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Illawong walk

Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Illawong walk in Kosciuszko National Park, near Guthega and Charlotte Pass, is a 5km return bushwalk where you can enjoy birdwatching, picnicking by the river, wildlife photography, or swimming in Snowy River.

Distance
5km return
Time suggested
2 - 3hrs
Grade
Grade 3
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Opening times

Illawong walk is inaccessible to walkers in winter (June to October long weekends).

What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen, clothes for all weather conditions, topographic map, gps, compass

Illawong walk is a gorgeous 5km return walk through Kosciuszko National Park. It begins in the charming Guthega Village and follows along Snowy River Valley through alpine heath and towering, majestic snow gums, all the way up to Illawong Hut, one of the oldest buildings still standing in the park.

Walk or swim in the cooling waters of Snowy River when the weather is hot, or picnic among the wildflowers of alpine mint, billy buttons, and native yam daisies, just to name a few.

If you’re a keen birdwatcher be sure to pack your bincoculars. As well as the native birds you’re likely to spot here, including crimson rosellas and gang gang cockatoos, you’re also likely to see interesting native wildlife, including mountain and Kosciuszko thermocolour grasshoppers, wombats, and echidnas.

Take a virtual tour of Illawong walk captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • Spencers Creek bridge on Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk, in Kosciuszko National Park. Photo credit: Boen Ferguson © DPIE

    Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk

    Take in majestic views of Australia's highest peaks on the Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk, near Thredbo and Perisher. Follow the Snowy River and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

 

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

Conservation program:

Southern corroboree frog conservation project

An iconic endangered species, the southern corroboree frog, found only in Kosciuszko National Park, faces the grave threat of extinction. Saving Our Species aims to prevent this from happening by battling chytrid fungus, protecting frog habitat from pests, and fostering a captive breeding program. 

Southern corroboree frog (Pseudophryne corroboree), Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: John Spencer

General enquiries

Operated by

Park info

  • in the Thredbo-Perisher area of Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains region
  • The Thredbo-Perisher area is open all year, but some roads and trails may close due to weather conditions or park management issues. Kosciuszko Road is closed between Perisher and Charlotte Pass in winter (June to October long weekends).
  • Park entry fees apply on Alpine Way and Kosciuszko Road

    Winter (June to October long weekends): $29 per vehicle per day (24hrs from purchase); motorcycles $12; bus passengers $11.45 per adult, $3.60 per child per day. Find out more about the winter entry surcharge.

    Rest of Year: $17 per vehicle per day (24hrs); motorcycles $7; bus passengers $6.60 per adult, $2.20 per child per day.

    Passes: Day passes, multi-day passes and annual All Parks Pass available from NPWS visitor centres, local agents and operating vehicle entry stations. Single and Multi-Day passes are also available via the Park'nPay app. Short Breaks Pass: $68 for 5 days park entry at price of 4 days (not valid winter).

    Read our Annual Pass FAQs for information.

    Buy annual pass
See more visitor info

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