You Won’t Believe Where Australia’s Highest Toilet Is Located!
The highest toilet in Australia is perched proudly on Rawson Pass, in the Kosciuszko National Park (New South Wales).
It’s not just a loo, though. At this point, it’s practically a national treasure!
This dunny sits at an altitude of 2,228 metres, just 100 metres below the Mt Kosciuszko summit, Australia’s highest point.
You might say it’s the ultimate “loo with a view!”
The Journey to Reach This Dunny
Getting to Australia’s highest loo is no small feat.
The hike to Rawson Pass starts with a ride on the Kosciuszko Express chairlift from Thredbo, which offers a 600m elevation gain.
Once you’re off the chairlift, you’ve got a 6.5 km (one-way) hike ahead of you to reach Rawson Pass.
The track itself is a mix of gentle inclines and more taxing uphill sections, but it’s not overly steep, making it accessible for most hikers.
Don’t be fooled, though – the altitude can be a real breath-taker, and even the fittest hikers find themselves puffing a bit on this trek.
You’ll start with sweeping views down to Thredbo and up along the rugged Ramshead Range, and it doesn’t take long before you’re above the tree line.
The final section is a bit of a relentless climb, as you head up to Rawson Pass along the old Charlotte Pass road.
Soon enough, you’ll spot the bunker-like toilet block nestled into the side of the mountain!
Why Was It Built Up There?
Well, turns out that the 100,000 annual climbers leaving their “business” behind was causing some serious damage to the pristine environment.
So in 1988, they built this bunker-like toilet block to protect the delicate alpine ecosystem.
Top Tips
It’s a composting toilet, which means it’s functional but not exactly the Ritz. There’s no running water, so don’t expect a handwashing station. Bring your own paper and hand sanitiser!
Did you know?
Mount Kosciuszko and the surrounding Snowy Mountains hold deep cultural significance for the local Aboriginal groups, particularly the Ngarigo people.
They’ve been connected to this land for thousands of years, long before anyone thought to stick a toilet up there.
The mountain is part of their traditional storytelling and was once used as a sacred gathering place for ceremonies and seasonal feasts.
The mountain was named by Polish explorer Count Paul Strzelecki in 1840 after he made the first recorded ascent.
He named it after General Tadeusz Kościuszko, a Polish national hero, because the mountain’s rounded peak reminded him of the Kościuszko Mound in Krakow.
FAQs
Which is the highest peak in Australia?
The highest peak in Australia is Mount Kosciuszko, located in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, with an elevation of 2,228 metres above sea level.
The bottom line
By the time you reach this iconic toilet, you’ll have conquered a fair bit of altitude and distance. So take a moment to catch your breath, snap that must-have selfie, and enjoy the bragging rights that come with saying you’ve used the highest toilet in Australia!
FREE EBOOK: 30 Ways To Become A Digital Nomad
PLUS 7-day free email course to get you started.
- Beginner friendly methods that earn income consistently
- Grow your savings instead of dipping into them to travel
- Replace your 9-5 and earn more than you do now
- Plus much more!
Our Essential Travel Toolkit
🤩 Wise Card – Online bank to hold money in different currencies worldwide and lowest fees in the market! (FREE debit card here)
🤩 Trip.com – Consistently great accommodation and hotel deals.
🤩 Hostelworld – Looking for the cheapest accommodation? We especially love the “book now, pay later” feature.
🤩 Rentalcars.com – Best range, super easy to compare prices rental car and motorhome prices.
🤩 Viator.com – Easily book tours and experiences at the lowest rate. Great selection all over Australia.
🤩 Tripadvisor.com – Other than our website…😉 the best place to find things to do
🤩 Airalo – eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travelers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
🤩 Caravan RV Camping – Traveling Australia in a van, caravan or bus? Use our discount code “saltandcharcoal” to get $30 off any orders over $300.
