This popular walk starts with a ride up to the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift, and goes to the top of Mt Kosciuszko. From the top of the chairlift, the walk follows a footpath, passing the Kosciuszko and Cootapatamba lookouts, as it winds up to Rawson Pass. At Rawson Pass, the walk meets the old Kosciuszko road and Australia's highest public toilet. From here, the walk continues up the footpath to the top of Mt Kosciuszko. Enjoy the view, and return the same way. If you would prefer the extra walk, you can avoid the chairlift by following Merrits Nature trail or the Dead Horse Gap track.
(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 Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko
Please note: This is a 'return' style walk and therefore these graphs only show the terrain for the first half of the walk (until the turn around point.)
Cross sectional view of the Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko 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
6 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
4.5km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 2.8km is flat with no steps. The remaining (690m) has short steep hills.
Quality of track
Around 6km 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, 8km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 8km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
6km 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, 8km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
Online bushwalking Magazine. Download the full magazine for free Bushwalk Australia eMag The Online Magazine is produces by the community at bushwalk.com and the Wildwalks team Bushwalk.com Australia's most active bushwalking forum - Check it out. Happy Reading. Matt :)
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 be carrying 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.
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[1]. 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[2]. More info
(0 km)
Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift
to
Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - transport
Length = 1.86 km
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 558 m
Descent = -1 m
This walk heads into the 'Valley Terminal' building, where you can buy a ticket for the lift. Continue through the building and up the steps, where this walk turns right to find the bottom terminal of the 'Kosciuszko Express'. 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 to the top of the ridge. :)
At the top step of the chair lift and turn left to find the restaurant (now on your right) and track information signs ahead. Note: The distance and altitude change for this ride is not included in the total for this walk.
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.
(1.86 km)
Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift
to
Int of Dead Horse Gap track and Kosciuszko footpath Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 349 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 23 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn right: From the top of the chairlift[3], this walk follows the footpath around Eagles Nest restaurant[4][5] (keeping the building to your right). The walk passes the large map[6] and information signs[7], heading up the gentle hill along the paved path[8]. Near the top of the rise, the path leads to a signposted intersection with the 'Dead Horse Gap' track[9] (on your left), where there is also an arrow pointing back to 'Eagles Nest Restaurant'[10].
(2.21 km)
Int of Dead Horse Gap track and Kosciuszko footpath
to
Start of metal walkway Track: Hard - footpath
Length = 196 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -7 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Mt Kosciuszko Lookout' sign[11] north along the paved path, heading up the gentle hill. The path soon leads past an alcove with two information signs[12], then leads gently downhill to cross a river on a steel bridge[13] to find an intersection (with a narrow track on your right) at a lovely spot beside the creek.
(2.41 km)
Start of metal walkway
to
Int of Kosciuszko path and lookout walkway Track: Hard - footpath
Length = 1.28 km
Time = 31 mins
Climb = 117 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the bridge and up the metal steps, keeping the creek to your left. The path soon leads past a large 'Kosciuszko Walk' sign[14] and an 'Everything is connected' information sign[15]. Soon after the 'Thredbo 1.0km' badge[16][17] (welded to the track), this walk comes to a 'Plant communities - keeping a low profile' information sign[18], marking an intersection (where the snow-pole line starts to leave the main track)[19]. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk continues along the metal walkway, heading up the hill[20]. The walk soon passes a 'Flowers emerge with warmer weather' information sign[21], then heads up a series of steps to find 'A rocky mountain home' information sign[22] and a 'Thredbo 1.5km' tag[23] pointing back down the hill. The track mostly flattens out and heads over a gentle rise, soon leading to a clear 'Y' intersection[24] on the metal track, marked with 'Mt Kosciuszko Lookout' tag[25] welded to the track.
(3.69 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
Veer right: From the intersection[26], this walk heads north-east along the metal path that branches off the main path. The path leads a short distance up some steps[27] to soon come to the metal platform at the Kosciuszko lookout[28][29]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn sharp right 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.
(3.69 km)
Int of Kosciuszko path and lookout walkway
to
Lake Cootapatamba lookout Track: Hard - footpath
Length = 1.94 km
Time = 40 mins
Climb = 94 m
Descent = -45 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the metal walkway north, down the gentle hill (initially keeping Mt Kosciuszko lookout to your right). The walk continues along the metal walkway as it dips to cross the upper reaches of the Snowy River. About 400m past the 'Endangered Mammals Live between boulders' sign[30], the path leads to a faint intersection with the North Rams Head track (where the spur comes down to the metal walkway on your left). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the metal walkway north into the saddle and up the spur. The path then crosses onto the left-hand side of the ridge as it comes to the signposted 'Lake Cootapatamba Lookout'[31] and the great valley view[32].
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.
(5.62 km)
Lake Cootapatamba lookout
to
Rawson Pass Track: Hard - footpath
Length = 788 m
Time = 14 mins
Climb = 16 m
Descent = -6 m
Continue straight: From the lookout[33], this walk follows the metal walkway north[34], down to the bottom of the small hill, keeping Lake Cootapatamba to your left[35]. The path then heads up and around the side of the hill to a clearly signposted intersection[36] at 'Rawson Pass'[37].
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.
(6.41 km)
Rawson Pass
to
Mt Kosciuszko Track: Hard - footpath
Length = 1.65 km
Time = 39 mins
Climb = 127 m
Descent = -23 m
Veer left: From the intersection at Rawson Pass, this walk follows the 'Mt Kosciuszko' sign[38] 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[39] (with the Kosciuszko summit track on your left), just past the 'Alpine Walks' sign and map[40]. Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Mt Kosciuszko' sign[41] uphill along the upper track. This track winds steadily up and around the peak of the mountain, passing a stone-paved[42] section of track, and also a metal grate[43] before climbing a few steps[44] to the cairn at the peak of Mt Kosciuszko[45].
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).' [46].
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 8 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 8 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.
Weather and Climate Weather and Climate summary wx71041
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.
Before setting out on this walk, call to check that the Kosciusko Express chairlift is operating! It has a maintenance period each year, and taking the alternative lift means you start with a 500m steep uphill slog before getting to the walk itself.
Rosh
IP:148.195.135.xxx | 2010-05-20 05:41:58
Unable the download the PDF file.
Keeps saying the file is damaged. Anyone able to open it?
Crin - Looks good
IP:121.44.58.xxx | 2010-05-20 12:12:57
Yes Rosh, I opened the PDF.
admin - re: PDF download Issue
Super Administrator | 2010-05-20 20:21:12
Rosh wrote:
Unable the download the PDF file.
Hi Rosh
Sorry for the hassle, you are the third person to report this issue - and I have no idea why it is happening. If you can e-mail me details of what version PDF reader and browser you are using that would be helpful (matt at wild walk dot com). In the meantime I have added a link that allowed the other two people to download PDF OK. Just above the map is a 'trouble downloading the PDF try here' link. Hopefully that will get you out of trouble.
Thanks Crin and Rosh for your feedback
Happy walking, it is a great walk.
Matt :)
Jay - summer or winter?
IP:202.172.157.xxx | 2010-06-24 03:18:16
Did you guys walk during summer or winter? I was wondering if we need to go with a guide during winter.
admin - re: summer or winter?
Super Administrator | 2010-06-24 03:53:40
Jay wrote:
Did you guys walk during summer or winter?
I last did this walk in Autumn. In winter it is covered in snow. There are XC ski trips that take a similar route, this might be a better option if wanting to visit the summit in winter.
Matt :)
Pawel - re:
IP:122.104.230.xxx | 2010-07-06 01:25:52
Frances wrote:
Before setting out on this walk, call to check that the Kosciusko Express chairlift is operating! It has a maintenance period each year, and taking the alternative lift means you start with a 500m steep uphill slog before getting to the walk itself.
Indeed, this is what happened to us at the beginning of May. Not a big deal in the end - more meters to walk, which is good ;)
Lisa - October conditions
IP:124.182.211.xxx | 2010-08-06 01:36:29
Can we walk the track in early October or is it covered in snow? And is it relatively easy for kids to complete? Cheers.
admin - re: October conditions
Super Administrator | 2010-08-09 00:42:36
Lisa wrote:
Can we walk the track in early October or is it covered in snow? And is it relatively easy for kids to complete? Cheers.
Hi Lisa
Usually Oct will be fine, most of the snow will be gone. With the kids, it depends, the walk is not to difficult (assuming you get the chairlift up) but it is fairly long. If the kids are used to walking these kind of distances then I imagine they would enjoy it. You have a few months to get ready, enjoy a few walks with the kids before you go and you will get a good sense of what they can do.
Hope that helps, have a great time.
Matt :)
ross - when is it closed for winter?
IP:64.104.238.xxx | 2010-12-16 01:31:25
Hi
does the track have a closing date for winter?
thanks
admin - re: when is it closed for wint
Super Administrator | 2010-12-16 02:09:17
ross wrote:
Hi
does the track have a closing date for winter?
Hi Ross. The track is not formally closed for winter as the route is used by cross country skiers and snow shoers. But for walkers, there is generally snow on the ground from around May/June. But the closer you get to winter the more likely you will be effected by white outs and extreme weather. Oct/November to March is the most popular and reliable time to do the walks high in the snowies. Out side this time I would be carrying snow shoes, always check the weather forecast before you set out.
Hope that helps.
Matt :)
Bruce - re: October conditions
IP:211.30.206.xxx | 2011-02-27 22:30:50
Lisa wrote:
Can we walk the track in early October or is it covered in snow? And is it relatively easy for kids to complete? Cheers.
I would actually say that October sees more (than less) snow covering the metal grid on the track to Mt Kosciuszko and snowshoes useful for that month. November then they become “optional” depending on conditions. While the track is occasionally exposed the walking off Trail and snow cover is usually not so patchy on the upper ridges.
Kids snowshoes are available for hire (but only from 1 or 2 specialty hire outlets – Wilderness Sports have a number in hire in Jindabyne and Perisher).
Rooftop maps also just released last week The Kosciuszko Northern Activities Map that incorporates Kiandra – Tumut.
Regards,
Bruce
james
IP:110.33.250.xxx | 2011-03-26 06:57:43
can we walk early october or is covered with snow
admin - re: early october
Super Administrator | 2011-03-27 23:08:38
james wrote:
can we walk early october or is covered with snow
It is likely to have snow. You can hire snowshoes and still walk the track if you are comfortable walking in snowy and icy conditions.
Matt :)
Andrew - August walk
IP:80.237.234.xxx | 2011-07-04 20:41:44
Hello, We're thinking of going for the walk in August (provided that the weather be fine). If snowshoes are recommended, can one hire them on place ? Thanks.
Matt - re: August walk
IP:210.7.19.xxx | 2011-07-06 22:34:16
Andrew wrote:
Hello, We're thinking of going for the walk in August (provided that the weather be fine). If snowshoes are recommended, can one hire them on place ? Thanks.
Hi Andrew
I would carry snowshoes, you are mostly going to need them, hopefully for the whole walk. Best place I have found to hire them is at http://www.wildernesssports.com.au these guys are based in Jindabyne and Perisher, and have a good range and experaince.
Have a great walk.
Matt :)
John - Weather Late October?
IP:121.217.217.xxx | 2011-09-18 08:26:24
Twenty years ago I jogged from the Thredbo chairlift to the summit in early December. The weather was perfect - no wind, around 20 degrees and snow still on the last 70 metres of the summit.
I'm wondering what I should expect in six weeks? Will there be cold winds and how's the snow cover this season at this time?
admin - re: Weather Late October?
Super Administrator | 2011-09-18 21:19:44
John wrote:
I'm wondering what I should expect in six weeks? Will there be cold winds and how's the snow cover this season at this time?
Hi John
Generally speaking there is likely to still be patchy snow on the ground, but you could still undertake the walk. The weather tends to get more stable and warmer in January. Watch the forecast for the day, you are likley to still have cold winds, but the day may also walk up, so you will need to be prepared warm weather as well. check out the blue box at the start of these notes that will give you more info and links for snow and weather reports.
happy walking
Matt :)
Santosh - Walking in 1st week of october
IP:139.130.193.xxx | 2011-09-19 07:03:33
hi,
I did the main range track in summer, it was wonderful. We are thinking of going to the summit via Thredbo in 1st week of October which is two weeks away. I was just wondering do we need anything specific other than warm clothes and good boots. we are two adults boys.
Regards'
Santosh
admin - re: Walking in 1st week of oct
Super Administrator | 2011-09-19 07:17:29
Santosh wrote:
We are thinking of going to the summit via Thredbo in 1st week of October which is two weeks away. I was just wondering do we need anything specific other than warm clothes and good boots. we are two adults boys.
Regards'
Santosh
Hi Santosh,
You will need to keep an eye on weather and snow reports between now and then, but at this stage I would suggest you would need snow shoes and be ready for extreme alpine weather. The conditions now are very different to summer, you are much more likley to be walking through significant snow, and much more likely to have freezing weather and white out conditions. There are many other great walks in the area, that are lower in the valley that could be a good back up plan for you and the family.
Matt :)
gene wilder - recommended clothing
IP:125.7.33.xxx | 2011-10-03 04:29:47
What sort of clothing is recommended when climbing during the summer months?
Pete - when to walk
IP:144.137.71.xxx | 2011-10-03 12:53:47
hi - would like to walk thredbo to the summit while there is still some snow at the top of the summit, but be able to walk most of the distance without having to use snowshoes. any suggestions as to best timimg?
thanks, Pete.
admin - re: recommended clothing
Super Administrator | 2011-10-03 22:35:50
gene wilder wrote:
What sort of clothing is recommended when climbing during the summer months?
Hi Gene
Be prepared for the hot sun. So a good hat, clothes that protect you from the hot sun and comfortable running shoes. The flies can get pretty friendly so insect repellent is a great idea. ALSO be prepared for the cold. It can and it does snow in summer months. So check the forecast before you go. But I would also be carrying some clothes to keep you warm (beany, fleecy top, etc). A reasonable raincoat is important to carry, it is obviously helpful if it rains but also offers good protection from the wind.
Hope that helps
Happy walking
Matt :)
admin - re: when to walk
Super Administrator | 2011-10-03 22:43:05
Pete wrote:
hi - would like to walk thredbo to the summit while there is still some snow at the top of the summit, but be able to walk most of the distance without having to use snowshoes. any suggestions as to best timimg?
thanks, Pete.
Pete tough one to call.
A few days ago I would have said go then, but just yesterday they have had a nice dump and you can ski again.
The chances of having some snow on the ground in the next few weeks is still good. But if you want any reasonable snow on the summit, then there will still likley be snow on the track. If you are wanting any significant snow on the ground, then I would recommend snowshoes, they are cheap to hire and make walking in snow/ice much safer and enjoyable. Towards the end of October there is still likely to be snow drifts on the south (shaded) sides of hills and rocks.
this is the best link for snow conditions in the back country - keep an eye on that http://www.wildernesssports.com.au/content.toy?content=weather
Happy walking
Matt :)
gene wilder - weather forecast
IP:125.7.33.xxx | 2011-11-07 20:55:24
I'd assume the weather conditions can vary from bottom of mountain to summit. Can anyone recommend a website which can provide a weather forecast? At the moment im just going "hit and hope"
Thanks.
admin - re: weather forecast
IP:211.30.222.xxx | 2011-11-07 22:41:35
gene wilder wrote:
....Can anyone recommend a website which can provide a weather forecast? .....
Hi GW
There is a link to the BOM in the blue box at the top of the tracknotes. This is a good place for weather forecasts. "Thredbo Top Station" is probably the most relevant station to look at.
Enjoy the walk
Matt :)
Annie B
IP:58.107.225.xxx | 2011-12-05 06:53:06
Thinking of doing the walk in Jan...is it recommended at this time of year?
admin - re:
Super Administrator | 2011-12-05 07:33:22
Annie B wrote:
Thinking of doing the walk in Jan...is it recommended at this time of year?
January is the most popular time to visit, a great time to visit. Still always check the forecast before heading up though.
Enjoy the walk
Matt :)
Sharee - Difficulty rating
IP:138.130.66.xxx | 2012-01-09 10:07:16
Hi Thinking of taking a small group of women up in Feb/March. What is the difficulty rating? Is track easy to follow? Have a group that fitness ranges from average to above average. Would this walk be suitable?
admin - re: Difficulty rating
Super Administrator | 2012-01-09 10:17:39
Hi Sharee
Sharee wrote:
Hi Thinking of taking a small group of women up in Feb/March. What is the difficulty rating?
The is a class 4 (out of six) using the Australian Standard 2156.1 - most people would probably say it is medium/hard
Sharee wrote:
Is track easy to follow?
Assuming there is not much snow (usually OK that time of year) and that the weather is favorable - do check the forecast before heading up.
Sharee wrote:
Have a group that fitness ranges from average to above average. Would this walk be suitable?
This is a popular walk with tourists visiting the area. Assuming the weather is OK and you are well prepared for the the weather to change (see the notes) then it sounds like an ideal walk.
Enjoy
Matt :)
hamish - children
IP:101.172.149.xxx | 2012-01-11 11:06:43
hi,
Thinking of taking the walk with wife and kids over australia day weekend. Will it be crazy busy that weekend (i.e. too busy to enjoy the walk)? also, my kids are 4 and 2 respectively, and we're looking to take a pram with us. is that at all feasible, or am i dreaming?
Hamish
admin - re: children
Super Administrator | 2012-01-11 20:45:12
hamish wrote:
Thinking of taking the walk with wife and kids over australia day weekend. Will it be crazy busy that weekend (i.e. too busy to enjoy the walk)?
It is a busy time of year for the walk, assuming the weather is favorable. Their is likely to be a lot of people on the track, but this can be fun as well. I still think the walk is worth doing. Following the old road from Charlotte Pass is still popular but usually less so, might be an alternative for you.
hamish wrote:
also, my kids are 4 and 2 respectively, and we're looking to take a pram with us. is that at all feasible, or am i dreaming?
It is possible but I would not recommend it. There are a few stairs that a fairly steep that would make taking a pram difficult and potentially dangerous. The track is also narrow in places making passing others difficult. A kid carrying backpack might be a better alternative. Again the old road from CP might work better if the pram can handle plenty of rocks, but it would be a fairly bouncy ride. There are still a few steps to deal with this way after Rawson Pass.
I think you would be better off looking into a backpack system if that is at all feasible. Please remember that kids are more susceptible to extreme temperatures then adults, especially when carried in a pram or pack. Please ensure you have plenty of good sun, wind, rain and cold protection for the kids (and adults).
Matt :)
Von Kays - Early April conditions
IP:89.211.38.xxx | 2012-02-28 11:21:35
I am coming to Australia the first week of April. What are the weather / snow conditions on the metal walk at that time?
Von Kays - Maintenance period for express
IP:89.211.38.xxx | 2012-02-28 11:23:07
Will the express lift be down for maintenance in earlly April?
admin - re: Early April conditions
Super Administrator | 2012-02-28 20:34:55
Von Kays wrote:
I am coming to Australia the first week of April. What are the weather / snow conditions on the metal walk at that time?
Hi, Generally a good time to walk. Obviously the weather on the day could be anything, but the snow cover at the beginning of April is not usually significant.
Von Kays wrote:
Will the express lift be down for maintenance in earlly April?
Maintenance this summer is from 30 April - 25 May 2012, but during this time Snowgums chair can be used instead - but this will add some extra walking time. But it sound like this will not effect you.
Hope you enjoy walk and your time in Aus.
Matt :)
Edward - walking in June 2013
IP:101.103.172.xxx | 2012-12-06 00:19:59
Is this a recommended time to do the summit walk ?
What do I need to consider for this time inc availability of chairlifts ?
I'm a fit 62 .
Cheers,
Admin - Time of year
IP:211.30.210.xxx | 2012-12-06 03:58:35
In June this walk is likely covered in Snow you would likely need snow shoes or cross country skis as well as the skill to navigate in the snow. So most people would consider this walk closed in winter. Consider some of the walk low in thredbo, like the river walk.
Matt :)
Geoff - waiking in first week in may 2
IP:124.184.187.xxx | 2013-01-18 22:30:30
Will the chair lift be operating in the first week in may,if not what are other options,will this be a good time time to walk to the summit.Thanks Geoff
admin - re: waiking in first week in m
Super Administrator | 2013-01-19 06:36:21
Geoff wrote:
Will the chair lift be operating in the first week in may,if not what are other options,will this be a good time time to walk to the summit.Thanks Geoff
Hi Geoff
May is generally fine - but keep an eye on the weather and the forecast. Snow can fall anytime of year but can start settling in May (but generally June). You will need to call Thredbo to see their plans for closing the lift, but if it is closed you they generally open another one nearby - adding a little extra to the walk. Or there are several walking tracks that will take you from the village to the top of the chair. Happy walking.
Matt :)
Mahadevan - snow?
IP:203.163.97.xxx | 2013-02-15 03:09:38
hi...I am planning to cover the track by May end...
will it start snowing then? being from a tropical country, I would love to see some snow... :-)
admin - re: snow?
Super Administrator | 2013-02-17 23:24:01
Mahadevan wrote:
May end...
will it start snowing then?
Hi Mahadevan
Maybe but unlikely - We sometimes get a dusting of snow then - but not reliable. a reasonable chance for some patches up high in the shaded gullies. June/july is when the main snow comes.
Matt :)
Judy - ms
IP:123.243.200.xxx | 2013-03-30 05:11:13
Hi...I am thinking of going to Thredbo in July/August ski trip with my family. I am more interested in the walk to the submit and would this be recommended time to hike up the submit? I have only been to the ski field once in my life and would love the snowy scenery. Are there any other walking tracks available or worth checking out if the submit walk is closed?
Thanks
Admin
IP:110.143.94.xxx | 2013-03-30 09:44:12
Judy wrote:
Hi...I am thinking of going to Thredbo in July/August ski trip with my family. I am more interested in the walk to the submit
Hi Judy
It is a great walk but covered in snow during these winter months. It is not closed, as such, but you will need snowshoes and alpine navigation skills to do the walk at that time.
Otherwise the walks at the bottom of the Thredbo valley can usually be done that time of year, Thredbo River walk etc. There are a few snow shoe walks listed that are worth trying -- start with something short and easy but it is a lot of fun.
happy walking
Matt :)
Kelly - Track question
IP:101.161.161.xxx | 2014-01-23 08:52:22
Hi I was just wondering where the stairs are on the track! We are wanting to do the walk but have an 8mobth old.. How far would we be able to go with a pram??
Thanks
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
not too much longer now :)