This full day walk explores some of the greatest alpine country on offer in NSW. The walk grants views of Blue, Club and Albina Lakes, climbs to the top of Mt Kosciuszko and crosses the famous Snowy River twice. This main range circuit is one of the classic walks in New South Wales, as the views in clear weather extend all the way over the mountainous landscape to the distant horizon. If you want to stay overnight there is a good campsite at Wilkinsons Creek, described in side trip.
(0 km)
End of Kosciuszko Road
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Snowy River crossing Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 785 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -122 m
From Charlotte Pass (at the turning circle at the end of Kosciuszko Rd), this walk follows the 'Main Range Track' - 'Blue Lake Lookout' sign downhill along the wide paved path. The walk winds down past the stone path (on your right) and continues beside the 'Glaciers shaped this ancient landscape' information sign. The path continues down through lightly scattered snow gums to the bottom of the valley, approximately 650m further. Just past the 'From the mountains to the sea' information sign, this walk crosses the Snowy River using the stepping stones and comes to a strip of land between the two creeks. (Crossing the river is dangerous and is not advisable when the water is flowing over the stepping stones).
Snowy River crossing
Alt = 1717 m
At the lowest point of the the Main Range circuit track is the confluence (meeting) of the Snowy River and Club Lake Creek. The walking track uses stones in the river to try to get across with dry feet. Since the track crosses just above the confluence there is an 'island' halfway across. These creeks may become impassable after rain and snow melt. This is lovely place to rest and enjoy the water and valley.
(0.79 km)
Snowy River crossing
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Int of Main Range and Blue Lake Lookout tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 3.23 km
Time = 1 hr 7 mins
Climb = 306 m
Descent = -33 m
From between the two creeks, this walk heads north along the wide track to cross Club Lake Creek using the stepping stones. (The creek may not be safe to cross when water covers the stepping stones). The walk then follows the wide, paved track fairly steeply up the hill. After a short time, the track becomes gravel and continues up the hill for about 400m further before passing a 'Mountains of Soil' information sign, where the track soon becomes less steep. After about 1.5km, the track passes a 'Created by glaciers' information sign and reveals some views down to Hedley Tarn (on your right). The track continues up the hill and between the granite boulders to then head down the other side of the ridge. The walk leads down to rock-hop across Carruthers Creek, then follows the wide, paved path up the hill, passing the 'Remnants of an ancient sea' information sign and coming to a paved area, with a view to Blue Lake and some information signs marking a three-way intersection.
(4.02 km)
Int of Main Range and Blue Lake Lookout tracks
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Blue Lake lookout Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 643 m
Time = 14 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -72 m
From the paved area, this walk follows the dirt track next to the stone seat, heading east towards Blue Lake. The rocky track winds down and around the northern side of the ridge to a platform with an information sign and a fantastic view of Blue Lake.
Blue Lake
Alt = 1914 m
Blue Lake is the best example of a glacial lake in the alpine area. At 28m deep, this lake was formed when glaciers, flowing from the Great Dividing Range, converged and carved out a basin in the rock. This is visible in the cliffs behind the lake, where the glaciers have plucked out blocks of stone and carried them away. There is also a stream that flows from Blue lake, feeding Hedley Tarn just to the south.
(4.66 km)
Blue Lake lookout
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Blue Lake Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 413 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -37 m
From the lookout platform, this walk heads east down the rocky bush track to the bottom of the valley at the eastern end of the lake, and into the shallow gully, where the walk comes to the intersection of the Little Twynam track a short while later.
(4.66 km)
Blue Lake lookout
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Int of Main Range and Mt Twynam tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.52 km
Time = 31 mins
Climb = 132 m
Descent = -15 m
From the platform, the track heads west, uphill away from Blue Lake. The rocky track climbs up around the side of the hill, coming to a paved area with an information sign, stone seat and an intersection with the Main Range track. From the intersection, this walk heads west, uphill away from Blue Lake. The walk initially heads along a short section of paved path before continuing along the wide gravel track. The track winds gently uphill for a while, keeping the wide valley to your left. The walk comes to a saddle and a three-way intersection, marked with a 'Main Range Track' signpost.
(6.18 km)
Int of Main Range and Mt Twynam tracks
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Carruthers Peak Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 862 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 99 m
Descent = -2 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Main Range Track' sign across the saddle then uphill along the clear track. The track winds up along the ridge and in time comes to a rocky clearing on the eastern side of Carruthers Peak (where a short detour will reveal views down to Club Lake). Here the walk bends right and follows the clear track as it winds up the hill to the views at the top of Carruthers Peak.
Carruthers Peak
Alt = 2139 m
Carruthers Peak is a prominent mountain that is found along the Main Range track, from which you can see great views down over Club Lake and out across the valley to Charlotte Pass. Carruthers Peak was named after the NSW Minister for Lands and Premier, Joseph Carruthers. This name was given in 1991 by Richard Helms, who had previously named it Crummer.
(7.05 km)
Carruthers Peak
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Int of Main Range and Muellers Peak track Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 4.23 km
Time = 1 hr 29 mins
Climb = 105 m
Descent = -235 m
From the top of Carruthers Peak, this walk follows the clear track west as it winds down the ridge. After about 50m, the track passes an 'I30' survey marker (more good views) where the track bends left and follows the stone path and steps down the hill. At the end of the stone path, the track bends left and heads down the hill, over a few lengths of metal grate and comes to a saddle with good views down to Club Lake (on your left). The walk then continues across the saddle, following the clear track to soon pass the 'Rarest Alpine Plant Community' information sign. Heading around the side of the hill (keeping the valley to your right), the walk then comes to another rocky saddle. About 320m beyond this saddle, this track leads to a very faint intersection where the ridge (that leads to the northern end of Albina Lake) on the right meets the main track. From the intersection, the walk follows the gravel Main Range track south, keeping the valley and Albina Lake to your right. The track heads downhill and then winds around beside a rocky saddle (a short side trip to the left over the small rise reveals some views into the valley). This walk continues along the clear track as it traverses fairly gently around the side of the very steep hill. In a few places, the track has been cut into the rock and provides great views down into the Albina Lake - take care not to slip. The walk continues to another large saddle and just as the track starts to dip down past the saddle, the track comes to a faint intersection with an old management trail (leading to Lake Albina, on your right). From the intersection, the walk follows the rock-paved Main Range track south. The track steadily winds around the side of the hill (keeping the large valley to your left). After heading between a rocky outcrop, the track becomes gravel and starts to head over the ridge before gently winding down the hill. Just before flattening out on the large saddle, the track comes to a faint intersection (with the Muellers Peak and Mt Townsend tracks on your right) marked with a rock cairn (on your right).
(11.27 km)
Int of Main Range and Muellers Peak track
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Int of Main Range and Wilkinsons Creek track Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 203 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -7 m
From the intersection, this walk heads south along the main track to the low point in the saddle (where there is a faint intersection with a pad leading down to Wilkinsons Creek on your right).
(11.47 km)
Int of Main Range and Wilkinsons creek track
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Wilkinsons creek Optional sidetrip: Route: Hard - undefined
Length = 779 m
Time = 16 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -94 m
From the low point in the saddle, this walk heads west, off the main track, over the grassy rise. Soon finding an overgrown management trail that leads down towards the creek at the bottom of the valley. The walk continues down the side of the hill passing through some low scrub to find many boulders and flat areas beside Wilkinsons Creek.
Wilkinsons Creek
Alt = 1913 m
Wilkinsons Creek meanders through a beautiful and broad valley. Nestled in the valley between Mt Kosciuszko and Mt Townsend, this is a great spot to cool down or camp for a night. The large, flat, grassy plain, with a scattering of boulders, makes this great place to stay, although can be pretty exposed to westerly winds. You can often get great sunset views from the rocks at the western end. There are no facilities, please remember to use minimal impact techniques when visiting this area. Water is available from the creek. Camp more than 100m from the creek, and if staying for more than a day or two, move your camp to minimise the risk of damage. No fires - use fuel stoves only (there are a few gravelly areas to set your stove up to avoid destroying the grass).
(11.47 km)
Int of Main Range and Wilkinsons Creek track
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Int of Main Range track and Kosciuszko walk Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.45 km
Time = 38 mins
Climb = 159 m
Descent = -2 m
From the intersection, this walk heads south along the clear track, climbing up out of the saddle and along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to your left. The walk heads up many stone steps for about 600m, then flattens out for a little while before coming to a clear and signposted three-way intersection. (Here, the track on the right leads up to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko.)
(12.92 km)
Int of Main Range track and Kosciuszko path
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Mt Kosciuszko Track: Hard - footpath
Length = 971 m
Time = 23 mins
Climb = 75 m
Descent = -15 m
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 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).' .
(13.89 km)
Mt Kosciuszko
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Rawson Pass Track: Hard - footpath
Length = 1.65 km
Time = 39 mins
Climb = 23 m
Descent = -126 m
From the cairn at the peak of Mt Kosciuszko, this walk heads down the steps and past the information sign. The walk heads gently downhill along the gravel track then over a metal grate and a stone path, where the gravel path then leads the rest of the way around the side of the peak to come to the signposted intersection with the 'Main Range Track'. From the intersection, this walk follows the gravel track towards 'Rawson Pass' gently downhill, keeping the main valley to your left. The track almost immediately passes an 'Alpine Walks' information sign and map as it continues south. After about 500m, the track becomes a stone path that leads a little further to the clearly signposted three-way intersection at 'Rawson Pass'.
Rawson Pass
Alt = 2119 m
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.
(15.54 km)
Rawson Pass
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Seamans Hut Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 1.62 km
Time = 31 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -114 m
From the intersection at Rawson Pass, this walk follows the 'Seamans Hut' sign along the stone path. The walk soon passes the bicycle parking area then Australia's highest toilet block (on your right). The walk then continues along the management trail as it winds down along the side of the hill to a gap and the clearly signposted 'Seamans Hut' on your left.
Seamans Hut
Alt = 2020 m
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
(17.16 km)
Seamans Hut
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Snowy River bridge Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 1.5 km
Time = 27 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -95 m
From 'Seamans Hut', this walk follows the management trail as it winds down the hill. After about 450m, the trail passes a flat clearing with views (on your left) where the trail bends right to head down to the valley. After a little while, the trail crosses the concrete bridge over the signposted 'Snowy River'.
(18.66 km)
Snowy River bridge
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End of Kosciuszko Road Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 4.48 km
Time = 1 hr 27 mins
Climb = 73 m
Descent = -164 m
From the bridge, this walk follows the management trail east, passing the 'Snowy River' sign. The trail soon bends left, coming to the un-signposted concrete Merritts Creek bridge. From the bridge, this walk heads uphill along the management trail, keeping the main line of snow poles to your left. The old road soon leads past a 'CP 4' sign (on your left), over the ridge line and down the other side. The trail gently winds down along the side of the hill, enjoying views of the Snowy River and valley to your left. The old road passes a few creeks and more 'CP' signs along the way. A little while after the 'CP 1' sign, the management trail enters a nice grove of snow gum trees then heads up a small rise to find the turning circle at the end of Kosciuszko Rd at Charlotte Pass (with the toilet block to your right).
Fire Danger This walk passes Monaro Alpine fire area which currently has a LOW-MODERATE rating and No Ban in place. (Checked 22 minutes ago) This walk passes Southern Slopes fire area which currently has a LOW-MODERATE rating and No Ban in place. (Checked 22 minutes ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban status, this rating is based on information from the RFS and BOM.
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.
Hiking near Sydney 
5 km
not too much longer now :)