Kosciuszko has a number of curious qualities besides it’s exceptional difficulty in terms of spelling. It’s located in New South Wales, which is in Australia for those not familiar with the land of Oz; on the southeast side of the continent. It is an area which has landscape of a rugged, mountainous quality. You can expect breathtaking gorges, refreshing waterfalls, lazy gum trees and otherwise vibrant flora.
The name of the park comes from the tallest mountain located in the territory, Mount Kosciuszko. This crag is massive by Australian standards at approximately 2,228 meters, or a little over 7,300 feet. It’s high enough to have natural snow, and was not fully ascended in the modern record until 1840.
Additionally in the region is the Snowy River, located in the aptly named Snowy Mountains. This is surprising to many foreigners and locals alike. No one associates skiing with Australia; however these peaks make it not only possible, but core to the location as a vacation destination. Two resorts can be found there; Perisher and Thredbo. Thredbo has valley views by chairlift throughout the year, making this a vacation spot even when the snow is low.
Thredbo accommodation options come in a variety of “flavors”, if you will; from the more top-tier, to more affordable lodgings aimed at family groups. Do a little research beforehand, but there’s likely going to be something in your price range; especially if you decide to lodge in Thredbo during the off-season. Following, additional activities of the region and other idiosyncrasies will be briefly explored.
The Seven Primary Areas And Associated Costs
Kosciuszko is defined by seven primary areas. There is the Thredbo/Perisher area previously glossed over, the Lower Snowy River area, Khancoban at the western gateway to the park, Selwyn (ideal for fishing and hiking), Yarrangobilly with its awe-inspiring caves, the fine water sports of Tumut and entrancing wildlife at the Blowering Reservoir, and the High Plains area replete with equine sports as well as fine summer walks.
A variety of camps exist in the park, and camping of the non-resort variety can also be pursued if that suits you or your family. You can expect entry fees regardless of where you go, but they will differ depending on the time of year—and there are passes additionally available. From June to October, you’re looking at $29 per 24-hour stay in a motor vehicle. If you come in on a bus, it’s going to be $11.45, and $3.60 per child daily. Motorcycles clock in at $12 per.
In the off-season, it’s $17 per vehicle, and $7 per motorcycle. For adults who come in off the bus it’s $6.60, and $2.20 for children. At Yarrangobilly Caves, year-round costs are $4 per vehicle daily, unless you’ve paid park entry costs elsewhere. Day passes, multi-day passes, and passes for the entirety of the park are available. Pensioners can apply for free access.
The region is about 6,900 kilometers square (or about 2,700 square miles). Beyond the highest peak in Australia, the country’s most elevated town (Cabramurra) can also be found in the region. It’s only a short drive from Sydney at 354 kilometers—not even half a tank for most cars. Just beyond the park’s boundaries are the towns Jindabyne, Cooma, and Tumut; which also offer their own entertainment and lodging options.
Plan A Ski Holiday Today!
Even if not everyone in the family loves shredding the slopes of Thredbo or Perisher, there’s much to explore in Kosciuszko National Park. For those who haven’t been, travel and exploration costs are relatively low. For those who’ve explored this exceptional region before, there are many new things to check out. If you haven’t been spelunking, skiing, hiking, or fishing in Kosciuszko National Park, you might want to plan a vacation today!