The Guthega to Charlotte Pass (or vice-versa) walk has officially opened to the public. This stunning walk forms the first leg of the new world-class multi-day Snowies Alpine Walk. This 9km boardwalk can be smashed out within a day – it is a one-way route but once you take in the views at Guthega Village, simply turn back and see the path from a different direction. Charlotte Pass makes the perfect base to begin and end the 6 hour journey.

What to expect:

This breathtaking 9km one-way trek technically starts at Guthega but doing it in reverse is just as simple. This beautiful walk will take you approximately 3 hours (one-way) over the ridges of Kosciuszko National Park, crossing Spencers Creek via a stunning suspension bridge and passing by Illawong. The path is suitable for visitors with no bushwalking or hiking experience.

The Spencers Suspension bridge is the highest suspension bridge in Australia, standing at 1627m above sea level. But not to worry, the bridge itself is only a few metres above the river (for those less adventurous types).

If you’re making good time, you may want to extend the journey by adding on the Illawong Walk – a 5km return loop. This walk will take around 2-3 hours and take you out to Illawong Hut, one of the oldest buildings still standing in the park.

What you may see:

Besides the famous and quite magestic Snow Gums, the park also boasts an abudance of wildflowers including alpine mint, billy buttons, and native yam daisies.

If you’re more keen on the fauna, be sure to pack some bincoculars. You may well spot crimson rosellas and gang gang cockatoos in the sky, or mountain and Kosciuszko thermocolour grasshoppers, wombats, and echidnas.

Before you go:

Of course, as with any hike, you need to take precautions to protect yourself but also the flora and fauna in the National Park. Make sure to check out their website on this hike to learn what you should be doing to remain safe.