Illawong Walk

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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	(-36.3819663,148.3726041)
Mode	Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
Directions	From Barry Way Turn on to Kosciuszko Road then drive for 12.4 km Keep left and drive for another 255 m Turn slight left onto Kosciuszko Road and drive for another 16.5 km Turn right onto Link Road and drive for another 4.9 km Keep left onto Link Road and drive for another 45 m Continue onto Guthega Road and drive for another 4.6 km

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the car park (just below Guthega Alpine Inn, on Guthega Rd, 500m past the Guthega Centre), the walk follows the concrete road down the hill, keeping the main valley to the left. The road passes a small stone building and light post, just before coming to an intersection with another road heading off to the left, below the building named 'Toibunga'.
Turn sharp left: From the intersection, the walk follows the concrete road down the hill towards the dam. After about 100m, the track veers right at another intersection, following the lower track. The concrete track turns to the right, but this walk continues straight, onto the wide dirt management trail (between the small boulders). Soon the trail bends right and comes to an intersection with a bush track.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After another 25 m (at the intersection of Mount Tate Road & Farm Creek Place) continue straight, to head along Mount Tate Road. Then find the "Guthega Alpine Inn" (35 m on your right). Guthega Alpine Inn Guthega Alpine Inn is on Guthega Road, about 500 metres past the base of the chairlift and 'Guthega Centre'. The hotel provides a year-round service including accommodation and meals. The hosts are friendly and the hotel provides a great base for walkers and other holiday makers. Please phone and book ahead for meals and accommodation. Phone 02 6457 5383 After another 55 m (from the Mount Tate Road) continue straight, to head along Mount Tate Road.
	After another 150 m (at the intersection of Mount Tate Road & Illawong Walk) turn sharp left, to head along Illawong Walk (a residential road).
	After another 135 m (from the Illawong Walk) veer right, to head along Illawong Walk (a service road).
	After another 25 m (from the Illawong Walk) continue straight, to head along Illawong Walk. After another 55 m pass the car park (on your right).
	After another 80 m (from the Illawong Bridge Track) turn left, to head along Illawong Bridge Track (a walking track). After another 330 m head down the metal steps Then cross the bridge (about 7 m long) After another 35 m find the "Flying Fox" (15 m on your left). Flying Fox This metal flying fox was put in place to provide a safer option for crossing Blue Cow Creek when the water rises over the rocks. There are many flying foxes in the area to help people cross creeks, especially useful during snowmelt when water is cold, deep and fast-moving. In 2010, a metal bridge was installed over this creek, parallel to the flying fox, and the bridge is now the safest way to cross. After another 910 m cross the ford. After another 160 m cross the ford. After another 40 m cross the ford.
	After another 790 m (from the Illawong Bridge Track) continue straight, to head along Illawong Bridge Track.
	After another 140 m (from the Illawong Bridge Track) continue straight, to head along Illawong Bridge Track. About 125 m past the end is "Illawong Lodge". Illawong Lodge In 1956, the year after the Guthega Dam was first filled, the Kosciuszko State Park Trust gave permission for the conversion of the then-dilapidated hut into the present simple lodge. The lodge is maintained by members of Illawong Ski Tourers and friends. The nearby suspension bridge over the Snowy River and the flying fox over Farm Creek were built by members of Illawong. NPWS now maintains the suspension bridge and a new bridge over Farm Creek which has replaced the flying fox. The lodge can be reserved by members of the general public - see illawong.asn.au. There is also a small emergency shelter in the base of the hut, on the western wall, with enough room for a few people to see out a blizzard, with some water, blankets and other emergency supplies. Then cross the bridge
	Continue another 30 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 3 km to get back to the start. About 30 m past the end is "Suspension Bridge". Suspension Bridge Constructed and maintained by Illawong Ski Tourers, and only a stone's throw from Illawong Lodge, this cable suspension bridge provides a safer way to cross the upper Snowy River. This provides the main access between Guthega and the Main Range. The bridge also provides great views of the valley.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Illawong Walk

Grading

	Class 3/6 Moderate track
Length	6.1 km
Time	2 h 15 min to 2 h 45 min

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

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 be carrying 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.

Guthega
Guthega is a relatively small township, north of Perisher, and comprises mostly of hotel and lodge-style buildings. The most popular service in town is the Guthega Alpine Inn, open year round. The town is remote and access is by an all-weather dirt road. There are great views over the main range and the Guthega Pondage (part of the Snowy River Scheme). Guthega offers a great place to ski in winter, and to holiday in summer. In summer, there is plenty of walking, mountain biking, fishing and relaxing to be done. Walkers please note - there is no public water supply in the township, please fill water bottle before coming (or be willing treat and use the creek water).

Guthega Alpine Inn
Guthega Alpine Inn is on Guthega Road, about 500 metres past the base of the chairlift and 'Guthega Centre'. The hotel provides a year-round service including accommodation and meals. The hosts are friendly and the hotel provides a great base for walkers and other holiday makers. Please phone and book ahead for meals and accommodation. Phone 02 6457 5383

Flying Fox
This metal flying fox was put in place to provide a safer option for crossing Blue Cow Creek when the water rises over the rocks. There are many flying foxes in the area to help people cross creeks, especially useful during snowmelt when water is cold, deep and fast-moving. In 2010, a metal bridge was installed over this creek, parallel to the flying fox, and the bridge is now the safest way to cross.

Illawong Lodge
In 1956, the year after the Guthega Dam was first filled, the Kosciuszko State Park Trust gave permission for the conversion of the then-dilapidated hut into the present simple lodge. The lodge is maintained by members of Illawong Ski Tourers and friends. The nearby suspension bridge over the Snowy River and the flying fox over Farm Creek were built by members of Illawong. NPWS now maintains the suspension bridge and a new bridge over Farm Creek which has replaced the flying fox. The lodge can be reserved by members of the general public - see illawong.asn.au. There is also a small emergency shelter in the base of the hut, on the western wall, with enough room for a few people to see out a blizzard, with some water, blankets and other emergency supplies.

Suspension Bridge
Constructed and maintained by Illawong Ski Tourers, and only a stone's throw from Illawong Lodge, this cable suspension bridge provides a safer way to cross the upper Snowy River. This provides the main access between Guthega and the Main Range. The bridge also provides great views of the valley.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Perisher Valley Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue
  
  Tuesday 13 May
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds.
  
  Wednesday 14 May
  
  1°C → 11°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Patchy fog in the morning, mainly in the east. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 10:30am to 1:30pm, UV Index predicted to reach 3 [Moderate]
  
  Thursday 15 May
  
  -1°C → 11°C
  Partly cloudy.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. The chance of fog in the morning, mainly in the east. Light winds.
  
  Friday 16 May
  
  -2°C → 10°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. Light winds.
  
  Saturday 17 May
  
  -2°C → 8°C
  Showers or snow at times.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. Snow possible above 1400 metres. Light winds.
  
  Sunday 18 May
  
  -4°C → 2°C
  Snow shower or two.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Snow shower or two.
  
  Monday 19 May
  
  -5°C → 4°C
  Showers or snow at times.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Showers or snow at times.
  
  Tuesday 20 May
  
  -5°C → 7°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Possible shower.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Kosciuszko National Park alerts
  Other planned events: Round Mountain trackhead works
  Works are underway at the Round Mountain trackhead carpark from Thursday 8 May to Thursday 15 May, 2025. The carpark is accessible and remains open. Do not enter areas of construction.
  For more information, contact the Khancoban Visitor Centre 02 6070 8400.
  
  Closed areas: Thredbo Valley Tracks Partial Closure
  The Thredbo Valley Track is now closed for winter between Thredbo Resort and Ngarigo Campground.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. Please contact the Snowy Region Visitor Centre for further information.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of 1080 program
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an autumn ground baiting program from 7 May 2025 to 25 May 2025. The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of foxes.
  The program will take place in Kosciuszko National park in the following areas:
  
  Main range area
  
  Charlotte pass
  
  Munyang
  
  Illawong
  
  Dead horse gap
  
  The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species.
  Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. 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.
  Please contact the local NPWS area office for more information on (02) 6450 5555.
  
  Other planned events: Guthega Road closed between Island Bend and Guthega (Munyang) Power Station ending 16 May 2025
  Guthega Road will be closed between Island Bend and Guthega (Munyang) Power Station from 7am to 5pm on Monday to Friday during the following periods:
  
  Monday 31 March to Friday 11 April
  
  Monday 28 April to Friday 16 May
  
  These closures are necessary to complete the remaining culvert replacements and allow all asphalt works to be finalized by the June long weekend.
  You can still access the following locations:
  
  Access Island Bend Campgrounds via Guthega Road.
  
  Access Munyang Power Station and Guthega Village via Smiggin Holes, continuing along Link Road (accessible at the end of the car park).
  
  Please follow all signs and instructions of NPWS staff. For more information, please contact [email protected].
  
  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 March 2025 and 31 August 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: Tom Groggin camping area - upgrade works
  The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and contractors will be undertaking upgrade works at Tom Groggin camping area throughout 2025. These works will include additions to campground facilities, including fire pits and picnic tables, rehabilitation planting, restoration of damaged campground surfaces, and construction of a new shelter at the day use area.
  As a result, some areas of the lower campground will be closed to camping throughout winter 2025 to allow surfaces to rehabilitate. The majority of Tom Groggin will remain open to camping.
  Visitors may experience some delays during construction works. Please comply with all instructions from NPWS staff and contractors. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  For more information please contact the NPWS Jindabyne office on 02 6450 5555.
  
  Other planned events: Yarrangobilly Village campgrounds partial closure for rehabilitation works
  Yarrangobilly Village campground will be partially closed for rehabilitation works from Monday 14 April to Friday 3 October 2025. Camping at Yarrangobilly Village campground will still be available during this time in a restricted area.
  For further information please call NPWS Tumut office on (02) 6947 7000.
  
  Other planned events: Port Phillip Trail Road Works
  Expect short delays on Port Phillip Trail from the 7th April to 30th of June 2025. Roadworks will be underway. Drive safely and follow the directions of roadwork signs & staff.
  For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Other incidents: Guthega Trackhead - Guthega Toilet Construction
  Guthega track head carpark will be closed to vehicles. Signage will be in place advising public to park in main Guthega carpark. Pedestrian access will be maintained through the carpark to the Snowies Alpine Walk and Illawong Walk track head.
  
  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 Saturday 22 March 2025 to Monday 22 September 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: Notification of Ongoing 1080 Baiting - Wild Dogs/Foxes
  The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting an ongoing baiting program from Saturday 8 February 2025 to Thursday 7 August 2025. The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes. This program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise the impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.
  Baiting programs will take place across Kosciuszko National Park 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 and Corrowong.
  Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. 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.
  
  Safety alerts: Powerline removal being undertaken in the Jagungal Wilderness Area
  Contractors will be undertaking removal of the 11kva powerline within the Jagungal Wilderness Area. This line was damaged in the 2019/2020 fires and is no longer functional. Please be aware that heavy machinery will be operating at various times. The contractor will have warning signs in place.
  
  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.
  
  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.
  
  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.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of Pindone rabbit control program - Thredbo
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting a baiting program using carrots containing pindone (pindone, sodium salt) poison for the control of rabbits. This program will take place between Monday 28 April and Friday 30 May 2025 within the Thredbo Lease Area, within Kosciuszko National Park.
  All baiting locations will be signposted, and include the village, golf course and on the mountain. Free feeding using non-poisoned carrots will be undertaken before using pindone oats.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets may be affected by pindone. Pets must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  For further information, call the NPWS Resorts Environmental Services on 02 6450 5616.
  
  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. Olsens Road remains open from the Alpine Way to 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: Notification of Ongoing 1080 Baiting - Wild Dogs/Foxes
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program from 24th February 2025 to 24th August 2025 . The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of feral animals including wild dogs and foxes.
  The program will take place in Kosciuszko National Park and Clarkes Hill, Bogandyera and Jingellic Nature Reserves.
  The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.
  Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. 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.
  Please contact the local Khancoban NPWS area office for more information on 02 6070 8400.
  
  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: 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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