Dead Horse Gap Loop track

And Walk

Dead Horse Gap Loop track

Covered in snow part of the year

This walk leads through an extreme alpine environment and all walkers must be well prepared. During summer, be prepared for both very hot and cold weather, high winds, rain, snow, extreme UV levels and some sections of snow or ice on the ground. Before starting this walk, check advice with Snowy Region Visitor Information Centre (02) 6450 5600, the weather forecast and the snow conditions then change your plans as needed. These notes, grades and walking times have been written for use in the summer months only. Between May and the end of October, this walk is likely to be covered in snow/ice, visitors should be carrying and be prepared to use snowshoes or cross country skis. When there is a chance of significant snow on the ground, visitors will need particularly strong navigation and snowcraft skills – tracks and signage may not be visible. For most visitors, it is best to consider this walk closed during the colder months.

Kosciuszko Express Chairlift

This is one of the few lifts operating in the summer months at Thredbo, and is made quite popular by thousands of people walking to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko each year. Lift tickets can be purchased from the store at the bottom of the chairlift. Lift tickets are $31 return ($25 one way) per person. This lift is generally closed during November and May for maintenance each year, but the the Snowgum chair can be used at this time instead, this will add extra walking time to you walk. More info.

(0km) Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift → Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift

1.9 km
20 mins
558m
-1m

Very easy

This walk heads into the ‘Valley Terminal’ building, where you can buy a ticket for the lift. Continue through the building and up the steps, where this walk turns right to find the bottom terminal of the ‘Kosciuszko Express’. Walk up to the platform as directed by the chairlift operator and sit down in the seat, letting it scoop you up. Once seated, pull down the safety bar and enjoy the ride to the top of the ridge. 🙂
At the top step of the chair lift and turn left to find the restaurant (now on your right) and track information signs ahead.

Eagles Nest Restaurant

This is Australia’s highest restaurant, providing great food and outstanding views. It is easily accessible, nestled on the mountain directly opposite the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift, and is open year-round. For more information, call (02) 64576019.

(1.86km) Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift → Int of Dead Horse Gap track and Kosciuszko footpath

350 m
6 mins
23m
0m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the top of the chairlift[3], this walk follows the footpath around Eagles Nest restaurant[4][5] (keeping the building to your right). The walk passes the large map[6] and information signs[7], heading up the gentle hill along the paved path[8]. Near the top of the rise, the path leads to a signposted intersection with the ‘Dead Horse Gap’ track[9] (on your left), where there is also an arrow pointing back to ‘Eagles Nest Restaurant’[10].

(2.21km) Int of Dead Horse Gap track and Kosciuszko footpath → Top of Basin Tbar

110 m
2 mins
10m
-1m

Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, the track follows the rocky bush track a short distance to the top of the Basin Tbar.

(2.32km) Top of Basin Tbar → Upper rest area

1.7 km
36 mins
54m
-74m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the top of the Tbar, the walk follows the bush track heading west along the ridgeline. The track climbs the hill, passing numerous rock outcrops, and reaches an information sign titled “above the tree line”.
Continue straight: From the signpost, the walk follows the bush track along the ridgeline, down the hill. The track passes a long line of ski run markers, continuing down towards the tree line until it comes to the intersection at the wooden bench.

(3.99km) Upper rest area → Int of Thredbo River and Dead Horse Gap tracks

3 km
1 hr 27 mins
11m
-405m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track down the hill. The track winds down the long hill, crossing some metal walkways and wooden boardwalks, then passing through the snowgum forest until it comes to the second, small rest area at the wooden bench seat.
Continue straight: From the bench, the walk follows the bush track down the rocky hill. The track passes through the open snow gum forest, down into the valley. The track goes down a long set of wooden steps and comes to an intersection signposted ‘Dead Horse Gap track’.

(7.02km) Int of Thredbo River and Dead Horse Gap tracks → Cascades Trail track head

160 m
3 mins
3m
-6m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follow the clear track away from the other two sign posted tracks to soon cross Bogong Creek[11] on a metal bridge[12]. The track then leads left and heads up a series of steps to follow behind the road barrier, soon coming to a ‘Thredbo Walking Tracks’ sign[13] beside the road. Here the walk crosses the road to find the Cascades Trail track head car park (on the Alpine Way 5.4km west of Friday Drive).

Dead Horse Gap

Dead Horse Gap is a relativley low mountain pass in the Great Dividing Range at 1582m AMSL. It was once a meeting place for Aboriginal groups in the summer, where they would perform ceremonies and trade with each other. In nature the pass acts as a funnel for the migration of insects and birds[14]. In the early 20th century, the pass became increasingly popular with stockmen, who brought sheep and cattle to the mountains each summer.[15]

(7.02km) Int Thredbo River and Dead Horse Gap tracks → Thredbo River track western bridge

1.1 km
23 mins
8m
-68m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Thredbo village 4km’ sign[16] gently downhill whilst keeping the valley (and road) to your right. The track gently undulates along the side of the valley and after about 600m the track leads over a series of metal erosion control grates[17]. The walk continues crossing a series of these grates for about another 600m before leading down a long series of steps[18] to find a large metal bridge[19].

(8.09km) Thredbo River western bridge → Thredbo River eastern bridge

340 m
7 mins
6m
-15m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the small clearing[20], this walk crosses Thredbo River using the long metal bridge[21]. This walk then turns left and heads through the grassy flat (initially over a metal grate[22]) enjoying the scattering of snow gums[23]. Before too long the track comes closer to the river again the leads down a log lined set of stairs[24] to cross the Thredbo River again on another metal bridge[25].

(8.43km) Int of Thredbo River track at eastern bridge → Cascades lookout

470 m
9 mins
8m
-21m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the bridge, this walk crosses to the north side of the river and follows the bush track downstream, winding down the hill and through the snowgum forest. The walk continues along a metal walkway followed by a wooden boardwalk, then heads down a long hill to the intersection at the Thredbo River Cascades lookout platform.

Cascades Lookout

This metal platform leans over the Thredbo River, lookout upstream to the flowing cascades. There is also a wooden seat provided here, making it a great rest stop, conveniently situated about half way between Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo Village, on the Thredbo River track.

(8.9km) Cascades lookout → Int of Thredbo River and golf course tracks

1.3 km
27 mins
12m
-69m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk winds down the hill following the Thredbo River track as it continues along the creek, winding through the snow gum forest and crossing several metal walkways, continuing down some wooden steps until coming to the signposted intersection of the golf course loop track.

(10.19km) Int of Thredbo River and Golf Course Walk tracks → Int of Riverside Walk and Thredbo River bridge

810 m
15 mins
1m
-30m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the face of the ‘Thredbo River Track’ sign[26] to follow the track east down the hill. The track leads down a series of steps the gently meanders along the side of the Thredbo River. Soon after passing the the green timber pump house[27], this walk comes to an intersection beside a small timber bridge[28] (that heads over a small creek onto the golf course).
Continue straight: From the intersection[29], this walk follows the track away from the golf course down the gentle hill and over a small metal bridge[30], keeping the main river to your right[31]. The track leads through the bush between the golf course and the river, crossing several sections of metal walkways[32] until winding back up to the golf course to soon come to an intersection at a large wooden bridge[33] (that crosses Thredbo River).

(11km) Int of Riverside Walk and Thredbo River bridge → Int behind the community centre

80 m
2 mins
0m
-3m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the timber bridge[34], this walk follows the clear track[35] keeping the river to your right. The track soon leads around the edge of the golf course and over a short metal bridge[36]. About 30m after this track leads to an intersection[37] (where the track on the right leads down to the creek), behind the community centre.

(11.08km) Int behind the community centre → Thredbo Memorial Community Centre

120 m
2 mins
1m
-4m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[38], this walk follows the track heading downhill towards the river[39]. The track leads along the side of the river[40] for approximately 100m, then bends left and back up to the front of the Community Centre[41].

Thredbo Golf Course

This nine hole AGU (Australian Golf Union) rated course is the highest in Australia. Nestled in beside Thredbo village, and bordering the Thredbo River, this course offers a great form of relaxation, and gives golfers a wonderful way to enjoy the Snowies, without having to travel too far from the village. More info.

(11.2km) Thredbo Memorial Community Centre → Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift

480 m
9 mins
10m
-11m

Very easy

Turn right: From the Community Centre[42], this walk follows the road across the bridge[43], over Thredbo River to come to a signposted intersection with ‘Friday Drive’[44].
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill following the ‘Friday Drive’ sign[45] past the pond (on your right). The road leads through a car park and past the children’s play ground[46]. In time the walk follow the footpath beside the road[47] that leads under a footbridge[48], where this walk then turns left across the road bridge[49]. Here the walk tends left up the road to find a large map[50] and the entrance to the tickets station[51] at the bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift.

Maps for the Dead Horse Gap Loop track walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Perisher Valley	1:25 000 Map Series	85252S PERISHER VALLEY	NSW-85252S
Chimneys Ridge	1:25 000 Map Series	85241N CHIMNEYS RIDGE	NSW-85241N
Kosciuszko	1:100 000 Map Series	8525 KOSCIUSZKO	8525
Jacobs River	1:100 000 Map Series	8524 JACOBS RIVER	8524

Cross sectional view of the Dead Horse Gap Loop track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Dead Horse Gap Loop track

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	9.8 km
		Time	4 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

5km of this walk has short steep hills and another 4km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (2.4km) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

8km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.7km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (890m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 7km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 4.9km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 8km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 4.2km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

8km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation) and another 2.8km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety. The remaining (1.3km) is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 8km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 3.5km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Dead Horse Gap Loop track walk starts and ends at the Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift (gps: -36.503981, 148.30397)
Your main transport option to Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift is by;

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-kosciunp-tttenvdhg
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Snowy Mountains weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.
https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_weather_danger.php?walkid=nsw-kosciunp-tttenvdhg

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-kosciunp-tttenvdhg

Mount Piper Trail

And Walk

Mount Piper Trail

Download & Print Map and Notes

Winter only route

This walk follows an over-snow only route. During the warmer months, this walk crosses important and sensitive bogs that can be significantly damaged, even by light footed walkers. Please only walk this track when it is well covered with snow.

Share the Snow

Here are some tips to help you share the snow with skiers. Please avoid snowshoeing on ski trails, whether groomed or ungroomed – it is fine to walk right next to the ski trail. When crossing a ski trail, please do so in a single file and on a flat, more visible, section. These tips aim to minimise trail ruts and collisions. Visit Wilderness Sports for snowshoe hire.

Smiggins Centre

Smiggins Centre is the central eating and rest area for this resort during the ski season. Inside are toilets, food shops, and other various shops (ski, clothing, gift and photographic) . At the front of the building is the shuttle bus shelter, where a free bus operates to and from Perisher Valley and the car parks. Outside the ski season, these facilities are closed.

(0km) Smiggins Centre → Smiggins Gate on Link Rd

350 m
7 mins
15m
0m

Easy track

From the shuttle bus stop[1] out the front of the Smiggins Centre[2], this walk heads up Link Road, further into the resort[3]. The walk continues up the road, past the long car park[4] (on your left) with some views over the ski fields[5]. Just past the top end of the car park[6], the road rises a little more steeply to come to an intersection near a stone electricity building[7] and a yellow gate[8] on Link Road (on your left, locked in winter).

(0.35km) Smiggins Gate on Link Rd → Powerline terminus

600 m
11 mins
21m
0m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the blue and white arrows on the ‘Perisher Range cross-country ski trail’ sign[9], past the stone electricity building[10] and under the high tension power lines[11]. The walk then continues straight ahead, following the white, blue and orange arrows along the snow-pole line[12] (and snow fence). After about 260m, the walk comes to another large metal ‘Perisher Range cross-country ski trail’ sign[13]. Here the walk turns left and follows the ‘Mount Piper Trail’ arrow[14]. The walk now follows the snow-pole line with the orange arrows[15], crossing Link Rd[16] after about 40m. About 60m after this, the walk bends sharply left[17] and winds up the ridge to where the track bends right, coming to the terminus of some high-tension power lines[18].

(0.94km) Powerline terminus → Perisher Creek Valley View

1.8 km
40 mins
99m
-57m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the power line terminus[19], this walk heads uphill to follow the snow-poles that run roughly parallel to the power lines[20] (the power lines are now down to your right). The snow-pole line bends left, leading gently up a wide ridge[21] and away from the power lines, through the scattering of snow gums. The walk heads towards Mt Piper[22] (with the large, flat, green passive repeater at the top) and about 300m after leaving the power lines, the track turns right and follows parallel to the out-of-bounds fence[23] (on your left) for a short time. About 100m further past this fence, the snow-pole line leads to a rocky highpoint[24], with a clear view over the valley to your right. The track then leads down a dip[25] and over a rise, winding through the dead snow gums and across a wide valley[26] for about 300m, before climbing up to a ridge line on the other side. Here the snow poles lead left[27] up the ridge for about 130m before bending sharply right[28] and leading down the other side of this ridge. Over the next 800m, the snow-pole line leads generally down to cross two wide and open gulleys[29] and come to a point where the track bends sharply left[30] again. There is a view from here, looking over the rocks straight ahead and extending down along Perisher Creek valley and the scar of Link Rd[31].

Perisher Creek Valley View

North-west of Mt Piper on the Mt Piper trail are several wide views looking down Perisher Creek valley. Whilst enjoying the snow-covered vista, you will be able to look down along the valley to the junction of Link Road and Guthega Road, and to the left, you can spot the road linking Blue Cow and Perisher Valley.

(2.74km) Perisher Creek Valley View → Interceptor bridge intersection

1.3 km
24 mins
15m
-69m

Hard track

Veer left: From the valley view[32], this walk heads south, following the snow-pole line over the rise[33]. As the walk leads down the other side, there is a view over Perisher Valley[34]. The walk continues downhill for about 700m, where the track mostly flattens out in the valley. There are some buildings to your right, over on the other side of Perisher Creek – the first is the sewage treatment plant[35], and the rest are lodges[36]. After about 400m walking along the mostly flat section beside the creek[37], the snow poles lead past a timber fence[38] to find a ski-run (linking Perisher and Smiggins). Here the walk turns right to cross the bridge[39], then heads about 50m beside this trail to find an intersection with another snow-pole line[40] (on your left, with white arrow markers).

(4.02km) Interceptor bridge intersection → Bridge on Blue Cow Link Rd

630 m
11 mins
10m
-4m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads south following the snow-pole line[41], keeping the main ski runs up to your right. The track crosses a few small creeks[42] (covered in snow during winter) and after about 300m, this walk tends right to find an over-snow-vehicle route[43], marked by orange poles with blue tips[44]. Here the walk turns left and follows this route downhill and finds an intersection at the bottom of the ‘Telemark Tbar’[45]. The walk continues straight, passing ‘Murphy’s Crossing’[46] (bridge on your left) to come to an intersection with Perisher Blue Cow Link Road & ski run just before another bridge[47].

(4.65km) Bridge on Blue Cow Link Rd → Perisher Valley Skitube

550 m
9 mins
7m
-2m

Easy track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads across the bridge[48] over Perisher Creek. The road bends right[49] then after about 150m, it passes the tobogganing area[50] (on your left) and a cross-country skiing sign[51] before leading down to the edge of a car park[52]. Here the walk stays right and heads around the edge of the car park, just past the bridge to ‘Perisher Centre’[53], and arrives at the Shuttle Bus shelter[54] outside the Skitube Terminal building[55][56].

Perisher Valley Village

Perisher Valley village is centred about the Skitube[57] building, Perisher Centre[58] and the National Park Visitor Centre[59]. Just outside the Skitube is the shelter for the shuttle bus service to Smiggins. Perisher Centre is accessed by the long metal bridge – inside, you will find food shops, toilets and skiing-related shops. Inside the Skitube building is the train station, kiosk, medical centre and some other services. The National Park Visitor Centre provides a warm shelter, toilets, seats and information about the park. Most of these services only operate during the ski season, but the NPWS visitor centre is open most of the year and a food outlet is generally open for lunch Monday-Friday.

Maps for the Mount Piper Trail walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Perisher Valley	1:25 000 Map Series	85252S PERISHER VALLEY	NSW-85252S
Kosciuszko	1:100 000 Map Series	8525 KOSCIUSZKO	8525

Cross sectional view of the Mount Piper Trail bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Mount Piper Trail

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	5.2 km
		Time	2 hrs 45 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 3.7km of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 1.5km has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

Around 4.3km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 900m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 4.3km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 900m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

2.5km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 1.8km requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience. The remaining (900m) requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

3.1km of this walk is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety and another 1.2km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety. The remaining (900m) is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 4.3km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 900m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Mount Piper Trail walk starts at the Smiggins Centre (gps: -36.392497, 148.42732)
Your main transport option to Smiggins Centre is by;

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
(get details)

The Mount Piper Trail ends at the Perisher Valley Skitube (gps: -36.404907, 148.41227)
Your main transport option to Perisher Valley Skitube is by;
Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-kosciunp-mpt
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-kosciunp-mpt

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/mpt

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂

Bob’s Ridge Trail

And Walk

Bob’s Ridge Trail

Download & Print Map and Notes

Covered in snow part of the year

Dead Horse Gap

Dead Horse Gap is a relativley low mountain pass in the Great Dividing Range at 1582m AMSL. It was once a meeting place for Aboriginal groups in the summer, where they would perform ceremonies and trade with each other. In nature the pass acts as a funnel for the migration of insects and birds[1]. In the early 20th century, the pass became increasingly popular with stockmen, who brought sheep and cattle to the mountains each summer.[2]

(0km) Cascades Trail track head → North side of Thredbo River Bridge track

2.1 km
44 mins
100m
-48m

Hard track

From the car park (on the Alpine Way 5.4km west of Friday Drive), this walk follows the ‘Cascade Trail’ sign[3] along the management trail and around the locked gate. The trail soon leads past a ‘Wilderness Entry’ information sign[4] as it winds along the side of the hill, keeping the Thredbo River below[5] and to your right. The trail leads up the side of the hill moderately steeply[6], crossing a few small creeks[7][8] before leading back down to cross another creek, very close to the Thredbo River[9]. Here the trail continues through the valley for about 400m to find an intersection with a track[10] (on the right, leading to a bridge), just before the trail crosses the Thredbo River[11].

(2.13km) North side of Thredbo River Bridge track → Bobs Ridge

2.7 km
1 hr 4 mins
212m
-19m

Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the narrow track[12] to cross the Thredbo River on the flat, narrow, metal bridge[13]. Then, a short track leads to an intersection, meeting again with the Cascade Trail[14] (now on the other side of the creek crossing).
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill along the management trail[15], away from the Thredbo River. The trail soon bends left and crosses a smaller creek[16], then winds up out of the valley, passing some short granite tors[17] (on your right). Here the trail bends right and leads up into the snow gum forest. The trail climbs up along the ridge (with a view across the valley to Thredbo behind) and about 900m after entering the snow gum forest, the trail flattens out for a few hundred metres (passing a faint track on your right which leads to a clearing). The trail then begins to climb again and after about 200m, leads through a section of dead snow gums and continues uphill to find a ‘Bobs Ridge’ sign[18] near a few large granite outcrops (on your right) and some great views.

Bob’s Ridge

Bob’s Ridge is a highlight along the Cascades Trail. The ridge is signposted[19], and a large granite outcrop is just to the west of the signpost. The rounded boulders vary in shape and size[20]. It is possible to climb up some of the rocks for an even better view. On a clear day, there are expansive views south-west across the Murray River valley into Victoria[21], only 6.5km away. There are many interesting rock formations to enjoy and, if you are quiet, you may see Brumbies that enjoy the grove of trees to the south.

Maps for the Bob’s Ridge Trail walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Chimneys Ridge	1:25 000 Map Series	85241N CHIMNEYS RIDGE	NSW-85241N
Jacobs River	1:100 000 Map Series	8524 JACOBS RIVER	8524

Cross sectional view of the Bob’s Ridge Trail bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Bob’s Ridge Trail

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	9.7 km
		Time	4 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 4.8km of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 85m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

Around 4.8km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 85m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

This whole walk, 4.8km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 2.6km of this walk requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.2km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 4.8km is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 4.8km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Bob’s Ridge Trail walk starts and ends at the Cascades Trail track head (gps: -36.522927, 148.26452)
Your main transport option to Cascades Trail track head is by;

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
(get details)

Fire Danger

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Main Range Circuit from Guthega

And Walk

Main Range Circuit from Guthega

Download & Print Map and Notes

This four day walk explores the Kosciuszko National Park, covering many of the key features of the park between Guthega and Rawson Pass. Some of the more popular sights you will visit are the Snowy River, Blue Lake and Lake Albina, a couple of great alpine huts and the two highest peaks in Australia, Mt Townsend and Mt Kosciuszko. The water supply from the creek at the first nights campsite is unreliable, so consider filling up at the Snowy River on the way.* This walk passes through very remote areas and sections have no visible track. At least one person in your group should have training and experience in off track walking and navigation. Even with these notes and a GPS these extra skills and equipment are required.

Covered in snow part of the year

Guthega

Guthega is a relatively small township, north of Perisher, and comprises mostly of hotel and lodge-style buildings. The most popular service in town is the Guthega Alpine Inn, open year round. The town is remote and access is by an all-weather dirt road. There are great views over the main range and the Guthega Pondage (part of the Snowy River Scheme). Guthega offers a great place to ski in winter, and to holiday in summer. In summer, there is plenty of walking, mountain biking, fishing and relaxing to be done. Walkers please note – there is no public water supply in the township, please fill water bottle before coming (or be willing treat and use the creek water).

Guthega Alpine Inn

Guthega Alpine Inn is on Guthega Road, about 500 metres past the base of the chairlift and ‘Guthega Centre’. The hotel provides a year-round service including accommodation and meals. The hosts are friendly and the hotel provides a great base for walkers and other holiday makers. Please phone and book ahead for meals and accommodation. Phone 02 6457 5383
More info.

(0km) Car park below Guthega Alpine Inn → Int. of Guthega road servicetrail and Flying fox track

480 m
10 mins
6m
-34m

Moderate track

From the car park (just below Guthega Alpine Inn, on Guthega Rd, 500m past the Guthega Centre), the walk follows the concrete road down the hill, keeping the main valley to the left. The road passes a small stone building and light post, just before coming to an intersection with another road heading off to the left, below the building named ‘Toibunga’.
Turn sharp left: From the intersection, the walk follows the concrete road down the hill towards the dam. After about 100m, the track veers right at another intersection, following the lower track. The concrete track turns to the right, but this walk continues straight, onto the wide dirt management trail (between the small boulders). Soon the trail bends right and comes to an intersection with a bush track.

(0.48km) Int. of Guthega road servicetrail and Flying fox track → Flying Fox

330 m
9 mins
15m
-44m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk heads between the boulders and is fairly flat initially, then, near a snow gum, the track steps down steeply and then winds down the hill to a ‘T’ intersection above Blue Cow Creek. (There is broken glass along this section of track, left over from Snowy River Scheme Camps).
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk initially steps over a small, eroded gap in the track[1] and then heads upstream alongside Blue Cow Creek, keeping the creek to your right. Before long, the track comes closer to the creek, and reaches a rocky crossing with a bridge[2] and a flying fox[3] over the creek.

Flying Fox

This metal flying fox was put in place to provide a safer option for crossing Blue Cow Creek when the water rises over the rocks. There are many flying foxes in the area to help people cross creeks, especially useful during snow melt when water is cold, deep and fast-moving. In 2010, a metal bridge was installed over this creek, parallel to the flying fox, and the bridge is now the safest way to cross.

(0.81km) Blue Cow Creek crossing → Illawong Lodge

2.2 km
50 mins
129m
-87m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk crosses the creek on the bridge[4] next to the metal flying fox[5]. The walk then follows the bush track on the other side as it climbs to the top of the ridge. From the top of the hill, the track then winds down towards the Snowy River then turns left and generally follows it upstream. Soon the walk crosses a small creek and continues up the other side, undulating through the valley, crossing several more small creeks. The track winds left, away from the Snowy River, to climb the short hill to Illawong Lodge.

Illawong Lodge

In 1956, the year after the Guthega Dam was first filled, the Kosciuszko State Park Trust gave permission for the conversion of the then-dilapidated hut into the present simple lodge. The lodge is maintained by members of Illawong Ski Tourers and friends. The nearby suspension bridge over the Snowy River and the flying fox over Farm Creek were built by members of Illawong. NPWS now maintains the suspension bridge and a new bridge over Farm Creek which has replaced the flying fox. The lodge can be reserved by members of the general public – see illawong.asn.au. There is also a small emergency shelter in the base of the hut, on the western wall, with enough room for a few people to see out a blizzard, with some water, blankets and other emergency supplies. More info.

(3.03km) Illawong Lodge → Suspension bridge

160 m
4 mins
0m
-28m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the west side of Illawong Lodge (where the emergency shelter is located), the walk heads down towards the creek following the bush track. The track winds through scrub, passing through a grass clearing along the way. The walk soon comes to a cable suspension bridge.

Suspension Bridge

Constructed and maintained by Illawong Ski Tourers, and only a stone’s throw from Illawong Lodge, this cable suspension bridge provides a safer way to cross the upper Snowy River. This provides the main access between Guthega and the Main Range. The bridge also provides great views of the valley.

(3.19km) Suspension bridge → Pounds Creek flats

2.6 km
1 hr 13 mins
342m
0m

Experienced only

Continue straight: From the suspension bridge, this walk crosses the Snowy River to the west bank and climbs the hill, tending to the left of the top of the hill, and continuing up through the thick scrub. This section of the walk their is not track please fan out and minimse your impact. The walk winds up the ridge line through some more shallow scrub, passing through a thin tree line. The walk continues around to the left side of the ridge, where it gets much steeper, staying high out of the gully (which is to your left). The walk continues to the top of the ridge where it is much rockier, next to the large flats near the headwaters for Pounds Creek.

Pounds Creek Flats

Located in the far upper reaches of Pounds Creek, this large flat area on the side of the ridge makes a great place to camp. The plateau forms a shallow hanging swamp in the few months after winter, when the snow melts and pools in the area.

This campsite is flat and sheltered from the wind by the mountain. Water supply from the creek is unreliable.

End of day 1

This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 1, happy camping.

(5.78km) Pounds Creek flats → Twynam saddle

1.1 km
29 mins
131m
0m

Experienced only

Veer left: From the flats, this walk heads south-west, following the ridge line that runs up the steep hill. The walk winds up and around the left side of the flats towards Little Twynam, bending around to the right as it approaches the top, then climbing up into the saddle between Little Twynam and Mt Twynam.

(6.85km) Twynam saddle → Int of Blue Lake track and Little Twynam route

1.7 km
42 mins
40m
-249m

Experienced only

Turn left : From the saddle, the walk heads south-east, up the hill and soon goes through a wide grassy pass between the two large rock outcrops to reach the top of Little Twynam.
Continue straight: From the top of Little Twynam, the walk follows the ridge running south. The walk heads down the ridgeline, keeping Blue Lake to the right, and tends to the left as Hedley Tarn comes into view. The walk then winds down along the ridgeline, keeping the tarn to the right. After a short distance, the ridge and the hill to the right flattens out substantially and the walk turns down the hill, arcing around towards the southern end of Blue Lake. The walk then crosses Blue Lake Creek, just south of Blue Lake, and almost immediately reaches the intersection of the Hedley Tarn and Blue Lake tracks.

Blue Lake

Blue Lake is the best example of a glacial lake in the alpine area. At 28m deep, this lake was formed when glaciers, flowing from the Great Dividing Range, converged and carved out a basin in the rock. This is visible in the cliffs behind the lake, where the glaciers have plucked out blocks of stone and carried them away. There is also a stream that flows from Blue lake, feeding Hedley Tarn just to the south.

(8.57km) Int of Blue Lake track and Little Twynam route → Int of Main Range and Blue Lake Lookout tracks

1.2 km
25 mins
123m
-9m

Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track, winding north-west along the trail, following the Blue Lake Creek upstream as it climbs up over the foot of a spur to the south-eastern corner of the Blue Lake.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track winding west, up over the foot of a spur and continuing up and around the left-hand side of Blue Lake, steadily climbing up the ridge until coming to a platform with an information sign and a great view of Blue Lake about halfway up.
Continue straight: From the platform, the track heads west, uphill[8] away from Blue Lake[9]. The rocky track climbs up around the side of the hill, coming to a paved area[10] with an information sign, stone seat and an intersection with the Main Range track[11].

(9.78km) Int of Main Range and Blue Lake Lookout tracks → Carruthers Peak

1.7 km
35 mins
159m
-9m

Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads west, uphill[12] away from Blue Lake[13]. The walk initially heads along a short section of paved path before continuing along the wide gravel track[14]. The track winds gently uphill for a while, keeping the wide valley to your left. The walk comes to a saddle and a three-way intersection, marked with a ‘Main Range Track’ signpost[15].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Main Range Track’ sign[16] across the saddle then uphill along the clear track. The track winds up along the ridge and in time comes to a rocky clearing on the eastern side of Carruthers Peak[17] (where a short detour will reveal views down to Club Lake). Here the walk bends right and follows the clear track as it winds up the hill[18] to the views at the top of Carruthers Peak[19].

Carruthers Peak

Carruthers Peak is a prominent mountain that is found along the Main Range track, from which you can see great views down over Club Lake and out across the valley to Charlotte Pass. Carruthers Peak was named after the NSW Minister for Lands and Premier, Joseph Carruthers. This name was given in 1991 by Richard Helms, who had previously named it Crummer.

(11.52km) Carruthers Peak → Int of northern Lake Albina and Main Range tracks

2 km
41 mins
25m
-102m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the top of Carruthers Peak, this walk follows the clear track west as it winds down the ridge[20]. After about 50m, the track passes an ‘I30’ survey marker[21] (more good views) where the track bends left and follows the stone path and steps down the hill[22]. At the end of the stone path, the track bends left and heads down the hill[23], over a few lengths of metal grate[24] and comes to a saddle with good views down to Club Lake[25] (on your left). The walk then continues across the saddle, following the clear track to soon pass the ‘Rarest Alpine Plant Community’ information sign[26]. Heading around the side of the hill (keeping the valley to your right), the walk then comes to another rocky saddle[27]. About 320m beyond this saddle, this track leads to a very faint intersection where the ridge[28] (that leads to the northern end of Albina Lake) on the right meets the main track.

(13.52km) Int of northern Lake Albina and Main Range tracks → Int of southern Lake Albina and Main Range tracks

1.7 km
37 mins
63m
-108m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the gravel Main Range track south, keeping the valley and Albina Lake to your right. The track heads downhill[29] and then winds around beside a rocky saddle (a short side trip to the left over the small rise reveals some views into the valley). This walk continues along the clear track as it traverses fairly gently around the side of the very steep hill. In a few places, the track has been cut into the rock[30] and provides great views down into the Albina Lake – take care not to slip. The walk continues to another large saddle and just as the track starts to dip down past the saddle, the track comes to a faint intersection with an old management trail[31] (leading to Lake Albina, on your right).

(15.22km) Int of southern Lake Albina and Main Range tracks → Int of Main Range and Muellers Peak track

520 m
11 mins
17m
-25m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the rock-paved Main Range track south[32]. The track steadily winds around the side of the hill (keeping the large valley to your left). After heading between a rocky outcrop[33], the track becomes gravel[34] and starts to head over the ridge before gently winding down the hill. Just before flattening out on the large saddle, the track comes to a faint intersection (with the Muellers Peak and Mt Townsend tracks on your right) marked with a rock cairn[35] (on your right).

(15.74km) Int of Main Range and Muellers Peak track → Muellers Peak

790 m
23 mins
111m
-4m

Experienced only

Turn sharp right: From the intersection, the walk leaves the main path and heads north, off track, following the top of the ridge line[36]. The walk climbs moderately steeply up the grassy hill. Near the top the walk comes to a rocky outcrop[37] and the top of Muellers peak[38].

(16.54km) Muellers Peak → Int of Mt Townsend and northern Lake Albina track

770 m
18 mins
31m
-59m

Experienced only

Continue straight: From Muellers peak[39], this walk heads north, down the rocky ridge[40]. The walk continues along the ridgeline working a way around the many boulders[41] then around another smaller peak to come to a saddle and minor track intersection (with a pad that leads down to Lake Albina).

(17.31km) Int of Mt Townsend and northern Lake Albina track → Townsend plateau

720 m
18 mins
73m
0m

Experienced only

Veer left: From the saddle, this walk heads north-west up the ridge line[42], keeping Lake Albina on your right (as it soon goes out of view) to climb up the hill. After a short time the walk finds a well worm foot pad[43] which leads up between a few rocky outcrops[44] to the large flat saddle[45] between Mt Townsend and Alice Rawson Peak.

Mt Townsend plateau

This bush campsite is in the saddle between Mt Townsend and Alice Rawson Peak. The large, reasonably flat grassy area with a scattering of boulders has no facilities or water supply. Camping is not permitted in areas that drain into the glacial lakes, so only camp and toilet on the north side of the saddle (this limits the amount of nutrients ending up in Lake Albina). There is some shelter from south-westerly winds, but the campsite is exposed to the elements. An alternate campsite at Wilkensons Creek to the south may provide more shelter.

(18.03km) Townsend plateau → Mt Townsend peak

210 m
7 mins
41m
0m

Experienced only

Turn left: From the saddle/plateau, this walk heads west, following the well worn foot pad towards the top of Mt Townsend[46]. The pad leads around to the north eastern side of the peak, over a few boulders to find remains of an old building[47] and a tall rocky outcrop[48]. Here the walk scrambles up the rocks to find a concrete pillar[49] and great views[50] at the peak of Mt Townsend. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Mt Townsend

Mt Townsend is the second highest peak on the mainland of Australia and arguably the more impressive out of it and Kosciuszko. This point of view started the tradition of walkers climbing to the peak, putting a rock they’d find at the bottom in their pack and adding it to the top, in an attempt to make it the highest peak instead of Kosciuszko.

A little known fact is that Mt Townsend was once called Mt Kosciuszko when it was originally thought that it was the highest peak, but when various measurements showed that the now named Kosciuszko was slightly higher, the NSW Lands department decided it would be easier to swap the names around instead of re-educating the public.

End of day 2

This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 2, happy camping.

(18.03km) Townsend plateau → Int of Main Range and Muellers Peak track

2.3 km
56 mins
45m
-196m

Experienced only

Turn around: From the saddle/plateau[51] between Mt Townsend and Alice Rawson Peak, this walk heads south-east following the well worn foot-pad. The pad soon crosses a small creek[52] and leads down the hill, tending right along the side of the ridge. The pad leads just below the saddle north of Muellers Peak[53], then continues to head fairly gently downhill around the side of Muellers Peak. Keeping Wilkinsons Creek valley below to your right[54], this walk heads around the side of the hill, crossing a few gullies before gently climbing up to the northern end of a large saddle where this walk comes to the gravel Main Range Track[55].

(20.28km) Int of Main Range and Muellers Peak track → Int of Main Range track and Kosciuszko walk

1.6 km
42 mins
162m
-9m

Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads south along the main track to the low point in the saddle[56] (where there is a faint intersection with a pad leading down to Wilkinsons Creek on your right).
Continue straight: From the intersection[57], this walk heads south along the clear track, climbing up out of the saddle and along the side of the hill, keeping the valley to your left. The walk heads up many stone steps[58] for about 600m, then flattens out for a little while[59] before coming to a clear and signposted three-way intersection[60]. (Here, the track on the right leads up to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko.)

(21.93km) Int of Main Range track and Kosciuszko path → Mt Kosciuszko

970 m
23 mins
76m
-15m

Hard track

Turn sharp right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Mt Kosciuszko’ sign[61] uphill along the upper track. This track winds steadily up and around the peak of the mountain, passing a stone-paved[62] section of track, and also a metal grate[63] before climbing a few steps[64] to the cairn at the peak of Mt Kosciuszko[65].

Mt Kosciuszko

Mt Kosciuszko is the highest peak on the Australian continent, at 2228m above sea level. It was named by the Polish explorer Count Paul Edmund Strzelecki and named in honour of the Polish national hero General Tadeusz Kościuszko. Now a popular tourist attraction, thousands of people walk up to the summit each year. On a clear day, the 360-degree views from the summit across the roof of Australia are fantastic. There are higher mountains elsewhere on Australian territory. ‘The highest mountains in Australian Antarctic Territory are Mt McClintock (3490 meters) and Mt Menzies (3355 meters).’ .

(22.9km) Mt Kosciuszko → Rawson Pass

1.6 km
39 mins
23m
-127m

Hard track

Turn around: From the cairn at the peak of Mt Kosciuszko[67], this walk heads down the steps[68] and past the information sign[69]. The walk heads gently downhill along the gravel track[70] then over a metal grate[71] and a stone path[72], where the gravel path then leads[73] the rest of the way around the side of the peak to come to the signposted intersection with the ‘Main Range Track’[74][75].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the gravel track towards ‘Rawson Pass’[76] gently downhill, keeping the main valley to your left. The track almost immediately passes an ‘Alpine Walks’ information sign and map[77] as it continues south. After about 500m, the track becomes a stone path[78] that leads a little further to the clearly signposted three-way intersection at ‘Rawson Pass’[79].

Rawson Pass

Rawson Pass is where the old Kosciuszko Road, from Charlotte Pass, meets the metal walkway from Thredbo. It is home to highest public toilet in Australia, this recently-added facility is perfectly positioned for those taking the walk up to the top of Kosciuszko. Rawson Pass is well signposted and 500m south east of Mt Kosciuszko (by straight line). There is also a place for to park mountain bikes for those cycling along the old road from Charlotte Pass.

(24.55km) Rawson Pass → Seamans Hut

1.6 km
31 mins
15m
-114m

Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection at Rawson Pass[80], this walk follows the ‘Seamans Hut’ sign[81] along the stone path. The walk soon passes the bicycle parking area[82] then Australia’s highest toilet block[83] (on your right). The walk then continues along the management trail[84] as it winds down along the side of the hill to a gap and the clearly signposted ‘Seamans Hut’[85] on your left.

Seamans Hut

This hut was erected in 1929, after a young skier named Laurie Seaman perished in a blizzard when he was separated from his group. The hut was built using money donated by Seaman’s parents, for the use of those who might need emergency shelter in the mountains. It was renovated in 1938 due to fire. Seamans Hut is a 7m x3m granite stone building with a wood stove, although there is little wood in the area. More info.

(26.17km) Seamans Hut → Foremans Hut ruins

3.9 km
1 hr 28 mins
6m
-292m

Experienced only

Veer left: From ‘Seamans Hut’, this walk initially heads east, off track, up to the top of the ridge[87], keeping the old road off to the right. From here the route bends left then heads north east down the ridge line. The track winds along the ridge line, down to the past another large rocky outcrop[88] to continue to the a point north west of the confluence of the Snowy River and a large tributary. The heath become dense and taller the further down the ridge which can make progress slow and difficult. Here the walk crosses the tributary[89]. This crossing may become impassable after rain or during snow melt.
Continue straight: From the creek crossing[90], this walk generally heads north east following the Snowy River downstream. The walk winds down through the valley until as it narrows to a steep gully[91] where this walk climbs up the side of the hill, around the top of the steep gully. The walk leads through the knee-high dense heath that can really slow progress. After a while, the gully widens out again and this walk heads back down onto the main valley floor, to continue along parallel to the river. After about 2km from the creek crossing, this walk comes to the lone standing brick chimney at the ruins of Foremans Hut[92].

Foremans Hut Ruins

Foremans Hut was built in the 1920’s for a Dr Foreman of Wagga Wagga. Most of the hut was demolished in the 1940s, leaving the prominent chimney behind, which has in the past been used by a number of people as a navigation landmark, to save their lives in a blizzard.
This is also a nice place to camp for the night as there is a lot of open flat space. Water can be found at the Snowy River to the south or Club Lake Creek just to the north. More info.

End of day 3

This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 3, happy camping.

(30.07km) Foremans Hut ruins → Snow river crossing

490 m
9 mins
0m
-18m

Experienced only

Continue straight: From the ruins[93], the walk heads east, keeping the Snowy River to the right (and Club Lake Creek a bit further to your left). The walk continues for about 500m to pass an old fence line[94] to the clear intersection with the wide Main Range track (between the Snowy River and Club Lake Creek crossings).

(30.56km) Snowy River crossing → Int of Main Range and Blue Lake Lookout tracks

3.2 km
1 hr 7 mins
306m
-33m

Hard track

Turn left : From between the two creeks, this walk heads north along the wide track to cross Club Lake Creek using the stepping stones. (The creek may not be safe to cross when water covers the stepping stones[95]). The walk then follows the wide, paved track fairly steeply up the hill. After a short time, the track becomes gravel and continues up the hill for about 400m further before passing a ‘Mountains of Soil’ information sign[96], where the track soon becomes less steep. After about 1.5km, the track passes a ‘Created by glaciers’ information sign[97] and reveals some views down to Hedley Tarn[98] (on your right). The track continues up the hill and between the granite boulders[99] to then head down the other side of the ridge[100]. The walk leads down to rock-hop across Carruthers Creek[101], then follows the wide, paved path up the hill, passing the ‘Remnants of an ancient sea’ information sign[102] and coming to a paved area[103], with a view to Blue Lake[104] and some information signs marking a three-way intersection.

(33.79km) Int of Main Range and Blue Lake Lookout tracks → Int of Main Range and Mt Twynam tracks

880 m
17 mins
60m
-7m

Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads west, uphill[105] away from Blue Lake[106]. The walk initially heads along a short section of paved path before continuing along the wide gravel track[107]. The track winds gently uphill for a while, keeping the wide valley to your left. The walk comes to a saddle and a three-way intersection, marked with a ‘Main Range Track’ signpost[108].

(34.67km) Int of Main Range and Mt Twynam tracks → Int of Mt Twynam and Blue Lake view tracks

950 m
20 mins
60m
-2m

Experienced only

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads around behind the Main Range track signpost and follows the faint 4WD trail north-east, winding up the grassy hill onto the ridge line. The walk follows the ridge line as it winds around the left-hand side of Blue Lake, steadily climbing up to the left of the first knoll. There is a great view of Blue Lake from the hill on the right-hand side of the trail.

(35.62km) Int of Mt Twynam and Blue Lake view tracks → Blue Lake view

90 m
2 mins
1m
-2m

Experienced only

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads south east, towards the lake and soon reaches the top of the gentle hill. The view from here spans across the lake and down through to the gully to the northern end of Headley Tarn. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

(35.62km) Int of Mt Twynam and Blue Lake view tracks → Mt Twynam

1.9 km
41 mins
106m
-24m

Experienced only

Continue straight: From the first rise, this walk heads north along the ridge line, keeping Blue Lake to your right as the walk steadily climbs up around to the base of Mt Twynam. At this point, the old management trail ends and the walk continues south-east, climbing up through the rock outcrops to the old trig station at the top of the mountain.

Mt Twynam

Mt Twynam is the largest peak on the ridgeline that winds around behind Blue Lake. It was once the location of a trig station, which was used for navigation until it was taken down. The metal frame, which was the lower half of the station, still sits on the peak today.

(37.57km) Mt Twynam → Blue Cow Creek crossing

6.6 km
2 hrs 49 mins
115m
-699m

Experienced only

Continue straight: From the top of the mountain, this walk heads south-east, down towards Little Twynam. The walk winds down through small rocky outcrops and down the steep rocky hill into the saddle between Mt Twynam and Little Twynam.
Turn left: From the saddle, this walk heads east up and around to the left side of Little Twynam. The walk turns left and winds down the ridge, heading towards the ski runs at Guthega to the far east. Following the rocky ridge line, this walk heads down and around the right-hand side of the large flats near the headwaters of Pounds Creek, until the ridge flattens out next to the flats.
Veer right: From the Pounds Creek flats, this walk heads east down the ridge, heading towards the distant Illawong Lodge. The track winds to the east, down the right-hand side of the ridge while staying high out of the gully (which is to your right). The walk winds back onto the ridge line as it flattens out a little. Continuing down through a small tree line, the track heads through thick scrub, following the ridge to the bottom, where the walk comes to the Snowy River crossing at the cable suspension bridge.
Continue straight: From the cable suspension bridge, the walk heads east up the steep hill through the scrub, to Illawong Lodge (the hut at the top).
Turn left: From Illawong Lodge, the walk heads down the hill, on the north side of the building. The track winds and undulates through the valley, heading downstream. The walk crosses several small creeks and generally follows the Snowy River downstream. After quite some time, the track turns right and begins to wind along the side of the ridge, steadily climbing to the top. The track continues fairly steeply down the other side of the ridge, towards Blue Cow Creek. The walk then crosses Blue Cow Creek on the bridge[109] next to the metal flying fox[110].

(44.18km) Flying Fox → Int. of Guthega road servicetrail and Flying fox track

330 m
9 mins
44m
-15m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the bridge and flying fox, the walk heads downstream, keeping Blue Cow Creek to your left[111]. The creek soon starts to widen as it approaches the dam, and the track moves gently up the hill, but still runs parallel with the creek. Soon, the walk steps across an eroded section of track, then comes to a ‘Y’ intersection with another track (which heads up the hill to the right).
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk heads up the hill away from the creek. The track winds up through the heath towards the snow gums. There are a couple of short, steep sections in the track, just near the top of the hill. Near the top, the track passes between some boulders and comes to a ‘T’ intersection with a management trail, and there is a view of part of the Guthega village, up to the right. (There is broken glass along this section of track, left over from Snowy River Scheme Camps).

(44.51km) Int. of Guthega road servicetrail and Flying fox track → Car park below Guthega Alpine Inn

480 m
10 mins
34m
-6m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the wide management trail that heads gently up the hill and then continues up along the concrete road towards the buildings. After passing the pump house on the left, the walk then comes to another concrete road. Here, the walk veers left and continues up the hill to Guthega Rd (just below a building called ‘Toibunga’).
Turn sharp right: From the intersection, just below the building named ‘Toibunga’, this walk follows Guthega Rd up the hill. The road soon passes a stone building and street light. There are great views over the valley to the right as the road climbs the hill. Soon, the road widens into a car park – The Guthega Alpine Inn is up the hill to the left.

Maps for the Main Range Circuit from Guthega walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Perisher Valley	1:25 000 Map Series	85252S PERISHER VALLEY	NSW-85252S
Chimneys Ridge	1:25 000 Map Series	85241N CHIMNEYS RIDGE	NSW-85241N
Kosciuszko	1:100 000 Map Series	8525 KOSCIUSZKO	8525
Jacobs River	1:100 000 Map Series	8524 JACOBS RIVER	8524

Cross sectional view of the Main Range Circuit from Guthega bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Main Range Circuit from Guthega

Daily actual walking time estimates

Day	Walking Time	Length
1	2 hrs 26 mins	5.8 km
2	4 hrs 46 mins	12.5 km
3	4 hrs 39 mins	12 km
4	5 hrs 44 mins	15 km

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	45 km
		Time	4 Days
		.
Grade 5/6 Experienced only	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough unclear track (5/6)
		Signs	No directional signs (5/6)
		Experience Required	High level of bushwalking experience recommended (5/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather likely to have an impact on your navigation and safety (5/6)
		Infrastructure	No facilities provided (5/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

31km of this walk has short steep hills and another 9km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 3.1km is very steep and the remaining 2.4km is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

14km of this walk follows a rough unclear track and another 14km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 14km follows a clear and well formed track or trail and a 2.2km section follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. The remaining 960m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

16km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 15km Has no directional signs. Whilst another 9km has directional signs at most intersection and the remaining 6km has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

18km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 13km requires a leader with a high level of bushwalking experience. Whilst another 8km requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience and the remaining 5km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

30km of this walk is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety and another 8km forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather likely to have an impact on your navigation and safety. Whilst another 6km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety and the remaining 1.4km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

21km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 12km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). Whilst another 6km has no facilities provided and the remaining 6km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Main Range Circuit from Guthega walk starts and ends at the Car park below Guthega Alpine Inn (gps: -36.382035, 148.37259)
Your main transport option to Car park below Guthega Alpine Inn is by;

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-kosciunp-mrcfg
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-kosciunp-mrcfg

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/mrcfg

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Bullock’s track – via Bullock’s Hut

And Walk

Bullock’s track – via Bullock’s Hut

Download & Print Map and Notes

Covered in snow part of the year

Thredbo Diggings Camping area

This is a pleasant free campsite in the Thredbo River valley beside the river. It is a popular spot for fishing and exploring the area. The Diggings Bullocks Track is also accessible from here. The campsites are not marked out but there are non-flushing toilets, picnic tables and metal fire BBQ’s. No drinking water is provided, treat water from Thredbo River before use. The campsite signpost is about 1.9km west of the SkiTube along Alpine Way.

(0km) Thredbo Diggings Bullocks trackhead → Int of Bullocks Walking and car park tracks

2 km
34 mins
31m
-30m

Moderate track

From the Bullocks Trackhead (just south of Thredbo Diggings, about 430m from the Alpine Way), this walk follows the metal ‘Bullocks Track’ sign[1] down the steps (or ramp[2]) and along the gravel path to cross an open grassy flat. These open grassy areas are frost hollows and part of Muzzlewood Flats. The gravel soon gives way to a rock, then metal, path[4] that leads over a metal arched bridge[5]. The path then leads uphill[6] and after about 300m, the walk follows the grassy track along the edge of a clearing[7], then follows another section of winding path[8]. The path is then broken again with a section of grassy track before coming to gravel path again. This path leads downhill and soon bends sharply to the right, before passing through an even sharper left-hand bend[9]. The path gives way to a grassy track[10] a few more times and the walk winds gently down through the open bushland, passing a few granite boulders[11]. The path then leads over a small rise, winding through some larger granite boulders, where the track leads down the hill to a three-way intersection[12] and a ‘Thredbo Diggings 2km’ sign[13] pointing back up the track.
This section of the walk follows a track shared with walkers and mountain bike riders.

(1.97km) Int of Bullocks Walking and car park tracks → Bullocks Loop bridge intersection

340 m
6 mins
0m
-15m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Bullocks Hut 600m’ sign[14] gently downhill along the gravel path. The trail winds through the bush and soon passes between some large granite boulders[15], then after about 270m, the walk heads left at a ‘T’ intersection[16] with a management trail, and comes to an intersection just before signpost and timber bridge[17].

(2.31km) Bullocks Loop bridge intersection → SE corner of Skitube bridge

220 m
4 mins
1m
-5m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Bullocks Hut 300m’ sign across the bridge[18]. The grassy track bends left[19] and heads over a small rise, before bending right and following the wide gravel track (past the water monitoring station[20]). Soon the walk veers left to follow the ‘Bullocks Hut’ sign[21] along the paved footpath and under the rail bridge[22]. Just on the other side of the bridge, this walk comes to a signposted three-way intersection[23].

Skitube – Alpine Railway

The Skitube is an electric rack railway which provides access between Bullocks Flat, Perisher and Blue Cow ski fields. The journey starts across the bridge over Thredbo River, then covers a distance of 8.5km, of which 6.3km is underground in the Bilston and Blue Cow tunnels.
Construction of the railway began in 1984, and the complete line was officially opened in 1988. There are 11 passenger cars in total, of which 4 are motor cars – each with four 301 kW traction motors, making them the most powerful rack railway vehicles in the world. The braking system is mixed regenerative and rheostatic.
Prices are around $48 for an adult return fare. Schedules vary throughout the year. More info.

(2.53km) SE corner of Skitube bridge → Steam Engine

310 m
6 mins
7m
-3m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill, away from the river and face of the ‘River Walk’ sign[26], keeping the rail bridge to your right[27]. The walk heads up the hill and bends sharply right, finding the ‘Pedestrian Access…’ sign[28]. Here, the walk follows the footpath along the bridge and over Thredbo River[29]. On the other side of the bridge, the walk follows the posts and the ‘River Walk’ sign[30] right and under the bridge[31]. Just past the bridge, this walk follows the grassy track up to the right[32], passing around the edge of a small dam[33]. Soon after the dam, the walk turns left to head away from the trail line towards the grassy clearing[34]. The walk crosses a small creek[35], then finds the rusty steam engine[36] and a few other scattered historic items. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Steam Engine

On the northern side of the Thredbo River at Bullocks Flat is a large, open area, still home to some historic items. Here you will find a rusty portable steam engine[37], chains[38], wheels[39] and a small dam[40]. These items are left over from the late 1910’s when Ned Irwin established and operated a sawmill here. He would process the Alpine Ash trees that had been cut from the surrounding hills. There was another mill operating at the nerby Sawpit Creek since the mid to late 1800’s. During the 1850’s some gold mining was also undertaken at this site, but it proved not a very popular site. .

(2.53km) SE corner of Skitube bridge → Bullocks Hut

100 m
1 mins
0m
0m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Bullocks Hut’ sign[43], keeping the river to your left and passing over a metal grate. The track almost immediately comes to another three-way intersection with a timber post[44] and opening in the fence (on your right).
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads directly away from the river, through the gap in the fence[45] to the large grassy clearing. The walk heads left through the clearing (passing the toilet, on your right) to come to a series of buildings[46], the last of which is Bullocks Hut[47].

Bullocks Hut

Bullocks Hut is a cement block house, built in 1934 as a fishing lodge for Dr Bullock. Extra buildings were added to the substantial house over the following decades. The hut has been managed by NPWS since 1969, and was fully renovated when the nearby Skitube was built in the early 90s. Bullocks Hut has bunk beds[49][50], tiled floors, a stainless steel food preparation area with sink[51], as well as a nearby toilet[52] and stables building[53]. A popular spot for day visits. The hut and grounds are available for hire for events such as wedding, please respect the space of other people using this site. More info.

(2.63km) Bullocks Hut → Bullocks Loop bridge intersection

410 m
7 mins
6m
-1m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the front of the main hut[54], this walk follows the short, concrete path[55] towards the confluence of Little Thredbo and Thredbo Rivers[56]. Near the rivers, the track turns sharply left to follow the Thredbo River upstream[57], just on the other side of the fence from the Bullocks Hut[58]. This track soon leads to a signposted three-way intersection at the other end of the Bullocks Hut yard[59] (with a gap in the fence to your left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Skitube’ sign[60] along the track, keeping the river to your right. The track leads over a metal grate[61] and almost immediately comes to a signposted three-way intersection, just before the bridge[62].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Skitube Carpark’ sign under the bridge[63], whilst keeping the river to your right. The walk follows the paved footpath uphill[64], passing a ‘Bullocks Hut’ sign[65] (facing the other way) and continuing straight along the wide gravel path[66]. This path soon narrows and bends left (at the water monitoring station[67]) and leads over the grass and across a timber bridge[68]. On the other side of the bridge, this walk comes to a three-way intersection[69] where there is a ‘Bullocks Hut 300m’ sign pointing back over the bridge[70].

(3.04km) Bullocks Loop bridge intersection → Thredbo River rocks

1.4 km
28 mins
53m
-50m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Thredbo Diggings 1.8km’ sign[71] along the grassy track, initially keeping the creek to your right. The track soon bends left and leads through the snow gum forest[72] and past a scattering of granite boulders[73], enjoying the occasional view down to the Thredbo River[74]. About 700m from the bridge, the track leads down some steps and across a narrow gully[75] before climbing back up the other side. The trail winds over the rise, winding through more small granite boulders[76] and leading down closer to the river[77]. Soon after crossing a metal grate[78], the track comes close beside the river and to a series of boulders[79], a great spot to rest and enjoy the river.

(4.4km) Thredbo River rocks → Bull Creek bridge

480 m
9 mins
9m
-7m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the river bank[80], this walk follows the clear track west, upstream, initially heading directly away from the river[81]. The track winds through the forest for a while[82], passing a couple of informal tracks (which lead to riverside areas) and soon heads down just a few steps to come to a lovely grassy clearing on the bank of the river[83]. From here, the track heads up the few steps[84] and continues along the track for about 90m, to a smaller clearing just before Bull Creek bridge[85].

(4.88km) Bull Creek bridge → Lower Thredbo Diggings

160 m
3 mins
2m
0m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the small clearing, this walk crosses the the Bull Creek bridge[86] and follows the track as it bends left to leave the Thredbo River and heads up through the button grass plain[87]. The track soon leads to an intersection at the bottom of a turning circle[88] (at the northern end of Thredbo Diggings), marked with a ‘Bullocks Track’ sign[89] pointing back along the track.

(5.04km) Lower Thredbo Diggings → Thredbo Diggings Bullocks trackhead

190 m
4 mins
8m
0m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill along the dirt road[90] leading through the campsites. The road soon leads past a toilet[91] (on your left) then straight past an intersection[92] (with a dirt road and sign on your right). About 80m further up the road, this walk comes to a small car park and the signposted ‘Bullocks Track’[93], on your left. This is just south of Thredbo Diggings, about 430m from the Alpine Way.

Maps for the Bullock’s track – via Bullock’s Hut walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Perisher Valley	1:25 000 Map Series	85252S PERISHER VALLEY	NSW-85252S
Chimneys Ridge	1:25 000 Map Series	85241N CHIMNEYS RIDGE	NSW-85241N
Kosciuszko	1:100 000 Map Series	8525 KOSCIUSZKO	8525
Jacobs River	1:100 000 Map Series	8524 JACOBS RIVER	8524

Cross sectional view of the Bullock’s track – via Bullock’s Hut bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Bullock’s track – via Bullock’s Hut

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	5.2 km
		Time	2 hrs
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

3.2km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.4km has short steep hills. The remaining (690m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

3.7km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.4km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (190m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 5km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 5km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 5km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 5km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Bullock’s track – via Bullock’s Hut walk starts and ends at the Thredbo Diggings Bullocks trackhead (gps: -36.447772, 148.42542)
Your main transport option to Thredbo Diggings Bullocks trackhead is by;

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-kosciunp-bc
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-kosciunp-bc

Summit Trail – Charlotte Pass to Seamans Hut

And Walk

Summit Trail – Charlotte Pass to Seamans Hut

Download & Print Map and Notes

Covered in snow part of the year

This walk leads through an extreme alpine environment and all walkers must be well prepared. During summer, be prepared for both very hot and cold weather, high winds, rain, snow, extreme UV levels and some sections of snow or ice on the ground. Before starting this walk, check advice with Snowy Region Visitor Information Centre (02) 6450 5600, the weather forecast and the snow conditions then change your plans as needed. These notes, grades and walking times have been written for use in the summer months only. Between May and the end of October, this walk is likely to be covered in snow/ice, visitors should carry and be prepared to use snowshoes or cross country skis. When there is a chance of significant snow on the ground, visitors will need particularly strong navigation and snowcraft skills – tracks and signage may not be visible. For most visitors, it is best to consider this walk closed during the colder months.
Between the long weekend in June and October, the road between Perisher Village and Charlotte Pass is closed by the RTA. It is possible to organise oversnow transport.

(0km) End of Kosciuszko Road → Snowy River bridge

4.5 km
1 hr 27 mins
164m
-73m

Hard track

From the end of Kosciuszko Rd at Charlotte Pass[1] (just near the toilet block[2]), this walk heads along a wide management trail[3], following the large ‘Summit walk’ sign[4]. The walk initially dips down a bit[5] and heads through a grove of snow gums[6]. This walk soon leaves the snow gums and the landscape opens to a fantastic view of the Snowy River and the valley (on your right)[7]. After about 1km, the walk passes a yellow ‘MT K 8’ sign[8] on a snow pole. This walk continues along the management trail and gently undulates up along the side of the long ridge, passing several more ‘Mt K’ milestone signs counting down. After a while, the old road heads up and over a ridge[9], passing the ‘MT K 5’[10] and the original ‘K 3’ milestone (on your left) to find the un-signposted concrete bridge over Merritts Creek[11].
Continue straight: From the bridge, this walk follows the management trail west through the valley, where the trail soon bends right and passes a ‘Snowy River’ sign[12], coming to the bridge crossing the river[13].

(4.48km) Snowy River bridge → Seamans Hut

1.5 km
27 mins
95m
0m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the ‘Snowy River’ sign[14], this walk crosses the bridge and heads north-west up along the management trail[15]. The trail bends right and heads up towards Seamans Hut (visible in clear weather[16]). The walk winds up the long hill and bends left, near a flat clearing with some valley views (to your right[17]). Here, the old road bends left and heads up the hill, coming to the signposted ‘Seamans Hut’[18].

Seamans Hut

Maps for the Summit Trail – Charlotte Pass to Seamans Hut walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Perisher Valley	1:25 000 Map Series	85252S PERISHER VALLEY	NSW-85252S
Kosciuszko	1:100 000 Map Series	8525 KOSCIUSZKO	8525

Cross sectional view of the Summit Trail – Charlotte Pass to Seamans Hut bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Summit Trail – Charlotte Pass to Seamans Hut

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	12 km
		Time	4 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 4.5km of this walk is flat with no steps, whilst the remaining 1.5km has short steep hills.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 6km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

This whole walk, 6km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 6km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 6km is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 6km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Summit Trail – Charlotte Pass to Seamans Hut walk starts and ends at the End of Kosciuszko Road (gps: -36.431855, 148.32828)
Your main transport option to End of Kosciuszko Road is by;

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-kosciunp-cptsh
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-kosciunp-cptsh

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/cptsh

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo River loop

And Walk

Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo River loop

Download & Print Map and Notes

Covered in snow part of the year

(0km) Cascades Trail track head → Int of Thredbo River and Dead Horse Gap tracks

160 m
3 mins
6m
-3m

Moderate track

From the Cascades Trail track head car park (on the Alpine Way 5.4km west of Friday Drive), this walk crosses the road and turns left following the ‘Thredbo Walking Tracks’ sign[1] along the track behind the road barrier. The track leads down the wooden steps[2] to soon cross Bogong Creek[3] on a metal bridge[4]. Here the walk heads up a few steps to a signposted intersection[5] with the ‘Dead Horse Gap Track’.

Dead Horse Gap

Dead Horse Gap is a relativley low mountain pass in the Great Dividing Range at 1582m AMSL. It was once a meeting place for Aboriginal groups in the summer, where they would perform ceremonies and trade with each other. In nature the pass acts as a funnel for the migration of insects and birds[6]. In the early 20th century, the pass became increasingly popular with stockmen, who brought sheep and cattle to the mountains each summer.[7]

(0.16km) Int of Thredbo River and Dead Horse Gap tracks → Lower rest area

1.7 km
50 mins
234m
-7m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the Dead Horse Gap track up the hill. The track climbs the wooden steps and continues up the hill, through the open snowgum forest. As the track approaches the top of the ridge (where the ground is much rockier), it arrives at a backless wooden bench beside some boulders.

(1.88km) Lower rest area → Upper rest area

1.3 km
37 mins
171m
-4m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track up the hill. The track climbs through the snowgum forest and up the rocky hill, crossing a few wooden boardwalks and some metal walkways, until it reaches the second wooden bench.

(3.19km) Upper rest area → Top of Basin Tbar

1.7 km
36 mins
74m
-54m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the second wooden bench, the walk follows the bush track up the hill towards the top of the ridge. The track emerges above the treeline and winds up past a long line of snow poles. The track then winds to the right, along the ridgeline until it reaches the information sign titled “above the tree line”.
Continue straight: From the information sign, the walk follows the bush track along the ridgeline to the east. The track passes several rock outcrops and climbs up to the top of the ridge, from where you can see the chair lift. The track then winds down the hill to the top of the Basin Tbar.

(4.86km) Top of Basin Tbar → Int of Dead Horse Gap track and Kosciuszko footpath

110 m
2 mins
1m
-10m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track down the hill for a short distance, to the intersection with the Kosciuszko footpath.

(4.97km) Int of Dead Horse Gap track and Kosciuszko footpath → Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift

350 m
6 mins
0m
-23m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows ‘Eagles Nest Restaurant’ sign[8] down along the paved path towards the chairlift building[9]. The path gently winds down the hill to find the top of the ‘Kosciuszko Express’ chairlift[10] and the Eagles Nest Restaurant[11].

Eagles Nest Restaurant

(5.32km) Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift → Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift

1.9 km
20 mins
1m
-558m

Very easy

Turn left: From the top terminal, walk up to the platform as directed by the chairlift operator and sit down in the seat, letting it scoop you up. Once seated, pull down the safety bar and enjoy the ride down to Thredbo village. 🙂 After alighting at the bottom, this walk turns right to almost immediately turn left down a set of steps and heads through the building to find an open area at the front of the ‘Valley Terminal’ building where there are some large maps.

Kosciuszko Express Chairlift

(7.18km) Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift → Thredbo Memorial Community Centre

480 m
9 mins
11m
-10m

Very easy

Continue straight: From the big map[14] outside the ticket store at the bottom of the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift, this walk follows the ‘Riverside Walk’ sign[15] down to cross the bridge over Thredbo River[16]. Here the walk turns right onto Friday drive and follows the footpath under the footbridge[17] heading between the road and the river. The walk follows the road past the children’s playground[18] (on your left) and beside the car park[19], past the pond[20] to come to a four-way intersection with ‘Diggings Terrace’[21], just past a small pond.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Crackenback Drive’ sign[22] across the bridge[23], over Thredbo River[24]. The walk then comes to a signposted intersection in front of the ‘Thredbo Memorial Community Centre’[25].

(7.66km) Thredbo Memorial Community Centre → Int of Riverside Walk and Thredbo River bridge

200 m
4 mins
7m
-1m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the Community Centre[26], this walk follows the ‘Riverside Walk’ and ‘Dead Horse Gap’ signs[27] down the track towards the river. The track leads alongside the river[28][29] for approximately 100m before bending up and leaving the bush to come to the edge of the Golf Course[30], behind the community centre[31].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the well worn track winding around the edge of the golf course[32], away from the community centre. After about 30m this walk crosses a short metal bridge[33], to then come to an intersection at a larger timber bridge[34] (on your left).

(7.87km) Int of Riverside Walk and Thredbo River bridge → Int of Thredbo River and Golf Course Walk tracks

810 m
15 mins
30m
-1m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the wooden bridge[35], this walk follows the track whilst keeping the river to your left[36]. The track gently meanders between the golf course and the river, enjoying some sections very close to the river[37]. The track heads over a few metal grates[38] and over a small metal bridge[39] to come to an intersection next to the golf course marked with a small timber bridge[40] (over a small creek), just before the pump house[41].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the clear track towards the green timber hut[42], keeping the Thredbo river to your left. The track soon passes the pump house[43] (the green timber hut) and leads beside the river[44] for about 150m before turning right and heading uphill[45]. The walk then heads up the steps[46] to find a clear three-way intersection marked with a large ‘Thredbo River Track’ sign[47].

(8.68km) Int of Thredbo River and golf course tracks → Cascades lookout

1.3 km
27 mins
69m
-12m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Thredbo River Track’ sign through the bush and across a metal walkway, continuing along the bush track as it winds alongside the river. The walk crosses several metal walkways and winds up a few sets of wooden steps before coming to the intersection of the Thredbo River Cascades lookout platform.

Cascades Lookout

(9.97km) Cascades lookout → Int of Thredbo River track at eastern bridge

470 m
9 mins
21m
-8m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk follows the wooden steps up the rocky winding hill to the top, where it flattens out at a wooden boardwalk and continues along a metal walkway, winding up through the bush until coming to a metal bridge crossing the Thredbo River.

(10.44km) Thredbo River eastern bridge → Thredbo River western bridge

340 m
7 mins
15m
-6m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From just before the bridge[48], this walk crosses Thredbo River[49] using the long metal bridge. This walk then leads up a log lined set of stairs[50] to then turn right and follow a track through the open grassy area with a scattering of snow gums[51]. Before too long the track comes closer to the river again and heads along a metal grate[52] to then cross the Thredbo River again on another metal bridge[53].

(10.78km) Thredbo River track western bridge → Cascades Trail track head

1.2 km
26 mins
71m
-14m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the western bridge[54] this walk follows the track across the grassy area[55] to soon lead up a long series of steps[56]. The track then gently undulates along the side of the valley, keeping the valley to your left. Over the next 600m the track crosses a series of metal erosion grates[57] (and some small creeks) and passes through a section of dead snow gums[58]. The track gently climbs then flattens out to be a similar height[59] to the road (on the other side of the valley) and then comes to a signposted three-way intersection[60] where there is a ‘Thredbo village 4km’ sign[61] pointing back along the track.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follow the clear track away from the other two sign posted tracks to soon cross Bogong Creek[62] on a metal bridge[63]. The track then leads left and heads up a series of steps to follow behind the road barrier, soon coming to a ‘Thredbo Walking Tracks’ sign[64] beside the road. Here the walk crosses the road to find the Cascades Trail track head car park (on the Alpine Way 5.4km west of Friday Drive).

Maps for the Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo River loop walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Perisher Valley	1:25 000 Map Series	85252S PERISHER VALLEY	NSW-85252S
Chimneys Ridge	1:25 000 Map Series	85241N CHIMNEYS RIDGE	NSW-85241N
Kosciuszko	1:100 000 Map Series	8525 KOSCIUSZKO	8525
Jacobs River	1:100 000 Map Series	8524 JACOBS RIVER	8524

Cross sectional view of the Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo River loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo River loop

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	10.1 km
		Time	5 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

5km of this walk has short steep hills and another 4.4km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (2.4km) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

8km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.7km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (1.2km) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 7km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 4.9km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 8km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 4.2km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

8km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation) and another 3.1km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety. The remaining (1.3km) is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 9km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 3.5km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo River loop walk starts and ends at the Cascades Trail track head (gps: -36.522924, 148.26452)
Your main transport option to Cascades Trail track head is by;

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-kosciunp-dhgatrl
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-kosciunp-dhgatrl

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/dhgatrl

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Charlotte Pass to Thredbo via Rawson Pass

And Walk

Charlotte Pass to Thredbo via Rawson Pass

Download & Print Map and Notes

Covered in snow part of the year

This walk leads through an extreme alpine environment and all walkers must be well prepared. During summer, be prepared for both very hot and cold weather, high winds, rain, snow, extreme UV levels and some sections of snow or ice on the ground. Before starting this walk, check advice with Snowy Region Visitor Information Centre (02) 6450 5600, the weather forecast and the snow conditions then change your plans as needed. These notes, grades and walking times have been written for use in the summer months only. Between May and the end of October, this walk is likely to be covered in snow/ice, visitors should carry and be prepared to use snowshoes or cross country skis. When there is a chance of significant snow on the ground, visitors will need particularly strong navigation and snowcraft skills – tracks and signage may not be visible. For most visitors, it is best to consider this walk closed during the colder months.
Between the long weekend in June and October, the road between Perisher Village and Charlotte Pass is closed by the RTA. It is possible to organise oversnow transport.

(0km) End of Kosciuszko Road → Snowy River bridge

4.5 km
1 hr 27 mins
164m
-73m

Hard track

(4.48km) Snowy River bridge → Seamans Hut

1.5 km
27 mins
95m
0m

Hard track

Seamans Hut

(5.99km) Seamans Hut → Rawson Pass

1.6 km
31 mins
114m
-15m

Hard track

Continue straight: From ‘Seamans Hut’[20], this walk follows the management trail, heading west up the gentle hill, keeping the large valley to your right[21]. The trail winds steadily up along the side of the long hill and, about 150m past the road cutting, this trail leads to a stone path and Australia’s highest toilet block[22]. The walk then follows the stone path past the toilet and bike parking area[23] to come to a clearly signposted three-way intersection at ‘Rawson Pass’[24].

Rawson Pass

(7.6km) Rawson Pass → Mt Kosciuszko

1.6 km
39 mins
127m
-23m

Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection at Rawson Pass, this walk follows the ‘Mt Kosciuszko’ sign[25] uphill along the stone pathway. The stone pathway soon becomes a gravel track and winds up and around the hill, keeping the peak of Mt Kosciuszko to your left. About 500m along the gravel track, this walk comes to a ‘Y’ intersection[26] (with the Kosciuszko summit track on your left), just past the ‘Alpine Walks’ sign and map[27].
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Mt Kosciuszko’ sign[28] uphill along the upper track. This track winds steadily up and around the peak of the mountain, passing a stone-paved[29] section of track, and also a metal grate[30] before climbing a few steps[31] to the cairn at the peak of Mt Kosciuszko[32]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

Mt Kosciuszko

(7.6km) Rawson Pass → Lake Cootapatamba lookout

790 m
14 mins
6m
-16m

Hard track

Turn left : From ‘Rawson Pass’, this walk follows the ‘Kosciuszko Walk – Lake Cootapatamba Lookout’ sign[34] south along the metal walkway as it gently winds down along the side of the hill. Keeping Lake Cootapatamba on your right[35], the path soon leads up a short hill to find the signposted ‘Lake Cootapatamba Lookout’[36][37].

Lake Cootapatamba lookout

Situated on the Kosciuszko walk, this platform looks down over Lake Cootapatamba, in the valley on the western side of the path. This is a pleasant place to stop and enjoy the mountains and views.

(8.39km) Lake Cootapatamba lookout → Int of Kosciuszko path and lookout walkway

1.9 km
40 mins
45m
-94m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk follows the metal walkway heading south down the gentle hill, initially keeping the view to Lake Cootapatamba to your right. The path leads down the ridge across the saddle to find a faint intersection with a foot pad, where the spur from the rocky North Rams Head (on your right) meets the track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads south along the metal walkway, keeping Rams Head ridge line to your right. The walk follows the metal walkway past the ‘Endangered Mammals live between boulders’ sign[38] then across the upper reaches of the Snowy River. Here the walk heads up this hill to find a three-way intersection of metal paths, with the Kosciuszko lookout track (on your left).

(10.33km) Int of Kosciuszko path and lookout walkway → Kosciuszko lookout

50 m
1 mins
0m
-1m

Hard track

Turn sharp left: From the intersection[39], this walk heads north-east along the metal path that branches off the main path. The path leads a short distance up some steps[40] to soon come to the metal platform at the Kosciuszko lookout[41][42]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

Kosciuszko lookout

Kosciuszko lookout is about 30m off the main Kosciuszko walk, along a metal walkway. At the lookout, there is a larger platform with an information sign about how the landscape was formed over the years. Granting a great view of the Snowy Mountains to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko.

(10.33km) Int of Kosciuszko path and lookout walkway → Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift

1.8 km
40 mins
7m
-141m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the metal walkway south, up the hill (away from the lookout). The track leads over the gentle rise and soon comes to ‘A rocky mountain home’ information sign[43] and a ‘Thredbo 1.5km’ tag[44] pointing down the hill. Here the walk heads down a series of steps to mostly flatten out at the ‘Flowers emerge with warmer weather’ information sign[45]. Soon after this, the walk comes to a ‘Plant communities – keeping a low profile’ information sign[46], marking an intersection (where the snow-pole line on your left joins the main track)[47].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the metal walkway south, downhill, soon passing a ‘Plant communities – keeping a low profile’ information sign[48] and a ‘Thredbo 1.0km’ badge[49][50] welded to the track. The walk continues to follow this track down the hill, then past the ‘Everything is connected’ information sign[51] and the large ‘Kosciuszko Walk’ sign[52]. At the bottom of the steps, this walk comes to an intersection (with a minor track on your left) just before a bridge at a lovely spot beside the creek.
Continue straight: From the end of the metal walkway[53], this walk crosses the creek using the metal bridge[54] and follows the paved path up and over the gentle rise[55], heading towards the ski lifts. Soon the path leads past a small alcove with two information signs[56]. Here the walk continues along the path a short distance to find a signposted intersection with the ‘Dead Horse Gap’ track[57] (on your right), where there is also an arrow pointing back to ‘Mt Kosciuszko Lookout’[58].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows ‘Eagles Nest Restaurant’ sign[59] down along the paved path towards the chairlift building[60]. The path gently winds down the hill to find the top of the ‘Kosciuszko Express’ chairlift[61] and the Eagles Nest Restaurant[62].

Eagles Nest Restaurant

Kosciuszko Express Chairlift

(12.15km) Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift → Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift

1.9 km
20 mins
1m
-558m

Very easy

Maps for the Charlotte Pass to Thredbo via Rawson Pass walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Perisher Valley	1:25 000 Map Series	85252S PERISHER VALLEY	NSW-85252S
Chimneys Ridge	1:25 000 Map Series	85241N CHIMNEYS RIDGE	NSW-85241N
Kosciuszko	1:100 000 Map Series	8525 KOSCIUSZKO	8525
Jacobs River	1:100 000 Map Series	8524 JACOBS RIVER	8524

Cross sectional view of the Charlotte Pass to Thredbo via Rawson Pass bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Charlotte Pass to Thredbo via Rawson Pass

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	12.2 km
		Time	5 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

6km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 5km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (2.2km) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

Around 12km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 2.4km follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 14km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 14km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

12km of this walk is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety and another 1.9km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation). The remaining (350m) is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 14km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Charlotte Pass to Thredbo via Rawson Pass walk starts at the End of Kosciuszko Road (gps: -36.431855, 148.32828)
Your main transport option to End of Kosciuszko Road is by;

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
(get details)

The Charlotte Pass to Thredbo via Rawson Pass ends at the Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift (gps: -36.503981, 148.30397)
Your main transport option to Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift is by;
Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-kosciunp-cpttvrp
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-kosciunp-cpttvrp

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/cpttvrp

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Paton’s Hut

And Walk

Paton’s Hut

Download & Print Map and Notes

Covered in snow part of the year

This walk leads through an extreme alpine environment and all walkers must be well prepared. During summer, be prepared for both very hot and cold weather, high winds, rain, snow, extreme UV levels and some sections of snow or ice on the ground. Before starting this walk, check advice with Snowy Region Visitor Information Centre (02) 6450 5600, the weather forecast and the snow conditions then change your plans as needed. These notes, grades and walking times have been written for use in the summer months only. Between May and the end of October, this walk is likely to be covered in snow/ice, visitors should be carrying and be prepared to use snowshoes or cross country skis. When there is a chance of significant snow on the ground, visitors will need particularly strong navigation and snowcraft skills – tracks and signage may not be visible.
Between the long weekend in June and October, the Tooma (Khancoban to Cabramurra) Road is closed by the RTA, making access to this walk very difficult. For most visitors, it is best to consider this walk closed during the colder months.

(0km) Dargals Trail Car Park → Tooma Intersection

80 m
2 mins
6m
0m

Hard track

From the ‘Trail Head Car Park’[1] (on Tooma Rd, about 850m east of the Tooma Reservoir spillway), this walk heads uphill around the locked gate[2]. The walk immediately heads past a toilet[3] (on your left) then comes to a large five-way intersection[4], with a glimpse of Tooma Reservoir[5] (straight ahead).

(0.08km) Tooma Intersection → Dargals Bend

1.5 km
32 mins
95m
-15m

Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads east, gently uphill along the wide management trail[6] to immediately pass the ‘Dargals Trail’ sign[7] and head under the power lines[8]. The trail soon begins to climb more steeply as it gently winds through the tall alpine ash forest[9], with the occasional glimpse down to the road[10] (to your left). The trail then sweeps around a long right bend and, about 1km after passing under the power lines, the trail leads past a small clearing[11] (on the left) and then another clearing[12] (on your right), with some views over the Tooma Plains. Here the trail bends left, leading gently down to find a sharp (right-hand) bend[13] and a saddle at the top of the steep gully, marked with a ‘Dargals Fire Trail’ sign[14].

(1.54km) Dargals Bend → Patons Hut intersection

1.1 km
20 mins
9m
-68m

Hard track

Turn right: From the bend, this walk follows the clear management trail as it bends right[15], keeping the gully to your right. The trail winds gently down the side of the gully for a while[16] and, as the trail sweeps left, there are views (on your right) across the Tooma Plain and over part of the reservoir[17]. The trail soon leaves the tall forest[18] and enters a forest of dead snow gums[19] as the trail leads closer to the edge of the Tooma Plain[20]. Just as the trail ducks below the treeline, it crosses a small (culverted) creek[21] (were you can see Patons Hut[22] to your left), and comes to a three-way intersection[23], just below the hut.

(2.62km) Patons Hut intersection → Patons Hut

80 m
2 mins
8m
0m

Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill[24] (north-east) along the grassy management trail[25], away from the plain and through the dead snow gums towards the (just visible) hut. The trail soon bends right to find a large, fairly flat clearing[26] and Patons Hut[27].

Patons Hut

Patons Hut is a 7.5m x 5m iron hut, originally built in 1934 for grazing by the Paton family. It burnt down during the 2003 fires, but was rebuilt in 2007-08. The hut has a fireplace[29] and some interesting relics[30][31]. Around the hut is a grassy flat with some bench seating[32] and a few creeks flow nearby (treat water before drinking). More info.

Maps for the Paton’s Hut walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Toolong Range	1:25 000 Map Series	85251N TOOLONG RANGE	NSW-85251N
Kosciuszko	1:100 000 Map Series	8525 KOSCIUSZKO	8525

Cross sectional view of the Paton’s Hut bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Paton’s Hut

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	5.4 km
		Time	2 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 2.6km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 80m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 2.7km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 2.6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 80m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 2.6km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 80m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.7km is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 2.6km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 80m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Paton’s Hut walk starts and ends at the Dargals Trail Car Park (gps: -36.049821, 148.28187)
Your main transport option to Dargals Trail Car Park is by;

Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-kosciunp-ph
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-kosciunp-ph

Kosciuszko walk – Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko

And Walk

Kosciuszko walk – Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko

Download & Print Map and Notes

This popular walk starts with a ride up to the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift, and goes to the top of Mt Kosciuszko. From the top of the chairlift, the walk follows a footpath, passing the Kosciuszko and Cootapatamba lookouts, as it winds up to Rawson Pass. At Rawson Pass, the walk meets the old Kosciuszko road and Australia’s highest public toilet. From here, the walk continues up the footpath to the top of Mt Kosciuszko. Enjoy the view, and return the same way. If you would prefer the extra walk, you can avoid the chairlift by following Merrits Nature trail or the Dead Horse Gap track.

Covered in snow part of the year

Kosciuszko Express Chairlift

(0km) Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift → Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift

1.9 km
20 mins
558m
-1m

Very easy

Eagles Nest Restaurant

(1.86km) Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift → Int of Dead Horse Gap track and Kosciuszko footpath

350 m
6 mins
23m
0m

Moderate track

(2.21km) Int of Dead Horse Gap track and Kosciuszko footpath → Start of metal walkway

200 m
3 mins
1m
-7m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Mt Kosciuszko Lookout’ sign[11] north along the paved path, heading up the gentle hill. The path soon leads past an alcove with two information signs[12], then leads gently downhill to cross a river on a steel bridge[13] to find an intersection (with a narrow track on your right) at a lovely spot beside the creek.

(2.41km) Start of metal walkway → Int of Kosciuszko path and lookout walkway

1.3 km
31 mins
117m
0m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the bridge and up the metal steps, keeping the creek to your left. The path soon leads past a large ‘Kosciuszko Walk’ sign[14] and an ‘Everything is connected’ information sign[15]. Soon after the ‘Thredbo 1.0km’ badge[16][17] (welded to the track), this walk comes to a ‘Plant communities – keeping a low profile’ information sign[18], marking an intersection (where the snow-pole line starts to leave the main track)[19].
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk continues along the metal walkway, heading up the hill[20]. The walk soon passes a ‘Flowers emerge with warmer weather’ information sign[21], then heads up a series of steps to find ‘A rocky mountain home’ information sign[22] and a ‘Thredbo 1.5km’ tag[23] pointing back down the hill. The track mostly flattens out and heads over a gentle rise, soon leading to a clear ‘Y’ intersection[24] on the metal track, marked with ‘Mt Kosciuszko Lookout’ tag[25] welded to the track.

(3.69km) Int of Kosciuszko path and lookout walkway → Kosciuszko lookout

50 m
1 mins
0m
-1m

Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection[26], this walk heads north-east along the metal path that branches off the main path. The path leads a short distance up some steps[27] to soon come to the metal platform at the Kosciuszko lookout[28][29]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp right.

Kosciuszko lookout

(3.69km) Int of Kosciuszko path and lookout walkway → Lake Cootapatamba lookout

1.9 km
40 mins
94m
-45m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the metal walkway north, down the gentle hill (initially keeping Mt Kosciuszko lookout to your right). The walk continues along the metal walkway as it dips to cross the upper reaches of the Snowy River. About 400m past the ‘Endangered Mammals Live between boulders’ sign[30], the path leads to a faint intersection with the North Rams Head track (where the spur comes down to the metal walkway on your left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the metal walkway north into the saddle and up the spur. The path then crosses onto the left-hand side of the ridge as it comes to the signposted ‘Lake Cootapatamba Lookout’[31] and the great valley view[32].

Lake Cootapatamba lookout

Situated on the Kosciuszko walk, this platform looks down over Lake Cootapatamba, in the valley on the western side of the path. This is a pleasant place to stop and enjoy the mountains and views.

(5.62km) Lake Cootapatamba lookout → Rawson Pass

790 m
14 mins
16m
-6m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the lookout[33], this walk follows the metal walkway north[34], down to the bottom of the small hill, keeping Lake Cootapatamba to your left[35]. The path then heads up and around the side of the hill to a clearly signposted intersection[36] at ‘Rawson Pass’[37].

Rawson Pass

(6.41km) Rawson Pass → Mt Kosciuszko

1.6 km
39 mins
127m
-23m

Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection at Rawson Pass, this walk follows the ‘Mt Kosciuszko’ sign[38] uphill along the stone pathway. The stone pathway soon becomes a gravel track and winds up and around the hill, keeping the peak of Mt Kosciuszko to your left. About 500m along the gravel track, this walk comes to a ‘Y’ intersection[39] (with the Kosciuszko summit track on your left), just past the ‘Alpine Walks’ sign and map[40].
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Mt Kosciuszko’ sign[41] uphill along the upper track. This track winds steadily up and around the peak of the mountain, passing a stone-paved[42] section of track, and also a metal grate[43] before climbing a few steps[44] to the cairn at the peak of Mt Kosciuszko[45].

Mt Kosciuszko

Maps for the Kosciuszko walk – Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Perisher Valley	1:25 000 Map Series	85252S PERISHER VALLEY	NSW-85252S
Chimneys Ridge	1:25 000 Map Series	85241N CHIMNEYS RIDGE	NSW-85241N
Kosciuszko	1:100 000 Map Series	8525 KOSCIUSZKO	8525
Jacobs River	1:100 000 Map Series	8524 JACOBS RIVER	8524

Cross sectional view of the Kosciuszko walk – Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Kosciuszko walk – Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	12.4 km
		Time	6 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

4.5km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 2.8km is flat with no steps. The remaining (690m) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

Around 6km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 2.4km follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 8km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 8km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

6km of this walk is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety and another 1.9km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation). The remaining (350m) is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 8km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Kosciuszko walk – Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko walk starts and ends at the Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift (gps: -36.503981, 148.30397)
Your main transport option to Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift is by;

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-kosciunp-ttmkr
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-kosciunp-ttmkr

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/ttmkr

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

And Walk

Dead Horse Gap Loop track

Covered in snow part of the year

Kosciuszko Express Chairlift

(0km) Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift → Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift

Very easy

Eagles Nest Restaurant

(1.86km) Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift → Int of Dead Horse Gap track and Kosciuszko footpath

Moderate track

(2.21km) Int of Dead Horse Gap track and Kosciuszko footpath → Top of Basin Tbar

Hard track

(2.32km) Top of Basin Tbar → Upper rest area

Hard track

(3.99km) Upper rest area → Int of Thredbo River and Dead Horse Gap tracks

Moderate track

(7.02km) Int of Thredbo River and Dead Horse Gap tracks → Cascades Trail track head

Moderate track

Dead Horse Gap

(7.02km) Int Thredbo River and Dead Horse Gap tracks → Thredbo River track western bridge

Moderate track

(8.09km) Thredbo River western bridge → Thredbo River eastern bridge

Moderate track

(8.43km) Int of Thredbo River track at eastern bridge → Cascades lookout

Moderate track

Cascades Lookout

(8.9km) Cascades lookout → Int of Thredbo River and golf course tracks

Moderate track

(10.19km) Int of Thredbo River and Golf Course Walk tracks → Int of Riverside Walk and Thredbo River bridge

Moderate track

(11km) Int of Riverside Walk and Thredbo River bridge → Int behind the community centre

Moderate track

(11.08km) Int behind the community centre → Thredbo Memorial Community Centre

Moderate track

Thredbo Golf Course

(11.2km) Thredbo Memorial Community Centre → Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift

Very easy

Maps for the Dead Horse Gap Loop track walk

Cross sectional view of the Dead Horse Gap Loop track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Dead Horse Gap Loop track

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient

Quality of track

Signs

Experience Required

weather

Infrastructure

Similar walks

Other Nearby walks

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

Fire Danger

Weather Forest

Park Information & Alerts

Comments

And Walk

Mount Piper Trail

Winter only route

Share the Snow

Smiggins Centre

(0km) Smiggins Centre → Smiggins Gate on Link Rd

Easy track

(0.35km) Smiggins Gate on Link Rd → Powerline terminus

Moderate track

(0.94km) Powerline terminus → Perisher Creek Valley View

Hard track

Perisher Creek Valley View

(2.74km) Perisher Creek Valley View → Interceptor bridge intersection

Hard track

(4.02km) Interceptor bridge intersection → Bridge on Blue Cow Link Rd

Moderate track

(4.65km) Bridge on Blue Cow Link Rd → Perisher Valley Skitube

Easy track

Perisher Valley Village

Maps for the Mount Piper Trail walk

Cross sectional view of the Mount Piper Trail bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Mount Piper Trail

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient

Quality of track