Whether you want to explore the beauty of Mount Kosciuszko summit as a day hike, or if you are part of the Seven Summit challenge, this hike should be on your Australian bucket list.
Why hike Mount Kosciuszko
Mount Kosciuszko is within Kosciuszko national park, and it is part of the Snowy mountain ranges. This mountain range sits within NSW, but it is not too far from the Victoria border. It’s about 3 hours in land from the nearest coastline of Southern NSW. It will take about 5-6 hours to drive from Sydney,. Make use of this journey to stop at some lovely points along the way (e.g. Kangaroo Valley, Canberra, Cooma).
As Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko was on my Australian bucket list as a must do activity while we are living here. The snowy mountains area is known for its beauty. It is also well renown as being a great place to snowshoe or ski in winter with great cosy pubs and accomodation. It is also famous for great hiking weather with scenery to die for in summer. I honestly think snowshoeing Mount Kosciuszko is one of the coolest things you can do in Australia!
Seven summit Challenge
The Seven Summit challenge is to climb the highest peak in each continent around the world. For the continent of Australia, Mount Kosciuszko summit walk is the highest peak and part of the world challenge.
OK, I must confess that I did not undertake the Mount Kosciuszko summit walk as part of the Seven Summit Challenge. Nevertheless, there are numerous individuals who partake in this and you may be one of them.
Even if you may not be interested in the Seven Summit challenge, perhaps like me, you quite liked the idea that climbing Mount Koscuiszko is taking part in one of the seven summits. I like the fact now I have climbed 2 of them, having hiked Mount Kilimanjaro a few years ago.
Mount Koscuiszko is known to be the easiest summit to climb out of all. I mean look at this tiny little peak compared to the others!
Image reference: https://irishsevensummits.com/
Mount Koscuiszko in the summer presents a straightforward trek that accommodates individuals of all ages, including children.
Doing it in winter is what will make it a little more challenging with snowshoes, if you are looking to add some excitement to it.
How to organise the hike
During the winter, Mount Kosciuszko, Australia, has a lot of snow making it a renowned ski region in the country. It often surprises people to learn of the presence of snow in Australia. The only viable option for completing the hike during winter is by using snowshoes, and it is highly advisable to engage a guide, particularly for individuals with limited experience in trekking in severe weather conditions.
Additionally, it is important to note that the entire hike is submerged in snow during this time of the year, obscuring the footpath typically visible in the summer and increasing the risk of taking the wrong turn.
The top of the mountain can have a completely different weather pattern to sea level, and it is highly unpredictable. We used the company K7 adventures who were very professional and had the perfect guides. We chose to do the hike in July, which is peak of winter, and we booked it about 6 weeks ahead of time. They met us at Thredbo and provided the snowshoeing equipment and guided us the whole way.
The hike in total is a 13km return trip (peak is at 2228km), and if you are in no rush to complete in your fastest time then it usually takes around 5-6 hours including photo and snack stops.
Hike preparation
As with any alpine hike, before the Mount Kosciuszko summit walk, make sure to have 1-2 or even 3 days where you are able to do the hike. If the conditions are not satisfactory on the day then they will reschedule.
Luckily, the weather conditions remained clear on the day of our planned visit; but, the temperature at the top of Mount Kosciuszko was a chilling -12 degrees.
Luckily, we were well-prepared with all necessary items. Here is a comprehensive list of the items we carried in our backpacks.
- Ski googles (a must in winter as the reflection is very harsh)
- Suncream
- Warm hat
- Ski jacket
- Long sleeve thermal top
- Warm jacket or fleece under the ski jacket
- Thermal winter leggings (or long johns and hiking trousers)
- We hired the snow chains from Jindabyne
- Scarf or neck gaiter
- Thick gloves
- 1.5 litres of water
- Energy bars
- Change of clothes in backpack in case of rain
- Thick long socks
- Hiking shoes
- Lunch
- Snow shoes (provided by guide)
- Walking poles (provided by guide)
- Hot coffee in a flask (provided by guide)
The day of the Mount Kosciuszko hike
Getting to the national park
Me and my partner were staying in the town of Jindabyne, and we had picked up our snow chains from a shop in Jindabyne town centre the day before (it is mandatory to have them in the boot when entering Kosciuszko national park). Luckily our bed and breakfast helped us to have an early breakfast before 7am before leaving. Shortly after, we scrapped the ice off the car window and started our drive into Kosciuszko national park.
We arrived at Friday flat car park around 7:55am, and it was spot on for the regular shuttle bus that’s free and takes you to Thredbo village. It was a Friday but not during the school holidays, and the car park was pretty empty when we got there, with heaps of space available (I was a bit worried about this).
Starting the hike
We met our guide from K7 at the Gravity Demo shop at 8:15am, got our snowshoes and checked equipment and then the ski chair lift passes. It was only me and my partner and the guide which made it more like a private tour! Starting the hike by taking the chair lift was a great experience, as was wondering around Thredbo which had a great ski style atmosphere.
We got the chair lift up to the start of the hike, and then began walking the Mount Kosciuszko summit walk!
It took a while to get used to the snowshoes, which are large structures that clasp onto the hiking shoes. Although they are a must as they definitely made walking in the snow easier as you do not sink.
The hike started off quite easy, and the snow was flattened. It was still possible in some places to see the path. We happily chatted away with the guide during this time and enjoyed the beautiful blue sky. We saw a few other people at first, but mostly it was only the three of us.
Bear in mind the whole Mount Kosciuszko hike takes around 5-6 hours, so about 1 hour into the hike you are already quite high up. For us at that point, that is where the wind started and even when we stopped for lunch we had to hide behind a rock due to the wind. The 1 hour up to the peak was a lot more challenging and due to the wind we were pretty much in silence and focused on the hike! But still focused enough to notice the beautiful scenery everywhere – this mountain is completely stunning and make sure to take it all in!
Getting to the Mount Kosciuszko summit
The last 20 minutes up to the top was the most challenging, up a fairly steep hill in the very strong wind. Although once we made it to the Mount Kosciuszko summit it was suddenly wind free and very serene. What a beautiful view at the top and a great feeling of achievement.
The way down was a faster and bit more relaxed, though always a bit more harder on the legs. We past through the most beautiful rocks in snow and I got to take some stunning photos.
At around 2:15pm we made it back to the top of the ski lift and said goodbye to our guide. Before going back down we made sure to have food in Eagles Nestle, Australia’s highest restaurant at 1937M. This place is a must visit while you are in the area and great for some warm salty food and hot chocolate with cream and marshmellows!
Where to stay
We stayed at the most cosy bed and breakfast a short walk from Jindabyne town centre called Troldhaugen. The rooms were very cosy with a Scottish winter theme that gave a ski lodge feel. The hosts were extremely friendly and helpful. There was also a delicious breakfast was included which was great.
What not to miss while in the area
If you don’t know the history of the area it is worth reading about the Australian poet Banjo Paterson, as you will notice quite a few references in the area. He was also the person who authored ‘waltzing Matilda’ which is one of the most iconic songs in Australia.
While staying in Jindabyne don’t miss a walk around the most beautiful lake. I was shocked at how stunning this lake was, it really was like being in Queenstown again!
The other must do, that ended up being our go to for pre dinner drinks was Banjo Paterson Inn. This is also a bed and breakfast which is right next to the lake. They also do great pub grub food, which is perfect after a day of walking!
We also enjoyed a meal in the Mexican Cocina Taqueria, and we did visit the Rydges for a meal but it was the atmosphere was a bit dull. In the town centre there are some nice cafes and it is worth a trip into the tourist visitor office!
Explore more about Australia on the pages Amazing Accommodation in Australia and Australia.