Kosciuszko National Park, home to Australia’s highest mountain—Mount Kosciuszko (or Mount Kossie, as we Aussies like to call it)—is a dream destination for any hiker.
Having hiked in various countries, I’m a little embarassed to admit that I’ve never hiked in the alpine region of my home country. Hiking here in summer has been a bucket list goal of mine for years, and I’m thrilled to finally make it happen. Our base for the week is a cozy lodge in Charlotte Pass, a charming ski town turned summer hiking hub. From here, we’re setting out on a series of daily walks to explore the alpine wilderness.
Today’s adventure took us to Mount Stilwell and Little Mount Stilwell, a perfect way to kick off the week.
Kosciuszko National Park Mount Stilwell Hike
- When: 16 December 2024
- Where: Kosciuszko National Park
- Weather: Clear summer’s day with a low of 64.4F (10C) and a high of 91.4F (33C) and 25 km/h breeze
- Departure: From Charlotte Pass at 8:00 am
- Length: 5.5 miles, 8.85 km
- Elevation gain: 1246.7 ft, 380 m
- Duration: 3 hours 27 minutes moving time
The Start
We left the lodge on foot just after 8:00 am, greeted by a pleasant 22°C morning. A steady 25 km/h breeze added to the comfort, keeping the early summer heat at bay.
Our first stop was the lookout above the road, offering panoramic views of Mount Kossie and the surrounding peaks. Instead of following the road, we decided to take the more strenuous route—straight uphill under the chairlift—before joining a narrow track that led us back to the road.
From there, we followed the wooden boardwalk to Charlotte Pass and Main Range Lookouts. These vantage points offered stunning views of Mount Kosciuszko, Mount Clarke, Mount Lee, and Mount Carruthers. With the last of the snow having melted in spring, the peaks stood bare and rugged, showcasing their unique alpine beauty.
On to Mount Stilwell
Next, we made our way to Mount Stilwell along the Mount Stilwell Walking Track. The gradual ascent was fairly easy, winding through vibrant fields of golden and white wildflowers. Along the way, we passed marshy patches and a gentle creek crossing that added a bit of variety to the trail.
At the summit, we reached the metal triangular trig marking Mount Stilwell’s peak. Although the day wasn’t particularly windy, it was breezy enough to imagine how fierce it could get on a truly gusty day! After snapping a few photos, we descended slightly to visit the ruins of an old chairlift station, where we enjoyed a well-earned morning tea break. The wind was a blessing—it kept the heat manageable and the pesky March flies at bay.
Lunch at Little Mount Stilwell
For the next stretch, we ventured off track, descending through lush alpine marshes and grasslands. This area is known to be home to the Eastern Brown Snake, one of the world’s most venomous snakes, so we made sure to wear our gaiters for extra protection.
Eventually, we reached Little Mount Stilwell, where we paused for lunch. Surrounded by sweeping views of the countryside, it was the perfect spot to soak in the serenity of the alpine landscape.
The Descent Home
The descent from Little Mount Stilwell was gentle and scenic, leading us through an ancient snow gum forest. The track was relatively wet underfoot in places, adding a bit of challenge, but nothing too difficult.
After crossing Spencer Creek, we continued the short distance back to Charlotte Pass and our lodge, completing the loop.
My Final Thoughts
This half-day hike was a fantastic introduction to the week ahead. The rocky alpine terrain, dotted with vibrant wildflowers, had an otherworldly feel—like walking on a moonscape.
Of course, the flies were out in full force, and we found ourselves doing the classic Aussie salute to keep them away. But despite that, the stunning views and gentle terrain made this a thoroughly enjoyable start to our hiking adventure.
This hike left me eager for the days to come, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the week has in store.
If you are familiar with this hike, or have any questions, please leave them below.