Mount Kosciuszko – Australia’s Highest Peak
Mount Kosciuszko stands at an impressive 2,228m but remains one of the easiest summits to climb among all of the world’s highest mountains, being part of a National Park and accessible all year.
Geologists have recently unlocked the secret behind how the Australian Alps came to be formed. While most mountain chains form from colliding continents or volcanism, this mountain chain was formed through geologic uplift.
How to Get There
Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest point and one of the Seven Summits of the world. Situated within the Australian Alps – part of the Great Dividing Range cordillera system – and located within Snowy Mountains National Park near its border with Victoria, Mount Kosciuszko provides hikers an opportunity to experience and explore this unique Australian alpine environment, complete with vast rolling terrain and steep rock outcrops.
Climbing Kosciuszko can be accomplished within a day using well-marked walking routes; however, the summit remains some distance away and hiking to it may prove tiresome.
Thredbo is an extremely popular starting point, located within Kosciuszko National Park. There is an entrance fee which should be paid online before beginning a hike through this section of Kosciuszko’s trails to Thredbo village – this provides for a smooth climb suitable for hikers of all abilities.
Thredbo to Rawson Pass trail takes walkers through alpine meadows of snow gums and tussock grass, offering stunning views of Lake Cootapatamba and its headwaters as they pass by. After that, it traverses more rugged alpine terrain that brings Charlotte Pass and Eagle Nest huts within reach.
Once at the huts, it takes around one more hour of hiking to reach Kosciuszko’s summit. While on your journey up, take in an incredible panoramic view of surrounding peaks while visiting the memorial to indigenous people who perished while climbing this mountain.
From the summit, visitors can descend either via the path that leads back down to the huts or via Hannels Spur track – an adventurous alternative that follows the same route used by Paul Strzelecki when he first discovered and climbed Mount Egmont in 1840 and also used by Aboriginal tribes when mustering their cattle for summer grazing season.
Climbing the Mountain
If you’re in search of an incredible mountain to conquer, look no further than Australia’s highest peak – Mount Kosciusko. Although accessible all year round, December through March offers the ideal conditions with snow blanketing the Snowy Mountains as you make your journey up the summit. A truly captivating scene makes for an amazing hike up to its summit!
Kosciuszko can be reached using two distinct routes that require reasonable fitness levels and fitness levels. Thredbo is often chosen, which offers scenic chairlift rides to kick start a walk which usually lasts four or five hours. Another popular choice is driving up Charlotte Pass before beginning to hike from there; this longer but simpler hike might also suit those new to hiking.
As soon as your hike begins, you’ll cross Snowy River. From here on out, the trail gradually ascends, giving you glimpses of Mount Kosciuszko in the distance. At some point along this journey you may reach your first lookout which offers breathtaking panoramic views of surrounding mountains – but likely won’t allow you to spot its peak itself as its contours may not be prominent from here.
At the second lookout, you will be able to clearly spot the peak as it rises above its surrounding mountains. Furthermore, this point offers the ideal place for enjoying an alpine picnic – an enjoyable way to unwind and appreciate all that beauty that surrounds you!
Once you’ve enjoyed a picnic, it’s time to begin the final leg of your journey up Kosciuszko. As the path winds around its peak, soon you’ll be standing atop one of Australia’s Seven Summits! Here you can admire breathtaking views and feel proud that your hiking adventure has brought you this far – an excellent way to end any hiking expedition in Australia’s highest mountain!
Weather
Preparing for weather and knowing what to expect when visiting high alpine destinations is of the utmost importance when planning to hike for the first time or experienced mountaineer. UIAA’s Summit Series can offer valuable tips and advice, with their latest installment, Your One-Stop Guide to Climbing Mount Kosciuszko, providing everything needed for this renowned hike.
Mt Kosciuszko, located in Australia’s Snowy Mountains National Park, stands 2,228 meters above sea level and is an immensely popular hiking spot among both novice and seasoned mountaineers alike. Covered often by snow, Mt Kosciuszko allows one to experience first-hand Australia’s alpine environment and appreciate all it has to offer.
Mt Kosciuszko can be enjoyed any time of the year, though spring or summer tends to offer optimal conditions for exploration. Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are popular winter activities; snow climbing may even be possible around Club Lake and Watsons Crags.
As hiking conditions in Australia can vary greatly, be sure to bring the appropriate gear with you to keep yourself comfortable and dry. A quality waterproof jacket and pants as well as comfortable walking shoes should be on your list of necessities, along with plenty of layers and sunscreen protection. Bringing water along with snacks for snack breaks on your hike is also highly recommended.
Kosciuszko can be reached via two main routes; Thredbo or Charlotte Pass. From Thredbo, take the chairlift up to Charlotte Pass before following the Kosciuszko Walk for 13km return trek that typically takes four to five hours to complete.
Rawson Pass offers another route up the mountain, though this trail requires more technical ability and should be undertaken with other hikers as it provides safety in case anything goes amiss.
Once you’ve reached the summit, take time to take in its amazing views. Accomplishments such as this make you proud, so take your time taking in all that there is from up there before heading back downhill towards the trail head for your journey back home.
Accommodation
There are plenty of accommodations in the Snowy Mountains region that provide comfortable lodging options for a visit to Kosciuszko. From luxurious alpine lodges overlooking Lake Jindabyne to historic cottages in Currango, there’s sure to be something suitable. Additionally, many properties within easy access of Kosciuszko’s slopes make these properties perfect for hiking vacations.
The Snowy Mountains offer world-class ski resorts and plenty of walking and mountain biking opportunities. From Thredbo to Perisher, enjoy some of Australia’s highest runs or challenge yourself on Main Range walk or explore underground at Yarrangobilly Caves House. To complete your Kosciuszko experience there are various guided tours that can assist with making sure it all happens seamlessly!
Snowy Mountains provide visitors with a true back-country experience through huts scattered throughout. Managed by either National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) or volunteer members of Kosciuszko Hut Association, each hut boasts its own special charm – you can book one via NPWS bookings, or visit Jindabyne or Khancoban visitor centres to gain additional information.
Camping is another popular pastime, and the Snowy Mountains boast numerous campgrounds that provide various facilities ranging from fully equipped tent sites, powered campervan and caravan parking spots, private cabins as well as wilderness camps that offer more rustic experiences.
Mountain biking and rafting are popular summertime activities; skiing and snowboarding can be found during winter. Furthermore, there are scenic walks such as Mount Kosciuszko’s summit walk to enjoy.
There are a number of excellent places to stay near Kosciuszko, such as the Alps Lodge in Thredbo which features ski-to-door access and free Wi-Fi, the Matterhorn Lodge located in Perisher Valley with restaurant, bar and lounge area featuring open fireplace, as well as Candlelight Lodge offering large family room, kitchen facilities and free Wi-Fi – just three options among many!