If you’re planning an off-road adventure down to the alpine regions this winter it’s worth noting that a few of the must-do tracks may be gated by the time you arrive. The heavy snowfall and frequent rains during the winter months make many tracks impassable, necessitating annual closures to preserve the tracks for the summer months and ensure 4X4ers aren’t left spending the night holed up in their rig in sub-zero temps. Here’s the latest on what you need to know for the 2024 winter season.
Winter Road Closures in Kosciuszko National Park
Closure Period: Thu 30 May 2024, to Fri 4 Oct 2024Â Â
- Kosciuszko Road: Closed between Perisher Valley and Charlotte Pass.
- KNP5 – Khancoban to Cabramurra Road: Closed.
- Kings Cross Road: Closed between Mt Selwyn and Cabramurra.
- Black Jack Trail: Closed.
- Manjar Trail: Closed.
- Grassy Flats Trail: Closed.
- Murray Gates Trail: Closed.
Penalties apply for non-compliance with these closures. For more information, contact the local NPWS office. Additionally, all vehicles must carry chains in Kosciuszko National Park during winter, although 4X4s are exempt.
Additional Closures for Feral Animal Control
Closure Period: Thu 4 Apr 2024, to Fri 4 Oct 2024
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting aerial shooting operations in Kosciuszko National Park to control feral animals such as horses, deer, and pigs. This operation has closed the areas north of the Snowy Mountains Highway and east of the Goobarragandra Powerline Road to the KNP boundary. The closures include:
Campgrounds: Bullocks Hill, Cooinbil Hut, Ghost Gully, Long Plain Hut, Magpie Flat, Old Snowy, Perkins Flat, Rocky Plain, Wares Yards, Blue Waterholes, Cooleman Mountain, Long Plain Hut Horse Camp, Broken Cart, Dubbo Flats.
Precincts and Tracks: Currango Homestead precinct, Clarke Gorge walking track, Nichols Gorge walking track, Australian Alps Walking Track north of the Snowy Mountains Highway to the KNP boundary, National Trail north of the Snowy Mountains Highway to the KNP boundary, Hume Hovell Walking Track from the KNP park boundary to the park boundary at Thomas Boyd track head.
These closures align with the usual winter closure period from 10 June to 4 October 2024.
Seasonal Track Closures in Alpine National Park
Closure Period: Thu 30 May 2024 to Fri 4 Oct 2024
- The Alpine National Park also sees annual track closures due to winter conditions. The affected tracks include:
- Wild Horse Gap Track: Closed due to poor track condition.
- Mt Pinnibar Track: Open but with caution—only experienced drivers in well-equipped 4WD vehicles should attempt this track in dry conditions due to significant erosion.
- Spring Saddle Track: Restricted access at the eastern end due to landslip remediation works. The track is open to pedestrians but closed to vehicles.
Additionally, in the Eastern Alps region, the following tracks are closed due to storm and flood damage and will remain closed until late 2024 or early 2025:
- Cobberas Track
- Macfarlane Flat Track
- Ingeegoodbee Track
Before heading out, always check the Parks Victoria and NSW NPWS websites for the latest updates on track conditions and closures. Staying informed will help you avoid surprises and ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
