Guthega to Charlotte Pass
Download & Print Map and Notes
6 hrs 30 mins
15.2 km One way
908 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.
Guthega
Guthega is a relatively small township, north of Perisher, and comprises mostly of hotel and lodge-style buildings. The most popular service in town is the Guthega Alpine Inn, open year round. The town is remote and access is by an all-weather dirt road. There are great views over the main range and the Guthega Pondage (part of the Snowy River Scheme). Guthega offers a great place to ski in winter, and to holiday in summer. In summer, there is plenty of walking, mountain biking, fishing and relaxing to be done. Walkers please note – there is no public water supply in the township, please fill water bottle before coming (or be willing treat and use the creek water).
Guthega Alpine Inn
Guthega Alpine Inn is on Guthega Road, about 500 metres past the base of the chairlift and ‘Guthega Centre’. The hotel provides a year-round service including accommodation and meals. The hosts are friendly and the hotel provides a great base for walkers and other holiday makers. Please phone and book ahead for meals and accommodation. Phone 02 6457 5383
More info.
(0km) Car park below Guthega Alpine Inn → Int. of Guthega road servicetrail and Flying fox track
480 m
10 mins
6m
-34m
Moderate track
From the car park (just below Guthega Alpine Inn, on Guthega Rd, 500m past the Guthega Centre), the walk follows the concrete road down the hill, keeping the main valley to the left. The road passes a small stone building and light post, just before coming to an intersection with another road heading off to the left, below the building named ‘Toibunga’.
Turn sharp left: From the intersection, the walk follows the concrete road down the hill towards the dam. After about 100m, the track veers right at another intersection, following the lower track. The concrete track turns to the right, but this walk continues straight, onto the wide dirt management trail (between the small boulders). Soon the trail bends right and comes to an intersection with a bush track.
Turn sharp left: From the intersection, the walk follows the concrete road down the hill towards the dam. After about 100m, the track veers right at another intersection, following the lower track. The concrete track turns to the right, but this walk continues straight, onto the wide dirt management trail (between the small boulders). Soon the trail bends right and comes to an intersection with a bush track.
(0.48km) Int. of Guthega road servicetrail and Flying fox track → Flying Fox
330 m
9 mins
15m
-44m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk heads between the boulders and is fairly flat initially, then, near a snow gum, the track steps down steeply and then winds down the hill to a ‘T’ intersection above Blue Cow Creek. (There is broken glass along this section of track, left over from Snowy River Scheme Camps).
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk initially steps over a small, eroded gap in the track[1] and then heads upstream alongside Blue Cow Creek, keeping the creek to your right. Before long, the track comes closer to the creek, and reaches a rocky crossing with a bridge[2] and a flying fox[3] over the creek.
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk initially steps over a small, eroded gap in the track[1] and then heads upstream alongside Blue Cow Creek, keeping the creek to your right. Before long, the track comes closer to the creek, and reaches a rocky crossing with a bridge[2] and a flying fox[3] over the creek.
Flying Fox
This metal flying fox was put in place to provide a safer option for crossing Blue Cow Creek when the water rises over the rocks. There are many flying foxes in the area to help people cross creeks, especially useful during snow melt when water is cold, deep and fast-moving. In 2010, a metal bridge was installed over this creek, parallel to the flying fox, and the bridge is now the safest way to cross.
(0.81km) Blue Cow Creek crossing → Illawong Lodge
2.2 km
50 mins
129m
-87m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk crosses the creek on the bridge[4] next to the metal flying fox[5]. The walk then follows the bush track on the other side as it climbs to the top of the ridge. From the top of the hill, the track then winds down towards the Snowy River then turns left and generally follows it upstream. Soon the walk crosses a small creek and continues up the other side, undulating through the valley, crossing several more small creeks. The track winds left, away from the Snowy River, to climb the short hill to Illawong Lodge.
Illawong Lodge
In 1956, the year after the Guthega Dam was first filled, the Kosciuszko State Park Trust gave permission for the conversion of the then-dilapidated hut into the present simple lodge. The lodge is maintained by members of Illawong Ski Tourers and friends. The nearby suspension bridge over the Snowy River and the flying fox over Farm Creek were built by members of Illawong. NPWS now maintains the suspension bridge and a new bridge over Farm Creek which has replaced the flying fox. The lodge can be reserved by members of the general public – see illawong.asn.au. There is also a small emergency shelter in the base of the hut, on the western wall, with enough room for a few people to see out a blizzard, with some water, blankets and other emergency supplies. More info.
(3.03km) Illawong Lodge → Suspension bridge
160 m
4 mins
0m
-28m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the west side of Illawong Lodge (where the emergency shelter is located), the walk heads down towards the creek following the bush track. The track winds through scrub, passing through a grass clearing along the way. The walk soon comes to a cable suspension bridge.
Suspension Bridge
Constructed and maintained by Illawong Ski Tourers, and only a stone’s throw from Illawong Lodge, this cable suspension bridge provides a safer way to cross the upper Snowy River. This provides the main access between Guthega and the Main Range. The bridge also provides great views of the valley.
(3.19km) Suspension bridge → Pounds Creek flats
2.6 km
1 hr 13 mins
342m
0m
Experienced only
Continue straight: From the suspension bridge, this walk crosses the Snowy River to the west bank and climbs the hill, tending to the left of the top of the hill, and continuing up through the thick scrub. This section of the walk their is not track please fan out and minimse your impact. The walk winds up the ridge line through some more shallow scrub, passing through a thin tree line. The walk continues around to the left side of the ridge, where it gets much steeper, staying high out of the gully (which is to your left). The walk continues to the top of the ridge where it is much rockier, next to the large flats near the headwaters for Pounds Creek.
Pounds Creek Flats
Located in the far upper reaches of Pounds Creek, this large flat area on the side of the ridge makes a great place to camp. The plateau forms a shallow hanging swamp in the few months after winter, when the snow melts and pools in the area.
This campsite is flat and sheltered from the wind by the mountain. Water supply from the creek is unreliable.
(5.78km) Pounds Creek flats → Twynam saddle
1.1 km
29 mins
131m
0m
Experienced only
Veer left: From the flats, this walk heads south-west, following the ridge line that runs up the steep hill. The walk winds up and around the left side of the flats towards Little Twynam, bending around to the right as it approaches the top, then climbing up into the saddle between Little Twynam and Mt Twynam.
(6.85km) Twynam saddle → Mt Twynam
580 m
13 mins
97m
0m
Experienced only
Turn right: From the saddle, this walk heads north up the grassy hill towards Mt Twynam, climbing up the steep hill and winding through rocky outcrops. The walk turns to the north-west and continuing up to the trig station at the top of Mt Twynam.
Mt Twynam
Mt Twynam is the largest peak on the ridgeline that winds around behind Blue Lake. It was once the location of a trig station, which was used for navigation until it was taken down. The metal frame, which was the lower half of the station, still sits on the peak today.
(7.42km) Mt Twynam → Int of Main Range and Mt Twynam tracks
2.9 km
1 hr 1 mins
26m
-166m
Experienced only
Continue straight: From the top of the mountain, this walk heads north-west, away from Little Twynam. The walk winds down through the rocky outcrops onto the ridge line, where it meets the old management trail and follows it west along the ridge line. The trail heads anticlockwise around Blue Lake until coming around to the south. The walk continues down and along the trail until coming to the right-hand side of the last knoll.
Continue straight: From near the top of the hill, the walk follows the old 4WD trail south-west, down along the ridge line. At the end of the ridge, the trail winds down the steep, grassy hill into the saddle and around behind a signpost to the intersection with the Main Range track.
Continue straight: From near the top of the hill, the walk follows the old 4WD trail south-west, down along the ridge line. At the end of the ridge, the trail winds down the steep, grassy hill into the saddle and around behind a signpost to the intersection with the Main Range track.
(10.32km) Int of Main Range and Mt Twynam tracks → Carruthers Peak
860 m
18 mins
99m
-2m
Hard track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Main Range Track’ sign[8] 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[9] (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[10] to the views at the top of Carruthers Peak[11]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.
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.
(10.32km) Int of Main Range and Mt Twynam tracks → Int of Main Range and Blue Lake Lookout tracks
880 m
17 mins
7m
-60m
Hard track
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the wide track in the opposite direction to the ‘Main Range Track’ sign[12], keeping the valley to your right. The track winds gently along the side of the hill[13], generally heading downhill. In time, the walk comes to a paved area[14] with a view to Blue Lake[15], and some information signs[16] marking a three-way intersection.
(11.2km) Int of Main Range and Blue Lake Lookout tracks → Blue Lake lookout
640 m
14 mins
8m
-72m
Hard track
Veer left: From the paved area[17], this walk follows the dirt track next to the stone seat, heading east towards Blue Lake[18]. The rocky track winds down and around the northern side of the ridge[19] to a platform[20] with an information sign[21] and a fantastic view of Blue Lake[22]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.
Blue Lake
Blue Lake is the best example of a glacial lake in the alpine area. At 28m deep, this lake was formed when glaciers, flowing from the Great Dividing Range, converged and carved out a basin in the rock. This is visible in the cliffs behind the lake, where the glaciers have plucked out blocks of stone and carried them away. There is also a stream that flows from Blue lake, feeding Hedley Tarn just to the south.
(11.2km) Int of Main Range and Blue Lake Lookout tracks → Snowy River crossing
3.2 km
1 hr 7 mins
33m
-306m
Hard track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the long, paved footpath[23] heading south, directly down to the valley (away from Blue Lake[24]). About halfway down this hill, the track passes a ‘Remnants of an ancient sea’ information sign[25], then continues down the paved path to rock-hop across Carruthers Creek[26]. The walk follows the wide track down the side of the hill, passing over a few paved sections[27]. As the track leads between the granite boulders[28] and over the top of the ridge, there are some views to Hedley Tarn[29] (to your left). The track then starts to wind gently down the hill, passing a ‘Created by glaciers’ information sign[30] and then, about 1.5km later, passes a ‘Mountains of Soil’ information sign[31] as the track becomes a bit steeper. About 400m after this sign, the track becomes paved[32] again and leads down to a creek. Here the walk crosses Club Lake Creek[33] using the rocks, to the narrow strip of land between the two creeks. (The creek may not be safe to cross when water covers the stepping stones[34]).
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’[35] halfway across. These creeks may become impassable after rain and snow melt. This is lovely place to rest and enjoy the water and valley.
(14.44km) Snowy River crossing → End of Kosciuszko Road
790 m
18 mins
122m
-1m
Hard track
Veer left: From between the creeks[36], this walk heads south along the wide track to cross the Snowy River using the stepping stones[37]. (Crossing the river is dangerous and is not advisable when the water is flowing over the stepping stones[38]). Soon passing the ‘From the mountains to the sea’ information sign[39], this walk continues along the wide, paved path that winds up the hill[40]. The path leads through a scattering of snow gums[41] for approximately 650m, then past a ‘Glaciers shaped this ancient landscape’ information sign[42]. Passing below Charlotte Pass lookout[43] (up to your left), the path soon comes to the turning circle at the end of Kosciuszko Rd at Charlotte Pass[44][45].
Maps for the Guthega to Charlotte Pass 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 Guthega to Charlotte Pass bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Guthega to Charlotte Pass
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 | 15.2 km | ||
| Time | 6 hrs 30 mins | ||
| . | |||
| Grade 5/6 Experienced only |
AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Short steep hills (3/6) |
| Quality of track | Rough unclear track (5/6) | ||
| Signs | No directional signs (5/6) | ||
| Experience Required | High level of bushwalking experience recommended (5/6) | ||
| 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
13km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2.2km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (240m) is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 4.9km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. Whilst another 3km follows a rough unclear track and a 1.5km section follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. The remaining 480m follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
5km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 3.7km has directional signs at most intersection. Whilst another 3.2km has minimal directional signs and the remaining 3km Has no directional signs.
Experience Required
7km of this walk requires a leader with a high level of bushwalking experience and another 4km requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience. Whilst another 3.6km requires some bushwalking experience and the remaining 480m requires no previous bushwalking experience.
weather
8km of this walk is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety and another 4km forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather likely to have an impact on your navigation and safety. Whilst another 2.8km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety and the remaining 400m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
6km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 4.3km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged). Whilst another 3.7km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and the remaining 1.1km has no facilities provided.
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Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk starts at the Car park below Guthega Alpine Inn (gps: -36.382035, 148.37259)Your main transport option to Car park below Guthega Alpine Inn is by;
Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.(get details)
The Guthega to Charlotte Pass 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/gtcp
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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