Mt Kosciuszko Summit Women’s Trek

Trip at a glance

Why Mt Kosciuszko?

At 2,228 metres, Mt Kosciuszko is the highest point on the Australian continent — and the Kosciuszko National Park that surrounds it is one of the most extraordinary alpine environments in the southern hemisphere. Ancient snow gum forests twist and lean against the mountain wind. Wildflowers explode across the meadows in summer. The Snowy River cuts through granite valleys below towering range tops. And on the high ridgelines, with endless views stretching west across a wilderness that feels genuinely untouched, you understand exactly why this place is called Australia’s wild frontier.

This is not a single-day summit tick. The GirlsTrek Kosciuszko adventure is a five-day immersion in one of Australia’s most dramatic landscapes — building across the days from river walks to alpine circuits to the summit itself, with cosy mountain lodge nights, exceptional meals and the particular magic that happens when a group of women takes on something genuinely difficult together.

You may even spot wild brumbies on the high slopes. They’re shy and flighty — often startled, your guides will tell you with a grin, by the volume of conversation coming up the hill.

The Walking

Over five days your group covers serious ground through some of the most spectacular alpine terrain in Australia. Each day is different — from the long wilderness circuit of Day 2 to the more relaxed river walk that rests your legs on Day 3, to the summit push that defines the whole trip on Day 4.

Day 2 — Mt Twynam Circuit via Charlottes Pass and Blue Lake (20–22 km)

This is a true GirlsTrek favourite and one of the great day walks in Australia. Starting at Charlottes Pass, the group takes the Main Range Track into the high country. You descend toward the Snowy River, following a boardwalk path beside the water toward Guthega before crossing by a swing bridge — a moment that signals the real wilderness beginning.

From the river valley, a long gradual climb leads to Mt Twynam, Australia’s third highest mountain. From the top, the views extend to Mt Kosciuszko and Mt Townsend (Australia’s second highest peak) — a panorama of the entire main range laid out in front of you. The return route takes a different path down, passing the extraordinary alpine Blue Lake before a final short river crossing to complete the circuit. A trekker lunch is provided on the trail.

Day 3 — Thredbo River Track (8–9 km) — the rest day

After the big effort of Day 2, Day 3 is deliberately gentler. A leisurely breakfast is followed by a walk along the Thredbo River — a beautifully formed track lined with twisted snow gums and sweet snow daisies that follow the gushing river through the valley. The pace is social, the scenery is quietly beautiful, and your legs get exactly the active recovery they need before the summit.

At the end of the walk, the group often opts for a plunge in the river — cold, bracing and completely worth it. Café lunch in Thredbo village follows, then free time to explore the village or relax at your ski lodge accommodation before dinner.

Day 4 — Mt Kosciuszko Summit via Eagles Nest (24 km, 8–9 hours)

This is the day the whole trip has been building toward. Setting out from Thredbo Village, your group follows the Thredbo River gradually upward, climbing through snow gum forest past vibrant wildflowers and into a granite-strewn alpine landscape with endless views to the west. Dead Horse Gap, Merritt’s Meadows, the wide open ridgelines — every section of this trail delivers.

From Eagles Nest, a steady 6.5 km climb leads to the summit. At 2,228 metres, standing on the highest point in Australia with your group around you, the achievement is palpable. Views extend across the entire main range. The sky feels closer. The conversation, if there is any at all, tends toward the quiet kind.

The return from the summit retraces the route to Eagles Nest, where you can choose to walk the final 3 km back down to Thredbo Village or take the chairlift. Tonight, the group celebrates at the Denman Hotel — a two-course meal in a cosy dining room that is exactly what the occasion deserves.

Fitness and preparation

This is GirlsTrek’s most physically demanding Australian adventure — with a difficulty rating of Trek Strong with 8–10 hours of walking on alpine terrain each big day. Long steep ascents and descents, rough tracks, some rock scrambling and variable mountain weather are all part of the experience. You need to arrive genuinely fit wiand prepared.

When you book, we send you an at-home training programme specifically designed for the Kosciuszko terrain, plus packing list advice with discounts through Paddy Palin Outdoors and LNDR active wear. Women who follow the programme tell us consistently they feel ready. The mountain will test you — the programme ensures you’re equal to it.

Beyond the Trail

Cooma — a relaxed regional town for lunch stop

Your adventure begins in Canberra, where the GirlsTrek team meets you at the airport. The drive to Jindabyne passes through Cooma — a charming high country town where the group stops for a relaxed lunch, a leg stretch and a chance to pick up anything needed for the days ahead. It’s the perfect decompression between the city and the mountains.

Dinner at Bacco — Italian in the mountains

After the big effort of the Mt Twynam circuit, dinner on Day 2 is a relaxed Italian affair at Bacco — a local favourite that gives you time to rest, eat well and recharge before the days ahead. Good food after a hard day is not a luxury. It’s part of the recovery.

 Wild Brumby Distillery and Sculpture Park

Day 5 begins with an optional early morning walk before a leisurely breakfast. The group then visits the Wild Brumby Distillery — one of the Snowy Mountains’ most distinctive small producers, known for its Schínapps and its remarkable Sculpture Park set in the alpine landscape. It’s an unexpected and wonderful way to farewell the mountains before lunch at Beltana Farm and the transfer back to Canberra Airport.

Accommodation — mountain lodges in Jindabyne and Thredbo

Nights 1 and 2 are based in Jindabyne — a family run motel with an afternoon walk along Lake Jindabyne on arrival and the Banjo Paterson Inn for dinner. Nights 3 and 4 are in Thredbo Village in cosy ski lodge accommodation — single rooms from Night 3 onwards, giving you your own space after the big days. The Denman Hotel hosts your summit celebration dinner.

 What Women Say

 “A more challenging hike but fully supported by the GirlsTrek guides and a lovely bunch of like-minded ladies. Pushed me out of my comfort zone and left me with a feeling of achievement and the opportunity to experience this beautiful country and soak up nature’s wildness.”

— Solo traveller, October 2023 — Tripadvisor verified review

Is This Trip Right for You?

The GirlsTrek Mt Kosciuszko Summit trek is for women who:

•        Are ready for their most physically demanding Australian adventure

•        Want to stand on the highest point on the continent and truly earn it

•        Have been training and are genuinely prepared for 8–10 hour days on alpine terrain

•        Love the combination of serious challenge with cosy lodges and exceptional meals

•        Are drawn to wild, remote landscapes that feel far from ordinary life

•        Want to do something extraordinary with a group of like-minded women

If you’re new to multi-day hiking or prefer a gentler pace, we’d recommend starting with the Mornington Peninsula or Thredbo River section as a standalone before committing to the full summit adventure. If you’re ready — truly ready — there is nothing else quite like standing on top of Australia with a group of women who got there together.

 Practical Information

Getting there

Fly into Canberra Airport (CBR). Qantas and Virgin Australia operate regular services from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The GirlsTrek team meets you at arrivals and private transfers are included throughout the trip — Canberra to Cooma to Jindabyne, Jindabyne to Charlottes Pass, Jindabyne to Thredbo, and return to Canberra on Day 5.

What to bring

Alpine conditions in Kosciuszko National Park demand proper preparation. Non-negotiables: waterproof jacket and pants, warm insulating layers (wool or synthetic — not cotton), a quality daypack (24–32L with rain cover), sturdy waterproof hiking boots with ankle support, trekking poles (essential for the steep descents), sun protection, and a warm hat and gloves even in summer. Snow is possible year-round above the treeline. Your full trip-specific packing list is provided with booking confirmation, along with exclusive discounts through Paddy Palin Outdoors and LNDR active wear.

Weather

The Snowy Mountains create their own weather and it changes rapidly. Summer days can be warm and clear at valley level but cold, windy and wet on the exposed ridgelines. November departures may encounter snow. Always pack for the worst and hope for the best — your GirlsTrek guides carry emergency equipment and make all decisions about route and conditions on the day.

 Traditional custodians

The Kosciuszko National Park sits on the ancestral lands of the Walgal and Ngarigo people, the traditional custodians of the Snowy Mountains region. We acknowledge their deep and continuing connection to this land and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Download a full itinerary and inclusions