main Range walk in an anti-clockwise direction. After about 800m you’ll reach the Snowy River which you’ll need to rock-hop to cross. Take your time to get your footing right and look out for slippery or loose stones.

From there you’ll start to climb and after about 4km, Ramsar-listed Blue Lake will come into view. At the fork, turn left to continue the loop towards the Mount Kosciuszko summit walk junction. This 7.5km leg takes you past Carruthers Peak and Muellers Pass and has a few steep sections. Along the way, you’ll see the glacial waters of Albina Lake nestled in expansive views of the ranges. When you reach the turn-off for the summit walk, consider heading to Rawson Pass if you need a toilet break which is 15 minutes away.

It's about 1km to the summit from the turn off. On a clear day, your reward is an amazing 360-degree outlook of endless mountains with views as far as Victoria and towards the NSW South Coast. The summit is a stunning place to stop to rest and refuel before completing the loop back to Charlotte Pass. Don’t forget to take your rubbish with you.

When you head back down, turn left at Rawson Pass towards Charlotte Pass and after about 20min, you’ll reach Seamans Hut on Etheridge Range. Built in 1928 the hut was built for use as an emergency shelter and is now a popular spot to stop for a picture. Continue for another 6km to return to Charlotte Pass and the end of day 

Day 4

Distance: 12.7km

Time suggested: 4 to 6 hours 

Toilets at: Charlotte Pass Village and Perisher Valley

Drinking water: Not available

Walk start: Charlotte Pass Village

Walk end: Perisher Valley

Drive to the end of the walk our organised transport will take us to the start

Day 4 connects Charlotte Pass Village and Perisher Valley and lets you explore varied landscapes in between. The Charlotte Pass Cafe at Stillwell Lodge is a good place to use the bathroom 

You’ll start walking in 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. After about 9km you’ll reach a junction where you’ll see the granite boulder formation known as Porcupine Rocks to your right.

You can explore Porcupine Rocks to see the views towards Thredbo Valley down to Lake Jindabyne. Take care as rocks may be slippery. Be cautious and avoid getting too close to the edge as there is a sheer drop. From Porcupine Rocks it’s about 3km to Perisher Valley where day ends. 

Day 5

Distance: 12km

Time suggested: 4 to 5 hours 

Toilets at: Perisher Valley and Bullocks Flat

Drinking water: Not available

Walk start: Perisher Valley Walk end: Bullocks Flat

Drive to the end of the walk our organised transport will take us to the start

Your final day of walking is worth the wait as you’ll get the chance to explore one of Kosciuszko National Park’s newest trails.

From Perisher Valley, you’ll walk back towards Porcupine Rocks for 350m before taking the left path at the fork. You’ll be surrounded by snow gums with twisted limbs that are warped by wind and snow before reaching a lookout after 3.5km. From here you’ll be able to get an expansive view of Thredbo Valley and the Monaro plains.

The walk is a gentle downhill for about 3km before it switches back and heads down into Thredbo Valley. You’ll walk through towering alpine ash forest and tea tree gullies and along raised platforms through mossy alpine bogs.

You’ll walk along Thredbo River in the final section of the track towards Bullocks Flat. Take in the sounds and serenity of the river against the backdrop of the rocky Ramshead Range. Historic Bullocks Hut sits on the Thredbo River, making it a picturesque pit stop if you have time for a quick detour. It’s about 100m from the track after you cross Thredbo River. Otherwise continue along the track to Bullocks Flat and the end of Snowies Alpine Walk.

Day 6

Jindabyne & Home

Leave our accommodation,  breakfast & head home