This park is remote, so come well-prepared with appropriate clothing and equipment, and inform someone of your travel plans. Weather in the Snowy Mountains can change rapidly, with snow possible year-round. Walking notes, grades, and times apply to summer conditions only. Between June and October, the track is likely snowbound—carry snowshoes or cross-country skis and be ready to use them.
Take in majestic views of Australia's highest peaks on the Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk, near Thredbo and Perisher. Follow the Snowy River and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Extending from and including the Illawong walk, Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk is an invigorating 9km day walk and an ideal addition to a multi-day bushwalking trip.
Winding through the Australian alps, the walk links Guthega Village and Charlotte Pass. Beginning at Guthega you'll follow the breathtaking Snowy River Valley and experience the full splendour of Kosciuszko National Park's sub-alpine landscape. With uninterrupted horizons and views onto the grandstand of the Main Range, you can fully immerse yourself in nature.
In late spring the mountains come to life as the rivers and creeks swell with snow melt, and the clear, icy water cascades in a mighty rush toward the low country. And as summer arrives, the high country is transformed into a kaleidoscopic carpet of wildflowers.
Look beyond the wonders of nature though, and you'll find a wealth of cultural highlights too. The walk offers the chance to learn about the ancestral land of the Monero Ngarigo People, as well as cross Spencers Creek on Australia's highest suspension bridge.
You can also experience Guthega to Charlotte Pass Walk as part of Snowies Alpine Walk, a 56km multi-day hike that can be completed over 4 days.
- Help protect the sensitive alpine environment. Stay on the track when walking and take all waste with you.
- Toilet facilities are available at Guthega and Charlotte Pass, but not at Illawong.
- There is no food or drinking water available at Guthega, Charlotte Pass or Illawong, so make sure to bring your own.
- Local shuttle operators are available to provide transport options to and from Guthega and Charlotte Pass. Contact a local Visitor Centre for more information.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
- The walk is snowbound in winter, between June and October. Visitors can cross-country ski or snowshoe, but there are no snow poles marking the route.
- Private vehicle access is closed between Perisher and Charlotte Pass in winter, though the route is passable on skis or can be booked with a local transport operator.
- Park entry fees apply
Total distance: 9005 m
Max elevation: 1838 m
Min elevation: 1592 m
Total climbing: 453 m
Total descent: -248 m
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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.
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 to the trailhead: Kosciuszko National Park.
Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk is in the Thredbo-Perisher area of Kosciuszko National Park. You can start the walk from either Guthega or Charlotte Pass.
To get to Guthega: Drive from Jindabyne along Kosciuszko Road towards Perisher. Turn off onto Guthega Road which is sealed until you reach Guthega power station. From Guthega power station, continue straight ahead along an unsealed road for around 6.5km to Guthega Village. Park your car at the Guthega Centre and follow the signs to the Guthega walk.
To get to Charlotte Pass: Drive along Kosciuszko Road from Jindabyne. Go past the ski resorts of Smiggin Holes, Perisher Valley and Charlotte Pass Village to Charlotte Pass.
In winter, you must park your car at Perisher and proceed to Guthega or Charlotte Pass with a local transport operator. Visit the NSW National Parks website for more information.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
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
Kosciuszko National Park spoils you with snow sports, walks and mountain biking in the Snowy Mountains. Go camping, explore caves, climb Australia's highest mountain, or stay in heritage accommodation. There are 7 areas in this park:
1. Thredbo-Perisher area is your gateway to Mount Kosciuszko. Find NSW's favourite ski resorts, top alpine hikes, mountain bike trails, and endless adventures in the Snowy Mountains.
2. The Lower Snowy River area embraces the wild south of Kosciuszko National Park. Camp by the Snowy River and explore the scenic trails on a walk, bike or horse ride.
3. Khancoban area is the western gateway to Kosciuszko National Park. Discover Geehi and Tom Groggin's camp spots, fishing, and riding. Marvel at the Western Fall views or explore huts and hikes in the Jagungal Wilderness.
4. The Selwyn area is your perfect base to explore the walks, rides, and top fishing spots of central Kosciuszko National Park. Selwyn Snow Resort and historic Kiandra are closed due to severe fire damage.
5. The Yarrangobilly area is a highlight of northern Kosciuszko National Park. Explore jaw-dropping caves on a guided tour and swim in the thermal pool. Stay at historic Caves House and enjoy the walks and wildlife.
6. The Tumut area is your launch pad into northern Kosciuszko National Park. Discover water sports and wildlife at Blowering Reservoir. Camp and explore hidden walks and waterfalls in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains.
7. The High Plains area spoils you with summer walks, horse rides and bike trails to mountain huts, caves, and gorges. Camp, stay in Currango's heritage cottages, and discover Kosciuszko's wild north-east corner.
Looking for more walks in or near Kosciuszko National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Image credit: Boen Ferguson DPE
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3 Reviews on “Guthega to Charlotte Pass Walk (9km)”
The 9 km trail is well-maintained, with a good mix of natural surfaces and metal walkways, all while following the Snowy River most of the way. There’s a bit of an uphill stretch as you approach Charlotte Pass, especially in the final 400 metres, but nothing too tough. The scenery is beautiful, with alpine heathland, grasslands, and Snow Gum forests providing plenty of variety. I started early, which helped avoid the crowds, though the trail does get busier as you get closer to Charlotte Pass. Just a heads-up—there are no toilets at the Guthega trailhead during summer, but there are facilities at Charlotte Pass. Overall, it’s a great hike with rewarding views and a solid workout!