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Main Range walk

Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Intrepid hikers can tackle the challenging Main Range walk, which takes in glacial lakes, historic huts, and the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, across alpine high country in Kosciuszko National Park.

Where
Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park in Snowy Mountains
Distance
22km loop
Time suggested
7 - 9hrs
Grade
Grade 4
Trip Intention Form

It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.

Personal Locator Beacon

Hire a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for free at Snowy Region Visitor Centre in Jindabyne, Perisher Valley Office, Tumut Visitor Centre or Khancoban Visitor Centre.

Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Opening times

This walk is snowbound in winter, between June and October. You can cross-country ski or snowshoe, but there are no snow poles marking the route. Private vehicle access is closed between Perisher and Charlotte Pass in winter.

What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen, snacks, clothes for all weather conditions, sturdy shoes
Please note
  • Weather in this area can be extreme and unpredictable. Come well prepared and read our alpine safety tips before you set out.
  • Steel mesh walking platforms have been installed along this trail to protect the environment. These surfaces may be sharp. Running is not recommended.

This spectacular, long alpine track is suited to adventurous hikers eager to explore some the highest reaches of Kosciuszko National Park on foot.

Set out from Charlotte's Pass on the 22km track, which takes you through the glacier-carved landscapes of this protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. You'll cross the fabled Snowy River, journey past Hedley Tarn and Blue Lake, and be dazzled by wildflower meadows in early summer. Then it's high up along the rugged Main Range to the very rooftop of Australia, Mount Kosciuszko (2228m), where the views across the Australian Alps stretch as far as the eye can see.

From here, the track loops back to Charlotte's Pass via the Mount Kosciuszko Summit trail. If you're well-equipped, and prepared for an overnight back country camping, the walk can be spread over a couple of days.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Nearby

  • 2 bushwalkers read park information at Charlotte Pass lookout, with mountains in the background. Photo: Elinor Sheargold/DPIE.

    Charlotte Pass lookout

    Charlotte Pass lookout offers easily accessed vistas of Australia’s highest mountains, in the Thredbo-Perisher area of Kosciuszko National Park. Enjoy the views before walking to Mount Kosciuszko’s summit.

  • View of historic stone hut set in alpine grassland, with large boulders and wildflowers in the foreground. Photo: Stephen Townsend © DPIE

    Seamans Hut

    Historic Seamans Hut is a scenic stop along Mount Kosciuszko Summit trail and Main Range loop walk, in the alpine area of Kosciuszko National Park.

  • Stone steps lead up to Mount Kosciuszko summit lookout, in Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Elinor Sheargold © DPIE

    Mount Kosciuszko summit lookout

    Mount Kosciuszko summit lookout marks the top of Australia’s highest mountain, in Kosciuszko National Park. Hike up from Charlotte Pass or Thredbo and soak in majestic views across the high country.

 

Think Before You TREK

Are you planning a bushwalk, going somewhere remote or where the weather is extreme? Stay safe by planning your trip for all conditions and telling someone about it.

Bushwalkers in Wollemi National Park. Photo: Daniel Tran/DPIE

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

What's nearby:

Things to do (66)

Tours (27)

Camping and accommodation (8)

Volunteering (2)

School excursions (4)

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