Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo River loop

Download & Print Map and Notes

5 hrs

10.1 km Circuit

710 m

Hard track

This loop walk starts from Dead Horse Gap and does a large circuit up to the Eagles Nest Restaurant and down the Chairlift before returning along the Thredbo River. Along the walk there are stunning views from the top of the Rams Head Range, before the opportunity for lunch at Australia's Highest Restaurant, followed by an enjoyable chairlift ride down to Thredbo. There is then the tranquil snow gum forest surrounding the Thredbo River on the way back to Dead Horse Gap.

Lower rest area on the Dead Horse Gap track

looking down at the village from the chairlift

intersection of the golf coures 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.

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

160 m

3 mins

-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]

(0km) 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.

(2km) 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.

(3km) 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.

(5km) Top of Basin Tbar → Int of Dead Horse Gap track and Kosciuszko footpath

110 m

2 mins

-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.

(5km) Int of Dead Horse Gap track and Kosciuszko footpath → Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift

350 m

6 mins

-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

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.

(5km) Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift → Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift

1.9 km

20 mins

-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

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.

(7km) 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].

(8km) Thredbo Memorial Community Centre → Int of Riverside Walk and Thredbo River bridge

200 m

4 mins

-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).

(8km) 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].

(9km) 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

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.

(10km) 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.

(10km) 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].

(11km) 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

Altitude analysis for 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).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo River loop walk.

Riverside and Golf Course Walk

3.3 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk explores the Thredbo River from the village then loops around the golf course before returning along the roads to the Valley Terminal. You will see some snow gum forests and enjoy the Thredbo River from many angles. Allow some extra time to sit on a rock beside the river and enjoy the trou

Total climbing: 105m

Moderate track

Merritts Nature Track

3.7 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walk explores the native bushland around the winter skiing area. After riding the Kosciuszko Express chairlift up the hill, arriving near the Eagles Nest restaurant, the walk winds through the snow gum forest, following ski runs and bush tracks back down the hill. The walk passes the popular

Total climbing: 65m

Hard track

Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Kosciuszko lookout

3.8 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

This scenic walk explores the start of the track heading towards Mt Kosciuszko from the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift. The walk takes you to the Kosciuszko Lookout, following along side the Rams Head Range, along the metal walkway. This walk takes in the views of Thredbo, North Rams Head

Total climbing: 149m

Hard track

Dead Horse Gap to Cascades Lookout return

4.1 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

This enjoyable walk starts at Dead Horse Gap, the highest point on the Alpine Way. The walk follows the Riverside track downstream, along the Thredbo River, through the valley and the snow gum forest to the cascades lookout. This walk follows a well defined track and, although close to the road, yo

Total climbing: 135m

Moderate track

Thredbo to Cascades Lookout return

4.7 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk starts at Thredbo and follows the Riverside Track, along the Thredbo River. The walk passes the golf course and heads through the snow gum forest to the Thredbo River cascades lookout. This walk uses a well defined track from the outskirts of Thredbo Village.

Total climbing: 121m

Moderate track

Thredbo River track

4.8 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

Starting from Thredbo Village you wander along a few roads to the Thredbo Golf Course then follow the track as it winds along beside the Thredbo River to the Alpine way just near Dead Horse Gap. You will stroll through some lovely snow gum forests and enjoys views down to the river from the cascades

Total climbing: 224m

Moderate track

Dead Horse Gap Track

5.3 km One way, 3 hrs

Starting from near Dead Horse Gap on the Alpine Way, this walk follows the signposted track across Bogong Creek and up the ridge to top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift. This walk provides wide views that expand as you climb, exploring a snow gum forest lower down and the open grass herb fields as yo

Total climbing: 486m

Hard track

Merritts Traverse

5.8 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This walk starts with a scenic journey to the top of the hill on the chairlift. Starting along Merritts Nature walk, this walk soon detours down the hill by following a series of signposted management trails and ski runs. The walk visits a few scenic creeks, but the main highlights are the wide view

Total climbing: 167m

Hard track

Thredbo to Cootapatamba lookout return

7.5 km Return, 3 hrs 45 mins

This walk starts at the Thredbo Village and takes a ride up the Kosciuszko Express chairlift to the Eagles Nest restaurant. Then on foot, you head along the footpath, winding up towards Mt Kosciuszko, passing North Rams Head and the Kosciuszko lookout. The walk soon arrives at the metal platform o

Total climbing: 287m

Hard track

Dead Horse Gap Loop track

9.8 km Circuit, 4 hrs 30 mins

This walk starts with a ride up the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift. There is an opportunity to eat at Australia's highest restaurant, before heading over the Rams Head Range. After enjoying the spectacular views from the Rams Head Range, the walk drops to Dead Horse Gap, then follows a bush track alon

Total climbing: 144m

Hard track

Charlotte Pass to Thredbo via Rawson Pass

12.2 km One way, 5 hrs

Starting at Charlotte Pass, this walk follows the Summit Walk, along the old Kosciuszko Road, as it crosses the Snowy River and passes Seamans Hut. The walk then makes its way to Rawsons Pass, where there is the optional side trip to the top of Mt Kosciuszko. From here, the walk follows the metal

Total climbing: 431m

Hard track

Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko

12.4 km Return, 6 hrs

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 t

Total climbing: 459m

Hard track

Guthega to Thredbo camping overnight at Wilkensons Creek

25.8 km One way, 2 Days

This great overnight walk explores the Kosciusko National Park between Guthega and Thredbo, visiting some fantastic sights along the way like the Snowy River, Blue Lake and Mt Twynam, Lake Albina and Mt Kosiuszko. The Wilkinsons Creek camping area is a nice place to stop and reflect as the sun sets.

Total climbing: 1364m

Experienced only

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo River loop walk.

Bob's Ridge Trail

9.7 km Return, 4 hrs

Starting near Dead Horse Gap on the Alpine Way, you will follow the wide Cascade Trail upstream along the Thredbo River. After crossing the river, you will follow the trail through snow gum forests to the signposted Bobs Ridge. From the rocky outcrops at Bobs Ridge, there are great views west over t

Total climbing: 379m

Hard track

Cascade Hut

19.6 km Return, 7 hrs 30 mins

Starting near Dead Horse Gap on the Alpine Way, you will follow the wide Cascade Trail past Bobs Ridge to Cascade Hut in the Pilot Wilderness Area. You follow the Thredbo River for a while before heading over Bobs Ridge, enjoying the distant views into Victoria. The walk then explores a few wooded f

Total climbing: 797m

Hard track

Meadows Nature Track

3.1 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This circuit walk offers an enjoyable way of exploring the diverse environments near Thredbo Village. Starting near the centre of town, you will follow the Merritts Nature Track partway up the hill. Then, following the Meadows Nature Track signs, you cross a series of open ski runs before heading ba

Total climbing: 210m

Hard track

Pipeline Path

3.3 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

Starting from the Village Terminal, this walk leads you past the bobsled then down to Friday Drive and across the Thredbo River. From here, you follow the signposted Pipeline Path, a dirt track, along the hillside. The track leads to the picture-perfect Snowmakers Ponds for a picnic or a dip. Either

Total climbing: 101m

Moderate track

Thredbo to Village Weir return

2.2 km Return, 1 Hr

This short, relaxing walk starts from Thredbo and follows the Merrits Nature Track to the village weir. A great walk for those who enjoy following a well signposted track. The weir is a lovely spot to stop for lunch before the return journey, back down the hill to Thredbo.

Total climbing: 148m

Hard track

Bridle Trail Loop

2.9 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk starts by heading through Friday Flats and following a signposted track along the grassy open hillside of Thredbo River valley. You follow the loop through an enchanting snow gum forest, enjoying more valley views in places. A peaceful walk, with only a few short hill climbs, and particul

Total climbing: 149m

Moderate track

Charlotte Pass to Village Dam

778 m Return, 30 mins

This short, leisurely walk starts at the bottom of the Kangaroo Ridge Triple Chairlift, just on the edge of the village. The walk follows the faint grassy service trail around the edge of the great snow gum forest to the small dam in Spencers Creek, not far from the village. This is a great walk fo

Total climbing: 45m

Moderate track

Charlotte Pass to Village Lookdown

2.4 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This is a fun walk, starting from the bottom of the Kangaroo Ridge Triple Chairlift, and following the management trail and bush track up the side of the ridge through a great snowgum forest to the top, where it comes to the village lookdown, near an old demolished Tbar station.

Total climbing: 215m

Hard track

Charlotte Pass Village and Mt Stilwell loop

4.2 km Circuit, 2 hrs 15 mins

This loop walk starts at Charlotte Pass, and winds up to Mt Stilwell's peak, with stunning views in every direction. The walk then goes along the ridge line to the village lookdown, near the demolished Tbar station, before returning to the village through the snow gum forest. There is an optional s

Total climbing: 295m

Hard track

Charlotte Pass to Mt Stilwell return

3.8 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

This enjoyable walk starts from the end of Kosciuszko Rd, Charlotte Pass, and follows the ridgeline, on the western side of the village, up to the top of Mt Stilwell. The walk passes the Tbar and Chairlift stations along the way. This walk follows a clear track to the top, and is great for those lo

Total climbing: 203m

Hard track

Summit Trail - Charlotte Pass to Rawson Pass

15.2 km Return, 5 hrs 30 mins

This walk starts at the end of the road at Charlotte Pass, and follows the Old Kosciuszko Road as it winds through the mountains to Rawson Pass. The walk passes the well known Snowy River and Seamans Hut. Rawson Pass is at the foot of Australia's highest mountain, and there are great views along th

Total climbing: 461m

Hard track

Summit Trail - Charlotte Pass to Seamans Hut

12 km Return, 4 hrs 30 mins

This nice walk starts from Charlotte Pass and follows the old Kosciuszko Road through the mountains to Seamans Hut, crossing the famous Snowy River along the way. Seamans Hut is a great place to enjoy lunch and is openly available for day use (and for emergency use at night). Most of this walk gives

Total climbing: 332m

Hard track