Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start At the intersection of Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk & Kosciuszko Road (-36.4318081,148.3283279)
Mode Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the end of Kosciuszko Rd at Charlotte Pass (just near the toilet block), this walk heads along a wide management trail, following the large 'Summit walk' sign. The walk initially dips down a bit and heads through a grove of snow gums. This walk soon leaves the snow gums and the landscape opens to a fantastic view of the Snowy River and the valley (on your right). After about 1km, the walk passes a yellow 'MT K 8' sign on a snow pole. This walk continues along the management trail and gently undulates up along the side of the long ridge, passing several more 'Mt K' milestone signs counting down. After a while, the old road heads up and over a ridge, passing the 'MT K 5' and the original 'K 3' milestone (on your left) to find the un-signposted concrete bridge over Merritts Creek.
From the bridge, this walk follows the management trail west through the valley, where the trail soon bends right and passes a 'Snowy River' sign, coming to the bridge crossing the river.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk & Kosciuszko Road Start heading along Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk (a vehicle track). Snow Gums and the Alpine Tree Line (about 70 m back from the start). Snow Gums and the Alpine Tree Line Snow gums (Eucalyptus pauciflora) are the dominant tree found in Kosciuszko National Park. These slow-growing, distinctive plants have a light grey trunk with smooth red-brown bark, which peels unevenly with a mottled effect. They can be found south along the tablelands into Victoria, and also in Tasmania. Trees are covered with beautiful white flowers from October through to January, which attract lots of bird life. The alpine tree line is the highest altitude at which trees can survive, due to the cold temperatures. However, you will notice that, in some areas, there are no trees in the valleys, while they thrive on the surrounding hills. This is because cool air settles in the alpine valleys, making them colder and less hospitable than slightly higher altitudes. Charlotte Pass lookout (about 65 m back from the start). Charlotte Pass lookout The Charlotte Pass lookout is a partially fenced lookout, north of the turning circle at the end of Kosciuszko Rd. The view is great, looking up the headwaters of the Snowy River up to the Main Range. To the left is Charlotte Pass (the actual pass only - there is no view of the village from here). There are also a few information signs explaining the local flora and geology. There is a car park (about 40 m back from the start). Covered in snow part of the year (about 30 m back from the start). Covered in snow part of the year This walk leads through an extreme alpine environment and all walkers must be well prepared. During summer, be prepared for both very hot and cold weather, high winds, rain, snow, extreme UV levels and some sections of snow or ice on the ground. Before starting this walk, check advice with Snowy Region Visitor Information Centre (02) 6450 5600, the weather forecast and the snow conditions then change your plans as needed. These notes, grades and walking times have been written for use in the summer months only. Between May and the end of October, this walk is likely to be covered in snow/ice, visitors should carry and be prepared to use snowshoes or cross country skis. When there is a chance of significant snow on the ground, visitors will need particularly strong navigation and snowcraft skills - tracks and signage may not be visible. For most visitors, it is best to consider this walk closed during the colder months. Between the long weekend in June and October, the road between Perisher Village and Charlotte Pass is closed by the RTA. It is possible to organise oversnow transport. After another 90 m pass the toilet (25 m on your left). After another 1.2 km cross the ford. After another 860 m cross the ford. After another 2.4 km cross the bridge (about 30 m long)
	After another 1.4 km continue straight, to head along Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk. After another 20 m come to the "Seamans Hut" (20 m on your right). W:khuts.org After another 40 m find the "Seamans Hut" (8 m on your right). Seamans Hut This hut was erected in 1929, after a young skier named Laurie Seaman perished in a blizzard when he was separated from his group. The hut was built using money donated by Seaman's parents, for the use of those who might need emergency shelter in the mountains. It was renovated in 1938 due to fire. Seamans Hut is a 7m x3m granite stone building with a wood stove, although there is little wood in the area.
	After another 600 m continue straight, to head along Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk. After another 235 m cross the ford. After another 710 m pass the "Rawson Pass Toilets" (9 m on your left).
	After another 65 m (Rawson Pass) veer right, to head along Kosciuszko Walk (a walking track). After another 40 m find the "Rawson Pass" (15 m on your right). Rawson Pass Rawson Pass is where the old Kosciuszko Road, from Charlotte Pass, meets the metal walkway from Thredbo. It is home to the highest public toilet in Australia, this recently-added facility is perfectly positioned for those taking the walk up to the top of Kosciuszko. Rawson Pass is well signposted and 500m southeast of Mt Kosciuszko (by a straight line). There is also a place to park mountain bikes for those cycling along the old road from Charlotte Pass.
	After another 620 m (at the intersection of Kosciuszko Walk & Main Range Walking Track) continue straight, to head along Kosciuszko Walk.
	Continue another 990 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 9.3 km to get back to the start. A sign. "Mt Kosciuszko". Mt Kosciuszko Mt Kosciuszko is the highest peak on the Australian continent, at 2228m above sea level. It was named by the Polish explorer Count Paul Edmund Strzelecki and named in honour of the Polish national hero General Tadeusz KoÅ›ciuszko. Now a popular tourist attraction, thousands of people walk up to the summit each year. On a clear day, the 360-degree views from the summit across the roof of Australia are fantastic. There are higher mountains elsewhere on Australian territory. 'The highest mountains in Australian Antarctic Territory are Mt McClintock (3490 meters) and Mt Menzies (3355 meters).' . About 45 m past the end is "Wragges Observatory Hut". Wragges Observatory Hut Wragges Observatory Hut which the remains of a barely visible was built upon the top of Mt Kosciuszko by a government meteorologist named Clement Lindley Wragge, to help take weather readings from the high summit.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko - Summit Trail

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	18.5 km
Time	6 h to 7 h 30 min

Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage	Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
Weather	Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)

Some facilities on route

Hut: There is one 6 km from the start.

Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 6.2 km apart with the largest gap of 11 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	100 m	[toilet]
Hut	6 km	Seamans Hut
Toilet	7.5 km	Rawson Pass Toilets

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

Covered in snow part of the year
This walk leads through an extreme alpine environment and all walkers must be well prepared. During summer, be prepared for both very hot and cold weather, high winds, rain, snow, extreme UV levels and some sections of snow or ice on the ground. Before starting this walk, check advice with Snowy Region Visitor Information Centre (02) 6450 5600, the weather forecast and the snow conditions then change your plans as needed. These notes, grades and walking times have been written for use in the summer months only. Between May and the end of October, this walk is likely to be covered in snow/ice, visitors should carry and be prepared to use snowshoes or cross country skis. When there is a chance of significant snow on the ground, visitors will need particularly strong navigation and snowcraft skills - tracks and signage may not be visible. For most visitors, it is best to consider this walk closed during the colder months. Between the long weekend in June and October, the road between Perisher Village and Charlotte Pass is closed by the RTA. It is possible to organise oversnow transport.

Seamans Hut
This hut was erected in 1929, after a young skier named Laurie Seaman perished in a blizzard when he was separated from his group. The hut was built using money donated by Seaman's parents, for the use of those who might need emergency shelter in the mountains. It was renovated in 1938 due to fire. Seamans Hut is a 7m x3m granite stone building with a wood stove, although there is little wood in the area.

Rawson Pass
Rawson Pass is where the old Kosciuszko Road, from Charlotte Pass, meets the metal walkway from Thredbo. It is home to the highest public toilet in Australia, this recently-added facility is perfectly positioned for those taking the walk up to the top of Kosciuszko. Rawson Pass is well signposted and 500m southeast of Mt Kosciuszko (by a straight line). There is also a place to park mountain bikes for those cycling along the old road from Charlotte Pass.

Mt Kosciuszko
Mt Kosciuszko is the highest peak on the Australian continent, at 2228m above sea level. It was named by the Polish explorer Count Paul Edmund Strzelecki and named in honour of the Polish national hero General Tadeusz KoÅ›ciuszko. Now a popular tourist attraction, thousands of people walk up to the summit each year. On a clear day, the 360-degree views from the summit across the roof of Australia are fantastic. There are higher mountains elsewhere on Australian territory. 'The highest mountains in Australian Antarctic Territory are Mt McClintock (3490 meters) and Mt Menzies (3355 meters).' .

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Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Charlotte Pass Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
  
  Wednesday 4 December
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower about the alpine peaks. Winds easterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light in the late evening.
  
  Thursday 5 December
  
  9°C → 20°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and early evening. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds northwest to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h tending northwest to southwesterly in the early afternoon then becoming light in the evening.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 8:30am to 5:20pm, UV Index predicted to reach 12 [Extreme]
  
  Friday 6 December
  
  10°C → 23°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Partly cloudy. The chance of fog in the early morning, mainly in the east. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and early evening. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds northwest to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h tending northeast to southeasterly in the early afternoon then becoming light in the evening.
  
  Saturday 7 December
  
  13°C → 18°C
  Showers. Possible storm.
  90% chance of rain
  5 → 20mm
  
  Cloudy. Very high chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds northerly 15 to 20 km/h turning west to northwesterly 25 to 35 km/h during the morning then tending northwest to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the evening.
  
  Sunday 8 December
  
  9°C → 17°C
  Early shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning. Mostly sunny afternoon. Winds northwest to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h tending southeast to southwesterly during the day then becoming light during the evening.
  
  Monday 9 December
  
  3°C → 17°C
  Sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Sunny.
  
  Tuesday 10 December
  
  6°C → 16°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Possible shower.
  
  Wednesday 11 December
  
  7°C → 15°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Kosciuszko National Park alerts
  Fires - Advice: Toms Farm Creek
  There is a fire in this park called Toms Farm Creek. Refer to the Rural Fire Service for latest information. Do not enter any closed area or area with fire. If you see an unattended fire call Triple Zero (000). Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information about fire safety in parks and reserves, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  Safety alerts: Guthega Road - changed speed limit due to ongoing road works
  The speed limit on Guthega Road has been reduced to 60km for the entirety of the road due to ongoing road works.
  Please abide by all traffic control signage and observe all directions from NPWS staff and contractors.
  Your destination is still accessible. To assist in planning your journey safely, please allow extra time in your travel plans and drive to conditions.
  For more information, call the Snowy Region Visitor Centre, Jindabyne on 02 6450 5600.
  
  Closed areas: Thredbo Valley Track closed due to rainfall
  The Thredbo Valley Track from Thredbo Village to Thredbo River picnic area is closed to cyclists due to significant rainfall.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Jindabyne area office on 02 6450 5600.
  
  Closed areas: Boundary Trail Closed
  The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be undertaking essential fire trail maintenance works on Boundary Fire Trail, throughout November & December 2024. The trail will be closed while the works are undertaken.
  Please obey all directions from NPWS staff and contractors. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  For any further queries, please contact the NPWS Jindabyne or Tumut office.
  
  Closed areas: Cooleman Mountain Campground closed for upgrade work
  Cooleman Mountain Campground in Kosciuszko National Park is closed for upgrades to campground infrastructure from Friday 22 November to Friday 20 Decemeber 2024.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Tumut NPWS office ph. (02) 6947 7000.
  
  Closed areas: Kidmans Hut closed for major works.
  Kidmans Hut will be closed from Monday 4 November 2024 to Friday 6 December 2024 for major works. There will be no access to the hut or the surrounding area during this time.
  
  Closed areas: Tantangara Reservoir partial closure
  Some parts of Tantangara Reservoir will be closed intermittently until further notice for Snowy 2.0 construction activities involving controlled blasts. Full exclusion zones will be established prior to and during blast operations. The closed areas are:
  
  Areas of Tantangara Reservoir adjacent to the Snowy 2.0 construction site.
  
  Tantangara Reservoir boat ramp, adjacent to the Tantangara Dam wall.
  
  For up-to-date timings on controlled blasts please see notifications on the Future Generation website.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Closed areas: Clarke Gorge Walking Track closed due to rock fall
  Clarke Gorge walking track is closed from Saturday 26 October until further notice due to rock fall. Blue Waterholes Campground and Magpie Flat Campground remain open.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Closed areas: Thredbo River picnic area toilet closed
  Recent severe winds have brought down a tree on the toilet block at Thredbo River picnic area. As a result the toilet block is closed and cannot be utilised. Please be aware that contractors will be working at the site and will have vehicles moving in and out of the area. Other facilities at the site are available.
  
  Closed areas: Jersey Cave closed for maintenance
  Jersey Cave, Yarrangobilly Caves Visitor Precinct will be closed for maintenance works from Monday 18 November to Monday 16 December 2024. There will be no Jersey Cave tours during this time.
  For more information, contact Yarrangobilly Caves Visitor Centre (02) 6454 9597.
  
  Safety alerts: Culvert works on Guthega road in Kosciuszko National Park.
  Culvert Cleaning works will commence on Thursday 10 October 2024, weather permitting. These works are expected to have minimal impact on the local community.
  Intermittent delays should be expected in the area until mid-December. Completion dates are subject to weather and operational constraints.
  
  Safety alerts: Summit Trail- post Winter hazards
  Please be aware of hazards along the Summit Trail. The trail is rough in sections because of erosion caused by heavy rainfall and snowmelt.
  For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Closed areas: Kosciuszko National Park closed sites
  A number of sites in Kosciuszko National Park are closed or may have other restrictions until further notice.
  Road Closures
  Olsens Road BEYOND Geehi Dam
  Fire-affected areas
  Some sections of Kosciuszko National Park which burnt during the 2019/2020 fires remain closed. These areas include:
  
  Wolgal and Pattinson's Huts
  
  Huts that burnt down in the 2020 fires
  These locations remain open, but the following huts or buildings have been lost:
  
  Linesman's No.3 Huts, Round Mountain Hut, and Dry Dam Ski Shelter.
  
  Warning: Please take care as there may be broken glass/nails that are uncovered since NPWS made records and cleaned up these sites. Please do not disturb the sites or remove artefacts.
  
  Snowy 2.0 works affecting access to Tantangara Road and Tantangara Dam
  
  Access to the southern end of Tantangara Reservoir via Quarry trail is closed to the public.
  
  Access to the southern end boat ramp is open, but may be subject to short-term closures.
  
  Current boating and camping access to Tantangara Reservoir will still be available at access points on the northern end of the reservoir, via Port Phillip and Dam trails.
  
  Do not enter closed areas in Kosciuszko National Park. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Other planned events: Temporary increase in presence of feral animal carcasses
  NPWS undertook increased feral animal control operations in the northern section of Kosciuszko National Park over winter, as part of a state-wide focus on reducing the impacts of feral animals on NSW national parks.
  As a result, higher than usual numbers of feral animal carcasses are temporarily present in the landscape. NPWS advises that there is an increased chance that visitors may encounter carcasses while driving, walking or riding in the area.
  Carcasses are generally left in the landscape during most widescale feral animal control operations. They are likely to decompose in approximately 4 weeks over summer. Decomposition is slower in winter.
  Carcasses do not pose a health or safety risk to visitors if left undisturbed. Please maintain a respectful distance and do not touch or move carcasses.
  If you are uncomfortable or concerned about the presence of feral animal carcasses, you may wish to consider visiting other locations in the park.
  
  Closed areas: Round Mountain Hut closed for reconstruction
  Round Mountain hut is closed from Tuesday 1 October 2024 to Friday 31 January 2025 while construction works are underway.
  Machinery and vehicles will be in use between the Round Mountain track head and the hut site. There will be some noise during this time. Please follow all directions from NPWS staff and safety signage.
  The toilet amenities remain open and are accessed via Farm Ridge trail.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please call the Khancoban Visitor Centre on 02 6070 8400.
  
  Other planned events: Merambego Trail Roadworks
  The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be undertaking essential fire trail maintenance works on Merambego Trail, throughout September, October and November 2024. The trail will be closed to visitors.
  Please obey all directions from NPWS staff and contractors. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  For any further queries, please contact the NPWS Jindabyne office on (02) 6450 5555.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 program
  A baiting program using meat baits and canid pest ejectors containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison will be conducted from Sunday 22 September 2024 to Saturday 22 March 2025 in Kosciuszko National Park.
  The program will be conducted in the northern precinct of the park, which includes the following areas:
  
  Goobarragandra
  
  Blowering foreshores
  
  Big Talbingo/ Buddong
  
  Entry into baiting locations will be identifiable by signs.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  For further information, please call the NPWS Tumut area office on 02 6947 7000.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 wild dog and fox baiting program
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting a baiting program in the north east precinct of Kosciuszko National Park, Scabby Range and Yaouk Nature Reserves within the Adaminaby/Yaouk wild dog control area.
  The program will be continuous and ongoing between 1 September 2024 and 28 February 2025, and will use meat baits and canid pest ejectors containing 1080 (sodium fluroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.
  All baiting locations will be identifiable by signs.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserve. Pets and working dogs may be affected, and 1080 is lethal to cats and dogs. Pets and working dogs in the vicinity must be restrained or muzzled and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  For further information please call the NPWS Tumut area office on 02 6947 7000.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of 1080 ongoing program
  The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting a baiting program using baits containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes. The program will be continuous and ongoing between Friday 9 August 2024 and Friday 7 February 2025. These programs are part of an integrated pest animal control strategy, aimed at minimising the impacts of these animals on neighbouring stock.
  Baiting programs will be conducted in Thredbo/Ingebyra, Dalgety/Paupong and Corrowong/Tombong/Merriangaah Wild Dog Plan Areas. Baiting programs will also be undertaken in Paupong, Merriangaah and Quidong Nature Reserves.
  This includes the following sections of Kosciuszko National Park:
  
  Thredbo Valley
  
  Moonbah
  
  Ingebyra
  
  Paupong
  
  Numbla Vale
  
  Corrowong
  
  All baiting locations will be identifiable by signs.
  Please be reminded that domestic pets are not permitted on NPWS Estate. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  For further information, please call the Jindabyne area office on 02 6450 5555.
  
  Other planned events: Tom Groggin campground - upgrade works
  The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and contractors will be undertaking upgrade works at Tom Groggin campground throughout winter and spring 2024. These works will include additions to campground facilities and rehabilitation planting.
  For more information please contact the NPWS Jindabyne office on 02 6450 5555.
  
  Safety alerts: Powerline out of service in Jagungal Wilderness Area
  Happy Jacks Plain and sections of the Jagungal Wilderness Area are affected by powerline damage. The 11kva powerline that runs through these areas was damaged during the 2019/2020 fires with burnt poles and downed powerlines. It is out of service and will be removed from the park. Please keep a safe distance from any broken wires on the ground and broken stay wires from power poles.
  For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Closed areas: Closed areas due to Snowy 2.0 works
  The following areas are closed due to the Snowy 2.0 works from Monday 25 February 2019 until early 2027, unless the closure is extended or removed:
  
  Lobs Hole Ravine Road 4WD trail
  
  Wallace Creek lookout
  
  Lobs Hole Ravine campground
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please call the NPWS Tumut area office on 02 6947 7000 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  Other planned events: Ongoing increased traffic and roadworks
  There is an increase in heavy and light vehicle movements on the Snowy Mountains Highway (between Cooma to Tumut) and Link and Tantangara Roads within Kosciuszko National Park. This traffic will continue for a number of years and involves the use of specialised heavy vehicle combinations for transporting materials associated with the Snowy 2.0 project and other projects in the region.
  There will also be ongoing maintenance and upgrades to roads in the area as part of the project, particularly along Link and Tantangara Roads.
  To assist in planning your journey safely, please check for alerts on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.
  For more information, call the NPWS Tumut area office on 02 6947 7000.
  
  Closed areas: Bullocks Hut closed
  Several buildings in the Bullocks Hut complex are closed until further notice for restoration works. Please do not enter the construction sites.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, call the Snowy Region Visitor Centre on 02 6450 5600 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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