Main Range Track – Loop from Charlotte Pass camping near Mt Townsend
Download & Print Map and Notes
2 Days
27.7 km Circuit
1260 m
Experienced only
Covered in snow part of the year
This walk leads through an extreme alpine environment and all walkers must be well prepared. During summer, be prepared for both very hot and cold weather, high winds, rain, snow, extreme UV levels and some sections of snow or ice on the ground. Before starting this walk, check advice with Snowy Region Visitor Information Centre (02) 6450 5600, the weather forecast and the snow conditions then change your plans as needed. These notes, grades and walking times have been written for use in the summer months only. Between May and the end of October, this walk is likely to be covered in snow/ice, visitors should carry and be prepared to use snowshoes or cross country skis. When there is a chance of significant snow on the ground, visitors will need particularly strong navigation and snowcraft skills – tracks and signage may not be visible. For most visitors, it is best to consider this walk closed during the colder months.
Between the long weekend in June and October, the road between Perisher Village and Charlotte Pass is closed by the RTA. It is possible to organise oversnow transport.
(0km) End of Kosciuszko Road → Snowy River crossing
790 m
18 mins
1m
-122m
Hard track
From Charlotte Pass[1] (at the turning circle at the end of Kosciuszko Rd), this walk follows the ‘Main Range Track’ – ‘Blue Lake Lookout’ sign[2] downhill along the wide paved path[3]. The walk winds down past the stone path[4] (on your right) and continues beside the ‘Glaciers shaped this ancient landscape’ information sign[5]. The path continues down through lightly scattered snow gums to the bottom of the valley, approximately 650m further. Just past the ‘From the mountains to the sea’ information sign[6], this walk crosses the Snowy River using the stepping stones[7] and comes to a strip of land between the two creeks[8]. (Crossing the river is dangerous and is not advisable when the water is flowing over the stepping stones[9]).
Snowy River crossing
At the lowest point of the the Main Range circuit track is the confluence (meeting) of the Snowy River and Club Lake Creek. The walking track uses stones in the river to try to get across with dry feet. Since the track crosses just above the confluence there is an ‘island’[10] halfway across. These creeks may become impassable after rain and snow melt. This is lovely place to rest and enjoy the water and valley.
(0.79km) Snowy River crossing → Int of Main Range and Blue Lake Lookout tracks
3.2 km
1 hr 7 mins
306m
-33m
Hard track
Veer right: From between the two creeks, this walk heads north along the wide track to cross Club Lake Creek using the stepping stones. (The creek may not be safe to cross when water covers the stepping stones[11]). The walk then follows the wide, paved track fairly steeply up the hill. After a short time, the track becomes gravel and continues up the hill for about 400m further before passing a ‘Mountains of Soil’ information sign[12], where the track soon becomes less steep. After about 1.5km, the track passes a ‘Created by glaciers’ information sign[13] and reveals some views down to Hedley Tarn[14] (on your right). The track continues up the hill and between the granite boulders[15] to then head down the other side of the ridge[16]. The walk leads down to rock-hop across Carruthers Creek[17], then follows the wide, paved path up the hill, passing the ‘Remnants of an ancient sea’ information sign[18] and coming to a paved area[19], with a view to Blue Lake[20] and some information signs marking a three-way intersection.
(4.02km) Int of Main Range and Blue Lake Lookout tracks → Blue Lake lookout
640 m
14 mins
8m
-72m
Hard track
(4.66km) Blue Lake lookout → Hedley Tarn
1.4 km
29 mins
23m
-103m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the lookout platform, this walk heads east down the rocky bush track to the bottom of the valley at the eastern end of the lake, and into the shallow gully, where the walk comes to the intersection of the Little Twynam track a short while later.
Veer right: From the south eastern tip of the lake, this walk follows the Blue Lake creek into the shallow gully, where it comes to the intersection of the Little Twynam route about 150m downstream.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading south-east, down-stream alongside the creek flowing out of Blue Lake to Hedley Tarn. The walk heads through to the southern end of the shallow gully and around the western side of Hedley Tarn, coming to the southern side. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.
Veer right: From the south eastern tip of the lake, this walk follows the Blue Lake creek into the shallow gully, where it comes to the intersection of the Little Twynam route about 150m downstream.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading south-east, down-stream alongside the creek flowing out of Blue Lake to Hedley Tarn. The walk heads through to the southern end of the shallow gully and around the western side of Hedley Tarn, coming to the southern side. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.
Hedley Tarn
Hedley Tarn is a beautiful glacial lake just south of Blue Lake, from which you can see right across the valley to the end of Kosciuszko Road at Charlotte Pass and is well worth the trip down from Blue Lake.
(4.66km) Blue Lake lookout → Carruthers Peak
2.4 km
49 mins
231m
-17m
Hard track
Turn around: From the platform, the track heads west, uphill[27] away from Blue Lake[28]. The rocky track climbs up around the side of the hill, coming to a paved area[29] with an information sign, stone seat and an intersection with the Main Range track[30].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads west, uphill[31] away from Blue Lake[32]. The walk initially heads along a short section of paved path before continuing along the wide gravel track[33]. The track winds gently uphill for a while, keeping the wide valley to your left. The walk comes to a saddle and a three-way intersection, marked with a ‘Main Range Track’ signpost[34].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Main Range Track’ sign[35] across the saddle then uphill along the clear track. The track winds up along the ridge and in time comes to a rocky clearing on the eastern side of Carruthers Peak[36] (where a short detour will reveal views down to Club Lake). Here the walk bends right and follows the clear track as it winds up the hill[37] to the views at the top of Carruthers Peak[38].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads west, uphill[31] away from Blue Lake[32]. The walk initially heads along a short section of paved path before continuing along the wide gravel track[33]. The track winds gently uphill for a while, keeping the wide valley to your left. The walk comes to a saddle and a three-way intersection, marked with a ‘Main Range Track’ signpost[34].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Main Range Track’ sign[35] across the saddle then uphill along the clear track. The track winds up along the ridge and in time comes to a rocky clearing on the eastern side of Carruthers Peak[36] (where a short detour will reveal views down to Club Lake). Here the walk bends right and follows the clear track as it winds up the hill[37] to the views at the top of Carruthers Peak[38].
Carruthers Peak
Carruthers Peak is a prominent mountain that is found along the Main Range track, from which you can see great views down over Club Lake and out across the valley to Charlotte Pass. Carruthers Peak was named after the NSW Minister for Lands and Premier, Joseph Carruthers. This name was given in 1991 by Richard Helms, who had previously named it Crummer.
(7.05km) Carruthers Peak → Int of northern Lake Albina and Main Range tracks
2 km
41 mins
25m
-102m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the top of Carruthers Peak, this walk follows the clear track west as it winds down the ridge[39]. After about 50m, the track passes an ‘I30’ survey marker[40] (more good views) where the track bends left and follows the stone path and steps down the hill[41]. At the end of the stone path, the track bends left and heads down the hill[42], over a few lengths of metal grate[43] and comes to a saddle with good views down to Club Lake[44] (on your left). The walk then continues across the saddle, following the clear track to soon pass the ‘Rarest Alpine Plant Community’ information sign[45]. Heading around the side of the hill (keeping the valley to your right), the walk then comes to another rocky saddle[46]. About 320m beyond this saddle, this track leads to a very faint intersection where the ridge[47] (that leads to the northern end of Albina Lake) on the right meets the main track.
(9.04km) Int of northern Lake Albina and Main Range tracks → Int of southern Lake Albina and Main Range tracks
1.7 km
37 mins
63m
-108m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the gravel Main Range track south, keeping the valley and Albina Lake to your right. The track heads downhill[48] and then winds around beside a rocky saddle (a short side trip to the left over the small rise reveals some views into the valley). This walk continues along the clear track as it traverses fairly gently around the side of the very steep hill. In a few places, the track has been cut into the rock[49] and provides great views down into the Albina Lake – take care not to slip. The walk continues to another large saddle and just as the track starts to dip down past the saddle, the track comes to a faint intersection with an old management trail[50] (leading to Lake Albina, on your right).
(10.75km) Int of southern Lake Albina and Main Range tracks → Int of Main Range and Muellers Peak track
520 m
11 mins
17m
-25m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the rock-paved Main Range track south[51]. The track steadily winds around the side of the hill (keeping the large valley to your left). After heading between a rocky outcrop[52], the track becomes gravel[53] and starts to head over the ridge before gently winding down the hill. Just before flattening out on the large saddle, the track comes to a faint intersection (with the Muellers Peak and Mt Townsend tracks on your right) marked with a rock cairn[54] (on your right).
(11.27km) Int of Main Range and Muellers Peak track → Muellers Peak
790 m
23 mins
111m
-4m
Experienced only
(12.06km) Muellers Peak → Townsend plateau
1.5 km
36 mins
104m
-59m
Experienced only
Continue straight: From Muellers peak[58], this walk heads north, down the rocky ridge[59]. The walk continues along the ridgeline working a way around the many boulders[60] then around another smaller peak to come to a saddle and minor track intersection (with a pad that leads down to Lake Albina).
Veer left: From the saddle, this walk heads north-west up the ridge line[61], keeping Lake Albina on your right (as it soon goes out of view) to climb up the hill. After a short time the walk finds a well worm foot pad[62] which leads up between a few rocky outcrops[63] to the large flat saddle[64] between Mt Townsend and Alice Rawson Peak.
Veer left: From the saddle, this walk heads north-west up the ridge line[61], keeping Lake Albina on your right (as it soon goes out of view) to climb up the hill. After a short time the walk finds a well worm foot pad[62] which leads up between a few rocky outcrops[63] to the large flat saddle[64] between Mt Townsend and Alice Rawson Peak.
Mt Townsend plateau
This bush campsite is in the saddle between Mt Townsend and Alice Rawson Peak. The large, reasonably flat grassy area with a scattering of boulders has no facilities or water supply. Camping is not permitted in areas that drain into the glacial lakes, so only camp and toilet on the north side of the saddle (this limits the amount of nutrients ending up in Lake Albina). There is some shelter from south-westerly winds, but the campsite is exposed to the elements. An alternate campsite at Wilkensons Creek to the south may provide more shelter.
(13.55km) Townsend plateau → Mt Townsend peak
210 m
7 mins
41m
0m
Experienced only
Turn left: From the saddle/plateau, this walk heads west, following the well worn foot pad towards the top of Mt Townsend[65]. The pad leads around to the north eastern side of the peak, over a few boulders to find remains of an old building[66] and a tall rocky outcrop[67]. Here the walk scrambles up the rocks to find a concrete pillar[68] and great views[69] at the peak of Mt Townsend. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.
Mt Townsend
Mt Townsend is the second highest peak on the mainland of Australia and arguably the more impressive out of it and Kosciuszko. This point of view started the tradition of walkers climbing to the peak, putting a rock they’d find at the bottom in their pack and adding it to the top, in an attempt to make it the highest peak instead of Kosciuszko.
A little known fact is that Mt Townsend was once called Mt Kosciuszko when it was originally thought that it was the highest peak, but when various measurements showed that the now named Kosciuszko was slightly higher, the NSW Lands department decided it would be easier to swap the names around instead of re-educating the public.
End of day 1
This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 1, happy camping.
(13.55km) Townsend plateau → Int of Main Range and Muellers Peak track
2.3 km
56 mins
45m
-196m
Experienced only
Turn around: From the saddle/plateau[70] between Mt Townsend and Alice Rawson Peak, this walk heads south-east following the well worn foot-pad. The pad soon crosses a small creek[71] and leads down the hill, tending right along the side of the ridge. The pad leads just below the saddle north of Muellers Peak[72], then continues to head fairly gently downhill around the side of Muellers Peak. Keeping Wilkinsons Creek valley below to your right[73], this walk heads around the side of the hill, crossing a few gullies before gently climbing up to the northern end of a large saddle where this walk comes to the gravel Main Range Track[74].
(15.81km) Int of Main Range and Muellers Peak track → Int of Main Range track and Kosciuszko walk
1.6 km
42 mins
162m
-9m
Hard track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads south along the main track to the low point in the saddle[75] (where there is a faint intersection with a pad leading down to Wilkinsons Creek on your right).
Continue straight: From the intersection[76], this walk heads south along the clear track, climbing up out of the saddle and along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to your left. The walk heads up many stone steps[77] for about 600m, then flattens out for a little while[78] before coming to a clear and signposted three-way intersection[79]. (Here, the track on the right leads up to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko.)
Continue straight: From the intersection[76], this walk heads south along the clear track, climbing up out of the saddle and along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to your left. The walk heads up many stone steps[77] for about 600m, then flattens out for a little while[78] before coming to a clear and signposted three-way intersection[79]. (Here, the track on the right leads up to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko.)
(17.45km) Int of Main Range track and Kosciuszko path → Mt Kosciuszko
970 m
23 mins
76m
-15m
Hard track
Turn sharp right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Mt Kosciuszko’ sign[80] uphill along the upper track. This track winds steadily up and around the peak of the mountain, passing a stone-paved[81] section of track, and also a metal grate[82] before climbing a few steps[83] to the cairn at the peak of Mt Kosciuszko[84].
Mt Kosciuszko
Mt Kosciuszko is the highest peak on the Australian continent, at 2228m above sea level. It was named by the Polish explorer Count Paul Edmund Strzelecki and named in honour of the Polish national hero General Tadeusz Kościuszko. Now a popular tourist attraction, thousands of people walk up to the summit each year. On a clear day, the 360-degree views from the summit across the roof of Australia are fantastic. There are higher mountains elsewhere on Australian territory. ‘The highest mountains in Australian Antarctic Territory are Mt McClintock (3490 meters) and Mt Menzies (3355 meters).’ .
(18.43km) Mt Kosciuszko → Rawson Pass
1.6 km
39 mins
23m
-127m
Hard track
Turn around: From the cairn at the peak of Mt Kosciuszko[86], this walk heads down the steps[87] and past the information sign[88]. The walk heads gently downhill along the gravel track[89] then over a metal grate[90] and a stone path[91], where the gravel path then leads[92] the rest of the way around the side of the peak to come to the signposted intersection with the ‘Main Range Track’[93][94].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the gravel track towards ‘Rawson Pass’[95] gently downhill, keeping the main valley to your left. The track almost immediately passes an ‘Alpine Walks’ information sign and map[96] as it continues south. After about 500m, the track becomes a stone path[97] that leads a little further to the clearly signposted three-way intersection at ‘Rawson Pass’[98].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the gravel track towards ‘Rawson Pass’[95] gently downhill, keeping the main valley to your left. The track almost immediately passes an ‘Alpine Walks’ information sign and map[96] as it continues south. After about 500m, the track becomes a stone path[97] that leads a little further to the clearly signposted three-way intersection at ‘Rawson Pass’[98].
Rawson Pass
Rawson Pass is where the old Kosciuszko Road, from Charlotte Pass, meets the metal walkway from Thredbo. It is home to highest public toilet in Australia, this recently-added facility is perfectly positioned for those taking the walk up to the top of Kosciuszko. Rawson Pass is well signposted and 500m south east of Mt Kosciuszko (by straight line). There is also a place for to park mountain bikes for those cycling along the old road from Charlotte Pass.
(20.07km) Rawson Pass → Seamans Hut
1.6 km
31 mins
15m
-114m
Hard track
Veer left: From the intersection at Rawson Pass[99], this walk follows the ‘Seamans Hut’ sign[100] along the stone path. The walk soon passes the bicycle parking area[101] then Australia’s highest toilet block[102] (on your right). The walk then continues along the management trail[103] as it winds down along the side of the hill to a gap and the clearly signposted ‘Seamans Hut’[104] on your left.
Seamans Hut
This hut was erected in 1929, after a young skier named Laurie Seaman perished in a blizzard when he was separated from his group. The hut was built using money donated by Seaman’s parents, for the use of those who might need emergency shelter in the mountains. It was renovated in 1938 due to fire. Seamans Hut is a 7m x3m granite stone building with a wood stove, although there is little wood in the area. More info.
(21.69km) Seamans Hut → Snowy River bridge
1.5 km
27 mins
0m
-95m
Hard track
Continue straight: From ‘Seamans Hut’[106], this walk follows the management trail as it winds down the hill[107]. After about 450m, the trail passes a flat clearing[108] with views (on your left) where the trail bends right to head down to the valley. After a little while, the trail crosses the concrete bridge over the signposted ‘Snowy River’[109].
(23.2km) Snowy River bridge → End of Kosciuszko Road
4.5 km
1 hr 27 mins
73m
-164m
Hard track
Continue straight: From the bridge[110], this walk follows the management trail east, passing the ‘Snowy River’ sign[111]. The trail soon bends left, coming to the un-signposted concrete Merritts Creek bridge[112][113].
Continue straight: From the bridge[114], this walk heads uphill along the management trail[115], keeping the main line of snow poles to your left. The old road soon leads past a ‘CP 4’ sign[116] (on your left), over the ridge line[117] and down the other side[118]. The trail gently winds down along the side of the hill, enjoying views of the Snowy River and valley to your left[119]. The old road passes a few creeks[120] and more ‘CP’ signs along the way. A little while after the ‘CP 1’ sign[121], the management trail enters a nice grove of snow gum trees[122][123] then heads up a small rise to find the turning circle at the end of Kosciuszko Rd[124][125] at Charlotte Pass (with the toilet block to your right).
Continue straight: From the bridge[114], this walk heads uphill along the management trail[115], keeping the main line of snow poles to your left. The old road soon leads past a ‘CP 4’ sign[116] (on your left), over the ridge line[117] and down the other side[118]. The trail gently winds down along the side of the hill, enjoying views of the Snowy River and valley to your left[119]. The old road passes a few creeks[120] and more ‘CP’ signs along the way. A little while after the ‘CP 1’ sign[121], the management trail enters a nice grove of snow gum trees[122][123] then heads up a small rise to find the turning circle at the end of Kosciuszko Rd[124][125] at Charlotte Pass (with the toilet block to your right).
Maps for the Main Range Track – Loop from Charlotte Pass camping near Mt Townsend walk
You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.
| Perisher Valley | 1:25 000 Map Series | 85252S PERISHER VALLEY | NSW-85252S |
| Kosciuszko | 1:100 000 Map Series | 8525 KOSCIUSZKO | 8525 |
Cross sectional view of the Main Range Track – Loop from Charlotte Pass camping near Mt Townsend bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Main Range Track – Loop from Charlotte Pass camping near Mt Townsend
Daily actual walking time estimates
| Day | Walking Time | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 hrs 32 mins | 15.2 km |
| 2 | 5 hrs 5 mins | 14.1 km |
Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
| Length | 27.7 km | ||
| Time | 2 Days | ||
| . | |||
| Grade 5/6 Experienced only |
AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Very steep (4/6) |
| Quality of track | Rough unclear track (5/6) | ||
| Signs | No directional signs (5/6) | ||
| Experience Required | Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6) | ||
| Weather | Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather likely to have an impact on your navigation and safety (5/6) | ||
| Infrastructure | No facilities provided (5/6) |
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk
Gradient
14km of this walk has short steep hills and another 6km is flat with no steps. Whilst another 6km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 1.6km is very steep.
Quality of track
20km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 4.5km follows a rough unclear track. The remaining (3.5km) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.
Signs
21km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 4.5km Has no directional signs. The remaining (2.4km) has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
10km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 9km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (8km) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.
weather
Around 25km of this walk is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety, whilst the remaining 3km forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather likely to have an impact on your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
14km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 11km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). Whilst another 2.3km has no facilities provided and the remaining 790m has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).
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Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Main Range Track – Loop from Charlotte Pass camping near Mt Townsend walk starts and ends at the End of Kosciuszko Road (gps: -36.43167, 148.32865)Your main transport option to End of Kosciuszko Road is by;
Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.(get details)
Short URL = http://wild.tl/1r
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂
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