Climbing Australia’s highest mountain has been a long-standing goal of mine, and today I finally achieved it.
The conditions were ideal: clear skies, a comfortable 14°C (57°F), and gentle summit winds between 15–25 km/h (9–15 mph). Such weather is perfect, as the trail is quite exposed, and excessive heat can be challenging.
Before diving into the hike details, here are some Mount Kosciuszko facts to interest you.
- Elevation: 2,228 meters (7,310 feet), making it the tallest peak in mainland Australia.
- Location: Situated in New South Wales, in the southeastern part of the country.
- Naming: Named in 1840 by Polish explorer Paweł (Paul) Strzelecki in honor of Polish national hero General Tadeusz Kościuszko.
Many hikers opt for the chairlift from Thredbo, which shortens the journey to a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) walk. However, we chose a different path.
Hiking Mount Kosciuszko
- When: 18 December 2024
- Where: Kosciusko National Park
- Weather: Clear summer’s day with a low of 37.4F (3C) and a high of 57F (14C). Summit winds between 15–25 km/h (9–15 mph).
- Departure: From Dead Horse Gap Hiking Trail
- Length: 14.5 miles, 23.3 km
- Elevation gain: 2972.4 ft, 906 m
- Duration: 5 hours 54 minutes moving time
The Start
Unlike most who climb Kosciuszko we decided to climb up and down rather than take the chairlift from Thredbo. We began our ascent via the Dead Horse Gap Walking Track, accessible from Alpine Way. a well-marked trail that starts with a steep, stepped section, winding through a captivating forest of snow gums—some alive, others standing as skeletal remains. These dead trees are victims of snow-gum dieback, caused by longicorn beetle larvae that strip the bark, leading to the trees’ demise.
As we climbed, breathtaking views of the Ramshead Range unfolded. After about 90 minutes, we paused for a morning tea break in the shade of the snow gum forest. Notably, this section of the track is undergoing upgrades; we watched in awe as a helicopter transported stones for the path construction.
The Climb to the Peak
Continuing for another 30 minutes on the Dead Horse Gap Track, we joined the Kosciuszko Walking Track—a wide metal boardwalk that transitions to rocky sections nearer the summit. This portion offers a more gradual ascent compared to the initial trail. The landscape here is strikingly barren, adorned with fields of white wildflowers, alpine grasses, and sporadic granite outcrops.
By 1:00 PM, we reached the summit. After the obligatory photos atop the plinth, we found a sheltered spot to enjoy lunch, taking in the expansive 360-degree views from the top of Australia.
The Descent
At 2:00 PM, we began our descent, retracing our steps along the same route. We enjoyed taking in the views and scenery in the afternoon light giving a different atmosphere compared to the harsh moring light. We passed a handful of hikers on this section as most take the chairlift from Thredbo. The return journey took approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
My Final Thoughts
The highligt for me was the sense of accomplishment and excitement from reaching the highest mountain in my home country. I have dreamed of this for years. Experiencing the diverse landscapes and the serene beauty of Mount Kosciuszko made every step worthwhile. The Kosciuszko Trail caters to tourists and I am glad we opted for the longer and harder Dead Horse Gap Trail. Would I do the hike again? Probably not but I am happy to have ticked it off the list.
Have you completed any bucket list hikes? Please leave your comments or questions here.