New Snowy Mountains track delivers ‘world class’ multi-day walk to NSW

A scenic hiking track in the Snowy Mountains has caused an outbreak of state rivalry after the NSW Environment Minister James Griffin took a gentle swipe at Tasmania’s world-famous Overland Track.

Griffin said he was thrilled to see increased access to “this beautiful part of the world” after the opening of the second stage of the Snowies Alpine Walk between Guthega and Charlotte Pass in Kosciuszko National Park.

Australia’s highest suspension bridge, between Guthega and Charlotte Pass, forms part of the second stage of the Snowies Alpine Walk.Credit: National Parks and Wildlife Service

He said the 55-kilometre walk would rival the famous Overland Track in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

“The Snowies Alpine Walk is putting NSW on the map for multi-day hikes, and it’ll be a must-do walk for anyone who loves Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain Overland Track,” he said. “In fact, I reckon it’ll be a strong competitor of the Overland.”

The second stage of the multi-day walk in Kosciuszko National Park features Australia’s highest suspension bridge as well as 385 rock steps, two kilometres of steel walkway, as well as rock paving and gravel.

It was completed over a two-year period, which included 14 months when the site was inaccessible due to bushfire, COVID-19 restrictions and snow.

There was a 60 per cent increase in visitors to NSW national parks during the pandemic.Credit: National Parks and Wildlife Service

An estimated 1200 tonnes of steel, granite rock pavers, gravel and concrete was brought in by helicopter to construct the $5.4 million second stage of the walk.

Twenty-seven kilometres of new walking track will be constructed as part of the $27 million project, with existing tracks realigned to protect threatened alpine grasses.

A National Parks and Wildlife Service spokesman said the walking route was designed to avoid significant impacts on threatened species such as the mountain pygmy possum, the alpine landscape and cultural heritage sites.

“The new and upgraded trails will support conservation outcomes and benefits by protecting threatened species and encouraging visitors to be park advocates,” he said.

The construction of the new multi-day track follows a 60 per cent increase in visitors to NSW national parks during the pandemic.

A 40-year state government plan proposes turning the Snowy Mountains and Jindabyne into an all-year tourist destination with more hotel beds, glamping and helicopter commutes to Perisher, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass.

Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the track would help establish the region as an eco-adventure destination, attracting 50,000 visitors a year.

“Once all four stages are complete, the 55-kilometre Snowies Alpine Walk will be a world-class experience for visitors to enjoy even more of Kosciuszko National Park, and puts the Snowy Mountains region firmly on the domestic and international tourism map,” he said.

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