Great Summer Hikes in Thredbo and the Snowy Mountains (Featuring the New Snowies Alpine Walk)
Enjoy the beauty of the high country with alpine flowers bursting into bloom this summer in Thredbo and the Snowy Mountains. There’s something magical about experiencing the Snowy Mountains in the warmer months – the high country comes alive with colorful wildflowers and sweeping mountain vistas. This year, hikers have even more to explore thanks to the newly completed Snowies Alpine Walk – a world-class 56 km trail linking several alpine villages and summiting Mount Kosciuszko.
Officially opened in December 2024, the Snowies Alpine Walk connects Guthega, Charlotte Pass, Perisher and Bullocks Flat with 27 km of new track across the alpine roof of Australia. Best of all, you don’t have to commit to a multi-day trek to enjoy it – walkers can choose to complete any section of the track as single-day walks or combine sections for a longer 2-4 day journey.
On this epic alpine adventure you’ll climb Australia’s highest mountain and wander through wildflower meadows, glacier-carved lakes, and snow gum forests – truly a “walk among the clouds” that everyone should experience at least once.
Snowies Alpine Walk Highlights
Often described as the crown jewel of Kosciuszko National Park’s trails, the Snowies Alpine Walk takes you across sweeping high-country plains and endless horizons. Along the way, you’ll encounter remarkable alpine ecosystems — from twisted snow gums and fragile blooms to the chance sightings of wombats, echidnas, and other native wildlife.
While the full route is a four-day hike, it’s designed so that day hikers can sample its best sections in a half day or single day:
- Main Range Loop from Charlotte Pass – roughly 22 km return, taking in the summit of Mt Kosciuszko and the striking Blue Lake.
- Blue Lake Lookout – about 10 km return from Charlotte Pass, perfect for a shorter alpine adventure.
- Guthega to Charlotte Pass – a 9 km stretch with alpine meadows and dramatic mountain views (requires car shuffle).
- Perisher to Bullocks Flat – a gentle 12 km downhill walk on new steel boardwalks and gravel paths, ideal for a relaxed day on foot.
Whichever section you choose, the Snowies Alpine Walk offers an unforgettable “walk among the clouds” through the rooftop of Australia.
Mount Kosciuszko Summit Hike (via Thredbo)
No trip to the Snowy Mountains is complete without standing atop Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 m), Australia’s highest peak.
The most accessible route is the Kosciuszko Summit Hike from Thredbo – a 13 km return walk if you take the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift. A raised boardwalk takes you across alpine grasslands and past Lake Cootapatamba (Australia’s highest lake) before the final push to the summit cairn. Allow 5-6 hours for a leisurely return trip.
For a shorter option, walk just 2 km from the chairlift station to Kosciuszko Lookout for sweeping views without the full climb. Whether young or young-at-heart, this is a must-do experience: Australia’s highest point, accessible on foot.
Dead Horse Gap Track and Alpine Forest Trails
Looking for variety in a single walk? The Dead Horse Gap Track is a Thredbo classic. Around 10 km one-way, it follows the Thredbo River, climbs through snow gum forests, and emerges onto the Ramshead Range for stunning alpine views.
You can walk it uphill from Thredbo (challenging but rewarding) or ride the chairlift up and enjoy the downhill return. Along the way you’ll pass wildflower meadows, alpine streams, and maybe even brumbies in the distance.
For more seclusion, consider the Cascade Hut Trail – a 10 km route from Dead Horse Gap into the Pilot Wilderness, leading to a historic stockman’s hut surrounded by peaceful alpine ash forests.
Short and Family-Friendly Walks Around Thredbo
Not every hike needs to be a full-day adventure. Thredbo is full of family-friendly trails:
- Riverside & Golf Course Walk – a 4 km loop beside the Thredbo River, perfect for spotting birdlife and enjoying a picnic.
- Pipeline Path – a gentle 3 km return walk to Snowmakers Pond, great for families with kids.
- Merritts Nature Track – take the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift up and walk back down through wildflowers and alpine woodland (about 4-5 km).
These shorter trails are easy, scenic, and a great way for families and older travelers to enjoy the alpine environment.
Boali Lodge – Your Ideal Basecamp in Thredbo
After a day of exploring these trails, you’ll want a comfortable place to relax and recharge and Boali Lodge is ready to welcome you.
When it comes to hiking the Snowy Mountains, Boali Lodge in Thredbo is the ultimate base camp, conveniently located just across the road from the year-round Kosciuszko Express chairlift. We offer a fantastic accommodation package tailored for bushwalking groups – for just $200 per person per night, you get lodging plus all your meals taken care of.
Start your morning with a hearty cooked breakfast to fuel up, have our chef prepare you a packed lunch to take on your hike, and in the evening unwind in our cozy lounge with a drink while a delicious two-course dinner is served. It’s the perfect setup for families, solo adventurers, and seniors alike, you can focus on the day’s adventure knowing you’ll return to a warm meal and comfortable bed.
So go ahead, plan your alpine hiking getaway in Thredbo this summer.
👉 Plan your stay and book directly at Boali Lodge.