Its borders contain a mix of rugged mountains and wilderness, characterised by an alpine climate, which makes it popular with recreational skiers and bushwalkers.

[4] Multiple Aboriginal groups in the southern part of NSW gathered in the Australian Alps Bioregion in the summer on an annual pilgrimage to the Bogong and Snowy Mountains.

Here, the men participated in a feast of bogong moths (Agrotis infusa) that were found on the rocky outcrops of the mountains.

[5] The area was explored by Europeans in 1835, and in 1840, Edmund Strzelecki ascended Mount Kosciuszko and renamed it for Polish patriot and military leader Tadeusz Kościuszko.

He was lost for 14 days, surviving on berries water from creeks and two muesli bars found in a hut.

[16] There is some disagreement as to exactly how widespread Pleistocene glaciation was on the main range, and little or no evidence from earlier glacial periods exists.

The 'David Moraine', a one-kilometre-long ridge running across Spencers Creek valley seems to indicate a larger glacier existed in this area at some time, however the glacial origin of this feature is disputed.

[18] The Kosciuszko National Park covers a variety of climatic regions which support several distinct ecosystems.

The windswept feldmark ecotope is endemic to the alpine region, and covers a mere 300,000 m2 (3,200,000 sq ft).

[19] These include the Indi, Byadbo, Pilot, Jagungal, Bogong Peaks, Goobarragandra, Western Falls, Bramina and Bimberi wilderness areas.

The endangered mountain pygmy possum and the more common dusky antechinus are located in the high country of the park.

Park authorities have coordinated their culling and relocation,[20] leading to public controversy over how to reduce their numbers.

The actual number of horses within the park is also difficult to ascertain with estimates ranging from 1,700 in 2008 increasing by 300 each year,[21] 7,679 in 2009,[22] and from 2,500 to 14,000 in 2013–2014.

[28] Since the resumption of aerial shooting in Kosciuszko National Park, a total of 5,539 feral horses have been culled.

According to the latest population surveys conducted in October 2023, it is estimated that there are still approximately 17,000 feral horses in the park.

Montane and wet sclerophyll forest also occur across the ranges, supporting large stands of alpine ash and mountain gum.

Fires are a natural feature of the park ecosystem, but it will take some time for the region to return to its pre 2003 condition.

[8] The ski resorts of Thredbo, Selwyn snowfields, Perisher and Charlotte Pass lie within the park.