Mt Kosciuszko — Local services in Munyang

Mount Kosciuszko (/ˌkɒsiˈʌskoʊ/ KOSS-ee-US-koh, previously spelled Mount Kosciusko) is mainland Australia's highest mountain, at 2,228 metres (7,310 ft) above sea level. It is located on the Main Range of the Snowy Mountains in Kosciuszko National Park, part of the Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves, in New South Wales, Australia, and is located west of Crackenback and close to Jindabyne.The mountain was named by the Polish explorer Paweł Edmund Strzelecki in 1840, in honour of Polish-Lithuanian freedom fighter General Tadeusz Kościuszko, because of its perceived resemblance to the Kościuszko Mound in Kraków, Poland. An exploration party led by Paul Edmund Strzelecki and James Macarthur with indigenous guides Charlie Tarra and Jackey set off on what is called Strzelecki’s Southern expedition. Macarthur was seeking new pastures. Strzelecki wanted to investigate the climate, geology, paleontology and geography of NSW and to publish his findings. This included identifying Australia’s highest summit, which Strzelecki reached on 12 March 1840. The approach was made from Geehi valley. After climbing Hannel’s Spur, the peak currently called Mt Townsend was reached. Here Strzelecki used his instruments to make observations. He noticed that the neighbouring peak was higher. In the presence of Macarthur he named the higher summit Mt Kosciusko after the famous Polish-Lithuanian military leader who died in 1817. As it was late, Macarthur decided to return to camp and Strzelecki alone climbed the Kosciuszko summit.

Based on Strzelecki’s records, Australia’s highest summit was mapped. A cartographical mistake made in an edition of Victorian maps transposed Mt Kosciusko to the position of the present Mt Townsend. Later editions of the map continued to show the original location. NSW maps did not make this mistake. The Victorian error created confusion. In 1885, Austrian explorer Robert von Lendenfeld, guided by James M. Spencer, a local pastoralist, aided by a map containing the transposition error, reached Mt Townsend believing it was Mt Kosciusko. According to Spencer, the local Aboriginals called Mount Kosciusko Tar-gan-gil. Like Strzelecki, Lendenfeld also observed that the neighbouring peak was higher. He named it Mt Townsend to honour the surveyor who in 1846...

I came up here on what was likely one of the worst days to climb. Wind was measured by the Parks staff at 80km/hr, there was rain, and I did not come prepared whatsoever. Who can really, for that weather? It's not a hard climb to be honest if you take the chairlift from Thredbo, weather permitting. With the wind and rain we had to really motivate ourselves. We were freezing and my 7yo got blown off the raised metal track and few times. It took around 4 hours for us to go up to the summit and back but I could do it alone in good weather much, much faster. The track does have signs asking people not to run though. There's great views from the top. You can come from a few different approaches, not just Thredbo. There's no water on the walk, no protection from the elements. A toilet is about 4.5km's in, if coming from Thredbo. It's very nice for a long drop. This is not a hard climb if taking the chairlift, and I'd recommend it to anyone with two good legs. Just be prepared for bad weather. Really prepared. Lastly, the staff working the mountain were very friendly and we had the MTB crew give us a lift down the mountain after the chairlift was put off of service by the gale....

Absolutely loved being able to walk to the highest mountain in Australia. Locals advised us to walk from Charlotte Pass. Easy to park as we arrived early morning. Toilet at car park. 18.6km return walk. Charlotte Pass is 1755m above sea level Mt Kosciuszko 2228m. The track is well maintained, sign posted and slowly takes you up to the mountain on a wide track. Beautiful flowers, scenery and the Snowy River on the way. We stopped at Seamans Hut for a bite to eat & a chat with two knowledgeable Rangers. Toilet near hut. Another toilet (the highest in Australia) is at Rawsons Pass, just before the last 1.7km to the top. This is the steepest part of the walk, but still ok. Amazing to reach the summit and to be on top off Australia. Cairn and information board there. Ensure you check the weather before going, be prepared with a coat incase conditions change. Wear sunscreen and good walking shoes. We saw all ages walking. The track became busier when we reached Rawson Pass with the people that had caught...