Epic hiking trail across ‘the roof of Australia’ finally complete

Following nearly six years of development, the Snowies Alpine Walk in NSW’s Kosciuszko National Park, set to rival Tasmania’s Overland Track, is now complete.

The final 12-kilometre section of the 55-kilometre trail – running from Perisher Valley to Bullocks Flat – has just opened, offering hikers the chance to immerse themselves in the ever-changing terrain and views of the so-called “roof of Australia”.

The final leg of the track is complete: Perisher to Bullocks Flat.

More than 28 kilometres of new tracks have been added as part of the $27 million project, with upgrades to many pre-existing tracks including the Porcupines walk, Illawong walk, Main Range loop and the Kosciuszko Summit – the latter upgrades designed to protect threatened alpine grasses.

There are already several guided tour options available in time for the peak summer travel season. Travel operators including Thredbo Resort, Australian Walking Holidays and Women Embrace Adventure offer multi-day hike packages that provide a way to participate while enjoying the hospitality and creature comforts of resort hotel facilities.

Thredbo Snowies Alpine Walk Experience has two iterations: a three-night package which takes in 44 kilometres of hiking (from $2798 a person twin share), or the two-night package with a total hiking distance of 24 kilometres (from $1998 a person twin share).

See the route in the video below.

Each day starts with a buffet breakfast at the resort’s Cascades Restaurant before heading out in a Land Rover Defender to the trail. From there, an expert guide leads their group for the day’s hiking. A packed lunch from the Thredbo Bakery is included. The day’s walk complete, hikers are taken back to Thredbo for dinner and rest in their lodgings at the Thredbo Alpine Hotel.

Australian Walking Holidays’ walk package covers 56 kilometres over four days (from $2895 twin share), with nightly accommodation at Valhalla Lodge at Perisher, while Women Embrace Hiking Snowy Mountains takes a slower approach, tackling 56 kilometres over six days (from $3265 twin share), with one night in Canberra and four nights in lodges at Lake Crackenback.

The upgraded Main Range tracks are ready for summer hikers.

Michael Buggy, Australian Walking Holidays’ general manager, said the beauty of the guided tours is that they’re “fully supported”.

“It allows walkers to experience this world-class walk with just a day pack,” said Buggy.

“The flora and fauna of this unique alpine ecosystem is on vivid display, as are the breathtaking panoramic views from the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak, with overnight accommodation in the welcoming, family-owned Valhalla Lodge at Perisher.”

Views of high-country plains and snow-capped mountains on the Thredbo trek.Credit: Thredbo

The entire trail, determined as a grade-four hike, which is the second highest, links the alpine villages of Thredbo, Charlotte Pass, Guthega, Perisher and Crackenback through the wilderness of the Kosciuszko National Park.

Along the way, hikers traverse high-country plains and snow-capped mountains and might admire snow gums, mountain ash and summer wildflowers. They might see wombats, echidnas and native birds along the way, too.

Independent walkers can choose to do any section of the track as a single-day walk or combine sections for up to four or five days. Whichever they choose, grade four means some experience and fitness is required, particularly for multi-day walks

Single options are available, and bookings are for up to four people. Dates are limited – it’s advised to book well in advance.