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Kosciuszko Road to Charlotte Pass, Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales
Photo: Thennicke · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped

Drives New South Wales, Australia The Snowy Mountains and Canberra

Kosciuszko Road to Charlotte Pass

Kosciuszko Road · Jindabyne → Charlotte Pass

Sweeping24 mi45 min4,600 ft climbHigh point ≈ 5,900 ftOne way
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The drive

Kosciuszko Road climbs 39 km (24 mi) from Jindabyne through Kosciuszko National Park to Charlotte Pass. It crosses the Thredbo River, passes Smiggin Holes and Perisher Valley, and rises about 4,600 feet through snow gums on moderate bends, ending in alpine country at about 5,900 feet.

At the end, Charlotte Pass is a no-through road, and a walking track from there leads to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. The road is the access for the Smiggin Holes, Perisher Valley and Charlotte Pass ski areas.

The section between Perisher and Charlotte Pass is closed in winter, from the June long weekend to the October long weekend, whatever the snow conditions. In winter, Charlotte Pass Village is reached by oversnow transport from the Perisher Skitube terminal.

Along the way

  1. Jindabyne (Kosciuszko Road)
  2. Perisher Valley
  3. Charlotte Pass (Kosciuszko Road)
Elevation
4,600 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 5,900 ft
JindabyneCharlotte Pass
Curves
Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch
JindabyneCharlotte Pass
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • A national park vehicle entry fee applies, higher in winter; passes are sold at entry stations and visitor centres.
  • Perisher to Charlotte Pass is closed in winter, from the June long weekend to the October long weekend.
  • Two-wheel-drive vehicles must carry snow chains from the June long weekend to the October long weekend.
  • The park advises checking Live Traffic NSW or the Perisher Valley office for real-time road information.

Perisher to Charlotte Pass closed in winter, from the June long weekend to the October long weekend. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NSW National Parks: Kosciuszko alerts.

Questions about this drive

How long does Kosciuszko Road to Charlotte Pass take?

Jindabyne to Charlotte Pass on Kosciuszko Road is 39 km (24 mi) and takes about 45 minutes.

Is Kosciuszko Road to Charlotte Pass open in winter?

No. Kosciuszko Road is closed between Perisher and Charlotte Pass from the June long weekend to the October long weekend.

Do I need snow chains on Kosciuszko Road?

Two-wheel-drive vehicles must carry snow chains on Kosciuszko Road within the park from the June long weekend to the October long weekend.

Can I drive to the top of Mount Kosciuszko?

No. Kosciuszko Road ends at Charlotte Pass, and a walking track from there leads to the summit.

What you get in the app

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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Kosciuszko Road to Charlotte Pass, from Jindabyne to Charlotte Pass