Hiking fans, this one’s for you. Today, NSW has welcomed a spectacular new four-day hike – a route that traces Australia’s alpine roof to the summit of the country’s highest peak. Home to some of the best terrain for snow sports in Australia (including the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere), the Snowy Mountains region is undisputed as one of the best winter getaways in NSW. But thanks to an epic new hike that's just opened to the public, it’s now a pretty incredible summer destination too. The Snowies Alpine Walk is a four-day walking track that opened today – here’s what you need to know.
Where is the Snowies Alpine Walk?
Winding through the Snowy Mountains and the Kosciuszko National Park for 56 kilometres, the route takes hikers along the banks of the Snowy River and up several of the region’s highest peaks, including Mount Kosciuszko – the tallest peak in Australia. Starting in Guthega, the route takes in Charlotte Pass, Perisher and Bullocks Flat – meandering along stunning mountain ledges and through thick forests of majestic snow gum.
What is the route of the Snowies Alpine Walk?
According to NSW National Parks and Wildlife (NPWS), the best way to take on the hike is in four, day-long chunks. Day one will take you on a nine-kilometre journey from Guthega to Charlotte Pass: a pre-existing hike that criss-crosses over riverbanks and winds through beautiful Monero Ngarigo Country. The next day is a longer route, a 22-kilometre stretch that traces the mountainside up to Main Ridge. On day three, you’ll walk for 12.9 kilometres to Perisher – a four to six hour walk through NSW high country that takes in snow-capped peaks and sparkling rivers, and comes alive with wildflowers in the summertime. The final stretch of the walk will take hikers along a 11-kilometre route from Perisher to Bullocks Flat: a brand new stretch including new tracks, rock pavings, stairs and facilities.
The suggested itinerary for the 4-day walk is:
Day one: Guthega to Charlotte Pass - 9 km
Day two: Charlotte Pass to Charlotte Pass via Main Range - 22 km
Day three: Charlotte Pass to Perisher - 12.7 km
Day four: Perisher to Bullocks Flat - 12 km
Where to stay on the Snowies Alpine Walk
Along the route, you’ll find alpine villages home to magical mountain lodges, cottages and camping sites – you can browse accommodation options for each point on the route via the NPWS website.
When does the Snowies Alpine Walk open?
While stretches of the walk have been open for a while now, the official full route opened today – Tuesday, December 3 2024.
How long is the Snowies Alpine Walk?
In its entirety, the trail stretches for 56 kilometres. If you’re not up for the full four-day challenge, you can take on a smaller section of the hike – with the Charlotte Pass to Perisher walk a crowd favourite.
You can learn more about the Snowies Alpine Walk over here.
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