The view from Thredbo Valley escarpment lookout. Photo: NPWS.
The final chapter of the Snowies Alpine Walk, one of Australia’s newest and most spectacular multi-day hikes, is almost complete.
Stretching over 56 kilometres across the rugged beauty of Kosciuszko National Park, the world-class walking trail links the major alpine villages of Thredbo, Charlottes Pass, Guthega, Perisher and Crackenback and is set to become a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hikers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the high-altitude wilderness of Kosciuszko National Park.
From alpine meadows and subalpine woodlands to striking blue lakes and snow-capped peaks, including Australia’s highest point, Mount Kosciuszko – the walk showcases the breathtaking diversity of this unique part of the world including abundant wildlife and the iconic alpine plants that make this region so distinctive.
Construction of the Snowies Alpine Walk has taken several years, with planning and development beginning in the late 2010s.
The ambitious development was initiated as part of the Snowy Mountains’ regional tourism and environmental recovery efforts and is part of a broader effort to make the region more accessible to hikers, with funding provided by both the Australian and NSW governments.
The first sections began to open in 2021, with the Guthega to Charlotte Pass and Charlotte Pass to Perisher sections among the first to welcome hikers, as well as a rerouted Main Range Walk.
The latest addition — a 12-km section linking Perisher Valley and Bullocks Flat — is set to officially open in early December, offering visitors an even more immersive experience.
At a cost of $10 million, the new section complements the $17.17 million already invested in the earlier phased stages of the walk.
Included are around 1.3 kilometres of elevated steel platforms and staircases, specifically designed to prevent erosion, allowing the delicate alpine vegetation to flourish while ensuring safe passage for wildlife moving through the landscape.
And that’s thanks to the dedication of 41 local suppliers whose involvement in the project has proved a boon to the local economy.
One of the highlights of the new section is a timber viewing platform constructed on the Thredbo Valley escarpment.
Perched high above the valley, this platform offers panoramic views over Lake Jindabyne and the Thredbo Valley, making it a must-visit spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Contractors and staff from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) are also working around the clock, adding amenities such as seating along each stage of the walk.
In addition to the trail itself, the infrastructure surrounding the walk has also undergone significant upgrades.
New seating areas have been strategically installed along each stage of the trail, excluding the Main Range Loop, allowing trekkers to rest and take in the stunning views.
The Perisher Valley track head is now equipped with new parking facilities, improved signage, and other visitor amenities.
Just a short distance away, the Guthega track head has been redesigned with a new turning circle to help visitors set off on their multi-day journey.
At the opposite end, the Bullocks Flat precinct has been enhanced with better signage, new seating, and thoughtful landscaping, marking a comfortable and scenic conclusion to the trail.
The Snowies Alpine Walk’s growing popularity was recently highlighted on an episode of SBS’s Great Australian Walks.
For those planning to visit, it’s important to keep an eye on the official NPWS alerts for the latest information regarding trail closures, weather conditions, and other updates.
Original Article published by Edwina Mason on About Regional.
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