Mt Kosciusko National Park, Australia

Australia's tallest mountain isn't exactly comparable in height to the mountains of Europe or even New Zealand, but it does offer some very pretty terrain in a very accessible fashion. An easily navigable tourist track made from metal boarding leads from the top of the Thredbo chair lifts right to the summit and will keep your feet dry while protecting the delicate alpine grasses. Even in the snow season the track is a breeze to walk (assuming good weather) making the summit something to which most can aspire. Curiously however, the summit sunset is something often missed by day walkers who wish to depart while the light remains strong.

In early summer the place comes alive with alpine flowers, and in winter the snow capped neighbouring peaks offer a grand vista. Aside from the usual hiking and skiing, mountain biking is also a popular recreation at Thredbo. Even ice climbing is possible, albeit on extremely short routes at the nearby Blue Lake, while the approach to Thredbo offers many quiet campsites for car campers and families such as GeeHe Hut pictured right.

A circuit hike (or x-country ski in winter) can be done by parking at Charlet's Pass and walking up the road to the summit, passing Seamans Hut, then following the foot-track along ridge-lines back down via Blue Lake. This is a much bigger undertaking than simply following the tourist track from the Thredbo chairlifts to the summit and back.