THE Snowy Mountains will offer one of the most stunning multi day walks in Australia this summer, with 55km of unsurpassed alpine scenery of the Snowies Alpine Walk.
Choose from several individual day walks or combine them for an extended stay to experience all the nuances and unique qualities of each Walk.
Guthega to Charlotte Pass
Stage 2 of the Snowies Alpine Walk is an outstanding 9km each way journey. It’s optional what location you start, Guthega or Charlotte Pass village or lookout.
The sub-alpine environment offers immense landscape scenes, where you follow the meandering Snowy River for most of your journey.
The standout view is Australia’s highest suspension bridge at the confluence of Spencers Creek and the Snowy River. An ideal stop to relax by the river for lunch. Just north of Spencers Creek you have the Illawong suspension bridge spanning the Snowy River.
This grade 3 trail is three hours one way and is perfect to avoid windy days in the higher alpine. Arranging a car shuttle, or exchange car keys with friends walking in opposite direction allows you to walk one direction only. Note, when Guthega commercial operators are not open there are no toilets at Guthega Village.
During peak season, check for opening hours of Guthega Inn and Basecamp Cafe Guthega.
Charlotte Pass to Perisher
The new stage 3 section has become immensely popular. The scenic 12.9km (one way) walk explores new terrain in both destinations with only 30 metres of elevation difference. Either direction is fine to start.
From Perisher you venture towards the spectacular Porcupine Rocks, (5.7km return walk in its own right) which affords classic views back to Perisher. Wildflowers bloom in this area in summer adding to the experience.
The views from Porcupine Rocks to Thredbo Valley are magnificent, and bear in mind when stage 4 is complete you will be walking down to this picturesque valley. From Porcupine Rocks heading southwest you experience a mix of rocky outcrops, bushland and open plains on your journey to Charlotte Pass.
Allow 4 to 6 hours for this grade 3 walk one way. Consider doing a car drop at either end to avoid a 25km return walk.
Perisher to Lake Crackenback Resort
The newest section will be open this summer and it’s sure to be a standout attraction.
Starting at Perisher Valley, hikers will embark on an interesting 11.4km descent via a combination of steel raised platform, staircases, creek crossings plus rock paved and dirt trail that will weave its way down the steep escarpment towards Lake Crackenback Resort. With scenic stops along the route, including crossing the Thredbo River via the Skitube bridge adjacent to Bullocks Hut, hikers can celebrate their achievement at the Perrottas café at Lake Crackenback Resort.
The 620-metre elevation change from 1720 metres at Perisher Valley to 1100 at Lake Crackenback Resort gives you an indication of what to expect, especially if you were to embark on an uphill hike. Team up with friends for a car shuffle or arrange transport.
Thredbo To Mt Kosciuszko
A popular existing trail, take Thredbo’s Kosciuszko Express Chairlift to the top of Thredbo and walk the 13km round trip to Australia’s highest mountain.
Follow the dedicated walking path past Lake Cootapatamba and onto Rawson Pass where you will find Australia's highest bathroom amenities before your ascend the final 1.4km to the summit.
For those seeking longer ventures, you can continue onto the Main Range track and walk to Blue Lake and then Charlotte Pass lookout .
Thredbo Resort offer guided walks to the top of Kosciuszko, plus this year have Snowies Alpine Walk guided walk packages.
Main Range Track
One of the most stunning hikes where you are literally traversing the roof of Australia with fantastic scenic views. The 22km loop is not for the faint hearted, and there are no shortcuts.
Starting from Charlotte Pass lookout, cross the Snowy River via the stepping stones and embark on the winding uphill trek to Blue Lake. The shimmering Blue Lake is always worthy of a closer inspection but be conscious of time.
Continue to Mount Carruthers and view The Sentinel, an impress landmark across the valley. Wildflowers are abundant and you pass Lake Albina and views to Club Lake. On your homeward leg view the iconic Seamans Hut on the Summit Road.
Allow 7 to 9 hours to complete the track and walking in a counter clockwise direction is favourable to avoid looking into the sun for most of your journey.
Planning
There are multiple itinerary options depending on where you stay.
Thredbo are offering all-inclusive guided tours staying at the Thredbo Alpine Hotel, with a 44 kilometre 3-night stay or a 24 kilometre 2-night experience.
You can self-guide and plan your own car shuffles or enlist the services of several transport companies to shuttle you from your accommodation and then pick up points.
Snowlink and Snow Connect do local transport for hiking and biking.
It’s advisable to check Kosciuszko National Park alerts and consult the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
Snowies Alpine Walk
Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko 13km return.
Main Range Track from Charlotte Pass 22km loop.
Charlotte Pass to Guthega 9km one way.
Charlotte Pass to Perisher 12.9km one way
Perisher Valley to Lake Crackenback Resort 11.4km (opening in early December)
For more details on the Snowies Alpine Walk visit the
