Mount Kosciuszko

　　   Mount Kosciuszko, also translated as Mount Kosciusko, is located in southeastern New South Wales. In 1840, Polish explorer Paweł Strzelecki discovered the mountain and named it after the Polish national hero Tadeusz Kościuszko.

　　   Mount Kosciuszko stands at an elevation of 2,228 meters, making it the highest peak in the Australian Alps and the highest point on the Australian mainland. It is composed of granite, with snow cover on its summit in winter and remnants of ancient glaciers. Below 1,700 meters, the area is mostly forested. As Mount Kosciuszko is the coldest and snowiest place in Australia, its summit and surrounding areas are covered with snow from winter to spring — between July and October — making it a popular destination for cross-country skiing and one of Australia’s well-known ski regions.

　　   Every December, an ultra-marathon is held on Mount Kosciuszko, where participants run from near the mountain’s coastal base all the way to the summit. The race requires competitors to complete the 240-kilometer course within 46 hours. This event is popular among many marathon enthusiasts who come here to challenge themselves. To date, only a handful of Asian amateur runners have completed this race.

　　   Mount Kosciuszko Reason to visit: The highest mountain in Australia Continent: Oceania Country/Region: Australia Province/State: New South Wales