Bushwalking on the Summit walk - Charlotte's Pass to Mount Kosciuszko

Summit walk - Charlotte's Pass to Mount Kosciuszko

Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Summit walk - Charlotte's Pass to Mount Kosciuszko are found in each of the tabs below

Summit walk - Charlotte's Pass to Mount Kosciuszko

Time:	7 hrs Walking time Includes the time for the return leg Please allow extra time to rest and to explore	0.5 km NW of Charlottes 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:	610 m
Style:	Return

This popular walk starts at Charlottes 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.

Please note: There are closed areas in Kosciuszko National Park

Map of Walk

Location

Map of Summit walk - Charlotte's Pass to Mount Kosciuszko
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Map Scale

5 km

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




	Wildflowers brighten the walk




	Scenic landscapes




	Looking towards the Main range from near Charlottes Pass




	Wide views of the Snowy River valley




	Diverse scenery on the Summit Walk




	Snowy River country




	Looking back on Blue Lake track from Summit Walk




	Interesting alpine trees on Summit Walk




	Natural beauty beside the Old Kosckiuszko Rd




	Snow Gum leaf




	The Old Kosckiuszko Road




	Celmisia Longifolia (Silver Snow Daisy)




	8km to Mt Kosciuszko




	Rocky grounds




	Summit track from Charlotte Pass is popular with cyclists and walkers




	Once of several creek running under the Summit Walk




	Wildflowers in Kosciuszko National Park




	Snow poles guide this section of the walk




	Australian alpine country




	Icy rivers




	Historic Kosciuszko milestone




	MM_20100412_222459




	Icy Merritts Creek in autumn




	Merritts Creek




	Merritts Creek Bridge




	Merritts Creek Bridge




	Merritts Creek from the Bridge




	Snowy River Bridge




	The stony creeks are beautiful from the changing aspects




	Old Kosckiuszko Road, nearing Seaman's Hut




	Seamans Hut




	Inside Seamans Hut




	Seaman's Hut




	Rocky hill south-west of Seamans Hut




	Australia's highest public toilet at Rawson Pass




	Stone pathway towards the summit of Mt Kosciuszko




	Broad views in Snowy River country




	Changing landscapes of the Australian alpine regions




	Nearing Mt Kosciuszko summit




	View from the top of Mt Kosckiuszko




	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's Pass to Mount Kosciuszko bushwalking track

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

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

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Summit walk - Charlotte's Pass to Mount Kosciuszko bushwalking track

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.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
NPWS is a proud sponsor of Wildwalks. For more information on the spectacular parks and reserves of NSW Visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Drive to End of Kosciuszko Road
Drive to End of Kosciuszko Road
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\|

(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 (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.

(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
From the 'Snowy River' sign, this walk crosses the bridge and heads north-west up along the management trail. The trail bends right and heads up towards Seamans Hut (visible in clear weather). The walk winds up the long hill and bends left, near a flat clearing with some valley views (to your right). Here, the old road bends left and heads up the hill, coming to the signposted 'Seamans Hut'.

Seamans Hut	Alt = 2020 m
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. 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
From 'Seamans Hut', this walk follows the management trail, heading west up the gentle hill, keeping the large valley to your right. 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. The walk then follows the stone path past the toilet and bike parking area to come to a clearly signposted three-way intersection at 'Rawson Pass'.

Rawson Pass	Alt = 2119 m
Rawson Pass
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 Charlottes Pass.

(7.6 km) Rawson Pass to Mt Kosciuszko Track: Hard - footpath	Length = 1.65 km	Time = 39 mins
	Climb = 126 m	Descent = -23 m
From the intersection at Rawson Pass, this walk follows the 'Mt Kosciuszko' sign 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 (with the Kosciuszko summit track on your left), just past the 'Alpine Walks' sign and map. From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Mt Kosciuszko' sign uphill along the upper track. This track winds steadily up and around the peak of the mountain, passing a stone-paved section of track, and also a metal grate before climbing a few steps to the cairn at the peak of Mt Kosciuszko.

Mt Kosciuszko	Alt = 2222 m
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).' .

Drive from End of Kosciuszko Road
Drive from End of Kosciuszko Road
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

Driving Directions

	To the start of the walk Drive from:		From the end of the walk Drive to:

Near by

A list of 12 walks that share part of their track with this one

Walk Name	Park	Style	Length (km)	Time	Grade	km from the start of this walk
Summit walk - Charlotte's Pass to Snowy River	Kosciuszko National Park	Return	9.0 km	3 hrs	4 / 6	0.0 km
Summit walk - Charlotte's Pass to Seamans Hut	Kosciuszko National Park	Return	12.0 km	4 hrs 30 mins	4 / 6	0.0 km
Charlottes Pass to Thredbo via Rawson Pass	Kosciuszko National Park	One way	12.2 km	5 hrs	4 / 6	0.0 km
Summit walk - Charlotte's Pass to Rawson Pass	Kosciuszko National Park	Return	15.2 km	5 hrs 30 mins	4 / 6	0.0 km
Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko	Kosciuszko National Park	Return	12.4 km	6 hrs	4 / 6	8.3 km
Main Range track	Kosciuszko National Park	Circuit	23.1 km	9 hrs	4 / 6	0.0 km
Guthega to Thredbo camping overnight at Wilkensons Creek	Kosciuszko National Park	One way	25.8 km	2 Days	5 / 6	6.8 km
Main Range Track - Loop from Charlottes Pass camping near Mt Townsend	Kosciuszko National Park	Circuit	27.7 km	2 Days	5 / 6	0.0 km
Main Range Circuit from Guthega	Kosciuszko National Park	Circuit	45.0 km	4 Days	5 / 6	6.8 km

The next 10 closest walks

Walk Name	Park	Style	Length (km)	Time	Grade	km from the start of this walk
Charlottes Pass to Mt Stilwell return	Kosciuszko National Park	Return	3.8 km	1 hr 45 mins	4 / 6	0.0 km
Main Range Track - Charlotte's Pass to Blue Lake	Kosciuszko National Park	Return	9.3 km	4 hrs	4 / 6	0.0 km
Main Range Track - Charlotte's Pass to the Snowy River return	Kosciuszko National Park	Return	1.6 km	45 mins	4 / 6	0.0 km
Snow Gums Boardwalk	Kosciuszko National Park	Return	0.4 km	15 mins	3 / 6	0.0 km
Charlottes Pass Village and Mt Stilwell loop	Kosciuszko National Park	Circuit	4.2 km	2 hrs 15 mins	4 / 6	0.5 km
Charlottes Pass to Village Dam	Kosciuszko National Park	Return	0.8 km	30 mins	3 / 6	0.5 km
Charlottes Pass to Village Lookdown	Kosciuszko National Park	Return	2.2 km	1 hr 30 mins	4 / 6	0.5 km
Guthega to Blue Lake via Little Twynam	Kosciuszko National Park	Return	17.4 km	8 hrs	5 / 6	6.8 km
Guthega to Charlotte Pass	Kosciuszko National Park	One way	15.2 km	6 hrs 30 mins	5 / 6	6.8 km
Illawong Walk	Kosciuszko National Park	Return	6.4 km	2 hrs 45 mins	3 / 6	6.8 km

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's Pass to Mount Kosciuszko.

Channel	Call sign (more info)	Site	Distance and dir from Summit walk - Charlotte's Pass to Mount Kosciuszko 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 Ban in place. (Checked 23 minutes ago)
This walk passes Southern Slopes fire area which currently has a LOW-MODERATE rating and No Ban in place. (Checked 23 minutes ago)
Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban status, this rating is based on information from the RFS and BOM.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here

Rain. Windy.

2.4°C (feels like 0.6°)

0 km/h from the CALM

94% humidity (as at 02/09:00am)

A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Kosciuszko National Park Link to official closures and fire bans page

$27
$0

Region: South Coast & Highlands Park fees Camping Facilities

Current Park Closure information for Kosciuszko National Park
Closure information last checked Saturday 4th of September 2010 04:00 AM

Closed areas

Olsen's lookout

Olsens Road closure information

Road within Kosciuszko National Park

Geehi Dam Road (also known as Olsens Road) off Alpine Way is CLOSED (for entire length from intersection with Alpine Way to Geehi Dam). There is no access to Olsens Lookout or Geehi Dam until the October long weekend.
Reason for closure - Snowy Hydro undertaking essential repairs to Snowy Scheme assets and winter weather conditions.

Cabramurra Road (KNP5)

The road between the Cabramurra Intersection to Khancoban is currently closed and will reopen on the October long weekend.

Reason for closure: Winter Weather Conditions.

For further information please contact the local office on (02) 6450 5600 or the Snowy Hydro Limited at www.snowyhydro.com.auhttp://www.snowyhydro.com.au/.

Other closure information

White Rivers Hut

White Rivers Hut is temporarily CLOSED due to fire damage. For further information, please contact (02) 6450 5600.