Summitting Mt Kosciuszko the long way

Mt Kosciuszko via the Main Range Walk

This is probably my favorite hike in NSW if not Australia to this day. There are several ways to reach the summit of Mount Kosciuszko:

From Charlotte Pass via the Summit Trail out-and-back
From Charlotte Pass via the Main Range Walk
From Thredbo Village either via the chairlift or walking up

We decided to go with the hardest and longest option which is the Main Range Track and do it anti-clockwise, descending via the Summit Trail.

The highest snowman in Australia!

The Main Range Track (22km return)

We walked the Main Range Track mid-December 2021 (so in theory, Summer!) and were expecting chilly but sunny weather – instead we got heaps of snow and a very cold wind!

In retrospect however, I am glad there was that much snow as it made the walk even more stunning!

Snow on the way to Mt Kosciuszko

The walk itself is more challenging than the Summit trail but there is no technical section unless you do it in winter or autumn when there is a lot of snow on the trail. We walked it anti-clockwise starting from Charlottes Pass, walking towards Blue Lake and then making our way to the summit via Carruthers Peak and Lake Albina.

It took about 4hrs to get to the summit with a few photo ops in the snow and a short picnic break.

The summit (2,228m asl)

Once at the summit we took the “easy” way down via the Summit Trail which is also a well trafficked mountain bike trail and is much shorter (approx. 1h30 walking time).

The Main Range Walk from Charlotte Pass to the summit is a combination of gravel, shallow steps, snow and a brand new boardwalk.

River crossings on the Main Range Track

You do need to cross the Snowy River at the start of the trail at Foremans crossing and you will very likely need to take your shoes and socks off to do this section, especially if it has rained recently and the water level is higher than usual. No better way to start a hike than with a reviving icy foot soak!

Foremans crossing on the right

There is a second river crossing a bit further but you should be able to stay dry by either jumping from one side to another on stepping on rocks.

You should be able to cross this one on either sides unless it has rained heavily

Blue Lake

The Blue Lake is absolutely worth the detour – if you are rushed with time no need to go all the way, just walk another 200m until you get a better view of the lake then head back to the Main Range trail.

Blue Lake

Lake Albina

Our favorite part of the trail was definitely around Lake Albina. The contrast between the lake’s deep blue and the white of the snow was simply gorgeous. We actually bumped into 3 guys who decided to go all the way down for an icy swim! We watched them climb their way back shivering but clearly happy and proud. Who knows, we might try to do the same ourselves next time!

Lake Albina

Mount Kosciuszko and its surprising name

And why is it called Mt Kosciuszko…? The mountain was named in 1840 by Polish explorer Pawel Strzelecki in honour of his homeland hero and freedom fighter Tadeusz Kosciuszko. It is believed the mountain was named Kunama Namadgi in reference to “snow and mountain” until then. A proposal for dual naming was lodged in 2019 by the Toomaroombah Kunama Namadgi Indigenous Corporation. At the time of writing this article in 2022 no agreement had been found.

THE NITTY GRITTY

Distance: 22km according to the map, 19km according to Strava (and probably 18km if you skip the Blue Lake)

Estimated walking time: 5-6hrs for fit walkers, 6-7hrs with a few picnic breaks and 8hrs for avid photographers

Difficulty: medium-hard (grade 4 according to National Parks & Wildlife Service NSW)

Recommended gear: waterproof / gore-tex hiking boots, a thermal layer, a warm jacket and of course a stylish beanie

Housekeeping: there are some toilets along the Summit Trail at the intersection with Rawson Pass!

Insider tip: bring a small towel to dry your feet after the river crossing – you won’t regret it.

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