Patons Hut walking track
Khancoban area in Kosciuszko National Park
Overview
Patons Hut walking track offers scenic alpine views, plus bird watching and fishing at Tooma Dam, in the central wilderness of Kosciuszko National Park, near Khancoban.
- Where
- Khancoban area in Kosciuszko National Park in Snowy Mountains
- Distance
- 5.4km return
- Time suggested
- 2 - 3hrs
- Grade
- Grade 5
- 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.
- Opening times
The section of road between Khancoban and Cabramurra, including access to Patons Hut walking track, is closed between the June and October long weekends, due to snow and ice.
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sunscreen, topographic map, gps, compass, personal locator beacon
- Please note
The weather in this area can be extreme and unpredictable. Please be well prepared for your visit.
Best walked in the warmer months, Patons Hut walking track gives you an opportunity to see the historic side of Kosciuszko National Park.
Bushwalking this well-defined track, you can gaze at an impressive colour palette created by tall mountain gums and eucalypt forest looming overhead, as well as pretty frost hollows. A spring visit is perfect for stunning glimpses of blooming shrubs and wildflowers such as buttercups and waxy bluebells. It’s remarkable to see how well the area has regenerated after bushfires in 2003.
Quiet hikers might manage to spot some of the park’s native wildlife, including eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies and lizards. You may even see a wombat if you’re there at dawn or dusk.
It should take about an hour to reach Patons Hut. First built in 1934, and rebuilt after bushfire, it remains an excellent example of an iron grazier’s hut. Pause a while to experience the Snowy Mountains region’s cultural heritage. You might even savour a picnic lunch or go fishing in Tooma Dam before returning the way you came. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, continue via Dargals trail to Toolong Plain and Jagungal Wilderness Area.
Subscribe to Naturescapes
Subscribe to our Naturescapes e-newsletter which is packed with the latest information, experiences and events in NSW national parks. Your next park adventure starts here.
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.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
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
- info.khancoban@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 2 Scammel Street, Khancoban NSW 2642
Park info
- in the Khancoban area of Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains region
The Khancoban area is open all year, but access along the Khancoban to Cabramurra Road is closed in winter (June to October long weekends).
-
Park entry fees apply on Alpine Way
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: Single and Multi-Day passes available from Khancoban Visitor Centre's 24-hour vending machines, or via the Park'nPay app.
See vehicle entry fees for other areas in Kosciuszko National Park.
Buy annual pass