Mount Kosciuszko is the pinnacle of Australian mountaineering, sitting 2,228 metres above sea level, it’s a must-hike for those who have an infatuation for Snowy Mountains hiking. As the tallest peak in mainland Australia, the Mt Kosciuszko hike is a rewarding journey that requires a little bit of research and plenty of enthusiasm.

That’s where Your One-Stop Guide For Climbing Mount Kosciuszko comes in.

Whether you’re familiar with the great mountain and want some fresh tips for hiking, or you’re looking to tackle it for the first time and want the know-how on getting to the peak and back again; you’re in the right place.

A little bit about climbing Mount Kosciuszko

When first planning your climb, you will have to decide on which Kosciuszko walk you wish to take to get to the peak. The two climbs we suggest are:

• Thredbo climb – 13km return (roughly 4 to 5 hours, we recommend this climb for less experienced hikers)
• Charlotte Pass Climb – 18.6km return (roughly 6 to 8 hours)

As the name would suggest, the Snowy Mountains do get packed with snow in the winter months, so the most ideal time to hike Mount Kosciuszko is between December to March. With this in mind, you’ll definitely catch the chill with patches of snow draped across gorgeous wildflowers and snow gums if you decide to hike a little earlier or later than these months.

Both of these climbs are located in the Kosciuszko National Park hiking region, just a touch over 5 hours from the Sydney CBD, and offer two unique paths to the peak of one of Australia’s great mountaintops. 

Image source: Sydney Uncovered

What the Mount Kosciuszko Walk looks like 

Depending on which climb you choose, your journey to the peak of Mt Kosciuszko will look different. Regardless of the path you choose to take, the outcome will be the same awe-inspiring view atop. 

Starting at Thredbo Village, the Thredbo climb offers the stunning opportunity to ride on the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift that finishes right next to the path to the summit. Depending on the season, you may come across gorgeous alpine wildflowers as you snake your way up the mountain, passing the headwaters of Snowy River and Lake Cootapatamba. It won’t be long before more rocky alpine environments emerge on the way to the top, with a steady ascent that progresses to a grand and glowing finale.

The Charlotte Pass climb doesn’t offer the same cosy chairlift to begin your journey, instead, you’ll need to follow the track up a withered road that once serviced cars nearly all the way to the peak. This climb comes across the Snowy River about a quarter of the way in and also has a dazzling display of huts, marigolds and snow daisies if you catch the climb in spring. After traversing through photo-worthy landscapes and rock formations, the climb leads onto the Rawson Pass which will take you to the breathtaking summit.

Image credit: Andrea.S

What to bring on the hike

For your safety, we do recommend staying clear of these climbs in the winter months due to the heavy snowfall. As well as this, we highly recommend a sturdy pair of hiking boots, walkie-talkies, a map, appropriate clothing for all weather conditions (warm clothes and a waterproof jacket for those chilly days) and plenty of snacks and water to help keep you going throughout the hike. As always, be sure to notify someone where you’re heading on the off-chance that you get lost along the way.

Where to stay when tackling Mount Kosciuszko

Hiking Snowy Mountains is both invigorating and tiresome work, so you’ll need a place to rest your head after hiking the tallest mountain on the mainland. 

The Thredbo climb is located at Thredbo village, so there is no shortage of options available if you decide to climb from the Village. The Alpine Village and Riverside Cabins are some of Thredbo regulars’ most favoured spots to stay in regardless of the season, so we recommend checking these two familiar stays out.

Charlotte Pass is located near a number of accommodation options including the Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel and also a number of smaller lodges like the Arlberg Ski Club. Charlotte Pass is also not too far from our Eiger Chalet, with a range of stay and dining options open from June to early October for those making the most of the ski season. 

Image source: Visit NSW

Other amazing experiences to check out in the Snowy Mountains 

Before or after your Mount Kosciuszko climb, there is a wealth of golden opportunities, sites and surroundings to engage in that will make your trip to the Snowy Mountains more than worth your while.

One of these sites includes the Charlotte Pass lookout. Located at the end of Kosciuszko Road and near the base of the summit walk, this lookout showcases the magnificent landscape of Mount Kosciuszko and teases onlookers to take part in the journey to the top.

For those looking for a brief walk to stretch their legs or to elongate the journey after the peak, the Snow Gum boardwalk offers an accessible walk that winds through multiple viewing platforms. The perfect spot to take in all that the great alpine region has to offer.

After a long day of trekking, if you’re at the start or end of ski season, we cannot recommend enough dining in at White Spider Restaurant & Bar, located at the Eiger Chalet in the Perisher Valley. Offering up a delectable selection of savoury and dessert dishes, it is the perfect place to reward yourself after a hard day on the mountain.

Image source: Parks Australia

Plan your day: Your Mount Kosciuszko itinerary

One of the great pleasures of summiting Mount Kosciuszko and traversing the national park is there’s a level of freedom and creativity that doesn’t restrict you to experience all the Snowy Mountains region has to offer. 

Many itineraries or recommendations that you come across can limit the potential to gain a broader experience of seeing the true beauty of Mount Kosciuszko. That’s why with the itinerary we have shared below, we have passionately placed the climb, sites and opportunities for you to experience with the hope that it covers the full experience that Mount Kosciuszko has to offer.

Early Morning: Start your day at the Maini Range lookout stretching your legs across the Snow Gum Boardwalk to take in the sites and sounds of the Snow Mountains. From the boardwalk journey to Charlotte Pass Lookout and gaze upon the task ahead; Mount Kosciuszko.

Morning: With your bag packed, water bottle filled and jacket zipped, head up Charlotte Pass. Along the way be sure to stop off at the Snow River picnic spot to stop and have a bite.

Afternoon: After crossing Snow River, pass through Seaman’s Hut and have a short rest once reaching Rawson Pass. After making it to the peak, take in the surroundings and see if you can find where you started your day at the lookout.

Afternoon/Early evening: After making your way down the mountain, make the short trip and check in to Eiger Chalet.

Evening: Cap off the night with a delicious meal at White Spider Bar & Restaurant.

Image source: Sydney Uncovered

Ready for the adventure? Whether you’re planning your first climb up Mount Kosciuszko or searching for the best accommodation for your next ski trip to Perisher, why not wake up on the snow at Eiger Chalet? 

Eiger Chalet is a family-owned and operated, traditional Swiss-Style, on-snow Chalet with a German/Austrian influence and one of the original boutique ski Chalets in Perisher. We have an array of rooms and apartment options to host your next stay as you explore one of Australia’s most stunning locales.

Check out our Perisher accommodation options and start planning your next Snowy Mountains journey.