Mountaineering | Seven Summit | Mount Kosciuszko
Climbing Mount Kosciuszko
Mount Kosciuszko is the pinnacle of Australian mountaineering, sitting 2,228 metres above sea level, it’s a must-hike for those who have an infatuation for Snowy Mountains hiking. As the tallest peak in mainland Australia, the Mt Kosciuszko hike is a rewarding journey that requires a little bit of research and plenty of enthusiasm.
-
Climbing Days : 1
-
Activity Type: Trek
-
Age: 10+
-
Duration: 6-8 hours
-
Experience: No prior experience required
-
Gradient : Short steep hills
Mount Kosciuszko the tallest mountain in Australia
Overview
Mount Kosciuszko summit lookout marks the top of Australia’s highest mountain, in Kosciuszko National Park. Hike up from Charlotte Pass or Thredbo and soak in majestic views across the high country.
Mount Kosciuszko is the high point of the Great Dividing Range, a long mountain range that runs along the entire eastern part of Australia from Queensland to Victoria. Mount Kosciuszko itself is in New South Wales a few miles from its border with Victoria. Glaciers chiseled out the mountain, leaving glacial features such cirques (rounded glacial valleys) and moraines, during the Pleistocene Epoch, over 20,000 years ago.
Polish explorer and geologist Sir Pawel Edmund de Strzelecki is the first known person to summit Mount Kosciuszko. He climbed the mountain in 1840 as part of a geological survey. Strzelecki named the mountain in honor of Polish freedom-fighter General Tadeusz Kościuszko.
High Altitude, Higher Spirits
About the Trek
When first planning your climb, you will have to decide on which Kosciuszko walk you wish to take to get to the peak. The two climbs we suggest are:
Thredbo climb
13km return (roughly 4 to 5 hours, we recommend this climb for less experienced hikers)
Charlotte Pass Climb
18.6km return (roughly 6 to 8 hours)
Depending on which climb you choose, your journey to the peak of Mt Kosciuszko will look different. Regardless of the path you choose to take, the outcome will be the same awe-inspiring view atop.
Starting at Thredbo Village, the Thredbo climb offers the stunning opportunity to ride on the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift that finishes right next to the path to the summit. Depending on the season, you may come across gorgeous alpine wildflowers as you snake your way up the mountain, passing the headwaters of Snowy River and Lake Cootapatamba. It won’t be long before more rocky alpine environments emerge on the way to the top, with a steady ascent that progresses to a grand and glowing finale.
The Charlotte Pass climb doesn’t offer the same cosy chairlift to begin your journey, instead, you’ll need to follow the track up a withered road that once serviced cars nearly all the way to the peak. This climb comes across the Snowy River about a quarter of the way in and also has a dazzling display of huts, marigolds and snow daisies if you catch the climb in spring. After traversing through photo-worthy landscapes and rock formations, the climb leads onto the Rawson Pass which will take you to the breathtaking summit.
Trailblazing Triumph
What to bring on the hike ?
For your safety, we do recommend staying clear of these climbs in the winter months due to the heavy snowfall. As well as this, we highly recommend a sturdy pair of hiking boots, walkie-talkies, a map, appropriate clothing for all weather conditions (warm clothes and a waterproof jacket for those chilly days) and plenty of snacks and water to help keep you going throughout the hike. As always, be sure to notify someone where you’re heading on the off chance that you get lost along the way.
From Base to Summit
When Is the Best Time to Climb Mount Kosciuszko?
The best time to hike Mount Kosciuszko is during the Australian summer (December to February). These are the warmer and drier months which are ideal for hiking.
Weather in the Snowy Mountains can be unpredictable. It's good to check the forecast but this doesn't necessarily reflect what happens in the mountains!The trail to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko is open all year round. Even though it is technically possible to hike throughout the year, some seasons have better conditions.
Inclusions
-
Transfers upon arrival and departure
-
Transportation provided on-trip*
-
Accommodation as agreed with the client*
-
Mild snacks on the trail
-
Chairlift tickets
Exclusion
-
Trip Insurance
-
Visas when applicable
-
Alcoholic beverages
-
Gratuities for the Expedition leader
* Based on the season prices may vary as cost of transportation and accommodation are seasonal. We will advise our clients the best possible options available at the time of booking.
Cancellation Policy
- For any trip cancellation due to any reason GlobalXplorers must be notified in writing [email protected]
- At the time we receive your written cancellation, refunds based on the total fare as follows.
Refund Options
- 5% deduction of trek fee
- 100% cash voucher for any trip till one year
Refund Options
- 30% deduction of the trek fee
- 100% cash voucher for the same trip till one year
- 85% cash voucher for any trip for one year
Refund Options
- Book the same trek, in the same reason, with any other batch
- 50 % deduction of the trek fee
- 80% cash voucher for the same trip till one year
- 70% cash voucher for any trip till one year
Refund Options
- Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend
- No cash refund
- 80% cash voucher for the same trip till one year
- 20% cash voucher for the same trip till one year
- 10% cash voucher for any trip till one year
It is rare that GX calls off / cancels any trek: However, in rare events that we do call off or cancel a trek due to any unforeseen circumstances or natural catastrophes like continuous rain, landslides, floods, earthquakes or any other natural calamity that prevents us from carrying out a trek in a safe manner, unforeseeable circumstances like local riots, curfews, pandemics, lockdowns, government orders, or any such situation that prevents a safe trekking experience, GX will issue a voucher summing up the same amount as your trek fee. This voucher can be redeemed on any of the treks over a period of one year from the date the voucher is issued. A refund fee or refund of the difference is not applicable.
Kindly note that the vouchers are not issued for any reason you have to come down from the trek. The trek leader may send you down from the trek, owing to reasons like lack of fitness, AMS, blood pressure, turn-around-time, health issues, or if you are found smoking/drinking, or breaking the rules of the trek.
Ready to conquer Mount Kosciuszko?
Get in touch with us today to start planning your adventure to the highest peak in Australia. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a first-time adventurer, our expert team is here to assist you every step of the way. Reach out now and let's make your summit dreams a reality!