Starting at Charlotte Pass, this walk follows the Summit Walk, along the old Kosciuszko Road, as it crosses the Snowy River and passes Seamans Hut. The walk then makes its way to Rawsons Pass, where there is the optional side trip to the top of Mt Kosciuszko. From here, the walk follows the metal walkway down past the Rams Head Range to the Chairlift, and down to Thredbo.
(open in app)
There are Closed areas in Kosciuszko National Park Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Charlotte Pass to Thredbo via Rawson Pass
Cross sectional view of the Charlotte Pass to Thredbo via Rawson Pass bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Charlotte Pass to Thredbo via Rawson Pass bushwalking track
Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length
12km
Time
5 hrs
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Signs
Clearly signposted (1/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (1/6)
Weather
Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing
Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk. Gradient
6km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 5km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (2.2km) has short steep hills.
Quality of track
Around 12km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 2.4km follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
This whole walk, 14km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 14km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
12km of this walk is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety and another 1.9km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation). The remaining (350m) is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
This whole walk, 14km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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This walk leads through an extreme alpine environment and all walkers must be well prepared. During summer, be prepared for both very hot and cold weather, high winds, rain, snow, extreme UV levels and some sections of snow or ice on the ground. Before starting this walk, check advice with Snowy Region Visitor Information Centre (02) 6450 5600, the weather forecast and the snow conditions then change your plans as needed. These notes, grades and walking times have been written for use in the summer months only. Between May and the end of October, this walk is likely to be covered in snow/ice, visitors should carry and be prepared to use snowshoes or cross country skis. When there is a chance of significant snow on the ground, visitors will need particularly strong navigation and snowcraft skills - tracks and signage may not be visible. For most visitors, it is best to consider this walk closed during the colder months.
Between the long weekend in June and October, the road between Perisher Village and Charlotte Pass is closed by the RTA. It is possible to organise oversnow transport.
(0 km)
End of Kosciuszko Road
to
Snowy River bridge Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 4.48 km
Time = 1 hr 27 mins
Climb = 164 m
Descent = -73 m
From the end of Kosciuszko Rd at Charlotte Pass[1] (just near the toilet block[2]), this walk heads along a wide management trail[3], following the large 'Summit walk' sign[4]. The walk initially dips down a bit[5] and heads through a grove of snow gums[6]. This walk soon leaves the snow gums and the landscape opens to a fantastic view of the Snowy River and the valley (on your right)[7]. After about 1km, the walk passes a yellow 'MT K 8' sign[8] on a snow pole. This walk continues along the management trail and gently undulates up along the side of the long ridge, passing several more 'Mt K' milestone signs counting down. After a while, the old road heads up and over a ridge[9], passing the 'MT K 5'[10] and the original 'K 3' milestone (on your left) to find the un-signposted concrete bridge over Merritts Creek[11]. Continue straight: From the bridge, this walk follows the management trail west through the valley, where the trail soon bends right and passes a 'Snowy River' sign[12], coming to the bridge crossing the river[13].
(4.48 km)
Snowy River bridge
to
Seamans Hut Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 1.5 km
Time = 27 mins
Climb = 95 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From the 'Snowy River' sign[14], this walk crosses the bridge and heads north-west up along the management trail[15]. The trail bends right and heads up towards Seamans Hut (visible in clear weather[16]). The walk winds up the long hill and bends left, near a flat clearing with some valley views (to your right[17]). Here, the old road bends left and heads up the hill, coming to the signposted 'Seamans Hut'[18].
Seamans Hut
Alt = 2020 m
This hut was erected in 1929, after a young skier named Laurie Seaman perished in a blizzard when he was separated from his group. The hut was built using money donated by Seaman's parents, for the use of those who might need emergency shelter in the mountains. It was renovated in 1938 due to fire. Seamans Hut is a 7m x3m granite stone building with a wood stove, although there is little wood in the area.[19]More info
(5.99 km)
Seamans Hut
to
Rawson Pass Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 1.62 km
Time = 31 mins
Climb = 114 m
Descent = -15 m
Continue straight: From 'Seamans Hut'[20], this walk follows the management trail, heading west up the gentle hill, keeping the large valley to your right[21]. The trail winds steadily up along the side of the long hill and, about 150m past the road cutting, this trail leads to a stone path and Australia's highest toilet block[22]. The walk then follows the stone path past the toilet and bike parking area[23] to come to a clearly signposted three-way intersection at 'Rawson Pass'[24].
Rawson Pass
Alt = 2119 m
Rawson Pass is where the old Kosciuszko Road, from Charlotte Pass, meets the metal walkway from Thredbo. It is home to highest public toilet in Australia, this recently-added facility is perfectly positioned for those taking the walk up to the top of Kosciuszko. Rawson Pass is well signposted and 500m south east of Mt Kosciuszko (by straight line). There is also a place for to park mountain bikes for those cycling along the old road from Charlotte Pass.
(7.6 km)
Rawson Pass
to
Mt Kosciuszko Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - footpath
Length = 1.65 km
Time = 39 mins
Climb = 127 m
Descent = -23 m
Veer right: From the intersection at Rawson Pass, this walk follows the 'Mt Kosciuszko' sign[25] uphill along the stone pathway. The stone pathway soon becomes a gravel track and winds up and around the hill, keeping the peak of Mt Kosciuszko to your left. About 500m along the gravel track, this walk comes to a 'Y' intersection[26] (with the Kosciuszko summit track on your left), just past the 'Alpine Walks' sign and map[27]. Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Mt Kosciuszko' sign[28] uphill along the upper track. This track winds steadily up and around the peak of the mountain, passing a stone-paved[29] section of track, and also a metal grate[30] before climbing a few steps[31] to the cairn at the peak of Mt Kosciuszko[32]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)
Mt Kosciuszko
Alt = 2222 m
Mt Kosciuszko is the highest peak on the Australian continent, at 2228m above sea level. It was named by the Polish explorer Count Paul Edmund Strzelecki and named in honour of the Polish national hero General Tadeusz Kościuszko. Now a popular tourist attraction, thousands of people walk up to the summit each year. On a clear day, the 360-degree views from the summit across the roof of Australia are fantastic. There are higher mountains elsewhere on Australian territory. 'The highest mountains in Australian Antarctic Territory are Mt McClintock (3490 meters) and Mt Menzies (3355 meters).' [33].
(7.6 km)
Rawson Pass
to
Lake Cootapatamba lookout Track: Hard - footpath
Length = 788 m
Time = 14 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -16 m
Turn left : From 'Rawson Pass', this walk follows the 'Kosciuszko Walk - Lake Cootapatamba Lookout' sign[34] south along the metal walkway as it gently winds down along the side of the hill. Keeping Lake Cootapatamba on your right[35], the path soon leads up a short hill to find the signposted 'Lake Cootapatamba Lookout'[36][37].
Lake Cootapatamba lookout
Alt = 2106 m
Situated on the Kosciuszko walk, this platform looks down over Lake Cootapatamba, in the valley on the western side of the path. This is a pleasant place to stop and enjoy the mountains and views.
(8.39 km)
Lake Cootapatamba lookout
to
Int of Kosciuszko path and lookout walkway Track: Hard - footpath
Length = 1.94 km
Time = 40 mins
Climb = 45 m
Descent = -94 m
Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk follows the metal walkway heading south down the gentle hill, initially keeping the view to Lake Cootapatamba to your right. The path leads down the ridge across the saddle to find a faint intersection with a foot pad, where the spur from the rocky North Rams Head (on your right) meets the track. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads south along the metal walkway, keeping Rams Head ridge line to your right. The walk follows the metal walkway past the 'Endangered Mammals live between boulders' sign[38] then across the upper reaches of the Snowy River. Here the walk heads up this hill to find a three-way intersection of metal paths, with the Kosciuszko lookout track (on your left).
(10.33 km)
Int of Kosciuszko path and lookout walkway
to
Kosciuszko lookout Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - footpath
Length = 51 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn sharp left: From the intersection[39], this walk heads north-east along the metal path that branches off the main path. The path leads a short distance up some steps[40] to soon come to the metal platform at the Kosciuszko lookout[41][42]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer left to continue along this walk.)
Kosciuszko lookout
Alt = 2061 m
Kosciuszko lookout is about 30m off the main Kosciuszko walk, along a metal walkway. At the lookout, there is a larger platform with an information sign about how the landscape was formed over the years. Granting a great view of the Snowy Mountains to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko.
(10.33 km)
Int of Kosciuszko path and lookout walkway
to
Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift Track: Hard - footpath
Length = 1.83 km
Time = 40 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -141 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the metal walkway south, up the hill (away from the lookout). The track leads over the gentle rise and soon comes to 'A rocky mountain home' information sign[43] and a 'Thredbo 1.5km' tag[44] pointing down the hill. Here the walk heads down a series of steps to mostly flatten out at the 'Flowers emerge with warmer weather' information sign[45]. Soon after this, the walk comes to a 'Plant communities - keeping a low profile' information sign[46], marking an intersection (where the snow-pole line on your left joins the main track)[47]. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the metal walkway south, downhill, soon passing a 'Plant communities - keeping a low profile' information sign[48] and a 'Thredbo 1.0km' badge[49][50] welded to the track. The walk continues to follow this track down the hill, then past the 'Everything is connected' information sign[51] and the large 'Kosciuszko Walk' sign[52]. At the bottom of the steps, this walk comes to an intersection (with a minor track on your left) just before a bridge at a lovely spot beside the creek. Continue straight: From the end of the metal walkway[53], this walk crosses the creek using the metal bridge[54] and follows the paved path up and over the gentle rise[55], heading towards the ski lifts. Soon the path leads past a small alcove with two information signs[56]. Here the walk continues along the path a short distance to find a signposted intersection with the 'Dead Horse Gap' track[57] (on your right), where there is also an arrow pointing back to 'Mt Kosciuszko Lookout'[58]. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows 'Eagles Nest Restaurant' sign[59] down along the paved path towards the chairlift building[60]. The path gently winds down the hill to find the top of the 'Kosciuszko Express' chairlift[61] and the Eagles Nest Restaurant[62].
Eagles Nest Restaurant
Alt = 1928 m
This is Australia's highest restaurant, providing great food and outstanding views. It is easily accessible, nestled on the mountain directly opposite the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift, and is open year-round. For more information, call (02) 64576019.
Kosciuszko Express Chairlift
Alt = 1372 m
This is one of the few lifts operating in the summer months at Thredbo, and is made quite popular by thousands of people walking to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko each year. Lift tickets can be purchased from the store at the bottom of the chairlift. Lift tickets are $31 return ($25 one way) per person[63]. This lift is generally closed during November and May for maintenance each year, but the the Snowgum chair can be used at this time instead, this will add extra walking time to you walk[64]. More info
(12.15 km)
Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift
to
Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - transport
Length = 1.86 km
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -558 m
Turn left: From the top terminal, walk up to the platform as directed by the chairlift operator and sit down in the seat, letting it scoop you up. Once seated, pull down the safety bar and enjoy the ride down to Thredbo village. :) After alighting at the bottom, this walk turns right to almost immediately turn left down a set of steps and heads through the building to find an open area at the front of the 'Valley Terminal' building where there are some large maps. Note: The distance and altitude change for this ride is not included in the total for this walk.
Fire Danger This walk passes Monaro Alpine fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place. (Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 7 years ago) This walk passes Southern Slopes fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place. (Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 7 years ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Region: South Coast & Highlands Park feesCampingFacilities Current Park Closure information for Kosciuszko National Park Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM Closed areas: Thredbo Diggings campground closed to caravans Thredbo Diggings campground is currently closed to all caravans and camping trailers due to continuing wet conditions. There will be limited sites available for tents. Caravans and camping trailer sites are available at Ngarigo, Island Bend and Tom Groggin campgrounds. For more information please phone (02) 6450 5620.
Closed areas: Island Bend campground partially closed due to maintenance Partial closure of Island Bend campground due to maintenance. Camp sites are now available at the lower camp at Island Bend in Kosciuszko National Park. Other sites have been fenced and will remain closed for 6 to 12 months following capping works to ameliorate the asbestos risk and to allow for revegetation. Please observe all signs and closures. For more information, please contact Andrew Miller at the NPWS Jindabyne Office or on 0427 437391 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page. Download a map of the closed area.
Closed areas: Winter road closures The following roads will be closed until the October long weekend, unless weather allows them to be opened in late September:
Behrs Flat trail
Blue Waterholes trail
Broken Cart trail
Bullocks Hill trail
Cabramurra - Khancoban Road (KNP5)
Cumberland trail
Four Mile Hill trail
Geehi Dam Road (Olsen's Road)
Goobragandra Powerline Road
Kings Cross Road
Link Road
Long Plain Road
Major Clews Road
Manjar Road
Perisher to Charlotte Pass
Pocket Saddle Road
Port Phillip trail
Tantangra Dam Road
Three Mile Dam access trails
Davies Plain track
and all associated subsidiary roads and access trails. The Murray River crossing into Victoria at Tom Groggin campground is closed until 29 October 2015 due to winter road closures by Parks Victoria. There will be no access into Davies Plain, Mt Pinnibar and Tom Groggin fire trails in the Victorian Alpine National Park. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Tumut Visitor Centre on (02) 6497 7025 or the NPWS Snowy Region Visitor Centre on (02) 6450 5600, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page.
Closed areas: Thredbo Valley track reopening Sunday 27 September 2015 Sections 1 and 2 (Thredbo to Ngarigo) of the Thredbo Valley track will be reopening on Sunday 27 September 2015. The track from The Diggings to Skitube- Bullocks Flat, Bullocks Hut and Lake Crackenback Resort will remain open. The Bullocks and Muzzlewood tracks will also remain open. For more information, please contact the Snowy Region Visitor Centre, Jindabyne on (02) 6450 5600 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
5 km
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
not too much longer now :)