Snowies Alpine Walk: 4 days self guided
Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park
Overview
Spend 4 days walking in the iconic Snowy Mountains. Use our self guided itinerary to inspire your own Snowies Alpine Walk experience.
4 days 3+ nights.
56km Grade 4 - Bushwalking experience recommended.
Travel to and from the walking track each day and stay at National Parks accommodation, campgrounds or find options nearby.
National Parks accommodation from $941 for up to 4 people, plus transfers and park entry fees.
Available December to April.
Guthega to Charlotte Pass
9km
Settle into your adventure with a short but scenic hike. Walk to the sound of the snowmelt flowing through the iconic Snowy River with views of the Main Range as your backdrop. You’ll cross Australia’s highest suspension bridge over Spencers Creek.
Main Range
22km
Reach new heights on day 2 as you take on the challenge of Main Range loop. Start by rock hopping across the Snowy River before climbing to see views of Blue Lake. You’ll cross Carruthers Peak and pass Lake Albina before tackling the summit of Australia’s highest mountain. Enjoy panoramic views from the top of Mount Kosciuszko before heading past historic Seamans Hut to finish the loop.
Charlotte Pass Village to Perisher Valley
12.7km
Walk through varied alpine landscapes linking towns at Charlotte Pass Village and Perisher Valley. Along the way, you’ll see expansive views of Thredbo Valley and the giant granite rock boulders at Porcupine Rocks. You'll also walk through sub-alpine areas that are home to summer wildflowers, wombats, and echidnas.
Perisher Valley to Bullocks Flat
12km
Day 4 is the perfect Snowy Mountains encore with moody alpine ash forests, mossy alpine bogs, and lush woodlands. You'll also see sweeping views of the Monaro Plain and Ramshead Range before finishing your walk along the Thredbo River.
Where to stay
What to book
To complete Snowies Alpine Walk, you'll need 4 days for walking and at least 3 nights to stay. If you need more than half a day to get to Thredbo-Perisher area, consider staying 1 or 2 extra nights to take your time walking the track.
Transfers
There are limited accommodation options along the walk at nearby villages. Walkers will need to book a car or transfer service to get to and from their accommodation and to the track at the start and end of each day. Most days start and end at different spots with very limited parking, so booking your own transfer service when you book accommodation is highly recommended. Book your transfer here.
Accommodation
Book NPWS accommodation at Numbananga Lodge or Creel Bay. Numbananga Lodge is located at Smiggin Holes, about 10km from the start of Snowies Alpine Walk and Creel Bay is about 30km away. There is also accommodation at nearby villages. You’ll need to book transfers to get to and from your accommodation and the track at the start and end of each day.
Camping
Ngarigo, Thredbo Diggings and Island Bend campgrounds are closest to the walk but there are other NPWS campsites nearby. You’ll need to book campsites and transfers to get to and from the campgrounds and the track at the start and end of each day.
Is this walk right for you
This is a Grade 4 walk in alpine areas that include long steep sections, very steep gradients, and many steps. Some bushwalking experience and a high level of fitness are required. This is because you'll walk between 3 to 9 hours each day carrying a backpack with food, water and safety supplies. This trail can be walked by first-time multi-day walkers.
This experience is not wheelchair accessible or suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Safety
Alpine areas present special safety issues so read our alpine safety tips to get prepared. As this is a Grade 4 walk, hiring a personal locator beacon (PLB) and completing a trip intention form is recommended.
Weather in this area can be unpredictable and it can snow in summer. Some sections may be slippery from snow and ice. You'll also need to rock-hop to cross the Snowy River which can be slippery. This crossing may be covered with water and can’t be crossed after rain. Be prepared for all weather by packing warm clothes and sun protection. For more detailed weather information, check out the Bureau of Meteorology website.
Check alerts before you head out for track conditions and closures.
What to bring
This is a 4 day self guided walk. As you'll be staying in a cabin or lodge, you won’t need to carry camping gear. Bring a waterproof backpack that can carry enough water, food and safety gear for a 3 to 9 hour walk each day.
It can snow in alpine areas in summer, so wear layers for changing weather and bring a hat and sunscreen. Wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip and bring waterproof and windproof clothing to keep you warm and dry. Read our bushwalking safety tips to make sure you pack all the essentials and are wearing the right gear.
There are limited options for buying food and snacks year-round along the walk. The nearest town with groceries, cafes and restaurants is Jindabyne where you can visit for a meal or stock up for your stay.
Detailed track notes
Day 1: Guthega to Charlotte Pass
Distance: 9km
Time suggested: 3 to 3.5 hours
Toilets at: Guthega Village and Charlotte Pass
Drinking water: Not available
Walk start: Guthega Village
Walk end: Charlotte Pass
Day 1 is the shortest leg and leaves you with enough time to stop in at Snowy Region Visitor Centre before dropping luggage off at your accommodation. Grab a map, hire a PLB, check alerts or ask staff about track conditions and pay your vehicle entry fee if you're using your own car. Once you’re set, make your way to the start of track at Guthega by car or pre-arranged transfer service. Basecamp Cafe at Guthega Mountain Centre is a good place to grab food at Guthega Village, but it's a good idea to check summer opening hours before you arrive.
Your walk starts with views of Guthega Pondage before following the Snowy River. You’ll feel the instant serenity of nature as you walk to the sound of snowmelt and take in fresh mountain air. Hardy sub-alpine plants surround narrow track sections and raised paths to immerse you in the landscape. In summer, wildflowers like yellow billy buttons and snow daisies add life to the unique muted colour palette of the mountains. Within the first hour, the Main Range will start to pop into view which can be snow-capped even in summer.
After about 3km, you’ll reach Spencers Creek Suspension Bridge. At 1627m above sea level, it’s Australia’s highest suspension bridge and allows you to cross while peering into the cascading creek from above. Continue to wind your way up for another 5.5km before reaching the end of day 1 at Charlotte Pass. Meet your transfer provider here to travel to your accommodation.
Download a pdf map for day 1 or the map for Thredbo-Perisher area in the NSW National Parks app. Use the app to see where you are on the map as you walk, even when you're offline and have no mobile reception. Check alerts for this section of Snowies Alpine Walk before you go.
Day 2: Main Range walk
Distance: 22km
Time suggested: 7 to 9 hours
Toilets at: Charlotte Pass, Rawson Pass and Seamans Hut
Drinking water: Not available
Walk start and end: Charlotte Pass turning circle
Day 2 is challenging but filled with great adventure as you’ll summit Mount Kosciuszko. You'll also cross the Snowy River at Foremans Crossing by rock hopping, so it's important to check local alerts and the weather forecast in case water levels are too high to cross safely. Walking the loop in an anti-clockwise direction is recommended as the river crossing will be at the start of your walk. If you walk the loop clockwise and can't cross due to high water levels, you'll need to backtrack about 19km. Walking anti-clockwise means you’ll only have to backtrack around 800m.
Pack clothes for all conditions as weather can be unpredictable and it can snow even in summer. You should also have enough water and food for a 7 to 9hr walk with steep sections. The 22km loop starts and ends at Charlotte Pass turning circle. There is very limited parking at the track head so booking a pre-arranged transfer is highly recommended.
Start the walk at the Charlotte Pass track head sign and follow the Main Range walk in an anti-clockwise direction. After about 800m you’ll reach the Snowy River which you’ll need to rock-hop to cross. Take your time to get your footing right and look out for slippery or loose stones.
From there you’ll start to climb and after about 4km, Ramsar-listed Blue Lake will come into view. At the fork, turn left to continue the loop towards the Mount Kosciuszko summit walk junction. This 7.5km leg takes you past Carruthers Peak and Muellers Pass and has a few steep sections. Along the way, you’ll see the glacial waters of Albina Lake nestled in expansive views of the ranges. When you reach the turn-off for the summit walk, consider heading to Rawson Pass if you need a toilet break which is 15 minutes away.
It's about 1km to the summit from the turn off. On a clear day, your reward is an amazing 360-degree outlook of endless mountains with views as far as Victoria and towards the NSW South Coast. The summit is a stunning place to stop to rest and refuel before completing the loop back to Charlotte Pass. Don’t forget to take your rubbish with you.
When you head back down, turn left at Rawson Pass towards Charlotte Pass and after about 20min, you’ll reach Seamans Hut on Etheridge Range. Built in 1928 the hut was built for use as an emergency shelter and is now a popular spot to stop for a picture. Continue for another 6km to return to Charlotte Pass and the end of day 2. Meet your transfer provider to travel to your accommodation.
Download a pdf map for day 2 or the map for Thredbo-Perisher area in the NSW National Parks app. Use the app to see where you are on the map as you walk, even when you're offline and have no mobile reception. Check local alerts for this section of Snowies Alpine Walk before you go.
Day 3: Charlotte Pass Village to Perisher Valley
Distance: 12.7km
Time suggested: 4 to 6 hours
Toilets at: Charlotte Pass Village and Perisher Valley
Drinking water: Not available
Walk start: Charlotte Pass Village
Walk end: Perisher Valley
Day 3 connects Charlotte Pass Village and Perisher Valley and lets you explore varied landscapes in between. The Charlotte Pass Cafe at Stillwell Lodge is a good place to use the bathroom and grab food, but it's a good idea to check summer operating hours before you go.
You’ll start walking in the wide-open spaces of high-country plains before hiking up and down ridges and valleys. At high points you’ll see spectacular views of Thredbo Valley and Bullocks Flat below. Looking back, you’ll see a new perspective of the Main Range. After about 9km you’ll reach a junction where you’ll see the granite boulder formation known as Porcupine Rocks to your right.
You can explore Porcupine Rocks to see the views towards Thredbo Valley down to Lake Jindabyne. Take care as rocks may be slippery. Be cautious and avoid getting too close to the edge as there is a sheer drop. From Porcupine Rocks it’s about 3km to Perisher Valley where day 3 ends. Meet your transfer provider at Perisher Valley to travel to your accommodation.
Download a pdf map for day 3 or the map for Thredbo-Perisher area in the NSW National Parks app. Use the app to see where you are on the map as you walk, even when you're offline and have no mobile reception. Check local alerts for this section of Snowies Alpine Walk before you go.
Day 4: Perisher Valley to Bullocks Flat
Distance: 12km
Time suggested: 4 to 5 hours
Toilets at: Perisher Valley and Bullocks Flat
Drinking water: Not available
Walk start: Perisher Valley
Walk end: Bullocks Flat
Your final day is worth the wait as you’ll get the chance to explore one of Kosciuszko National Park’s newest trails.
From Perisher Valley, you’ll walk back towards Porcupine Rocks for 350m before taking the left path at the fork. You’ll be surrounded by snow gums with twisted limbs that are warped by wind and snow before reaching a lookout after 3.5km. From here you’ll be able to get an expansive view of Thredbo Valley and the Monaro plains.
The walk is a gentle downhill for about 3km before it switches back and heads down into Thredbo Valley. You’ll walk through towering alpine ash forest and tea tree gullies and along raised platforms through mossy alpine bogs.
You’ll walk along Thredbo River in the final section of the track towards Bullocks Flat. Take in the sounds and serenity of the river against the backdrop of the rocky Ramshead Range. Historic Bullocks Hut sits on the Thredbo River, making it a picturesque pit stop if you have time for a quick detour. It’s about 100m from the track after you cross Thredbo River. Otherwise continue along the track to Bullocks Flat and the end of Snowies Alpine Walk.
Download a pdf map for day 4 or the map for Thredbo-Perisher area in the NSW National Parks app. Use the app to see where you are on the map as you walk, even when you're offline and have no mobile reception. Check local alerts for this section of Snowies Alpine Walk before you go.
Maps
Download the map for Thredbo-Perisher area in the NSW National Parks app before you leave home. Use it to see where you are on the map as you walk, even when you're offline and have no mobile reception.
Getting to Thredbo-Perisher area
Location: Kosciuszko National Park
Gateway towns: Jindabyne
Regional airport: Snowy Mountains Airport, Cooma
Driving distance: 5.5 hours from Sydney, 3 hours from Canberra
Driving directions from Canberra via Jindabyne (park entry fees apply):
- Travel around 100km along the Monaro Highway and through Cooma.
- Continue onto Jindabyne Road following signs for Kosciuszko Road for 60km to Jindabyne.
For Guthega Village : follow Kosciuszko Road through Jindabyne towards Perisher. Turn off onto Guthega Road which is sealed until you reach Guthega power station then continue straight ahead along an unsealed road for around 6.5km to Guthega Village.
For Perisher Village and Charlotte Pass: follow Kosciuszko Road through Jindabyne for 33km to Perisher. Charlotte Pass is 8km beyond Perisher.
For Bullocks Flat: follow Kosciuszko Road through Jindabyne for 3km then turn left onto Alpine Way. Head towards Thredbo Village for about 18km before reaching Bullocks Flat.
Weather and seasons
Spring: Spring is a great time for hiking in the Snowy Mountains. Yellow buttercups are in bloom, rivers run fast with snow melt and the days aren't too hot to explore the country's highest mountains.
Summer: Take advantage of long summer days crystal clear creeks and streams. Blooms of yellow billy buttons, white snow daisies and purple hovea also reach their peak in January. It can get hot but also snow in the mountains in summer so be prepared with appropriate clothing and supplies for all weather.
Autumn: The days are generally dry and crisp and perfect for hiking with a backpack. Be prepared for all weather by packing warm clothes and sun protection.
Winter: Snowies Alpine Walk is covered in snow and not suitable for hiking during the winter months.
For more information
- Snowy Region Visitor Centre
- 8.30am to 5pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 6450 5600
- srvc@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 49 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne NSW 2627
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/snowies-alpine-walk-4-day/local-alerts
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).
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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.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Snowies Alpine Walk: 4 days self guided.
Visitor centre
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Snowy Region Visitor Centre
49 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne NSW 2627 - 8.30am to 5pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 6450 5600