Kosciuszko National Park

Kosciuszko National Park is a protected area in New South Wales that contains Australia’s highest mainland peak, Mount Kosciuszko. The park protects alpine and subalpine landscapes within the Snowy Mountains.

Visitors come for high-country walking, cycling and summer wildflower viewing, and for extensive winter snow sports at resorts such as Perisher, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass. The park contains distinctive features including alpine pastures, glacial lakes and the Kosciuszko plateau; the summit of Mount Kosciuszko is 2,228 metres above sea level.

The mountain was named by explorer Paweł (Paul) Strzelecki in 1840 after the Polish national hero Tadeusz Kościuszko; over the 19th and 20th centuries the Snowy Mountains area saw pastoralism develop alongside growing alpine recreation and ski developments. Park designation and management have focused on protecting fragile alpine ecosystems while accommodating recreation.

The park lies in southeastern New South Wales in the Snowy Mountains region. It is reachable by road from regional centres and is within driving distance of Canberra and other southern Australian cities; major access points include resort villages and trailheads built for both summer and winter visitors.

• Summit elevation: Summit elevation is 2,228 metres, making it the highest point on mainland Australia and a focal point for summer walks and winter snow activities.
• Skiing and winter sports: Perisher is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere and, together with Thredbo and Charlotte Pass, gives the park significant winter recreation infrastructure.

What to See #

• Mount Kosciuszko: Mount Kosciuszko - Australia's highest mainland summit at 2,228 metres, reached by a well-marked walking track and forming the central high point of the park.
• Perisher and Thredbo: Perisher and Thredbo - major alpine ski areas and resort villages that provide lift access, accommodation and services for winter skiing and summer walking.