Kosciuszko National Park

Kosciuszko National Park is Australia's largest national park at 6,900 km² and contains the continent's highest peaks, including [Mount…

National Park in New South Wales

National ParkNational

Written by Ben Cole· Updated 3 May 2026

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About Kosciuszko National Park

Kosciuszko National Park is Australia's largest national park at 6,900 km² and contains the continent's highest peaks, including [Mount Kosciuszko](/au/attractions/nsw/mount-kosciuszko) (2,228 m). The park encompasses alpine meadows, glacial lakes, ancient snow gum woodlands, and winter ski resorts. In summer, wildflowers carpet the Main Range and golden-hued snow gums provide a striking landscape around the summit.

About

History & Significance

Kosciuszko National Park was established in 1944 and is Australia's largest national park at 6,900 km². It protects the continent's highest peaks and significant alpine ecosystems, including rare snow gum woodlands and glacial landscapes shaped by ice age activity. The park has become central to both outdoor recreation and conservation of Australia's alpine environment.

Warnings

High Alpine Weather Can Change Rapidly — Carry Warm GearSummer Thunderstorms Common In AfternoonSnow Season Roads Require ChainsLimited Mobile Coverage In Backcountry

Getting There

Drive 500 km south of Sydney via Hume Highway to Cooma then Snowy Mountains Highway. Thredbo is 5.5 hours from Sydney. Coach services from Cooma in winter.

Parking

Free parking at major trailheads and visitor areas. Thredbo and Perisher have large day-use car parks (capacity varies seasonally). In snow season, chains are mandatory on many roads and parking fills quickly on weekends. Accessible parking available at key facilities including visitor centres and Thredbo chairlift.

Nearest airport

Visitor Tips

•In summer, take the Thredbo chairlift to Eagles Nest and walk 13 km return to the summit via the Main Range. This is the easiest route to the top of Australia.

At a Glance

The Place

Significance: National

Plan Your Visit

Entry: Paid
Duration: 2–5 days
Best Time: December–February (summer alpine walking); June–September (skiing)
Hours: Open 24 hours. Some roads close in winter.

Location

Area: Charlotte Pass
Region: Riverina
State: New South Wales

Good to Know

Wheelchair AccessibleAll ages — from accessible summit walks and chairlift rides for families with young children to advanced skiing, mountaineering, and backcountry hiking for experienced adventurers

Highlights

Mount Kosciuszko Summit (2,228 M)Blue Lake Glacial CirqueCharlotte Pass (Highest Village)Thredbo Chairlift (Year-Round)Alpine Wildflowers (January)Yarrangobilly Caves

Activities

SkiingSnowboardingHikingMountain BikingFishingWildflower WalksGlacial Lake ExplorationSummit Walks

Family & Visitor Info

Ages: All ages — from accessible summit walks and chairlift rides for families with young children to advanced skiing, mountaineering, and backcountry hiking for experienced adventurers
Shade/Cover: Limited shade
Pram Friendly: No

Food & Drink

CafeRestaurantPicnic AreaBYO Food OK

Thredbo and Perisher have multiple cafés and restaurants. Summer picnic areas at Charlotte Pass, Blue Lake carpark, and trailhead facilities. Bring supplies for backcountry walking — limited services in remote areas.

Features

Wheelchair Accessible

Dog Friendly

Pram/Stroller Friendly

Camping Available

Tours Available

Guided Walks

Swimming Allowed

Lockers Available

Facilities

Ski Resorts (Thredbo, Perisher)Visitor CentresCamping GroundsHotels And LodgesRestaurantsSki HireMountain Bike Hire (Summer)Chairlifts (Summer And Winter)

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