Stunning Scenery On New Snowies Alpine Walk
NESTLED in an alpine valley with the Snowy River meandering alongside, the serenity and beauty of the new Charlotte Pass to Guthega section of the Snowies Alpine Walk cannot be described with mere words. Only experiencing the walk firsthand reveals its full splendour.
Opened in summer 2021-22, the new walk starting from the Snowy River crossing below Charlotte Pass lookout is stunning and will soon establish itself as one of the region’s premier walks.
Initially the scenery seems typical of the Kosciuszko alpine landscape, but as you progress you soon release this is quite special. Apart from the raised mesh walkway being too narrow for easy passing, the route and path created and built by national parks is to be applauded.
The Snowy River is the centrepiece, and the silence is only broken by the sounds of your own footsteps, the flowing river, and the waterfalls from across the valley as they cascade down the opposing slope.
As the Guthega ski slopes appear in the distance you are about to take your first glimpse of the new Spencers Creek bridge, the highest suspension bridge in Australia at 1640 metres elevation.
This view as you descend to the bridge is the hero of the entire walk. The first part of your journey was rewarding with absorbing scenery, but here at the confluence of Spencers Creek and the Snowy River, it’s alpine scenery at its superb best.
At first sight I am not sure what impresses more, the suspension bridge standing proud in the wilderness, or the wider upper reaches of the Snowy River and Spencers Creek waters merging.
Snowy Mountains Backcountry’s Doug Chatten knows this area well and says the walk is a great addition to the Main Range precinct.
Whilst there are alpine views aplenty the track is aligned through previously uncharted subalpine terrain skirting along the upper Snowy River with very little climbing. New views are afforded into Spencer's Creek, Twynam Creek, Mt Guthrie’s north side and into the Blue Lake Creek drainage,” said Doug.
This track offers relief from the at times very difficult conditions experienced on nearby tracks and trails in the high alpine and the lower altitudes will enable walkers a safer option in unfavourable conditions.”
It is uncommon to have two bridges so close in the alpine, but a further short walk and you arrive at the Illawong suspension bridge. This bridge has been recently upgraded and is another stunning asset to witness on this walk.
In previous years you would start in Guthega and walk the three kilometres to Illawong Hut and the bridge. Now you have nine kilometres of pristine alpine hiking.
Arriving at Guthega you are welcomed by views of the Guthega Dam where you can easily spend more time exploring the dam wall precinct.
Snowies Alpine Walk Facts
The Snowies Alpine Walk on completion will be a stunning multi day alpine hike across the roof of Kosciuszko National Park. It was formerly called the Snowies Iconic Walk.
The multi million dollar project is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW State Government. Further consultation will be undertaken with the region’s Aboriginal communities to ensure that an endorsed acknowledgement of Country will feature in the full walk name.
When finished it will total 55-kilometres with four main sections, plus you can add on the hike to or from Thredbo for an alpine hiker’s paradise.
Guthega to Charlotte Pass - 9km
Charlotte Pass / Main Range Track - 22 kilometres
Charlotte Pass to Perisher Village - 13 kilometres
Perisher Village to Bullocks Flat (Lake Crackenback Resort) - 11 kilometres (under construction)
The Charlotte Pass to Perisher section (stage 3) has commenced and is expected to be finished in autumn 2023.
The 11.4-kilometre $10 million section from Perisher to Bullocks Flat will commence in 2022 and continue into 2023 and includes a 700m vertical descent.
How To Hike
You can walk either direction but for most it is recommended to start from Charlotte Pass lookout (1840m) and walk downhill to Guthega (1640m). The uphill direction is more challenging.
Car shuffle – Depending on your route direction leave a car at either Guthega or Charlotte Pass or hire a shuttle service to facilitate transport needs. Local shuttle recommendations are:
www.snowconnect.com.au or www.snowlinkshuttle.com.au
The new Basecamp Café at the Guthega Centre is open every day on main holiday periods and Easter, and on select days outside of holiday times. The Guthega Centre bathroom facilities are only open when Basecamp Cafe is open.
At Charlotte Pass Village, the Stillwell Lodge is open most days. check their status for details.
