On Top of Australia - Climbing the Highest Mountain in Australia - Mt Kosciuszko - NSW

Mt Kosciuszko Summit walk is an iconic walk to the top of the highest mountain in Australia. This beautiful walk winds through the pristine landscape offering high altitude vistas, a rich display of wildflowers, creeks, ponds with crystal clear water, snow-capped peaks and Lake Cootapatamba, Australia's highest lake.

At Mt Kosciusko peak

Summit walk can either be started from Thredbo, which is a grade 3, 13 Km return from the top of the chairlift or from Charlotte Pass, which is a hard 18.6 km return walk. 

We left Sydney on Saturday and spent the night in Jindabyne. After a good night's sleep, the next morning we set off to Thredbo to conquer Mt Kosciusko summit.

We parked at the Thredbo Village, a picturesque alpine village and a ski resort situated at the base of the mountain. The Thredbo river that flows through the village together with the beautifully architected Ski resorts adds to the charm of the village.  
Kosciusko Express, the scenic chairlift at the village, takes 15 mins oneway and climbs 560 vertical meters.
The chairlift is fitted with bike racks. Many were carrying mountain bikes to the top. We waited in line and hopped onto the chairlift to start our scenic ride.
Enjoying the ride
Views from the chairlift - Mountain bikers enjoying the tracks
Views from the chairlift - Thredbo Valley
Views from the chairlift - Spring Wildflowers
At the top of the chairlift lies the Eagles Nest, Australia's highest restaurant for visitors to enjoy a meal with a view.
Few hikes including the summit walk start from the top of the chairlift. It is a 13km return walk to the summit from here. 
Just as we started the walk, rocky peaks of Ramstead Range could be seen in the distance with few scattered snow patches.
About 10 mins got us to the footbridge across Merritts Creek. 
Crystal clear water of Merritts Creek was a treat to the eye.
Merritts Creek
Merritts Creek
From the footbridge onwards, a raised metal grate pathway is in place to protect the fragile vegetation.
Metal grate pathway
For the most part, the climb was gentle. Hence it was a comfortable walk than a hike. In about 2 km, we reached the Kosciuszko Lookout, a metal platform providing breathtaking views of the magnificent Mt Kosciuszko peak.
Mt Kosciuszko Lookout
From the lookout, the track descended to cross the crystal clear headwaters of the snowy river. We were delighted to see many small fish in the water. 
Lake Cootapatamba, formed by glacial movements during the ice age, is the highest lake in Australia. In about 2 km from the Kosciuszko Lookout, we enjoyed the magnificent views of Lake Cootapatamba from the Lake Cootapatamba Lookout.
Lake Cootapatamba
Rawson Pass, where the summit track from Thredbo meets the path from Charlotte pass, was less than a kilometer from the Lake Cootapatamba Lookout. Australia's highest public toilets can be found here!😀 
Kosciuszko summit is only 1.7 kilometers from this intersection. Metal grate path ended here and became a gravel track. The climb became a bit steeper but still quite manageable.
We walked with a couple of friends and we had different opinions about what the patches of white on the peaks really were. My husband was insistent it was snow but the rest including me was not very convinced. We, in fact, met another group who also had similar doubts and one of them was climbing towards the distant white patch to confirm what it was. Luckily for us, halfway from Rawson Pass, there was a patch of snow right next to the path and the moment of truth with it.
One thing that took us by surprise was the abundance of flies. Our backpacks were literally covered with them. Next time, an insect repellent is a must to take.
Enjoying the views, but did you notice the flies?
We enjoyed the panoramic 360-degree views from the summit while enjoying a snack and a coffee. It was a great feeling to be on top of the highest peak of a continent.
Views from the Mt Kosciuszko peak
Literally on top of Australia
We took the same way back and it was even an easier stroll downhill. However, we had to be mindful that the last chairlift ride was at 4.30 PM.

We walked in December and the wildflower beauties had put on a show that was quite pleasing.
Though I did not realize it at the time, I was quite sunburnt. So anyone planning the hike, should not forget to apply a generous amount of sunscreen. 
We thoroughly enjoyed the day and this iconic walk is a must-do for any hiking enthusiast, especially if you live in or visit New South Wales.

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