Mount Twynam

Mountain Snowy Mountains peak, popular with hikers

An alpine peak in the Snowy Mountains, Mount Twynam lies on the Main Range and draws hikers on multi-day routes and cross-country skiers across its high plateaus.

Main image

Mount Twynam is a high peak in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, reaching about 2,195 meters and ranking among the tallest summits on the Australian mainland. It forms part of the Main Range within Kosciuszko National Park.

The summit is broad and sits on alpine plateau country that is popular with walkers and peak-baggers following the Main Range and High Plains routes. From the top there are extensive views across the Snowy Mountains and toward nearby high peaks.

The peak has long been part of the high-country landscape used for grazing, exploration, and recreation and is included within Kosciuszko National Park for conservation and public access. It is a regular objective for day and multi-day hikes in the park.

Located in southeastern New South Wales within Kosciuszko National Park, Mount Twynam lies on the Main Range near other high points such as Mount Kosciuszko and is accessible from the park’s trail network.

  • Elevation: Rises to 2,195 meters, making it one of the highest peaks on the Australian mainland and a prominent point on the Main Range walking route.
Mount Twynam
Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales, Australia
-36.3926, 148.3147
Open year-round (access depends on weather)
Free (Kosciuszko National Park entry free; fees may apply for some facilities)

How to Get to Mount Twynam #

Mount Twynam sits inside Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales. Common approaches are from Thredbo village (drive ~2.5 hours from Canberra or ~5 hours from Sydney) via the Thredbo Valley and the Ramshead tracks, or from Dead Horse Gap (near Charlottes Pass). Park access is by road - Charlotte Pass has the highest public road access in Australia. Trails are well marked from established carparks; permit requirements are limited but check the NSW National Parks site for seasonal restrictions.

Tips for Visiting Mount Twynam #

  • Start from Dead Horse Gap carpark for the gentlest approach; the route from Thredbo via the Ramsheads is longer but offers alpine ridgeline views.
  • Check the Snowy Mountains weather forecast and snow conditions - storms can arrive fast even in summer.
  • Bring an altimeter or GPS - the plateau is broad and featureless in low cloud; cairns are sparse on some approaches.
  • If aiming for sunrise on the summit, camp at Murray Saddle or use Charlotte Pass accommodation the night before.

Best Time to Visit Mount Twynam #

Best visited in summer or autumn for straightforward hiking and clear alpine views; winter requires specialist gear.

Summer
Dec-Feb · 0-15°C (32-59°F)
Warmest weather on the plateau, long daylight hours; wildflowers appear in January-February but storms are possible.
Autumn
Mar-May · -5-10°C (23-50°F)
Crisp air, clearer alpine visibility; best for ridge walks and fewer crowds.
Winter / Spring snow
Jun-Nov · -15-5°C (5-41°F)
Snowpack dominates; requires skis or snowshoes and avalanche awareness in winter and early spring.

Weather & Climate near Mount Twynam #

Climate

Mount Twynam's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -6°C to 17°C. Heavy rainfall (2015 mm/year), wettest in October.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
17°
Warmest Month
-6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (153 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

153 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

May

May is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (175 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

175 mm
Rainfall
7.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy

June

June is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (189 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

189 mm
Rainfall
7.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy

July

July is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (196 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

196 mm
Rainfall
6.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy

August

August is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Heavy rain (216 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

216 mm
Rainfall
7.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

September

September is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -3°C. Heavy rain (219 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

219 mm
Rainfall
7.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy

October

October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (225 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

225 mm
Rainfall
7.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy

November

November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

164 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

134 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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