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Home arrow Hiking near Sydney arrow Summit walk - Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko - Summit Trail     

Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Summit walk - Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko - Summit Trail are found in each of the tabs below
Summit walk - Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko - Summit Trail
Time: 6 hrs Walking time
Includes the time for the return leg
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
0.5 km NW of Charlotte Pass
Length: 18.5 km Walk Length
As this is a return style walk, the 18.5 km includes the return leg of this walk (ie back to the start)
Kosciuszko National Park
Climb: 611 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 611 m, this is the total of the elevation gains made in each of the walks uphill sections
There is car access and parking near the start and end of this walk
Style: Return
Track: Hard

This popular walk starts at Charlotte Pass and follows the Old Kosciuszko Road, as it winds through the mountains, to Rawsons Pass, then continues to the top of Kosciuszko. The walk passes the well known Snowy River and Seamans Hut. From Rawsons Pass it is a fairly short walk up the footpath to Mt Kosciuszko's peak. On a clear day the views span all the way to the horizon in every direction from the highest spot in Australia. (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 Summit walk - Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko - Summit Trail

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Summit walk - Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko - Summit Trail bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Summit walk - Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko - Summit Trail
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 5 km
End of Kosciuszko Road
Merritts Creek bridge
Snowy River bridge
Seamans Hut
Rawson Pass
Int of Main Range track and Kosciuszko path
Starting point for this hiking track: End of Kosciuszko Road

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here
 Perisher Valley 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-85252S 
 Kosciuszko 1:100 000 Map Series 8525 

Photo Gallery

 
Sign at start of the Summit Walk
 
Sign at start of the Summit Walk +
 
Wildflowers brighten the walk
 
Wildflowers brighten the walk +
 
Scenic landscapes
 
Scenic landscapes +

 
Looking towards the Main range from near Charlottes Pass
 
Looking towards the Main range from near Charlottes Pass +
 
Wide views of the Snowy River valley
 
Wide views of the Snowy River valley +
 
Diverse scenery on the Summit Walk
 
Diverse scenery on the Summit Walk +

 
Snowy River country
 
Snowy River country +
 
Looking back on  Blue Lake track from Summit Walk
 
Looking back on Blue Lake track from Summit Walk +
 
Interesting alpine trees on Summit Walk
 
Interesting alpine trees on Summit Walk +

 
Natural beauty beside the Old Kosckiuszko Rd
 
Natural beauty beside the Old Kosckiuszko Rd +
 
Snow Gum leaf
 
Snow Gum leaf +
 
The Old Kosckiuszko Road
 
The Old Kosckiuszko Road +

 
Celmisia Longifolia (Silver Snow Daisy)
 
Celmisia Longifolia (Silver Snow Daisy) +
 
8km to Mt Kosciuszko
 
8km to Mt Kosciuszko +
 
Rocky grounds
 
Rocky grounds +

 
Summit track from Charlotte Pass is popular with cyclists and walkers
 
Summit track from Charlotte Pass is popular with cyclists and walkers +
 
Once of several creek running under the Summit Walk
 
Once of several creek running under the Summit Walk +
 
Wildflowers in Kosciuszko National Park
 
Wildflowers in Kosciuszko National Park +

 
Snow poles guide this section of the walk
 
Snow poles guide this section of the walk +
 
Australian alpine country
 
Australian alpine country +
 
Icy rivers
 
Icy rivers +

 
Historic Kosciuszko milestone
 
Historic Kosciuszko milestone +
 
MM_20100412_222459
 
MM_20100412_222459 +
 
Icy Merritts Creek in autumn
 
Icy Merritts Creek in autumn +

 
Merritts Creek
 
Merritts Creek +
 
Merritts Creek Bridge
 
Merritts Creek Bridge +
 
Merritts Creek Bridge
 
Merritts Creek Bridge +

 
Merritts Creek from the Bridge
 
Merritts Creek from the Bridge +
 
Snowy River Bridge
 
Snowy River Bridge +
 
The stony creeks are beautiful from the changing aspects
 
The stony creeks are beautiful from the changing aspects +

 
Old Kosckiuszko Road, nearing Seaman's Hut
 
Old Kosckiuszko Road, nearing Seaman's Hut +
 
Seamans Hut
 
Seamans Hut +
 
Inside Seamans Hut
 
Inside Seamans Hut +

 
Seaman's Hut
 
Seaman's Hut +
 
Rocky hill south-west of Seamans Hut
 
Rocky hill south-west of Seamans Hut +
 
Australia's highest public toilet at Rawson Pass
 
Australia's highest public toilet at Rawson Pass +

 
Stone pathway towards the summit of Mt Kosciuszko
 
Stone pathway towards the summit of Mt Kosciuszko +
 
Broad views in Snowy River country
 
Broad views in Snowy River country +
 
Changing landscapes of the Australian alpine regions
 
Changing landscapes of the Australian alpine regions +

 
Nearing Mt Kosciuszko summit
 
Nearing Mt Kosciuszko summit +
 
View from the top of Mt Kosckiuszko
 
View from the top of Mt Kosckiuszko +
 
The top of Australia - Mt Kosckiuszko summit
 
The top of Australia - Mt Kosckiuszko summit +

Terrain


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 Summit walk - Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko - Summit Trail bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Summit walk - Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko - Summit Trail bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Summit walk - Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko - Summit Trail bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Summit walk - Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko - Summit Trail 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 19km
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
5km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 2.3km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (1.5km) has short steep hills.

Quality of track
This whole walk, 9km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs
This whole walk, 9km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required
This whole walk, 9km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

Weather
This whole walk, 9km is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.

Infrastructure
This whole walk, 9km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Track Notes


Since this is a 'return' style walk once you have had enough of the walk, turn around and retrace your steps back to the start.
Drive to End of Kosciuszko Road
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
You can drive or ride to the start of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Covered in snow part of the year Alt = 1838 m
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
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].

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].

Drive from End of Kosciuszko Road
You can drive or ride from this end of this Bushwalk A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
You can drive or ride from the end of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk.
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport links currently not working, sorry

Driving Directions
To the start of the walk

Drive from:
From the end of the walk

Drive to:


Near by


Campsites in the park
Black Perry Rest area
Blue Waterholes Picnic and camping Grounds
Bradneys Gap Camping area
Buddong Falls
Clover Flat camping area
Cooinbil Camping area
Cooleman Mountain Camping Area
Coonara Point Camping Area
Denison Camping area
Geehi Picnic Camping Ground
Ghost Gully Camping Ground
Half-way Flat camping area
Humes Crossing Camping area
Island Bend Camping area
Jacobs River Picnic And Camping Area
Jounama Creek Camping Area
Leather Barrel Picnic And Camping Area
Log Bridge Creek Camping area
Long Plain Hut Camping Area
Ngarigo Picnic And Camping Area
OHares Rest Area
Pinch River Camping area
Ravine Camping area
Rock Flat Camping Area
Rocky Plain Camping Ground
Running waters Camping area
Scotchies Yard Camping area
The Pines Camping Area
Thredbo Diggings Camping area
Three Mile Dam Camping area
Tom Groggin Picnic And Camping Area
Wares Yards Camping Ground
Willis Camping Area
Yarrangobilly Village Camping Area
Yachting Point Camping area
Yolde Camping Area
No Name camping area


Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk
Store Address Phone Distance (straight line)
Paddy Pallin Adventure Centre Thredbo Turnoff, Jindabyne (02) 6456 2922 24 km
Larry Adler Ski & Outdoor 3 Nuggets Crsng, Jindabyne (02) 6457 2233 26.2 km
Wilderness Sports Nuggets Crossing, Jindabyne 1800 654 168 26.2 km
Snowy Camping World 106 Sharp St , Cooma (02) 6452 2729 74.8 km
Tumuts Fishing Camping & Outdoor 56 Wynyard St , Tumut (02) 6947 1100 126.2 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Summit walk - Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko - Summit Trail.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Summit walk - Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko - Summit Trail
Click to re-center search
2 KHN02 Fire Tower MT YOUNGAL 19 km (to the WNW)
2 1227833 Commsite INGEBIRAH TRIG 26 km (to the SSE)
1 1227830 Country Energy/Monaro County Council Site JINDERBOINE HILL 30 km (to the E)
3 EUC03 Bald Hill via EUCUMBENE 41 km (to the NNE)
3 MTI03 Broadcast/Comms Site Mt Ikes via TUMBARUMBA 68 km (to the NNW)

Weather and Park info

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 9 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 9 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 detailed weather and climate information here
°C (feels like °)
km/h from the
% humidity     (as at )
Wed      19°Wind easing. Partly cloudy.
Thu|19°Partly cloudy.
Fri|16°Mostly sunny.
Sat|13°Mostly sunny.
A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Kosciuszko National Park Link to official closures and fire bans page

Region: South Coast & Highlands
Park fees Camping Facilities
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.


Walker Feedback

Comments
Add NewSearch
ian stapleton IP:117.120.18.xxx | 2011-05-04 06:33:36
did ride /walk with two boys aged 7 and 9 on bmx 20 inch bikes with no gears. i had old hybrid and we all made it to the top, bit of a struggle pushing youger boy up hill, older one coped a lot better. we did it in Jan 6th 2011 and weather was clear blue sky, had a ball and will remember for a long time, boys first trip to the top of Aust.
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