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Olsens lookout

Khancoban area in Kosciuszko National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Olsens lookout.

Getting there and parking

Olsens lookout is in the southern precinct of Kosciuszko National Park. To get there:

  • Turn off Alpine Way at the Olsens lookout/Geehi Dam tourist sign
  • Follow Olsen’s Road for 9.4 km
  • Turn right at Olsens lookout sign
  • Olsens lookout is at the end of this road (approximately 600m).

Road quality

All 2WD vehicles need to carry snow chains in winter, between June and October long weekends, on:

  • Kosciuszko Road (to Perisher)
  • Guthega Road
  • Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin

Snow chains are recommended for all vehicles driving in the park, including 4WD and AWD, in the event of extreme weather. Read our snow driving in Kosciuszko tips.

Roads and tracks can close in extreme weather, so it’s a good idea to check weather and road conditions before setting out.

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

There's parking at the end of Olsens Lookout Road in a gravel carpark.

Facilities

Picnic tables

There's a picnic table set along a paved path at the lookout.

Barbecue facilities

  • Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)

Carpark

Step-free access

There's step-free access from the carpark to the lookout platform along a 1m wide paved path which leads to a wooden boardwalk.

The boardwalk is a gentle ramp with a maximum gradient of 1:14 that slopes upwards to to the lookout platform.

  • Step-free outdoor pathways

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Alpine safety

Alpine areas present special safety issues. Conditions can be extreme and may change rapidly, particularly in winter. It’s important to be prepared and find out how to stay safe in alpine areas.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Accessibility

Disability access level - medium

Olsens lookout is mostly flat and step-free, with a 1m-wide paved pathway that leads from the gravel carpark to a wooden boardwalk. 

The boardwalk is a gentle ramp that slopes upwards to to the lookout platform with a maximum gradient of 1:14.

Prohibited

Drones

Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.

This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.

Commercial filming and photography

Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Olsens lookout

Operated by

  • Khancoban Visitor Centre
  • Winter (June to September): Open 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 2pm on weekends. Rest of year: Open 9am to 4pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
  • 02 6070 8400
  • 2 Scammel Street, Khancoban NSW 2642

Park info

Visitor centre

  • Khancoban Visitor Centre
    2 Scammel Street, Khancoban NSW 2642
  • Winter (June to September): Open 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 2pm on weekends. Rest of year: Open 9am to 4pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
  • 02 6070 8400

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