Mount Kosciuszko is the highest mountain in Australia, rising 2228 meters above sea level. It’s a pretty popular peak to summit! There are several different routes to the summit of Kozzie (as it’s known). The Summit Track is the shortest route up from Charlotte Pass, or you can take the chairlift up from Thredbo for an even shorter hike to the summit. But the best route to Mount Kosciuszko? That’s the Main Range Loop, starting in Charlotte Pass. Here’s my guide to this awesome hike!
The Main Range Loop: Overview
I did this loop clockwise, taking the easy Summit Track up to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, and then descending on the Main Range Track past the alpine lakes to Charlotte Pass. Most people recommend doing this anti-clockwise, taking the Main Range Track up to the summit, and then descending down on the (rather boring) Summit Track. Besides a steep uphill climb at the very end of the Main Range Track, I don’t think there’s much difference between which way you do the loop!
Distance: 23km
Time: 5.5 to 8 hours
Elevation Gain: 742 meters
What to Pack for the Hike
While the hike is popular and it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone on the trail, it is remote. It’s also very exposed, with next to no shade on the route. I recommend sturdy hiking boots, waterproof layers in case of rain, and a hat and sunscreen. There’s nowhere to buy food on the way, so bring everything you need with you, including snacks and plenty of drinking water. I also highly recommend hiking poles for this walk – while the trail is easy and well maintained, it does help your knees on some of the inclines.
Starting the Mount Kosciuszko Hike
The trail starts in Mount Kosciuszko National Park. NSW Park entry fees apply to access this area – it’s $17 per vehicle per day ($29 per vehicle per day in the winter season, June to October). The entry fee is charged per 24 hours, so as I stayed in the national park the night before and the night after my hike, I needed 48 hours ($34). There is no car park at Charlotte Pass (the starting point of the hike) – everyone parks in the laybys on the side of the road. Note that you may need to walk quite a ways from the first available parking space to the starting point of the hike! Get there early if possible to snag a closer parking spot.
Summit Track From Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko Summit
The Summit Track is a wide, well-maintained trail that weaves its way across the landscape and climbs slowly up to the summit of Kozzie. While the scenery is pretty, it’s not spectacular – and in all honesty, the Summit Track felt a bit boring. You do pass Seaman’s Hut, a scenic stop, and Rawson Pass – this is the highest public toilet in Australia!
Before too long, you’ll reach the junction with the Main Range Track and the final push to the summit. After a short stretch, you’ll come to the summit and trig point of Mount Kosciuszko – and you’ll be the highest person in all of Australia! It took me just under 2 hours from leaving Charlotte Pass to get to the summit on the Summit Track.
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the views here. They are simply phenomenal!
Kosciuszko Summit to Charlotte Pass on the Main Range Track
After basking in your glory at the summit, head back down to the junction with the Main Range Track. The trail now continues on past a number of gorgeous alpine lakes. I absolutely loved this part of the hike – the lakes were all just so beautiful, and there was a new amazing view around every bend!
I’m so glad I chose to come back on this route. The Main Range Track is glorious, and definitely the best way to see the area around Kozzie.
Finally, you’ll reach the creek crossing just below Charlotte Pass. There’s a steep hike up to finish the walk and get back to the toilets and parking – which is challenging, given you’ll have hiked for 23km and probably be running low on energy! But after climbing one last hill, you’ll arrive back in Charlotte Pass. I felt so amazing at the end, thinking about what I accomplished! It took me almost exactly 5.5 hours to do this hike. The official guidance recommends up to 8 or even 9 hours to do the loop.
Where to Stay Near Mount Kosciuszko
Due to the remoteness of the area, there isn’t anywhere to stay at Charlotte Pass itself. Camping (in tents) is allowed in this area of the national park, with exclusion zones at the summit and around the alpine lakes. Here are a few options of where to stay for hiking Kozzie!
- Thredbo Diggings Campground – this is the closest free campsite to the start of the hike, you need to reserve your space online in advance and pay a $6 booking fee
- Ngarigo Campground – this is the free camp I stayed at before and after my hike up Kozzie, about a 45-minute drive away. I loved having access to the creek for swimming!
- Stillwell Hotel – the closest hotel to Charlotte Pass, with cheerful and cozy rooms
- Eiger Chalet – a top-notch location in Perisher Valley, this hotel has chalet-style rooms as well as a fitness center, shared lounge, and on-site restaurant
- Discovery Parks – Jindabyne – a convenient caravan park in Jindabyne, with a variety of options from powered campsites to cabins and spa bedrooms
- Lake Jindabyne Hotel – spacious rooms on the lakeside, with a highly rated breakfast
- Banjo Patterson Inn – a premium pub in Jindabyne with boutique rooms and chic decor
- YHA Thredbo – clean and comfy hostel accommodation, with a fully equipped kitchen and communal balcony with outstanding views
- Winterhaus Lodge Thredbo Village – cozy rooms and a guest lounge give this lodge a home-away-from-home atmosphere
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Hiking Mount Kosciuszko was one of my ultimate Aussie dreams, and I’m so glad I got to do it. Taking the Main Range Track was definitely the highlight of the trail – the views and scenery are simply spectacular. If you’re planning to hike Kozzie, you need to do this route! I hope this post helps plan your hike up the highest mountain in Australia.
Have you hiked Mount Kosciuszko? What route did you take to the summit?
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