The high peaks of Kosciuszko National Park draw walkers seeking rugged scenery, spectacular wildflowers, and the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. The walking is exhilarating yet relatively accessible for an alpine environment, with sweeping views and mountain fresh air accompanying every day on the trail.
The route follows the Aqueduct Trail from Wragges Creek to Thredbo, crossing the Snowy River and passing through the story of the remarkable Snowy Mountains Scheme. On the final day, the chairlift returns walkers to the summit before the descent to Thredbo via Dead Horse Gap. Two experienced guides look after every detail, with the option to shorten walks where preferred.
For a shorter itinerary, check out our 4-day Long Weekend trip.
Highlights
Snow gum woodlands and colourful alpine meadows
Meander alongside rippling aqueducts, rivers and dams
Blue Lake lookout and crossing the famous Snowy River
See unique plants that don't grow anywhere else on earth
Climb the highest mountain in Australia, Mt Kosciuszko and enjoy the exhilarating chairlift descent
Itinerary
Day 1
Canberra to Jindabyne to Perisher Valley
9 km
Start at the Vibe Hotel at 8:00 am, or in Canberra CBD at 8.30 am (on London Circuit out front of the museum). Travel to Jindabyne for lunch. Our afternoon walk is set on the banks of the incredibly pretty upper reaches of the Snowy River from Charlottes Pass to Guthega via the superb Illawong track which is the first section of the new Snowies Alpine walk. Our bus will pick you up in Guthega for a quick transfer to our awaiting lodge and dinner.
Accommodation
3.5-Star Hotel in Perisher Valley
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
Day 1: Canberra to Jindabyne to Perisher Valley
Day 1 details
What's Included
Accommodation
3.5-Star Hotel (4 nights), 3-star Hotel (2 nights)
Meals
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners
Transfers
Luggage Transfers
Bus service
Chairlift
Private Vehicle Transfers
Guidance & Support
Itinerary & Walk Notes
24/7 on-trip support
How We Rate This Walk
5
Auswalk Walking Grade
Challenging
Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.
Steeper climbs and longer distances. You'll need good fitness and some hiking experience to fully enjoy these walks.
Accommodation across six nights is in high-quality ski lodges sitting right in the middle of the park, each one in a location that makes the most of the surrounding alpine landscape. All rooms have en-suite facilities and are comfortable enough to make the end of a day on the track something to genuinely look forward to.
What You'll Eat
Good food is woven into every day of this walk. Six cooked breakfasts, six walker's lunches and six dinners are included throughout, starting with lunch and dinner on arrival in Perisher Valley and closing with a restaurant breakfast on the final morning in Canberra. Dinners are two-course meals prepared by professional chefs at your accommodation, showcasing the region's fresh Snowy Mountains trout and tender high-country beef. The area also lays claim to the highest winery in the country. Walker's lunches are provided daily and are well worth looking forward to, with high-protein salads, rolls or wraps, muesli bars, something sweet, fresh fruit and Auswalk's own trail mix served at some of the most beautiful alpine spots in Australia. Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking. If you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source in more remote parts of the walk.
Note: Drinks and alcohol are not included with meals, with the exception of tea, coffee and juice served with breakfast.
More About This Trip
The walk starts at Charlotte's Pass and finishes in Thredbo, in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales. Canberra Airport (CBR) is well connected with domestic flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and other Australian cities. Pick-up on the first day is available from the Vibe Hotel or the Canberra CBD, with a transfer to the start of the walk included.
The walk finishes in Thredbo, with a transfer to Canberra Airport the following morning for onward flights.
This walk is available in summer, when the alpine trails are clear of snow and the Snowies Alpine Walk is fully accessible. Outside this season, snow is likely to cover the walking tracks and the trip is not offered. Early in the season, conditions are cool to mild, with the alpine wildflowers at their finest and fewer fellow walkers on the trail. The warmest and most popular weeks fall in the heart of summer, with long days and excellent conditions on the summit.
Bear in mind that this mountain environment is around 10 degrees cooler than Sydney, and weather can change quickly at altitude. Pack warm layers and waterproofs whatever the forecast says.
The terrain is rolling upland mountains, walking boots with reliable grip and ankle support are essential. Build up to around 16 kilometres comfortably in a single day, include back-to-back walking days, and incorporate hill work and strength exercises such as squats and lunges into your preparation.
You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.
A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.
A detailed information pack and itinerary will be sent to you around six weeks before departure, covering everything you need to know for a seamless experience. In the meantime, our team is always on hand to answer any questions.
The trip ends in Canberra, home to the National Gallery of Australia on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Free to enter, it holds the world's largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, with over 7,500 works, alongside Australian and international masterpieces including Jackson Pollock's Blue Poles. The National Museum of Australia, also free, explores Australia's social history through an extraordinary range of artefacts, with a daily First Australians guided tour.
Dates & Pricing
Choose Your Departure
Select a fixed group departure - places are limited
Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.
Snowy Mountains & the Snowies Alpine Walk reviews
4.9
42 reviews
5 Star
38
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Peter A
5 months ago
Good varied walks. Great scenery. Our guides Nadia and Peter did a great job.
Paula C
6 months ago
I had a great time hiking with lovely people in beautiful countryside. Naomi was fantastic and is a real asset to your business. She took great care of us, was always there is snacks, treats and drinks at the end of a long walk and was super knowledgeable on birds and wildlife. This was my first hike and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The guides were great and always made us feel safe and secure.
Sandra O
6 months ago
Naomi and Marcus were great, very knowledgeable about the area, plant life and animals. Both were sensitive to the individual needs of each member of the group, and helped everyone feel part of the adventure. They were enthusiastic and fun. Entire trip went extremely well.
Elizabeth G
6 months ago
It’s the first time my sister and I have used Auswalk and we were not disappointed. Everything from the pre trip information to departure was well organised. The walk was fantastic and we had a most enjoyable trip.
Kathleen and David were wonderful guides. They went ‘above and beyond’ to ensure a fabulous trip. Even when the weather conditions (including fire risk) was not favourable, Kathleen and David worked hard in working out different options. Despite this we did make it to the top of Kosciuszko!
Christine B
6 months ago
Food was just perfect in the accommodation and the quality and variety of the "Scroggin"/Treats was excellent. It was particularly helpful with the very hot weather. The hosts were lovely and very helpful. The guides were excellent. They had some very challenging situations which they handled safely, kindly and with aplomb.
Leslie L
6 months ago
I had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed the walk. Georgie and Marcus amended the itinerary to help fit in with the extreme heat we experienced. This worked out extremely well as they gave everyone many options from which to choose. Loved the selection of snacks (scroggin) on offer each day and the quality of all meals was excellent.
Robert O
6 months ago
brilliant walk in amazing scenery and professional guides with great guiding and people skills - topped off by super company at night with very interesting and colourful fellow trekkers - THANKS from Rob
Markus S
6 months ago
Overall a fantastic trip - Georgie was great, very competent and reliable. Very nice group and excellent/ friendly accommodation. We'll return!
Jacki M
6 months ago
The guides were exceptionally fit, healthy, and friendly, which created a positive and reassuring atmosphere throughout the experience. Their professionalism and attitude were definite strengths of the trip.
Andrea P
7 months ago
We walked the 6 day snowy alpine walk and thought it was excellent. So glad we went with Auswalks. It was seamless, well organised and wonderful.
Andrea P
7 months ago
We walked the snowy alpine walk and thought it was excellent. So glad we went with Auswalks. It was seamless, well organised and wonderful.
Sharon F
7 months ago
It was an unforgettable experience. Stunning scenery, with views of alpine peaks and wildflowers. The accommodation was very comfortable and the food was great, lots of variety and plenty to sustain us. Our guides Dave and Kathleen were outstanding. They were knowledgeable, took great care with our safety, and brought a lot of fun and camaraderie to the experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an alpine walking adventure.
Joanne G
7 months ago
The Snowies Alpine Trail is a beautiful walk through stunning country. As a self-guided group we received great support, our transfers and luggage were managed seamlessly and the accomodation at Jindabyne and Thredbo were excellent. Highly recommend.
Kaylene A
7 months ago
Guides David & Kathleen are exceptional absolute treasures. Entire walk went extremely well.
Sharon
7 months ago
It was an unforgettable experience. Stunning scenery, with views of alpine peaks and wildflowers. The accommodation was very comfortable and the food was great, lots of variety and plenty to sustain us. Our guides Dave and Kathleen were outstanding. They were knowledgeable, took great care with our safety, and brought a lot of fun and camaraderie to the experience. It was a truly memorable adventure.
Kate A
7 months ago
The Snowies Alpine trail and Kosciuszko walk is a beautiful part of the world and quite different from anywhere else I've walked. Being in the high country and so remote was a fabulous experience. The accommodation and transfers were spot on - thank you AusWalk for an amazing end to the year and start of a new one :-)
Joanne C
8 months ago
Everything went extremely well. The route and extra options was perfect. Challenging but very doable. Also, the driver we had was prompt, very friendly. Took photos of us to mark the start of trip.
Marlene P
8 months ago
All the accommodation was really good and all the food provided was great.
Clare B
8 months ago
I loved the whole hike. The views were spectacular on varied trails with plenty of up and down. The accommodation was great. We were really well looked after in the lodges by very friendly hosts and the transport worked very well.
Richard B
last year
Our Alpine walk was perfectly organised as usual by Auswalk. Excellent lodges and food. The scenery was beautiful despite the bad weather. Most enjoyable!
Naomi C
last year
Super impressed with Auswalk. The information they sent through before the walk was excellent and answered all of our questions. Our transfers were great and all accommodation very comfortable with high quality meals included. We found the app that alerted us to whether we were on track or not very useful. We had a wonderful time and would use Auswalk again!
Mike M
last year
Enjoyed every moment of the trip. Just what I was expecting from this trip. The Snowy Mountains is fantastic place to hike with plenty of different trails. The whether was fantastic all week. This is my second trip with Auswalk. Auswalk is becoming the go to company for me and my friends. The trips are in great places and the accommodation and food on the trips is always outstanding.
Jennifer H
2 years ago
Our guides Katie and Georgie worked very well as a team. They took good care of our group. They gave good advice when needed, and nothing seemed too much trouble.
Peter Mc
2 years ago
Although we have been bushwalking for over 50 years, we have somehow missed out on the unique alpine terrain which makes this walk so distinctive. The boulder formations near Kosciuszko are awe-inspiring - a sculpture park created by nature. The walk is wonderfully varied, from mountain ash and snow gum forests, to fascinating glacier-created jagged landscape, lakes and 360 degree panoramas from the top of Kosciuszko.
Jeff J
2 years ago
The Auswalk team were terrific and much of the walk was terrific. Katie, Dave and Kathleen were gems. The walks were excellent.
Peter K
2 years ago
The walk was a unique opportunity to experience the Australian alpine countryside, with the bonus of reaching the summit of Mt Kosciusko. Auswalk's organisation was excellent, with no delays or hitches, and with all accommodation and provided meals of very good quality. Highly recommended!
Stephanie W
2 years ago
Fabulous 5 days walking in the snowy mountains – very well organized by Auswalk. The highlight was definitely the beautiful day walk to Mt Carruthers via Blue Lake – we were lucky enough to have fabulous weather. A top 10 Australian day walk. Topped off by a very relaxing couple of days in Thredbo at the end…..
Denise U
2 years ago
Another well planned itinerary and superb accommodation package by Auswalk. Our guides Katie and Chris were outstanding. Unflappable. Weather did impact one days walk but the alternative provided actually became a highlight. Beautiful wildflowers, crystal clear streams and mostly moderate, easy to follow tracks, made for an extremely enjoyable week of walking. The infrastructure in the area is getting a lot of attention. New and upgraded tracks opening up for spring/summer hikers is making the Snowys a year round destination. Easily a location worth a repeat visit.
Nicole Sauer
2 years ago
Another fabulous trip by Auswalk. Accommodation and food were fabulous, the trip notes thorough, the walking was challenging at times but spectacular and we experienced many different terrains. We pretty much had the mountains to ourselves and it was remote and stunning. A beautiful part of the world. We did the trip at the end of March and it was a great time of year - sunny, cool at times, comfortable temperature.
Caroline
4 years ago
Mount Kosciuszko walking week with this company and our two guides were Katie Campbell and Rebecca Cox.
I cannot recommend these guides and their company highly enough.
The walks were well planned and we were guided with care band professionalism. We had a lot of fun and knew what we "were up for" each day. The group was not young but Katie and Bec were totally un fazed giving us (non patronising) advice as required or requested. They communicated with one another extremely well which was reassuring as some of the walks were quite long and a little arduous. Plenty of options as well. I recommend this walk and these guides to you.
Marisa P
4 years ago
I really enjoyed the trip. I learnt a lot about the area, the wildflowers were lovely and the guides and other participants were wonderful.
Chris M
4 years ago
The self guided walk through the Snowy Mts is well worth doing The views are fantastic and walking among the snow gums and wildflowers is delightful Our accom at two diff ski lodges was excellent and the company who drove us everywhere were timely and friendly Leanne in particular is an asset to Auswalk although she’s not an employee
Peter P
6 years ago
Just back from an impulsively-booked 7 day Snowies/Mt Kosciuszko walk with Auswalk. How else could one book an impulsive walking holiday (at Christmas time, no less) in a longed-for destination and yet be thoroughly assured that the walk notes would be honed from years of expertise and local knowledge and contain everything to get us from A to Z, on every day of self-guided walking ahead of us. Plus luggage transfer safely accomplished, meals beautifully catered with due care to any intolerances, national park fees duly accommodated and chair-lift options already ticketed for those days when that last long steep and arduous ascent or descent is just a step too far after a long day spent reveling in the beauties and spectacles and bush picnics in the most idyllic settings our incredible country has to offer? Never a doubt that our accommodation will be anything less than impeccable, nor that those responsible for smoothing and catering for our holiday and sending us on our way each day will be capable, reliable, punctual, knowledgeable and sincerely concerned for our wellbeing. Thank you Auswalk. Such a relief to be able to leave the plethora of intricate arrangements necessary for that 7 days of blissful freedom in your capable hands in the assurance that nothing would be forgotten, nor would anything go amiss where human effort could prevent it. Even the weather decided to make everything perfect for us, as it inexplicably often does when we undertake such walks. Such good memories made. Leaving us pining for the next Auswalk experience as per usual. It's going to be another long year!
Catherine F
6 years ago
I was very happy with the Roof of Australia walk organised by Auswalk and would certainly be happy to go on another walk of theirs. The directions were very good, as was the accommodation and transport. The Australians we met on the trip, including our hosts, could not have been more pleasant and helpful.
Chris S and Jenny K
6 years ago
Auswalks makes the walking easy (well almost!). In taking care of all the boring stuff (booking accommodation, meals, arranging transport, luggage transfers and packed lunches) means you just get up each morning and walk. Route instructions for self-guided walks are excellent: comprehensive, reliable, and trustworthy.
Peter F
9 years ago
This was my second Auswalk trip. As it was so good that I booked my third Auswalk experience, for later in the year, within a few days of arriving home.
The foundations of the great week were: my seven wonderful walking colleagues, our two terrific guides Katie and Dan – there were such great vibes between them, the delicious meals, and the interesting and wonderful accommodation. The evenings were a bonus for me – sitting on the big comfortable ski lodge lounge suites, reading a book or sleeping, and sipping Bundy Rum and cokes.
Oh, and the walking was so varied and interesting. This was my first visit to the Mt Kosciuszko National Park and I was so impressed with the hydro scheme, the ski infrastructure, Thredbo, the terrain, the mountains, the views, the snow gums, and the wildflowers
Jade S
10 years ago
A thoroughly enjoyable week of walking with friends in the Snowy Mountains. As it was a self guided walk we appreciated the detailed walking notes and the organisation provided by Auswalk.The accommodation and food were excellent and our hosts were so friendly and helpful. Thanks Auswalk for taking care of the detail so we could enjoy the walking, stunning views and relaxing every night.
Philippa S
11 years ago
My husband and I have just completed our first self-guided walk with Auswalk from 1-7 January 2016. The organisation, accommodation and food were all excellent, and the week would have been perfect if Auswalk had also been able to control the weather! Unfortunately, it was rainy and cold for most of the week and we didn't see a single view. We're still not quite convinced that Mt Kosciuszko actually exists! We hope to do more walks with Auswalk in the future, but firstly, we're going out to buy a few items of waterproof clothing ...
Anne V
11 years ago
I took part in the Roof of Australia walk earlier this year. I loved it. The weather was totally unpredictable and one day we experienced the coldest, windiest walk of my life. Thanks to Marie's down coat and some morning tea sugar snakes I survived to tell the tale. I don't think I've ever been so relieved to see a dwelling as I was to see that little Seaman's Hut where we sheltered for morning tea. Marie and Lisa were great. Very welcoming, helpful and innovative in their approach and with our safety and enjoyment paramount in their thinking, and great fun as well. Last year I did the Top End trip with Auswalk and enjoyed that equally. I'll definitely be doing more walks with them.
Sue J
12 years ago
I have just returned from a group guided holiday in the Snowy Mountains with Auswalk. Despite some unfavorable weather, some days walking in mist, rain and wind, I thoroughly enjoyed the mountain experience. The views appeared and disappeared and gave the holiday an element of surprise. Having completed several self guided walks with Auswalk, it was great to walk with a great group of people who love walking and we all looked out for each other. Our guides, Lisa and Marie, were friendly and knowledgeable and our safety was always their priority. The standard of accommodation and food was very good. As conditions in the mountains can change quickly it is essential to be fully prepared with several layers of warm clothing including gloves and beanie and a good quality water proof jacket and over-trousers. I would definitely recommend Auswalk to anyone interested in a hiking holiday.
Juliana T
12 years ago
Just been snowshoeing in the Snowy Mountains with Auswalk. Wonderful experience. Meeting travellers on their 9th and 10th Auswalk trips said it all.
Marie M
12 years ago
"I recently joined a group of 15 like minded people for a 6 day snow shoe walk in the Snowy Mountains. It was a first time for me, never having been in the snow, let alone walking with snow shoes! We travelled to different snow slopes each day, so experienced different types of conditions. Our guides Denise and Gavin were wonderful, very patient with the newbies and helpful at all times.
Would recommend this walk for pretty fit walkers, as it requires strength and concentration at all times.
Australia is very lucky to have a company such as Auswalk- they are well organised and knowledgeable."
Frequently asked questions
The prime season for walking in the Snowy Mountains is during the summer and autumn months, from November to April. Outside of this window, the high alpine tracks are often covered in snow.
Summer (December to February) is a particularly spectacular time to visit. The alpine meadows burst into life with an astonishing display of wildflowers, which must be seen to be believed. The weather is generally warm and suitable for hiking, though conditions in the mountains can change rapidly at any time of year.
Autumn (March and April) offers cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and fewer crowds, making it an excellent time for dedicated hikers to enjoy the crisp mountain air and expansive views.
This is a world-class, fully-inclusive group-guided walking experience.
What's Included:
Expert Guides: You will be led by two engaging, knowledgeable, and experienced guides.
Accommodation: 3 nights' comfortable accommodation at Valhalla Lodge in Perisher Valley, with private ensuite rooms.
All Meals: The trip is fully catered with high-quality meals prepared by an in-house chef. This includes cooked breakfasts, comprehensive walkers' lunches, and excellent two-course dinners.
All Transport: Return transport from Canberra to the Snowy Mountains is included, as well as all transport during the walk and luggage transfers.
Fees & Passes: All National Park admission fees and any necessary chairlift passes are included in the price.
What's Excluded:
Drinks: Alcohol and other drinks with meals are not included (except for tea/coffee and juice with breakfast). The lodge has a range of wines and beers available for purchase.
For the three nights of this walk, you will be based at the modern and comfortable Valhalla Lodge in Perisher Valley. A key advantage of this lodge is its location right inside the Kosciuszko National Park, offering stunning views and allowing you to walk directly in and out of the accommodation on some days, minimizing travel time.
All rooms have private ensuites. The lodge features a welcoming common area with a lobby fireplace, perfect for relaxing after a day on the trails. The in-house chef provides superb meals, including cooked breakfasts to start your day and delicious two-course dinners in the evening, making for a comfortable and restorative stay in the heart of the mountains.
This walk is graded as Moderate (Grade 3). It involves hiking on well-formed alpine tracks, but the terrain can be uneven and the walks are reasonably long, with some arduous sections. The mountain environment means you need to be prepared for variable weather and some challenging ascents.
As a group-guided walk, the pace is managed by the expert guides. They are skilled at catering to the needs of the group, offering plenty of options and advice to ensure everyone feels comfortable and supported.
While the group moves together, the presence of two guides often allows for some flexibility, ensuring a comfortable pace for all participants without anyone feeling pressured.
This guided walk operates on specific, scheduled departure dates throughout the summer and autumn season. You can check current departure dates here.
Because the trip is guided and group sizes are kept small to ensure a high-quality experience, places are limited. We recommend booking several months in advance to secure a spot on your preferred date, especially for popular holiday periods like January.
Want to Know More?
The Snowy Mountains & the Snowies Alpine Walk experience
Wonder
Summit Mount Kosciuszko at 2,228 metres, Australia's highest peak, on a clear alpine ridge
Cross the Spencers Creek Suspension Bridge, the highest altitude suspension bridge in Australia
Walk through glacier-carved landscapes of Blue Lake, Headley Tarn, and the Main Range in one journey
Wellness
A linear alpine hike through Kosciuszko National Park from one alpine village to the next, pack-free
One of the least-walked national parks in the world, with vast solitude even in peak season
Mountain lodge hosts cook dinner each night in comfortable alpine village accommodation
Nature
Snow gum woodlands, alpine wildflower meadows, and granite boulder formations across the Main Range
Ramsar-listed wetlands and the source of the Snowy River are part of the high-altitude ecosystem
Alpine wildflowers carpet the meadows from November to February in one of Australia's great seasonal spectacles
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