10 Highest Peaks of Australia

Shikhar Travels — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 12:16:50 +0000

When I first told my overseas friends I was going mountain climbing in Australia, they looked at me like I’d lost my mind. “Australia has mountains?” Yeah, we get that a lot. But here’s the thing tucked away in the southeastern corner of New South Wales, the Snowy Mountains are home to some genuinely impressive alpine terrain that would surprise most people.

I’ve spent years exploring these peaks, and what I love most is how accessible they are compared to big mountains elsewhere. Sure, they’re not the Himalayas, but all ten of Australia’s highest mountains are clustered within a few kilometers of each other in Kosciuszko National Park. You can actually summit several in a single trip if you’re keen, which is pretty rare for mountain ranges anywhere in the world.

Let me take you through each of these peaks, share what makes them special, and give you the practical info you’ll need if you decide to tackle them yourself.

Why the Snowy Mountains Are Special

Before we dive into individual peaks, you need to understand what makes this region unique. The Snowy Mountains are part of the Australian Alps, sitting in the southern section of the Great Dividing Range. Now, these are old and I mean really old. We’re talking hundreds of millions of years of erosion wearing them down into their current gentle, rounded shapes.

What strikes me every time I visit is how different they are from younger mountain ranges. Instead of jagged peaks and dramatic spires, you get these smooth, rolling summits covered in hardy alpine vegetation. Ancient snow gums twisted by decades of winter winds line the ridges, and in summer, wildflowers carpet the alpine meadows in colors you wouldn’t expect to find at this altitude.

The weather here can be brutal though. I’ve experienced all four seasons in a single day on more than one occasion. Morning sunshine giving way to afternoon thunderstorms, then wind that nearly knocked me off my feet, followed by a stunning sunset. That’s just how it goes up here.

One more thing worth knowing all these peaks are within Kosciuszko National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The park protects not just the mountains themselves, but the unique alpine ecosystem that exists nowhere else in Australia.

The Top 10 Peaks: What You Need to Know

1. Mount Kosciuszko (2,228m)

Obviously, this is the one everyone knows about. At 2,228 meters, Kosciuszko is Australia’s highest mountain, and honestly, it’s way easier to climb than most people expect. I’ve seen families with young kids make it to the top, and I’ve also watched ultra-fit runners do it before breakfast.

The mountain was named by Polish explorer Paul Strzelecki back in 1840, and for years Australians spelled it wrong (Kosciusko without the ‘z’). We only corrected it in the 1990s during trade negotiations with Poland bit embarrassing, really.

Getting There: You’ve got two main options. The popular route starts from Thredbo where you can ride the chairlift up, then it’s a 13 km return walk taking about 4-5 hours. The track is basically a well-maintained path with metal grates protecting the alpine vegetation. Some people call it a “motorway” because it’s so easy, but don’t let that put you off the views are still spectacular.

The other option is Charlotte Pass, which adds distance (18.6km return) but gives you a quieter, more authentic mountain experience. I prefer this route when I want to avoid the crowds.

2. Mount Townsend (2,209m)

Just 19 meters shorter than Kosciuszko, Mount Townsend actually looks more impressive. It’s got steeper faces and a more rugged character that makes it my favorite of the two from a purely aesthetic standpoint.

There’s this great historical tidbit about Townsend at one point, a map error had it listed as higher than Kosciuszko, which created a legend that authorities deliberately swapped the names to avoid confusing everyone. Not true, but it makes for good campfire conversation.

The walk to Townsend usually forms part of a longer Main Range trek. If you’re doing both Kosciuszko and Townsend in one go, you’re looking at a solid full-day hike. I’d recommend starting early the sunrise from up here is something else.

3. Mount Twynam (2,195m)

Mount Twynam epitomizes what the Snowy Mountains are all about smooth, rounded summit, surrounded by hardy alpine vegetation, with those twisted snow gums framing every photo you take. At 2,195 meters, it’s Australia’s third-highest peak.

Named after Edward Twynam, a 19th-century surveyor, this mountain sits right along the Main Range Track. What I love about Twynam is that from the summit, you can often see multiple other peaks on this list all at once. It’s a peak-bagger’s dream.

The approach takes you through some beautiful terrain snow gum forest giving way to open alpine meadows, then the final push across rocky, exposed ridges. Just watch the weather, because those exposed sections can get nasty when the wind picks up.

4. Rams Head (2,190m)

Rams Head is instantly recognizable from Thredbo Village thanks to its distinctive profile. At 2,190 meters, it’s exposed, often windswept, and absolutely stunning. This is one of my go-to peaks when I want views without tackling the Kosciuszko crowds.

Wildflower season here is incredible. I’m talking carpets of alpine daisies and billy buttons turning the slopes yellow and white. If you’re into photography, sunrise or sunset from Rams Head will give you shots you’ll actually want to print and frame.

Access is usually via tracks from Thredbo, and you can combine it with a Kosciuszko climb if you’re feeling ambitious. Fair warning though the wind can be fierce up here. I’ve been literally blown sideways more than once.

5. Etheridge Peak (2,180m)

At 2,180 meters, Etheridge Peak doesn’t get the foot traffic of its more famous neighbors, which is exactly why I love it. If you want a more wilderness-oriented experience without bumping into tour groups every five minutes, this is your mountain.

The approaches to Etheridge traverse some genuinely pristine alpine country. We’re talking ancient snow gums that look like they’re straight out of a fantasy novel, glacial boulders bigger than cars, and alpine herb fields that haven’t changed in centuries.

Wildlife sightings are more common here too. I’ve spotted wallabies, wombats, and once though I still can’t quite believe it – a mountain pygmy possum in the boulder field. Those little guys are incredibly rare, so that was a special moment.

6. Rams Head North (2,177m)

Sitting at 2,177 meters right next to Rams Head, this peak often gets overlooked. Same dramatic views, same exposed terrain, but with a fraction of the visitors. If you’re already at Rams Head, it’s worth the extra effort to tag this summit too.

The area between these two peaks has some fascinating geology sorted stone circles and frost-heaved boulders that tell the story of the region’s glacial past. I’m a bit of a geology nerd, so I find this stuff endlessly interesting.

Navigation skills are important here. The tracks are less defined than the Kosciuszko highway, so bring a proper map and compass, and know how to use them.

7. Mount Alice Rawson (2,160m)

At 2,160 meters, Mount Alice Rawson honors Alice Rawson, daughter of surveyor E.C. Rawson who worked extensively in this region. The peak itself showcases that classic Snowy Mountains profile rounded summit, extensive plateaus, and vegetation that’s adapted to survive genuinely harsh conditions.

The snow gums up here are particularly photogenic. Their white bark glows almost ghostly in certain light, twisted into shapes that speak to decades of battling alpine winds. Every time I pass through here, I end up stopping for photos.

This one’s best suited for longer treks along the Main Range. Not a peak you’d typically do as a day hike unless you’re incredibly fit and motivated.

8. Mount Du Faur (2,159m)

Named after Emmeline Du Faur, the first woman to climb Mount Cook in New Zealand, this 2,159-meter peak honors her pioneering alpine spirit. And trust me, you need that spirit to tackle Du Faur it’s one of the more challenging peaks on this list.

The terrain here is properly rugged. Scree fields, rocky outcrops, and in spring and summer, those pristine alpine meadows that make you feel like you’ve discovered your own secret paradise. But getting here requires solid backcountry navigation skills and multi-day hiking experience.

I won’t lie this isn’t a beginner’s peak. But if you’ve got the experience and you’re looking for genuine alpine adventure, Du Faur delivers.

9. Abbott Peak (2,145m)

Abbott Peak ties with Carruthers at 2,145 meters for the tenth spot on our list. What makes Abbott special is its remoteness. It sits deep in the wilderness, far from developed areas, giving you that rare feeling of genuine solitude you don’t find much anymore.

The untouched nature here is something else. Snow gum forests that look primeval, crystal-clear alpine streams, vast meadows that seem to stretch forever. This is the Snowy Mountains as they were before Europeans arrived.

You’ll need to be self-sufficient for this one. Multi-day expedition, proper wilderness skills, and don’t expect to see many other people. That’s either incredibly appealing or terrifying, depending on your perspective.

10. Carruthers Peak (2,145m)

Also at 2,145 meters, Carruthers Peak shares its elevation with Abbott but has slightly easier access via the Main Range Track. Named after surveyor William Carruthers, this peak offers those same spectacular glacier-carved landscapes dramatic cirques and high-altitude lakes that shimmer in impossible colors.

The flora here always surprises me. You’ve got billy buttons, alpine mint bush, and mountain plum pine somehow thriving in conditions that seem completely hostile to plant life. Life finds a way, as they say.

Best Time to Take 10 Peak Challenge

When Should You Go?

Look, I’ll be straight with you November through April is your window. That’s when the main tracks are generally snow-free and conditions are reasonable for hiking. But even within that window, timing matters.

What You Actually Need

I’ve seen people attempt Kosciuszko in sneakers and a t-shirt. Please don’t be that person. Even on the “easy” mountains, alpine conditions can turn dangerous fast.

The essentials:

Proper hiking boots. Not running shoes, not fashion boots – actual hiking boots with ankle support
Layers, layers, layers. Thermal base layer, insulating mid-layer, waterproof/windproof outer layer
A warm jacket even in summer (I carry a down jacket year-round up here)
Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen. The sun is intense at altitude
At least 2-3 liters of water per person
Real food, not just muesli bars. You need calories for these hikes
First aid kit (and know how to use it)
Map, compass, GPS device. Don’t rely on your phone – reception is patchy at best
Emergency shelter – I carry a lightweight bivy bag
Headlamp, even for day hikes. Things take longer than you expect

For the more remote peaks, add a Personal Locator Beacon. Yes, they’re expensive, but I’ve had friends who’ve needed them, and they literally save lives.

Common Questions (That I Get Asked All the Time)

“Is Mount Kosciuszko really that easy?”

Ans. Easy is relative. For an experienced hiker, yes, it’s a walk rather than a climb. But it’s still 13km return with about 300m elevation gain from the chairlift. I’ve seen plenty of people struggle. If you’re reasonably fit and have decent gear, you’ll be fine. If you never exercise and show up in inappropriate clothing, you’re going to have a bad time.

“Can I do it in a day?”

Ans. Kosciuszko? Absolutely. Some of the others? Yes, if you’re fit and start early. Abbott Peak or Du Faur? You’d need to be incredibly fit and experienced, and I wouldn’t recommend it. Multi-day trips are safer and more enjoyable for the remote peaks.

“What about winter?”

Ans. Winter is a completely different game requiring winter mountaineering skills, proper equipment (crampons, ice axe, avalanche gear), and ideally, experience. The peaks get buried under meters of snow. If you have to ask if you can do it in winter, the answer is probably no.

“Are they dangerous?”

Ans. The mountains themselves aren’t technical climbs, but alpine conditions can absolutely be dangerous. Weather changes fast, people get hypothermic even in summer, lightning is a real risk, and it’s surprisingly easy to get disoriented in bad visibility. Respect the environment, be prepared, and don’t take unnecessary risks.

“Do I need a guide?”

Ans. For Kosciuszko via the main track? No. It’s well-marked and heavily traveled. For the more remote peaks? A guide isn’t mandatory if you’re experienced, but it’s not a bad idea if you’re new to alpine hiking or unsure about navigation.

Final Thoughts

Here’s what I want you to take away from all this: Australia’s highest peaks might not be the tallest in the world, but they offer something genuinely special. Where else can you experience true alpine terrain without needing technical climbing skills? Where else can you summit a continent’s highest peak in a day hike?

I’ve climbed mountains on several continents, and while these peaks don’t have the elevation or technical challenge of bigger ranges, they’ve got their own magic. Maybe it’s the ancient snow gums, the surprise wildflower meadows, or just the satisfaction of standing on top of Australia. Whatever it is, these mountains have kept me coming back for years.

If you’re planning a trip, start with Kosciuszko – get a feel for the environment, see how you handle the altitude and weather. If you love it and want more challenge, work your way through the rest of the list. Just remember: proper preparation, respect for the environment, and flexibility when weather turns bad.

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