Snowy Alpine walk – Kosciuszko National Park - 5 Days

Embark on the ultimate alpine walking adventure through Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains, NSW.

Our 5-Day Guided Pack-Free Walk invites you to explore this breathtaking region, renowned for its stunning peaks, beautiful snow gum forests, and impressive waterfalls. While the Snowy Mountains are a popular winter destination for skiing enthusiasts, they transform into a walker’s paradise in spring, summer, and autumn. Experience the beauty of the landscape as the alpine meadows burst into vibrant colours, showcasing a dazzling array of wildflowers. The sparkling tarns and pristine lakes dotting the region glisten like bright jewels against the backdrop of rugged mountains. At the heart of this adventure lies Mt Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak. Over the course of five days, you will traverse well-marked trails that provide spectacular views and diverse landscapes. From lush valleys to rocky ridges, each day offers a unique experience that highlights the natural beauty of this extraordinary national park.

Our expert guides will lead you through the park, sharing insights about the local flora, fauna, and geology, ensuring a deeper connection to the stunning surroundings. You’ll have the opportunity to spot native wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and an array of bird species that inhabit this unique alpine environment. With a Pack-Free approach, you’ll enjoy the freedom of carrying only a light day pack with essentials, while we handle all logistics, including accommodations and meals. Each evening, unwind in comfortable lodgings, allowing you to relax and recharge after a day of exploration in the mountains. The 5-Day Guided Pack-Free Walk in Kosciuszko National Park is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Snowy Mountains. Join us for this unforgettable journey where every step brings you closer to the awe-inspiring landscapes and rich biodiversity of one of Australia’s most iconic national parks!

Day 1: Arrival Day Jindabyne

Today is an arrival day. Your first night will be at Rydges Horizons Snowy Mountains, Jindabyne. Make your own way to the Rydges Horizons Snowy Mountains Jindabyne for your overnight accommodation. Check-in is anytime after 2.00pm. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the town, with the town centre a short 5 minute walk away. Tonight meet your guide and the group at 6:15pm for dinner at Banjo Paterson Inn in Jindabyne.

CANBERRA PICKUPS: Please note: a 3pm pickup is available today from Vibe Hotel, Canberra, arriving in Jindabyne at 5:10pm in time for dinner. For those wanting this optional pickup please choose on your booking form. Drop offs in Canberra are also available on the final day

Day 2: Charlotte Pass and Guthega

TRAIL NOTES: 9kms. 4-5 hours with breaks, medium grade, elevation gain: 407m

TERRAIN: Walk a well-maintained trail following the snowy river up towards Charlotte Pass. The paths change from dirt to more rocky surfaces throughout the walks.

WALK ITINERARY: After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, your day begins with a scenic drive from Jindabyne to Charlotte Pass. Embark on an invigorating 9-kilometre hike through the heart of the Kosciuszko Range, immersing yourself in the captivating beauty of alpine meadows, lush forests, and vibrant wildflowers. From Charlotte Pass, the trail gradually descends through the valley, with the Snowy River coming in and out of view as you make your way towards Guthega. This stunning route offers ever-changing vistas and expansive alpine scenery, showcasing the very best of the region. At the end of your awe-inspiring walk, a swift transfer will bring you to the charming Valhalla Lodge in Perisher Valley, your base for the next 3 nights. We have chosen this hotel for its central location to our walks and so you can unpack and settle in. Tonight, enjoy a relaxing dinner with Australian wine perfectly complementing your meal.

Day 3: Conquer Mount Kosciuszko and the Blue Lake

TRAIL NOTES: 23.5 km, 8 hours with breaks, hard grade, elevation gain: 844m.

FLEXIBLE WALKING: 10kms. All walks allow for different walking paces, today you can choose to do a 10 kilometre walk taking you around the blue lake with similar stunning views for a more leisurely experience, with still a bit of challenge.

TERRAIN: Walk on well-maintained trails, ascending to the Blue Lake lookout before descending towards it. This is followed by a steady ascent to Mt. Kosciusko after which you descend slowly towards Charlotte Pass.

WALK ITINERARY: Awaken to the mountain air and indulge in a hearty breakfast, gearing up for an exciting day ahead. Today’s adventure involves a captivating trek along the main range to reach the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. The 23.5-kilometer journey unveils the stunning landscapes, with highlights including the mesmerising Blue Lake. After having reached the Blue Lake you can choose to continue on to the top of Mount Kosciuszko or do a more leisurely walk back, following the gentle stream of Blue Lake Creek and passing Hedley Tam. Those continuing up will follow the Main Range Track through alpine landscapes to Carruthers Peak, promising stunning views. Continue along the range walking along Mount Lee, Mount Northcote and Muellers Peak, before you start your final climb up to Kosciusko. A gentle 9 kilometre descent commences taking you back down 400 metres. Regardless of the chosen route, every step is surrounded by the beauty of nature. Post-hike, both groups have a short transfer back to the accommodation. As evening falls, unwind at Hotel Valhalla with a delightful dinner, complete with the finest local wines to complement the flavours.

Day 4: Valley Walk from Charlotte Pass to Perisher

TRAIL NOTES:14km, 5-6 hours with breaks, medium grade, elevation gain: 408m

TERRAIN: Walk on well maintained trails, following the ridge overlooking the valley to a small peak before descending.

WALK ITINERARY: Today your journey continues with a picturesque walk from Charlotte Pass back to Perisher Valley. The walk showcases the unique alpine environment, thick brush sprinkled with wildflowers such as the Alpine Buttercup, Snow Daisy, and Mountain Plumb Pine paint the canvas. Along the route, you may encounter native wildlife, so look out for Wombats, Walibis, Kangaroos and even wild Brumbies roaming the plains. Birdlife is plentiful as well, singing their song from the treetops in the Snowgum eucalyptus forests. As you approach Perisher Valley, the panoramic views of the Snowy Mountains and the valley below unfold. Afterwards we return to our accommodation where another delightful dinner awaits, accompanied by Australian wines.

Day 5: Waterfall Walk and Pallaibo and Sawpit Tracks

TRAIL NOTES: 11kms. 4.5 hours

TERRAIN: Undulating terrain following a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles

WALK ITINERARY: Enjoy a hearty breakfast before we set out on the last walk of our tour. Today you head down the mountain to picturesque Sawpit Creek and wander through dry eucalypt forests, to pretty Sawpit Falls and Charlie’s Cascades. Keep your eyes peeled for the interesting wildlife you can spot along the way, including wood ducks, flame robins, crimson rosellas, Australian magpies, and wedge-tailed eagles. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a platypus. Afterwards enjoy a celebratory lunch. Guests can then depart the tour in Jindabyne or be transferred back to Canberra.

FINISH TIME: 2.30pm finish time in Jindabyne or 5.30pm arrival in Canberra.

Click 'Go to Bookings Site' for more information on itinerary & inclusions.