Main Range Track - Charlotte Pass to Blue Lake

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start At the intersection of Main Range Walking Track & Kosciuszko Road (-36.4316693,148.3286543)
Mode Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From Charlotte Pass (at the turning circle at the end of Kosciuszko Rd), this walk follows the 'Main Range Track' - 'Blue Lake Lookout' sign downhill along the wide paved path. The walk winds down past the stone path (on your right) and continues beside the 'Glaciers shaped this ancient landscape' information sign. 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, this walk crosses the Snowy River using the stepping stones and comes to a strip of land between the two creeks. (Crossing the river is dangerous and is not advisable when the water is flowing over the stepping stones).....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Main Range Walking Track & Kosciuszko Road Start heading along Main Range Walking Track (a vehicle track). There is a toilet (about 70 m back from the start). Covered in snow part of the year (about 35 m back from the start). 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. There is a car park. After another 55 m find the "Charlotte Pass lookout" (30 m on your right). Charlotte Pass lookout The Charlotte Pass lookout is a partially fenced lookout, north of the turning circle at the end of Kosciuszko Rd. The view is great, looking up the headwaters of the Snowy River up to the Main Range. To the left is Charlotte Pass (the actual pass only - there is no view of the village from here). There are also a few information signs explaining the local flora and geology. Then find the "Snow Gums and the Alpine Tree Line" (30 m on your right). Snow Gums and the Alpine Tree Line Snow gums (Eucalyptus pauciflora) are the dominant tree found in Kosciuszko National Park. These slow-growing, distinctive plants have a light grey trunk with smooth red-brown bark, which peels unevenly with a mottled effect. They can be found south along the tablelands into Victoria, and also in Tasmania. Trees are covered with beautiful white flowers from October through to January, which attract lots of bird life. The alpine tree line is the highest altitude at which trees can survive, due to the cold temperatures. However, you will notice that, in some areas, there are no trees in the valleys, while they thrive on the surrounding hills. This is because cool air settles in the alpine valleys, making them colder and less hospitable than slightly higher altitudes. After another 690 m cross the stepping stones. After another 45 m find the "Snowy River crossing" (on your left). 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' halfway across. These creeks may become impassable after rain and snow melt. This is lovely place to rest and enjoy the water and valley. After another 30 m cross the stepping stones. After another 2.6 km cross the ford. After another 235 m cross the ford.
	After another 310 m (Blue Lake lookout) veer right, to head along Blue Lake Walk (a walking track). After another 40 m come to the "Blue Lake lookout". After another 830 m find the "Blue Lake" (9 m on your right). 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.
	Continue another 180 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 5.1 km to get back to the start.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Main Range Track - Charlotte Pass to Blue Lake

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	10.1 km
Time	3 h 45 min to 5 h 30 min

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage	Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather	Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)

Some facilities on route

Toilet: There is one -53 m back from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	-53 m	[toilet]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

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.

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' halfway across. These creeks may become impassable after rain and snow melt. This is lovely place to rest and enjoy the water and valley.

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.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Charlotte Pass Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
  
  Saturday 27 July
  
  4°C
  Snow showers increasing.
  90% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Areas of morning frost. Patchy morning fog in the east. Very high chance of showers about the alpine peaks, medium chance elsewhere. Snow falling above 1100 metres. Winds northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the morning then becoming west to northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h in the middle of the day.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection not recommended, UV Index predicted to reach 2 [Low]
  
  Sunday 28 July
  
  -6°C → -1°C
  Snow showers easing.
  80% chance of rain
  1 → 7mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of snow showers, most likely in the early morning. Possible small hail. Winds northwest to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h tending west to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h before dawn then becoming southwesterly 25 to 40 km/h in the morning.
  
  Monday 29 July
  
  -6°C → 1°C
  Possible snow shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Areas of morning frost in the north. Medium chance of showers or snow in the south, slight chance elsewhere. Winds southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h.
  
  Tuesday 30 July
  
  -5°C → 1°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Cloudy. Areas of morning frost in the north. Medium chance of showers in the southeast, slight chance elsewhere. Snow possible above 900 metres. Winds south to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h.
  
  Wednesday 31 July
  
  -6°C → 1°C
  Cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Cloudy.
  
  Thursday 1 August
  
  -5°C → 3°C
  Partly cloudy.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Friday 2 August
  
  -3°C → 4°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Kosciuszko National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Kosciuszko National Park closed sites
  A number of sites in Kosciuszko National Park are closed or may have other restrictions until further notice.
  Road/trail closures
  The following roads and trails are closed until further notice:
  
  Geehi Dam/Olsens Road
  
  Grassy Flat trail
  
  Fire-affected areas
  Some sections of Kosciuszko National Park which burnt during the 2019/2020 fires remain closed. These areas include:
  
  Wolgal and Pattinson's Huts
  
  Huts that burnt down in the 2020 fires
  These locations remain open, but the following huts or buildings have been lost:
  
  Linesman's No.3 Huts, Round Mountain Hut, and Dry Dam Ski Shelter.
  
  Warning: Please take care as there may be broken glass/nails that are uncovered since NPWS made records and cleaned up these sites. Please do not disturb the sites or remove artefacts.
  
  Snowy 2.0 works affecting access to Tantangara Road and Tantangara Dam
  
  Access to the southern end of Tantangara Reservoir via Quarry trail is closed to the public.
  
  Access to the southern end boat ramp is open, but may be subject to short-term closures.
  
  Current boating and camping access to Tantangara Reservoir will still be available at access points on the northern end of the reservoir, via Port Phillip and Dam trails.
  
  Do not enter closed areas in Kosciuszko National Park. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Closed areas: Behrs Flat campground, Old Geehi campground, Geehi Walls trail and Major Clews trail closed
  The following areas are closed for winter from Wednesday 5 June to Friday 4 October 2024:
  
  Behrs Flat campground
  
  Old Geehi campground
  
  Geehi Walls trail
  
  Major Clews trail
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Khancoban Visitor Centre on 02 6070 8400.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 winter fox baiting program
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing winter ground baiting program from Monday 15 July 2024 to Sunday 15 September 2024. The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of feral foxes.
  The program will take place in areas of Kosciuszko National Park including:
  
  Main range area
  
  Perisher valley
  
  Dead horse gap
  
  Munyang
  
  The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species.
  Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Please contact the local NPWS area office for more information on (02) 6450 5555.
  
  Closed areas: Transmission Track closed due to post-bushfire damage
  The Transmission Track, Talbingo is closed due to post-bushfire damage. The track is closed and is not suitable for vehicle access due to erosion issues.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Tumut NPWS office (02) 6947 7087.
  
  Closed areas: Rawson Pass toilet closed for winter
  Rawson Pass toilet will be closed from Friday 3 May 2024 to the end of winter. Seamans Hut toilet will remain open all winter.
  You are encouraged to carry out your human waste when toilets are not available on the Main Range. Please refer to these resources for more information:
  
  Carry everything out managing human waste on the Main Range
  
  Practice minimum impact by carrying out toileting waste
  
  For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Safety alerts: Guthega Road - changed speed limit due to road works
  The speed limit on Guthega Road has been reduced to 60km for the entirety of the road. This is due to road works taking place from 8 April to 31 October 2024, and an increase in heavy and light vehicle movements.
  Please abide by all traffic control signage and observe all directions from NPWS staff and contractors.
  Your destination is still accessible. To assist in planning your journey safely, please allow extra time in your travel plans and drive to conditions.
  For more information, call the Snowy Region Visitor Centre, Jindabyne on 02 6450 5600.
  
  Closed areas: Thredbo Valley track closure
  The entire Thredbo Valley Track from Thredbo Village to Gaden Trout Hatchery is closed to all cyclists from 5th of June 2024 to the 7th of October 2024.
  Maintenance works are underway between Thredbo Resort and Ngarigo Campground. As such, this section is closed to all visitors.
  Walkers are still permitted on the track from Ngarigo Campground to Gaden Trout Hatchery.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Jindabyne NPWS office on 02 6450 5555.
  
  Closed areas: Winter Road Closures For Kosciuszko National Park
  Some roads and trails in this park are closed to public vehicle use for the winter period. The closed road and trail areas are:
  
  Kosciuszko Road, between Perisher Valley and Charlotte Pass - CLOSED
  
  KNP5 - Khancoban to Cabramurra Road - CLOSED
  
  Kings Cross Road, between Mt Selwyn and Cabramurra - CLOSED
  
  Black Jack Trail - CLOSED
  
  Manjar Trail - CLOSED
  
  Grassy Flats Trail - CLOSED
  
  Murray Gates Trail - CLOSED
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  Chains must be carried in Kosciuszko National Park in winter (4WDs exempt).
  All motorists should be prepared and equipped for sudden changes in road and weather conditions in Alpine areas.
  
  Other planned events: Merambego Trail Roadworks
  The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be undertaking essential fire trail maintenance works on Merambego Trail, throughout April, May and June 2024. The trail will be closed to visitors.
  Please obey all directions from NPWS staff and contractors. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  For any further queries, please contact the NPWS Jindabyne office on (02) 6450 5555.
  
  Other planned events: Tom Groggin campground - upgrade works
  The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and contractors will be undertaking upgrade works at Tom Groggin campground throughout May and June 2024. These works will include additions to campground facilities and rehabilitation planting.
  For more information please contact the NPWS Jindabyne office on 02 6450 5555.
  
  Closed areas: Sections of Kosciuszko National Park closed for feral animal control
  The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting aerial shooting operations in Kosciuszko National Park (KNP). Horses, deer, pigs and other feral animals will be targeted. The operations require the closure of the area of KNP north of the Snowy Mountains Highway and east of the Goobarragandra Powerline Road to the KNP boundary between Thursday 4 April 2024 and Friday 4 October 2024 inclusive (this includes the usual winter closure period from 10 June to 4 October, 2024).
  All tracks, trails, campgrounds, huts, picnic areas and accommodation nodes within the closure area will be closed during this period, including:
  
  Bullocks Hill campground 
  
  Cooinbil Hut campground 
  
  Cooinbil Hut Horse Camp 
  
  Ghost Gully campground 
  
  Long Plain Hut campground 
  
  Magpie Flat campground 
  
  Old Snowy campground 
  
  Perkins Flat campground 
  
  Rocky Plain campground 
  
  Wares Yards campground 
  
  Blue Waterholes campground 
  
  Cooleman Mountain campground 
  
  Long Plain Hut Horse Camp 
  
  Broken Cart campground 
  
  Dubbo Flats campground 
  
  Currango Homestead precinct
  
  Clarke Gorge walking track
  
  Nichols Gorge walking track
  
  Australian Alps Walking Track North of the Snowy Mountains Highway to the KNP boundary
  
  National Trail North of the Snowy Mountains Highway to the KNP boundary
  
  Hume Hovell Walking Track from the KNP park boundary to the park boundary at Thomas Boyd track head
  
  A map of the closure area is available at:
  Map of northern Kosciuszko National Park closure area April to October 2024 (nsw.gov.au)
  Closure notices will be placed at relevant access points in KNP, penalties apply for non-compliance.
  For inquiries on the management of wild horses please email the wild horse team.
  We appreciate your patience while this important work is being carried out. If you would like any further information about closed areas, please email or call NPWS on 02 6947 7025.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 program
  A baiting program using meat baits and canid pest ejectors containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison will be conducted from Friday 22 March 2024 until Sunday 22 September 2024 in Kosciuszko National Park.
  The program will be conducted in the northern precinct of the park, which includes the following areas:
  
  Goobarragandra
  
  Blowering foreshores
  
  Big Talbingo/ Buddong
  
  Entry into baiting locations will be identifiable by signs.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  For further information, please call the NPWS Tumut area office on 02 6947 7000.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 baiting program
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an ongoing ground baiting program from 1st May 2024 to 1st November 2024 . The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of feral animals including wild dogs and foxes.
  The program will take place in Kosciuszko National Park and Clarkes Hill, Bogandyera and Jingellic Nature Reserves.
  The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.
  Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Please contact the local Khancoban NPWS area office for more information on 02 60708400.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of ongoing 1080 wild dog and fox baiting program
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting a baiting program in the north east precinct of Kosciuszko National Park, Scabby Range and Yaouk Nature Reserves within the Adaminaby/Yaouk wild dog control area.
  The program will be continuous and ongoing between 1 February 2024 and 31 January 2025, and will use meat baits and canid pest ejectors containing 1080 (sodium fluroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes.
  All baiting locations will be identifiable by signs.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserve. Pets and working dogs may be affected, and 1080 is lethal to cats and dogs. Pets and working dogs in the vicinity must be restrained or muzzled and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  For further information please call the NPWS Tumut area office on 02 6947 7000.
  
  Other planned events: Notice of 1080 ongoing program
  The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting a baiting program using baits containing 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of wild dogs and foxes. The program will be continuous and ongoing between Friday 9 February 2024 and Friday 9 August 2024. These programs are part of an integrated pest animal control strategy, aimed at minimising the impacts of these animals on neighbouring stock.
  Baiting programs will be conducted in Thredbo/Ingebyra, Dalgety/Paupong and Corrowong/Tombong/Merriangaah Wild Dog Plan Areas. Baiting programs will also be undertaken in Paupong, Merriangaah and Quidong Nature Reserves.
  This includes the following sections of Kosciuszko National Park:
  
  Thredbo Valley
  
  Moonbah
  
  Ingebyra
  
  Paupong
  
  Numbla Vale
  
  Corrowong
  
  All baiting locations will be identifiable by signs.
  Please be reminded that domestic pets are not permitted on NPWS Estate. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  For further information, please call the Jindabyne area office on 02 6450 5555.
  
  Safety alerts: Powerline out of service in Jagungal Wilderness Area
  Happy Jacks Plain and sections of the Jagungal Wilderness Area are affected by powerline damage. The 11kva powerline that runs through these areas was damaged during the 2019/2020 fires with burnt poles and downed powerlines. It is out of service and will be removed from the park. Please keep a safe distance from any broken wires on the ground and broken stay wires from power poles.
  For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Closed areas: Tantangara Reservoir partial closure
  Some parts of Tantangara Reservoir will be closed intermittently until further notice for Snowy 2.0 construction activities involving controlled blasts. Full exclusion zones will be established prior to and during blast operations. The closed areas are:
  
  Areas of Tantangara Reservoir adjacent to the Snowy 2.0 construction site.
  
  Tantangara Reservoir boat ramp, adjacent to the Tantangara Dam wall.
  
  For up-to-date timings on controlled blasts please see notifications on the Future Generation website.
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Closed areas: Closed areas due to Snowy 2.0 works
  The following areas are closed due to the Snowy 2.0 works from Monday 25 February 2019 until early 2027, unless the closure is extended or removed:
  
  Lobs Hole Ravine Road 4WD trail
  
  Wallace Creek lookout
  
  Lobs Hole Ravine campground
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please call the NPWS Tumut area office on 02 6947 7000 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  Other planned events: Ongoing increased traffic and roadworks
  There is an increase in heavy and light vehicle movements on the Snowy Mountains Highway (between Cooma to Tumut) and Link and Tantangara Roads within Kosciuszko National Park. This traffic will continue for a number of years and involves the use of specialised heavy vehicle combinations for transporting materials associated with the Snowy 2.0 project and other projects in the region.
  There will also be ongoing maintenance and upgrades to roads in the area as part of the project, particularly along Link and Tantangara Roads.
  To assist in planning your journey safely, please check for alerts on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.
  For more information, call the NPWS Tumut area office on 02 6947 7000.
  
  Closed areas: Bullocks Hut closed
  Several buildings in the Bullocks Hut complex are closed until further notice for restoration works. Please do not enter the construction sites.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, call the Snowy Region Visitor Centre on 02 6450 5600 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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