Snowies Iconic Walk

Three sections of new track are planned to complement the existing tracks around Mount Kosciuszko and Main Range – Guthega to Charlotte Pass, Charlotte Pass to Perisher via Porcupine Rocks and Perisher to Bullocks Flat. After detailed analysis of several route options, the final alignment was selected to maximise the visitor experience of each route and minimise cultural and environmental impacts.

This iconic walk has been awarded $17 million funding by the Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund, funded through Restart NSW, that provides funding for infrastructure that supports regional economic growth, creates local employment opportunities, and drives growth in the visitor economy.

The project secured an additional $10 million in funding to deliver the 11-kilometre track between Perisher Valley and Bullocks Flat, as part of the Australian Government's Regional Recovery Partnerships program.

Jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, the Snowies Iconic Walk will be delivered in stages over 5 years, for completion in 2023.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is delivering the largest investment in visitor infrastructure in its history. The NSW Government has committed $123 million to implement 12 inspiring projects across the State as part of the Visitor Infrastructure Program.

These projects will drive increased domestic and international tourism to NSW regions and bolster the $18 billion economic contribution that national parks make to the NSW economy (particularly regional economies) through sustainable nature-based tourism.

The Snowies Iconic Walk concept identifies and addresses a need for high-calibre non-winter tourism experiences that will significantly boost summer visitation to the park and improve year-round employment stability. This project will provide crucial support to the NSW economy and help our regional towns recover from the devastating fires and COVID-19 pandemic.

The walk will broaden access to this beautiful part of the world, strengthen the appeal of New South Wales as a walking destination and provide opportunities for a more diverse range of visitors to enjoy our spectacular national parks.

Our national parks are managed to protect their unique values and provide for sustainable visitor use and enjoyment. This includes providing visitor experiences and, where appropriate, new visitor facilities, including tracks and trails.

We conduct independent environmental assessments to ensure public visitation and enjoyment is compatible with the protection of conservation values.

The project has included detailed design and assessment to ensure compliance with the park's plan of management and conservation management plans. Stringent environmental, cultural heritage and cost-benefit assessments, involving our staff, key stakeholders and other experts, ensure the project meets environmental, cultural and economic aspirations.

The proposed Snowies Iconic Walk will deliver an exceptional walk through spectacular alpine wilderness across the highest peaks in Australia.

Interpretation through innovative storytelling is one of the most effective ways to enhance multi-day walking experiences. Developing rich and engaging interpretation will be a key focus of the project, with the aim of immersing walkers in the landscape to create a strong connection and sense of place. The walk will respect the park’s natural and cultural values and the area’s remote alpine settings.

Effective community and stakeholder engagement is critical to the success of this project. We will engage with stakeholders and interested community members in a meaningful and timely way. Those interested in the project are invited to register their interest and receive regular updates on the project.