New South Wales · Attraction
Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk via Thredbo
Australia's highest peak walk
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Standing at 2,228 metres, Mount Kosciuszko is Australia's highest mountain, and the most popular route to its summit begins with a ride on the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift from Thredbo Village. The 13-kilometre return walk follows a well-maintained elevated boardwalk across fragile alpine meadows, with sweeping views across the Main Range and beyond.
The walk is graded moderate and takes around four to five hours return, making it achievable for most reasonably fit walkers. The route is clearly signposted and largely free of technical difficulty, though short steep sections and many steps keep it honest. In summer the path is flanked by fields of wildflowers, snow gums and glacial lakes.
The Kosciuszko Express Chairlift operates from Thredbo Village and lifts walkers to the start of the track in around 15 minutes, saving several hundred metres of climbing. The lift runs daily during the summer season (roughly November to April), though walkers should check current times with Thredbo before visiting.
Park entry fees apply to vehicles entering Kosciuszko National Park. Snow chains are compulsory for 2WD vehicles in winter months. The walk is not recommended in winter due to snowbound conditions, but cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted.
Scenic views
