Come With Us: Hiking Australia’s 5 Highest Glacial Lakes

Snowy Mountains Best Hikes | Thredbo’s Alpine Lakes Hike

Looking for a rewarding full-day walk? The Alpine Lakes Hike is perfect for visitors who have already summited Mt Kosciuszko and are keen to head off the beaten path.

From Thredbo Village, the Kosciuszko Chairlift takes you straight up to 1930m elevation where you begin the hike.

Something you may notice as you step foot into the alpine zone is a unique landscape devoid of trees. Wild and weathered, the Australian Main Range offers dramatic scenery and sweeping mountain views. Here are some of the highlights you will see along the way…

Australia’s 5 Highest Glacial Lakes

Even in summer, you will see melting snowdrifts which feed the alpine lakes that you pass along the way. From Lake Albina to Blue Lake, each of the 5 glacial lakes are nestled into their own valley, forming interesting shapes and picture perfect backdrops.

An Abundance of Wildflowers

January is the best time for this walk, after most of the snow has melted and the seasonal wildflowers are in full bloom. It’s so surprising to see fields of snow daisies, billy buttons, showy violets and endless varieties thriving in the harsh alpine environment.

Ancient Granite Tors

Formed many millions of years ago, the granite tors are home to protected species like the pygmy possum and bogong moths. The area is significant to the local Ngarigo-Monero people and indigenous communities beyond this region who meet annually to feast and celebrate their traditions.

Western Faces or Little Austria?

Founding fathers of Thredbo Resort, Tony Sponar and Charles Anton were avid backcountry skiers who settled here because the landscapes reminded them of their Austrian homeland. As you enjoy lunch on Carruthers Peak, it’s not hard to see the resemblance.

Thredbo Guides share local stories and knowledge of the flora and fauna along the 19-kilometre trail. The Alpine Lakes Hike includes a scenic lift pass and a return ride back to Thredbo in a Land Rover Defender.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them their cultures, and Elders past, present and emerging.