A new multi-day hiking trail through the breathtaking alpine scenery of southern New South Wales is complete and ready for adventure, with the entire Snowies Alpine Walk in Kosciuszko National Park officially opened on the afternoon of Monday 2 December 2024
The world-class Snowies Alpine Walk is a 56-kilometres four-day walk that links the alpine locations of Guthega, Charlotte Pass, Perisher and Bullocks Flat with 27 kilometres of new walking track linking existing walks.
The project was made possible with $10 million from the Australian Government and $17.17 million from the NSW Government as part of their commitments to boosting regional NSW local economies and making this landscape more accessible for everyone.
The new Snowies Alpine Walk is expected to significantly boost tourism in the Snowy Mountains region, attracting hundreds of thousands of visits over the long term and generating substantial revenue for the local economy.
The completion of the entire project supported 80 local construction jobs and will create four ongoing jobs for regular track maintenance.
The newly constructed 12 kilometres of walking track between Perisher Valley and Bullocks Flat has been built to withstand the harsh alpine environment of Kosciuszko National Park. It consists of steel platforms, staircases, natural granite rock, gravel hardened track and natural track to provide a comfortable walking experience for all.
The Snowies Alpine Walk caters to beginner and experienced hikers. Walkers can choose to complete any section of the track as single-day walks or combine sections for two, three or four-day walks that showcase the Ngarigo Monero Country.
Those embarking on the walk can choose to experience it as a self-guided adventure or opt to enlist the help of an expert guide who will teach walkers about the area as they go.
Walkers also have a variety of accommodation options to choose from in Kosciuszko National Park, including the NPWS-managed Numbananga Lodge, Creel Lodge and Creel Bay cottages.
They can also stay in the alpine villages of Jindabyne, Thredbo, Perisher, Guthega and Charlotte Pass.
Kosciuszko National Park is the largest national park in NSW, spanning 690,000 hectares. It's home to Australia's highest mountain, the 2,228-metre Mount Kosciuszko, as well as hundreds of native animals and plants.
The Snowies Alpine Walk provides opportunities to enjoy high-country plains, snow-capped mountain ranges and uninterrupted horizons, as well as unique plants and animals such as gnarled snow gums, wildflowers, wombats, echidnas and native birdlife.
See Snowies Alpine Walk information.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"Tourists to the Snowies will now enjoy an extended alpine walking track experience, with greater benefits to local businesses thanks to the Australian and NSW Governments.
"This is yet another demonstration of our Government's unwavering commitment to investing in our regions to create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth."
Quotes attributable to Federal Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister and Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain:
"It's fantastic to be here today to see the incredible alpine walking track extension now connecting several resorts across the Snowies, which will support the local economy and allow tourists a greater experience of the region.
"We're delivering for the people of the Snowy Mountains of NSW, as well as tourists, by investing in this infrastructure and building value into the experience of the area."
Quotes attributable to State Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe:
"Kosciuszko National Park is a special and precious place. It is the largest National Park in NSW and a place of global significance and this track showcases the unique alpine ecosystems and provides breathtaking views
"It contains Australia's highest mountains, unique glacial landscapes, and plant and animal species that are found nowhere else in the world.
"Kosciuszko National Park is undoubtedly one of Australia's top destinations for walking and the world-class Snowies Alpine Walk stands as its crowning jewel."
Quotes attributable to State Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:
"The opening of the completed Snowies Alpine Walk is a significant economic development milestone for the region, and a true showcase of the beauty and adventure that the Kosciuszko National Park has to offer."
"This picturesque walk will draw visitors from across Australia and the world, creating an enduring legacy for the region that will benefit local communities, local businesses, and the tourism industry."
Quotes attributable to State Member for Monaro Steve Whan:
"It's a great pleasure to be at the opening of this last link, in what will be an iconic Snowy Mountains walk.
"Kosciuszko National Park is already a huge destination year-round, and this walk gives people the opportunity to experience a unique alpine environment.
"The native plants, animals and landscape we have in the Snowy's are valuable and precious, and this walk gives more people the opportunity to immerse themselves in this natural beauty. I know it will attract visitors from around Australia and the world."
