Trail Fast Facts
Old Mountain Road walking track is a 4km, grade 4 hike in Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales. This hike typically takes 2 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
Set out along the trail from Jounama Creek campground, and you'll soon meet the trackhead for the short but heart-pumping Old Mountain Road walking track. This high-energy walk heads uphill above the creek valley, but is well worth the effort for the breathtaking views of Bogong Peaks, Jounama Pondage and Blowering Reservoir.
The track follows Talbingo Mountain's first road, built in 1860 during the Kiandra gold rush. Today, the only traffic you're likely to see is a colourful variety of birdlife, including yellow-tailed black cockatoos. In summer, wildflowers such as purple kunzea and white-flowered tea tree bloom on the lower slopes.
Return the same way (add 1hr), enjoying the downhill track and detour to pretty Jounama Creek, near the campground. It's an ideal spot for a picnic and to paddle your feet after the walk, or to simply sit quietly and watch for wallabies and eastern grey kangaroos.
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.
Tips
You can also start this track from two access points along Snowy Mountains Highway. You'll need to arrange a car shuffle between start and end points if walking one way only.
It's a good idea to fill in the free trip intention form and hire a PLB when planning your hike. Bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS
There is limited mobile reception in this part of the park.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Map and GPX file
Help fellow hikers navigate with confidence. Share your GPX or KML file for this trail and help build a more comprehensive resource with precise waypoints and elevation profiles. Your contribution will empower adventurers with details they need for a safer and more enjoyable experience. I meticulously verify every file using official maps and surveys, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and reliability. Submit your file now and become a trailblazer for your fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
Old Mountain Road walking track is in the Talbingo area of Kosciuszko National Park. To get there from Tumut:Travel 42km south on Snowy Mountains Highway to Jounama Creek campgroundPark at the campground and walk along the dirt road to the signposted trackheadAlternatively, you can access the track by travelling a further 5km south along Snowy Mountains Highway to a small carpark on the side of the road. From here, you can head up or down the track.The top of the track is a further 3km south along Snowy Mountains Highway, where it is marked at a large pull-in area. Parking Parking is available at the top of Old Mountain Road walking track and also at the nearby Jounama Creek campground.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Suggest an edit
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
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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.