
Driving the paved Kosciuszko Road to Charlotte Pass in Australia
Australia, oceania
39.7 km
1,840 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip dreamers, let's talk Charlotte Pass! Nestled high in New South Wales, Australia, this incredible spot sits way up at 1,840m (6,037ft). Fun fact: it’s named after Charlotte Adams, a total trailblazer who was the first European woman to conquer Mount Kosciuszko back in 1881.
The road itself, Kosciuszko Road, kicks off from Jindabyne and stretches for about 40 km (24.66 miles) of pure, paved goodness. It winds its way through the stunning Kosciuszko National Park – prepare for some serious alpine scenery!
The drive ends at a parking lot, but don't stop there! It's the trailhead for the Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk. Also, at the top, you’ll find the Charlotte Pass lookout, offering panoramic views, and the Charlotte Pass Snow Resort, perfect for winter adventures. Just a heads-up: being in the Snowy Mountains, the weather can throw some curveballs, so be prepared. All in all, this drive is an epic way to soak in some of Australia’s most breathtaking mountain views.
Where is it?
Driving the paved Kosciuszko Road to Charlotte Pass in Australia is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -24.5156, 135.5689
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 39.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,840 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -24.5156, 135.5689
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