Trail summary
Safety advice
The Guthega to Thredbo walk passes through very remote areas and sections have no visible track. At least one person in your group should have training and experience in off trail walking and navigation. Make sure you always carry a PLB
Hike overview
This great overnight walk explores the Kosciusko National Park between Guthega and Thredbo visiting some fantastic sights along the way like the Snowy River Blue Lake and Mount Twynam Lake Albina and Mount Kosiuszko. The Wilkinsons Creek camping area is a nice place to stop and reflect as the sun sets. There is even a chance for a bite to eat at Australia's highest restaurant at the top of the chair lift. There are possibilities to extend this by exploring the many summits along the way.
Guthega
Established in the 1950's, Guthega was initially a small resort with a handful of lodges, a few lifts and limited number of skiers and boarders who were prepared to deal with the more extreme driving conditions. It was in 1982 that the Car Park Chairlift was installed which enabled skiers and boarders to reach more of the resort, making Guthega a lot more appealing. There is a reason why locals love getting to Guthega and end up spending most of their day there. Guthega has some unique on-snow restaurants such the Burning Log and BASECAMP Cafe in the Guthega Mountain Centre, new in 2021, as well as on-snow lodging options.
Thredbo
Thredbo is Australia’s best ski resort and premier year round destination. Open 365 days a year, it’s home to a number of awesome activities including skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, backcountry tours and lots more.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 2218 m
Min elevation: 1371 m
Total climbing: 1153 m
Total descent: -1435 m
Getting there
Driving to Guthega is a great way to see a great deal of the beautiful landscape. There are 60 parking spots for day only and 50 overnight spaces. Keep in mind that if there's been some fresh snow, road conditions to Guthega may change.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Track grade
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
About the region
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.
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
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.