Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko - Summit Trail
Ngarigo Country

6 h to 7 h 30 min

18.5 km
return

↑ 448 m
↓ -448 m

Hard track
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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Ngarigo people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
Show all
Sign at start of the Summit Walk. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Wildflowers brighten the walk. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Scenic landscapes. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Looking towards the Main range from near Charlottes Pass. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Wide views of the Snowy River valley. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Diverse scenery on the Summit Walk. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Snowy River country. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Looking back on Blue Lake track from Summit Walk. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Interesting alpine trees on Summit Walk. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Natural beauty beside the Old Kosckiuszko Rd. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Snow Gum leaf. | Photo by admin, 2008.
The Old Kosckiuszko Road. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Celmisia Longifolia (Silver Snow Daisy). | Photo by admin, 2008.
8km to Mt Kosciuszko. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Rocky grounds. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Summit track from Charlotte Pass is popular with cyclists and walkers. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Once of several creek running under the Summit Walk. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Wildflowers in Kosciuszko National Park. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Snow poles guide this section of the walk. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Australian alpine country. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Icy rivers. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Historic Kosciuszko milestone. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Photo by admin, 2010.
Icy Merritts Creek in autumn. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Merritts Creek. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Merritts Creek Bridge. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Merritts Creek Bridge. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Merritts Creek from the Bridge. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Snowy River Bridge. | Photo by admin, 2008.
The stony creeks are beautiful from the changing aspects. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Old Kosckiuszko Road nearing Seaman's Hut. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Seamans Hut. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Inside Seamans Hut. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Seaman's Hut. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Rocky hill south-west of Seamans Hut. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Australia's highest public toilet at Rawson Pass. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Stone pathway towards the summit of Mt Kosciuszko. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Broad views in Snowy River country. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Changing landscapes of the Australian alpine regions. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Nearing Mt Kosciuszko summit. | Photo by admin, 2010.
View from the top of Mt Kosckiuszko. | Photo by admin, 2010.
The top of Australia - Mt Kosckiuszko summit. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Downloads GPX PDF

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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start At the intersection of Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk & Kosciuszko Road (-36.4318081,148.3283279)
Mode Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the end of Kosciuszko Rd at Charlotte Pass (just near the toilet block), this walk heads along a wide management trail, following the large 'Summit walk' sign. The walk initially dips down a bit and heads through a grove of snow gums. 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). After about 1km, the walk passes a yellow 'MT K 8' sign 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, passing the 'MT K 5' and the original 'K 3' milestone (on your left) to find the un-signposted concrete bridge over Merritts Creek.
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, coming to the bridge crossing the river.....
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk & Kosciuszko Road Start heading along Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk (a vehicle track).
Snow Gums and the Alpine Tree Line (about 70 m back from the start).
Snow Gums and the Alpine Tree Line
Snow Gums and the Alpine Tree Line

Snow gums (Eucalyptus pauciflora) are the dominant tree found in Kosciuszko National Park. These slow-growing, distinctive plants have a light grey trunk with smooth red-brown bark, which peels unevenly with a mottled effect. They can be found south along the tablelands into Victoria, and also in Tasmania. Trees are covered with beautiful white flowers from October through to January, which attract lots of bird life. The alpine tree line is the highest altitude at which trees can survive, due to the cold temperatures. However, you will notice that, in some areas, there are no trees in the valleys, while they thrive on the surrounding hills. This is because cool air settles in the alpine valleys, making them colder and less hospitable than slightly higher altitudes.
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Snow gums (Eucalyptus pauciflora) are the dominant tree found in Kosciuszko National Park. These slow-growing, distinctive plants have a light grey trunk with smooth red-brown bark, which peels unevenly with a mottled effect. They can be found south along the tablelands into Victoria, and also in Tasmania. Trees are covered with beautiful white flowers from October through to January, which attract lots of bird life. The alpine tree line is the highest altitude at which trees can survive, due to the cold temperatures. However, you will notice that, in some areas, there are no trees in the valleys, while they thrive on the surrounding hills. This is because cool air settles in the alpine valleys, making them colder and less hospitable than slightly higher altitudes.

Charlotte Pass lookout (about 65 m back from the start).
Charlotte Pass lookout
Charlotte Pass lookout

The Charlotte Pass lookout is a partially fenced lookout, north of the turning circle at the end of Kosciuszko Rd. The view is great, looking up the headwaters of the Snowy River up to the Main Range. To the left is Charlotte Pass (the actual pass only - there is no view of the village from here). There are also a few information signs explaining the local flora and geology.
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The Charlotte Pass lookout is a partially fenced lookout, north of the turning circle at the end of Kosciuszko Rd. The view is great, looking up the headwaters of the Snowy River up to the Main Range. To the left is Charlotte Pass (the actual pass only - there is no view of the village from here). There are also a few information signs explaining the local flora and geology.

There is a car park (about 40 m back from the start).
Covered in snow part of the year (about 30 m back from the start).
Covered in snow part of the year
Covered in snow part of the year

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.
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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.

After another 90 m pass the toilet (25 m on your left).
After another 1.2 km cross the ford.
After another 860 m cross the ford.
After another 2.4 km cross the bridge (about 30 m long)
After another 1.4 km continue straight, to head along Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk.
After another 20 m come to the "Seamans Hut" (20 m on your right).
After another 40 m find the "Seamans Hut" (8 m on your right).
Seamans Hut
Seamans Hut

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.
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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.

After another 600 m continue straight, to head along Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk.
After another 235 m cross the ford.
After another 710 m pass the "Rawson Pass Toilets" (9 m on your left).
After another 65 m (Rawson Pass) veer right, to head along Kosciuszko Walk (a walking track).
After another 40 m find the "Rawson Pass" (15 m on your right).
Rawson Pass
Rawson Pass

Rawson Pass is where the old Kosciuszko Road, from Charlotte Pass, meets the metal walkway from Thredbo. It is home to the 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 southeast of Mt Kosciuszko (by a straight line). There is also a place to park mountain bikes for those cycling along the old road from Charlotte Pass.
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Rawson Pass is where the old Kosciuszko Road, from Charlotte Pass, meets the metal walkway from Thredbo. It is home to the 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 southeast of Mt Kosciuszko (by a straight line). There is also a place to park mountain bikes for those cycling along the old road from Charlotte Pass.

After another 620 m (at the intersection of Kosciuszko Walk & Main Range Walking Track) continue straight, to head along Kosciuszko Walk.
Continue another 990 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 9.3 km to get back to the start.
A sign.
"Mt Kosciuszko".
Mt Kosciuszko
Mt Kosciuszko

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).' .
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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).' .

About 45 m past the end is "Wragges Observatory Hut".
Wragges Observatory Hut
Wragges Observatory Hut

Wragges Observatory Hut which the remains of a barely visible was built upon the top of Mt Kosciuszko by a government meteorologist named Clement Lindley Wragge, to help take weather readings from the high summit.
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Wragges Observatory Hut which the remains of a barely visible was built upon the top of Mt Kosciuszko by a government meteorologist named Clement Lindley Wragge, to help take weather readings from the high summit.

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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko - Summit Trail


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 18.5 km
Time 6 h to 7 h 30 min
Quality of track Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required No experience required (1/6)
Weather Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)

Some facilities on route
Hut: There is one 6 km from the start.

Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 6.2 km apart with the largest gap of 11 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
100 m[toilet]
Hut
6 kmSeamans Hut
Toilet
7.5 kmRawson Pass Toilets
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Articles
Discover more details to thrive on track
Covered in snow part of the year
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.
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