Scale Australia’s Highest Peak on the Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk
Clear the lungs and witness 360-degree panoramas hiking the Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk. Standing tall at 2,228m above sea level, Mount Kosciuszko is Australia’s tallest mountain. Although demanding, the 6–8-hour journey to its lofty peak is incredibly scenic and rewarding, whether you do it on foot or two wheels.
Kosciuszko National Park is a two-and-a-half-hour journey from Canberra and easily accessible in one EV charge. Rise and shine early and you could be at Mount Kosciuszko’s summit by mid-afternoon. Here we show you how to get to the top and the gorgeous sights you’ll see along the way.
How do I scale Mount Kosciuszko?
The Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk is an 18.6km return trail. Starting at Charlotte Pass in the Thredbo-Perisher area, the route follows winding steel mesh pathways all the way up to the top of Mount Kosciuszko. Cyclists can pedal as far as Rawson Pass before chaining their bikes to a stand and walking the final 1.4km to the summit.
For a less challenging length, you can hop on the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift at Thredbo to complete a return hike of 13km.
Between June and October, Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk will be snow-covered. It is possible to snow-shoe or cross-country ski, but the route is unmarked with snow poles. The best time enjoy this passage is between December and March when the mountains blossom with colourful wildflowers.
What can I see along Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk?
Panoramas don’t get more majestic than being in the heart of Australia’s highest mountain range. From ancient rock formations to historic huts and carpets of buttercups and marsh marigolds, there is so much to see along Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk.
Some of the highlights along the route include the Seaman’s Hut, an alpine hut and memorial built in 1929 to shelter walkers in need. Pause for a moment to take in the undulating mountain views before continuing your way.
Of course, once you reach the summit there’s an impressive lookout from which you can bask in your achievement. On a clear day your eyes can see all the way down into the Geehi Valley.
What can I do there?
About 4.5km into the hike from Charlotte Pass, you’ll reach the Snowy River. This is a super scenic spot for a refuelling picnic before continuing your high-altitude adventure.
If you take the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift, your route will take in the sights of Lake Cootapatamba, Australia’s highest lake. This is another picture-perfect place to pause for a picnic.
Always keep your camera close so you can whip it out to document your hiking or biking journey across Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk.
Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk at a glance
- Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk is 220km from Canberra.
- Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk is an 18.6km return trail.
- It can be hiked in 6-8 hours, with a shorter trail available that takes around 5 hours.
- Standing at 2,228m above sea level, Mount Kosciuszko is Australia’s highest mountain.
Who is Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk good for?
Adults with a moderate fitness level, cyclists, hikers, nature lovers and challenge enthusiasts.
About the ActewAGL evHub
There are now over 20 models of electric vehicles that can go 400kms in a single battery charge ensuring an EV fits seamlessly into your leisure lifestyle. If you need help to find an EV, finance an EV or charge an EV, then visit the ActewAGL evHub today.
For those with an EV, listed below are the three charging stations along the way to help with planning your trip.
Parliament House – Public Parking
Wall port (AU/NZ) – 3 ports available
1 Capital Cr Capital Hill ACT 2600 NSW
Bredbo Centennial Park Rest Stop
Wall port (AU/NZ) – 1 plug available
7 Monaro Hwy Bredo 2626 NSW
Cooma Showgrounds
Three phase – 2 plugs available
Cooma Showgrounds Cromwell & Boundary Sts Cooma 2630 NSW