Description

Located in the Snowy Mountains in Koscuiszko National Park, Mount Kosciuszko is the highest mountain in Australia (not including its external territories) at 2228 metres above sea level. It was named by the Polish explorer Count Paul Strzelecki in 1840, in honour of the Polish-Lithuanian national hero General Tadeusz Kościuszko, because of its perceived resemblance to the Kościuszko Mound in Krakow.

The name of the mountain was formerly spelled "Mount Kosciusko," an Anglicisation; but the version "Mount Kosciuszko" was officially adopted in 1997 by the Geographical Names Board of NSW. The common Australian pronunciation of Kosciuszko, "kozzy-osko" or ˈkɔziˌɔskoʊ (IPA), differs from the pronunciation in Polish, "kosh-CHOOSH-ko" or ˈkoɕˈtɕuʃko.

Various measurements of the peak originally called by that name showed it to be slightly lower than its neighbour, Mount Townsend, and the names were thereupon transposed by the New South Wales Lands Department, so that Mount Kosciuszko still remains the highest peak of Australia, and Mount Townsend ranks as second.

Choose Your Adventure 

Of course a lot of people like to come to Mt Koscuisko to climb it. There are a couple of approaches to get you to the summit - you'll need at least 3.5 hours from Charlotte's Pass (9km and tough going). The area is also excellent for snowboarding, snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing. Other activities worth coming to this spot for include mountain biking, horseriding, fishing and caving.

Best Time To Go

January - March: You're likely to get the best weather for walking from January to March, as well as the best show of wild flowers.

Winter: Conditions can be hazardous!

Access to Mount Koscuiszko is via Thredbo or Jindabyne. This would be a high point to any intinerary for a trip Downunder!

Photos

Videos

Following members have been to this place

Other Spots in New South Wales