Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 2222m
Min elevation: 1720m
Total Ascent: 2424m
Suggested Itinerary
I recommend commencing this hike at Charlotte Pass, where you can leave your vehicle, and hike in an anti-clockwise direction.
If you are planning on undertaking this as a three day hike I would recommend camping in the following locations. Please also refer to the map below.
- Day 1 (~21km): Camp on the saddle between Mount Northcote and Muellers Peak. There is a reliable water source in the valley to the north of this saddle. This location can get windy so be sure to pitch your tent where you will be most sheltered from the wind. (marked with red dot on map below)
- Day 2 (~18km). On the plateau to the northern side of North Rams Head. This is a large flat area with a shallow creek and provides rewarding sunset viewing as the light falls onto North Rams Head. (marked with red dot on map below)
- Day 3 (11km). Return to Charlotte Pass
Australia's Highest Peaks
There are two ways to look at Australia's highest summits: by absolute elevation or by topographic prominence.
By absolute elevation (in order of travel):
- Mount Twynam: 2,195 meters
- Little Twynam: 2,120 meters
- Watsons Crags/Tennison Woods Knoll: 2,136 meters
- Carruthers Peak: 2,145 meters
- Mount Lee: 2,100 meters
- Mount Northcote: 2,131 meters
- Mount Clark: 2,100 meters
- Muellers Peak: 2,129 meters
- Alice Rawson Peak: 2,160 meters
- Mount Townsend: 2,209 meters
- Abbott Peak: 2,145 metres
- Byatts Camp/Mount DuFaur: 2,159 meters
- Mount Kosciuszko: 2,228 meters
- Etheridge Ridge: 2,180 meters
- Rams Head: 2,190 meters
- Rams Head North: 2,177 meters
Note: In producing a list of highest mountains, there is always subjective debate over what should and should not be included. Some peaks may have local names that are unknown to state authorities or map producers. Often questions arise as to whether a peak is a separate mountain or part of a ridge. Source: Geoscience Australia National Geodetic database, 1993, combined with the National Gazetteer of Australia.
Maps and Weather
The hike is all above the tree line and does not offer much protection from the elements. Check current conditions with the Bureau of Meteorology
Note: This hike is a variation of Australia's 11 Highest Peaks Route. They follow virtually the same route with a couple of extra peaks.
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Kosciuszko National Park.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Adaminaby, Cabramurra, Cooma, Crackenback, Dalgety, Jindabyne, Khancoban, Perisher Valley, Thredbo, Tumbarumba, Tumut
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Kosciuszko National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Gallery
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
7 Reviews on “Australia's 16 Highest Peaks”
I just finished the Australia’s 16 Highest Peaks Circuit, and it was absolutely incredible! This 50km trek through Kosciuszko National Park took me on a journey through some of the most stunning alpine landscapes in Australia. The challenge of summiting all 16 of Australia’s highest peaks in just a few days was tough, but totally worth it. Most of the trail follows well-established paths like the Main Range Track, but there are plenty of off-trail sections where you’ll need to rely on map and compass skills to reach the summits. The weather can be unpredictable, especially in winter, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. But standing at the top of each peak with those breathtaking views made every tough step feel like an achievement. Definitely one of the best hikes I’ve done!
This is a fantastic hike. My wife and I didn’t this over three days but could have easily made it four. Such a stunning location to explore.