Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk
Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk is a day hike in Kosciuszko National Park that reaches the summit of Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 m), the highest point in mainland Australia. The route is mapped as a return track with a total distance of 19.98 km (expected about 19.89 km).
There are two common start options for this summit walk: Charlotte Pass (about 18.6 km return) or Thredbo (about 13 km return using the chairlift to start higher). This means you can choose a longer, more gradual ascent from Charlotte Pass or a shorter, higher-access version from Thredbo.
The Charlotte Pass variant follows an old road approach through the high peaks area and is typically graded as Grade 3, taking roughly 6–8 hours for a return day hike. The route passes key stopping points along the way, including Snowy River (~4.5 km from Charlotte Pass), then continues up to Seaman’s Hut (built in 1929) before carrying on toward Rawson Pass.
From Rawson Pass, the final push is the short walk to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, described as 1.4 km to the top. The track from Rawson Pass to the summit is foot-only; mountain bikes and fat bikes are permitted only between Charlotte Pass and Rawson Pass (bike stands are available at Rawson Pass).
This walk is snowbound between June and October, so summer is the normal season for a hiking attempt on the track. Outside summer, it may be skied or snowshoed, but the route isn’t marked with snow poles.
Plan as a high-altitude day. The route requires drinking water plus sun and wind protection (hat, sunscreen, appropriate clothes for all weather), and NPWS guidance also calls for navigation tools such as a topographic map, GPS, and compass. Sturdy shoes are expected, and the track is open in summer but can be closed or adjusted with winter access rules (private vehicle access is closed between Perisher and Charlotte Pass in winter).
Summer conditions shape what you’ll notice on the ground: wildflower displays are highlighted for early summer, and the route is positioned as a “famous hike” because it ties together the main approach, hut, and summit access at Australia’s highest mountain.
More information: Wikipedia, Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour - Thredbo, Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk (18.6km) - Trail Hiking Australia