Show up in Kosciuszko National Park during summer without knowing which town puts you closest to the trailheads, or in ski season without checking the road conditions, and you lose a day of the trip just working it out.
Our team lives and works in these mountains year-round, and this guide covers what you actually need before you go: where the park is, current entry fees, the best time to visit depending on what you want to do, the activities worth building a trip around, and where to stay.
Kosciuszko National Park Overview
At 6,900 square kilometres, Kosciuszko is the largest national park in New South Wales, taking in limestone caves and gorges, snow gum forests, wildflower meadows, glacial alpine lakes and the headwaters of the Snowy River. Most visitors base themselves in Jindabyne or Thredbo as the main gateway town since both sit right on the park boundary.
Address: Alpine Way, New South Wales, Australia
Kosciuszko National Park situated a:
- 6-hour drive from Melbourne
- 5-hour drive from Sydney
- 2-hour drive from Canberra
- 20 minutes from the lakeside town of Jindabyne
You need to pay to enter Kosciuszko National Park by car. The fee applies to the vehicle, not to each passenger, and the rate depends on the season.
| Visitor type | Fee | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle entry, winter peak | $29/vehicle/24 hours (motorcycles $12) | Friday of the June long weekend to Monday of the October long weekend |
| Vehicle entry, rest of year | $17/vehicle/24 hours (motorcycles $7) | Outside the winter peak period |
| Yarrangobilly Caves only | $4/vehicle/day | If the general park entry fee hasn’t already been paid |
| Walking or cycling in | Free | No vehicle fee applies |
Source: NSW National Parks, 2026
If you’re likely to visit more than a couple of times a year, an annual parks pass usually costs less than paying the daily rate on each trip. Check current pass prices directly on the NSW National Parks site before you buy, since they’re reviewed annually.
Things to Do in Kosciuszko National Park in Summer
Kosciuszko National Park runs on two very different calendars, and summer opens up some of the best alpine walking and mountain biking in the country. Here are 7 things to do in Kosciuszko National Park that aren’t skiing.
1. Visit Lake Jindabyne
Jindabyne is the gateway town to Kosciuszko National Park, and a cool destination to visit in its own right. You’ll need to make a stop at the Snowy Region Visitor Center in Jindabyne to pick up maps, brochures, and your pass for Kosciuszko National Park. But we encourage you to take some time to explore the town of Jindabyne and the waters of Lake Jindy.
2. Riding the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift at Thredbo
This is one of the best summer activities in the Snowies. The 15-minute journey covers a distance of nearly 2km, climbing 560 vertical meters, and delivers panoramic views of Mt. Kosciuszko, the Snowy River, and the Ramshead Range. From the top of the chairlift, it’s a 13km return walk to the summit (4 to 5 hours), or 18.6km return from Charlotte Pass (6 to 8 hours).
3. Stroll or Snowshoe the Thredbo River Track
One of our favorite things to do on Mt. Kosciuszko region is a stroll along the Thredbo River Track. The trail follows the Thredbo River for 4km from the Thredbo Golf Course to Dead Horse Gap with footbridges across the river, snow gum woodlands, granite boulders, and fields of wildflowers in spring and summer.
For a longer walk, continue along the Dead Horse Gap walking track with snow gum forests, alpine heaths, wildlife sightings of wombats, kangaroos, and wild brumbies, and breathtaking views of the Ramshead Range, Crackenback Mountain, and the Thredbo Valley.
4. Horse Riding with Wild Brumbies in the Thredbo Valley
Wild brumbies are a quintessential experience in Kosciuszko National Park and are regularly spotted roaming free in the backcountry. You may not be able to ride them, but there’s an opportunity to experience them in their natural habitat on a horse riding tour of the wild and scenic Thredbo Valley in Kosciuszko National Park.
5. Paddle & Fish the Snowy River
The headwaters of the mighty Snowy River originate on the snowy slopes of Mt. Kosciuszko in Kosciuszko National Park and flows through to the Pacific Ocean in the sleepy seaside town of Marlo, Victoria. Whether you’re after a gentle paddle and fishing excursion, a guided kayaking tour, or adrenaline-infused white water rafting adventures, unique experiences await on the Snowy River.
6. Yarrangobilly Caves
Take a scenic drive on the Snowy Mountain Highway to explore the Yarrangobilly Caves in the wild northern region of Kosciuszko National Park. Dating back an estimated 440 million years, the unusual limestone caverns feature 217 steps, soda straw stalactites, towering stalagmites, and fascinating underground rock formations stretching through 6 amazing caves. Guided tours are available year-round.
After exploring the Yarrangobilly Caves, follow the short but steep track from the car park down to the thermal pools, heated to a warm 27 degrees year-round. The thermal pools are situated in a tranquil wooded setting on the banks of the Yarrangobilly River with a picnic area, restrooms, and changing facilities to make a day of it.
7. Food & Drinks in the Australian Alps
There is a fun foodie and aprés ski vibe year-round in Kosciuszko National Park. You’ll find a wide selection of cafes and coffee shops, slopeside restaurants, and aprés ski bars at Thredbo and Perisher Ski Resort, casual and fine dining at Lake Crackenback Resort, the famous Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery on Alpine Way, and fun pubs and restaurants with international and local cuisine of every kind in the charming town of Jindabyne.
For those who prefer a hiking and riding trip, see our full hiking and mountain biking guides.
Things to Do in Kosciuszko National Park in Winter
Kosciuszko National Park is home to four ski areas, Perisher Ski Resort, Thredbo, and Charlotte Pass Snow Resort near Jindabyne, and the Selwyn Snow Resort in the northern section of Kosciuszko National Park. In the winter months you can:
- Ski or snowboard the highest runs in Australia
- Cross-country ski the Nordic trails
- Toboggan the slopes
- Scenic driving alongside Alpine Way between Jindabyne and Thredbo
Our winter activities guide covers what’s on beyond the lifts, from tobogganing spots to après-ski.
Where to Stay Near Kosciuszko National Park
Where you stay should match what you’re doing in the park.
- Jindabyne is the easiest base for a first visit. It sits 20 minutes from the park boundary with the widest range of shops, restaurants and holiday rentals in the region.
- East Jindabyne and Tyrolean Village give you the same 20-minute run to the boundary on a quieter street with easier parking.
- Thredbo Village puts you right at the chairlift and the shortest route to the summit walk, making it the pick if summer hiking or the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park is the main reason for your trip.
- Lake Crackenback suits a longer stay near Thredbo, set back from the village in a more secluded bushland setting.
Practical Tips Before You Visit
A few checks before you leave save you the most common headaches in Kosciuszko National Park.
- Check road conditions and chain requirements before driving up in winter. Kosciuszko Road and Alpine Way can both require chains with little notice.
- Alpine weather changes fast, even in summer. Pack layers and sun protection regardless of the forecast at the base of the mountain.
- Start long summer walks early, especially Mt. Kosciuszko summit routes, so you’re back down before the weather turns.
- Pets aren’t permitted in most of the park. If you’re travelling with a dog, look at our pet-friendly stays near Jindabyne and plan park visits as day trips instead.
- Book your accommodation early for winter weekends and school holidays. Rooms in Jindabyne and Thredbo sell out weeks ahead during peak season.
Conclusion
Kosciuszko National Park rewards a bit of planning. Match the season to what you actually want to do, check the entry fee that applies on your dates, and pick a base town for your plans rather than whichever listing looks cheapest.
Alpine Country Holidays offer a wide range of holiday accommodation options in Kosciuszko National Park from the shoreline of Lake Jindy to the alpine settings of Lake Crackenback and Thredbo Resort. Find your Snowy Mountains home and browse what’s available, or call our team on 1300 916 454 if you’d rather talk through your dates first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to stay for exploring Kosciuszko National Park?
Jindabyne is the easiest all-round base, 20 minutes from the park boundary with the most accommodation and dining options in the region. Thredbo Village suits visitors focused on the summer chairlift, the summit walk or mountain biking, while Lake Crackenback offers a quieter, more secluded stay near Thredbo.
How long does it take to walk to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko?
From the top of the Thredbo chairlift, the return walk to the summit is 13km and takes 4 to 5 hours. Starting from Charlotte Pass instead makes it a longer 18.6km return trip, taking 6 to 8 hours. Both routes are rated Grade 3.
When is the best time to visit Kosciuszko National Park?
It depends on what you’re after. Winter, from the June to October long weekends, is peak season for skiing and snowboarding across the park’s four resorts. Summer, from November to April, suits hiking, mountain biking and wildflower season, with December and January the peak bloom.
Is Kosciuszko National Park suitable for families with young children?
Yes. Shorter, flatter options like the Thredbo River Track and a walk around Lake Jindabyne suit younger children, while older kids can usually manage the Thredbo chairlift route to the summit with a full day and a steady pace. Winter snow play areas also work well for young families.
Where can I see wild brumbies in Kosciuszko National Park?
Wild brumbies roam the backcountry around the Thredbo Valley and turn up regularly on horse riding tours through the area. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, since the horses move freely across the high country, but early morning and dusk are generally the best times to look.
