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Main Range walk

Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Main Range walk.

Track grading

Grade 4

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

22km loop

Time

7 - 9hrs

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

Some bushwalking experience recommended

Gradient

Very steep

Steps

Many steps

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles

Getting there and parking

Main Range walking track is in the Alpine precinct of Kosciuszko National Park. To get there:

  • Drive along Kosciuszko Road from Jindabyne past the ski resorts of Smiggin Holes, Perisher Valley and Charlotte Pass Village 40km to Charlotte Pass.
  • Parking outside the 20-minute only area

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.

Parking

Street parking is available nearby to the trackhead on Kosciuszko Road. Bus parking is also available.

Facilities

Take advantage of toilets where provided, including Rawson Pass. If you've got to go, preferably plan to bag your toilet waste, especially at high use areas without toilets.

Please help protect the sensitive alpine environment by carrying out your waste and rubbish to deposit in an appropriate facility within the resort areas or outside the park.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

  • This park is in a remote location, so please ensure you're well-prepared, bring appropriate clothing and equipment and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.
  • Weather can change quickly in the Snowy Mountains and snow can fall at any time.
  • Always check weather conditions before your journey, and never set out if bad weather is approaching. Check BOM Thredbo Top Station.

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.

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Camping safety

If you're planning to camp in Kosciuszko National Park's Main Range or wilderness areas, take time to read our important need-to-know information for a safe and enjoyable back country camping adventure.

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).

Permitted

  • You can cross-country ski or snowshoe this track in winter but there are no snow poles marking the route.
  • Walking isn't recommended when this track is snowbound.

Prohibited

  • Cycling, including fat bikes or snow bikes, is not permitted on the Main Range or between Rawson Pass and the Mount Kosciuszko summit.

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

No open/wood fires are permitted in alpine areas. Remember to bring a gas or fuel stove if you intend to cook.

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. The alpine resorts of Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass, Selwyn, Ski Rider and Kosciuszko Tourist Park are exempt, though some commercial and outdoor places within these resorts may have no smoking areas.

Map of Main Range walk in Kosciuszko National Park

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

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