Main Range Walking Track (22km)

The Main Range Track offers one of Australia’s most rewarding alpine experiences, weaving through dramatic landscapes shaped by glaciers, rivers, and time. This iconic walk begins at Charlotte Pass, where a wide, paved path gently descends into a valley dotted with snow gums and accompanied by interpretive signs that provide insight into the area’s natural history. The sound of the Snowy River soon grows louder, signalling the first notable crossing of the trail. This stretch is both tranquil and dynamic, with water levels that can vary significantly depending on the season, so caution is advised when stepping across the stones.

As the trail ascends from the valley floor, the landscape opens up, offering sweeping views of Hedley Tarn and beyond. The path transitions between gravel and rock, guiding hikers past geological markers and information points that detail the formation of the region’s unique features. Blue Lake, a short side trip from the main track, is an unmissable highlight. This glacial lake, with its striking clarity and dramatic backdrop, provides a moment of stillness and a chance to reflect on the immense forces that shaped the land.

Further along, the track climbs to Carruthers Peak, a vantage point that rewards the effort with breathtaking panoramas of Club Lake and the surrounding valleys. The journey continues with a series of gentle descents and ascents, traversing ridges that afford views of the sparkling waters of Albina Lake and the rugged peaks beyond. Each turn reveals new perspectives, and the ever-changing scenery makes this section of the trail particularly engaging.

As you near Mount Kosciuszko, the terrain becomes more expansive, and the path begins its steady climb to Australia’s highest peak. At 2,228 metres, the summit offers unparalleled 360-degree views across the Snowy Mountains. On clear days, the sense of standing atop the continent is exhilarating. Interpretive signs provide context to the area’s history, including its naming by the Polish explorer Count Paul Edmund Strzelecki, who honoured General Tadeusz Kościuszko.

Descending from the summit, the track leads to Rawson Pass, home to Australia’s highest public toilet and a key junction for cyclists and hikers alike. From here, the trail meanders towards Seamans Hut, a poignant reminder of the alpine environment’s unpredictability and a place of refuge for those exploring this remote wilderness.

This hike is as much about connection as it is about discovery. The Main Range Track invites you to immerse yourself in the alpine environment, tread carefully through its fragile ecosystems, and take moments to appreciate the grandeur and intricacy of nature. Whether you’re captivated by the geological wonders, the history etched into the landscape, or simply the challenge of the hike itself, this walk is an unforgettable journey through one of Australia’s most extraordinary regions.

You can also experience Main Range Walk as part of Snowies Alpine Walk, a 56km multi-day hike that can be completed over 4 days.