Meadows Nature Track

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Time 1 hr 30 mins
Circuit 3.1 km Circuit
Climb 210 m
Grade 4 Hard track
Car
no_pets
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 back into the bush. Through this section of forest, you visit a delightful mossy creek with a small weir, then head down another ski run to return the valley terminal.
Valley Terminal Trackhead signs at Valley Terminal Track Passing the Tennis Courts Bottom of the Bob Sled Run Intersection east of bobsled Walking up the steps beside the bobsled run Steps beside the Bob sled run The bobsled run Top of the bobsled run Following the Merritts Nature Track sign Int of Merritts nature track and Bobsled link track Crossing the bridge near Merritts chairlift Crossing under Merritts Chairlift Track wining up through the forest Creek beside Birralee Bushcamp Int of Merritts nature track and Birralee bushcamp tracks Birralee Bushcamp Creek beside Birralee Bushcamp Steps Int of Merritts nature track and Sundowner service trail Tree trunk beside track Fungus on Merrits Nature Track Walking along Merritts Nature Track Moss on Merrits Nature Track Water cascading below the weir crossing the metal bridge String Bark passing another bench Walking up a ski run in summer Looking down the Thredbo Valley from near the Snowgums midstation Meadnow Nature Track sign Walking under the chairlift Walking under the Kosciuszko Express chairlift Boundary of a ski run Recycling of signs to make a track Alpine tree trunk Meadows Nature Track Life close up on the Meadows Nature Track Crossing a creek on the Meadows Nature Track Mossy creek A small weir on Meadows Nature Track Walking along the Meadows Nature Track Following signs on the Meadows Nature Track Tall forest on the Meadows Nature Track Walking down the True Blue ski run Walking down the Tru Blue ski run into Thredbo Village Top of Village trail footpath Walking down the Village trail footpath Path leading to the village beside the True Blue Ski Run Valley Terminal Building

Covered in snow & closed part of the year

Covered in snow & closed 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. Part of this walk is used as a groomed winter ski run. This walk is closed and should not be attempted when there is a chance of significant snow on the ground.

(0km) Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift → Bottom of bobsled run

distance 230 m time 5 mins climb 6m descent -13m Moderate track
From the entrance to the ticket sales for the Kosciuszko Express chairlift[1], this walk follows the 'Merritts Nature Track' sign. The walk leads around the car park and past the picnic area to follow another 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[2] along the footpath, leading beside the tennis courts[3]. The footpath continues past the tennis courts[4] and then heads up a ramp[5] and to the other side of the building at the bottom of the bobsled run.

Thredbo Bobsled

Thredbo Bobsled
With a twisting and turning path more than 700m long, this luge-style track is a great summer activity for the family to enjoy whilst staying in Thredbo. Offering individual rides or day passes, allowing you to enjoy this fun ride as many times as you want as you whizz down the mountain on your cart, controlling your speed with a neat hand-break system. More info.

(0km) Bottom of bobsled run → Int of Bobsled service trail and Merritts nature track

distance 110 m time 2 mins climb 1m descent -5m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the bobsled building[6], this walk follows the paved footpath along side the bobsled run[7] (to your left) whilst keeping the valley to your right. Soon the footpath leads into the bush[8] and then comes to a three-way intersection marked with a 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[9] (pointing up to the left).

(0km) Int of Bobsled service trail and Merritts nature track → Int of Merritts nature track and Bobsled service trail

distance 230 m time 6 mins climb 43m descent 0m Hard track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[10] up the steps which bend to the right. The steep steps and track leads up through the bush and pass beside the bobsled run[11], then lead to a clear intersection with a management trail, marked with an arrow post[12].
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the arrow marker gently uphill along the management trail[13], keeping the bobsled run to your left[14]. Just near the top of the bobsled run[15], the trail leads to a three-way intersection marked with a 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[16] (and track on your right).

(1km) Int of Merritts nature track and Bobsled service trail → Int of Merritts nature track and Merritts chairlift service trail

distance 170 m time 4 mins climb 6m descent -6m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[17] up along the track leading through the bush (and away from the bobsled). The track leads up some gentle steps and soon comes to a clear intersection[18] with another management trail, marked with an arrow post[19].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide management trail down the hill[20] and across the flat timber bridge[21]. The walk then follows the trail up the hill for a short distance, coming to a three-way intersection with a couple of 'Merritts Nature Track' signposts[22][23].

(1km) Int of Merritts nature track and Merritts chairlift service trail → Int of Merritts nature track and Birralee bushcamp tracks

distance 130 m time 3 mins climb 20m descent 0m Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[24] uphill along the narrow track and immediately passes under Merritts Chairlift[25]. The track then leads into the denser forest with tall snow gums[26]. The track leads up near the creek to a signposted intersection marked with both a 'Birralee Bush Camp'[27] and 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[28] (with a bridge to the left[29]).

(1km) Int of Merritts nature track and Birralee bushcamp tracks → Birralee Bushcamp

distance 50 m time 2 mins climb 7m descent -1m Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Birralee Bush Camp' sign[30] across the creek using the footbridge. The bridge bends over the mossy creek[31] then the track bends left to reveal the campsite and picnic area[32]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Birralee Bush camp

Birralee Bush camp
Birralee bush camp is a signposted[33] clearing just on the other side of a small creek[34] from Merrits Nature Track (north of Merritts chairlift). Accessed by a bridge[35], this flat clearing has a picnic table[36] and a bench seat[37] and access to the creek[38] (treat water before drinking). This is naturally shaded, making a great place to cool off and rest on hot days.

(1km) Int of Merritts nature track and Birralee bushcamp tracks → Int of Merritts nature track and Sundowner service trail

distance 80 m time 2 mins climb 12m descent 0m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[39] up the gentle hill whilst keeping the mossy creek to your left[40]. The track heads up a series of gentle steps, then a last short climb[41] leads to a wide clearing with the Sundowner ski run, opposite a large water tank[42].

(1km) Int of Merritts nature track and Sundowner service trail → Int of weir track and Merritts nature track

distance 150 m time 4 mins climb 34m descent 0m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection (with the water tank[43] on your right and safety barriers[44] to your left), this walk follows the blue arrow marker[45] uphill along the track. The track winds gently up through the tall snow gum[46] and mossy forest[47], keeping the creek a short distance through to your left. Just before a metal bridge[48], the track comes to a three-way intersection[49] (with a short track on the right, leading to a weir[50]).

(1km) Int of weir track and Merritts nature track → Weir

distance 20 m time climb 2m descent 0m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the narrower track[51], keeping the creek a short distance to your left. The track leads a short distance to the concrete weir[52][53] (no swimming). At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

Thredbo Village Weir

Thredbo Village Weir
The Thredbo Weir can be found on the Merritts Nature Track, along a creek that flows from the Rams Head Range. The weir is used to supply water to the village below.

(1km) Int of weir track and Merritts nature track → Int of Merritts and Meadows nature tracks

distance 230 m time 6 mins climb 37m descent -8m Hard track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk crosses the creek using the metal bridge[54]. At the bench seat[55], the track bends left and starts to climb steeply up the steps through the tall stringybark forest[56]. The track winds and passes a couple of switch-backs[57], passing another bench seat[58] partway up. The track continues to climb, then flattens out at yet another bench seat[59] (a good hint to take a rest). Here, the track heads along the now fairly flat track for a short time[60], to come to a well signposted three-way intersection with the 'Merritts Nature Track' and the 'Meadows Nature Track'[61].

(1km) Int of Merritts and Meadows nature tracks → Snowgums midstation int

distance 150 m time 5 mins climb 23m descent -5m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Meadows Nature Track' sign[62] south along the track, keeping the valley to your left. Soon the walk comes to a clearing (ski run) and another 'Meadows Nature Track' sign[63] where this walk turns right and heads up the grassy hill[64]. At the crest, this walk passes another 'Meadows Nature Track' sign[65] and comes to an intersection with a gravel management trail (just before the chairlift)[66].

(1km) Snowgums midstation int → Creek Crossing

distance 580 m time 13 mins climb 17m descent -66m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Meadows Nature Track' sign[67] (behind the 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[68]) across the grass and under Snowgums Chairlift[69]. Heading a bit uphill, this walk soon passes an arrow post[70] then another 'Meadows Nature Track' sign[71] beside the trees. Following this sign, the walk crosses another ski run and heads under Kosciuszko Express chairlift[72], passing yet another 'Meadows Nature Track' sign[73]. Here the walk starts heading gently downhill, and just after passing a line of trees, the track bends left to head downhill[74]. The walk then follows an arrow post across the ski run and under Ramshead chairlift[75] to find a grassy management trail beside the trees[76] and an intersection marked with a 'Meadows Nature Track' sign[77], up to the right (next to a snow making pole[78]).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Meadows Nature Track' sign[79] along the narrow track[80] to follow the timber duckboards. The timber duckboards (interestingly, made from recycled signposts[81]) lead though the snow gum forest[82]. The timber soon gives way to dirt track for about 80m, then the walk crosses a timber bridge[83] over a small mossy creek[84] to a bench seat[85], inviting you for a rest.

Creek Crossing

Creek Crossing
A wooded forest surrounds this gully, providing a shaded, moist environment that encourages the prolific growth of moss on the rocks[86]. The small creek cascades down the many rocks and through the small pools. At this creek crossing, the walk crosses the unnamed creek using a flat timber bridge[87]. One the western side is a bench seat[88], making a pleasant place to enjoy this serene spot. Just south of the crossing is a small stone and concrete weir[89].

(2km) Creek Crossing → Upper Riverside link intersection

distance 130 m time 3 mins climb 0m descent -20m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the bench seat[90], this walk follows the track away from the bridge, heading downstream[91]. The main track soon bends right at the arrow post[92] (the short track on the left leads to the small weir[93]). The track leads down a few steps[94] and after about 60m, crosses a small timber bridge[95]. The track then leaves the forest to find a three-way intersection[96] with a management trail, where a 'Meadows Nature Track' sign[97] points back into the forest.

(2km) Upper Riverside link intersection → Top of Village trail footpath

distance 630 m time 13 mins climb 8m descent -61m Hard track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Meadows Nature Track' sign[98] downhill and across the bridged creek[99], following the grassy management trail. The trail gently undulates around the side of the hill and after crossing a smaller creek[100], the walk stays left, following the main trail uphill[101]. The trail soon leaves the bush and comes to a 'T' intersection with a ski run, marked with an arrow post[102].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the wide grassy ski run towards the houses[103]. The trail leads past a couple of arrow posts[104] as the trail bends left, passing the houses to come to an intersection with a metal footpath (on your right) where the metal railing meets the timber fence[105]. This intersection is marked with a 'Meadows Nature Track' sign[106].

(3km) Top of Village trail footpath → Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift

distance 260 m time 5 mins climb 3m descent -25m Hard track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the metal footpath, keeping the timber fence (and ski run) to your left[107]. The path leads down a series of steps and past a platform with a seat[108], soon coming to a paved path[109] at the end of the timber fence. This walk follows the path down in front of some buildings[110] to find some large maps[111] and the entrance to the chairlift station[112].

Maps for the Meadows Nature 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 Valley1:25 000 Map Series85252S PERISHER VALLEYNSW-85252S
Chimneys Ridge1:25 000 Map Series85241N CHIMNEYS RIDGENSW-85241N
Kosciuszko1:100 000 Map Series8525 KOSCIUSZKO8525
Jacobs River1:100 000 Map Series8524 JACOBS RIVER8524

Cross sectional view of the Meadows Nature Track bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Meadows Nature Track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Meadows Nature Track

Altitude analysis for Meadows Nature 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.

Length3.1 km
Time1 hr 30 mins
.




Grade 4/6



Hard track		AS 2156.1GradientVery steep (4/6)
Quality of trackFormed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
SignsDirectional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience RequiredSome bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
WeatherForecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
InfrastructureLimited 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

2.2km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 410m is very steep. Whilst another 330m is flat with no steps and the remaining 150m has short steep hills.

Quality of track

2.2km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 540m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (330m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 2km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 1.1km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 2.4km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 670m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 2.6km of this walk is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety, whilst the remaining 490m is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 2.9km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 150m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Meadows Nature Track walk.

Thredbo to Village Weir return

2.2 km Return, 1 Hr

Thredbo to Village Weir return

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

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Pipeline Path

3.3 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

Pipeline Path

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

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Merritts Nature Track

3.7 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

Merritts Nature Track

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

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Merritts Traverse

5.8 km Circuit, 3 hrs

Merritts Traverse

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

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Meadows Nature Track walk.

Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Kosciuszko lookout

3.8 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Kosciuszko lookout

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

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Thredbo to Cootapatamba lookout return

7.5 km Return, 3 hrs 45 mins

Thredbo to Cootapatamba lookout return

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

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko

12.4 km Return, 6 hrs

Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko

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

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Dead Horse Gap Loop track

9.8 km Circuit, 4 hrs 30 mins

Dead Horse Gap Loop track

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

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Riverside and Golf Course Walk

3.3 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

Riverside and Golf Course Walk

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

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Thredbo River track

4.8 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

Thredbo River track

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

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Thredbo to Cascades Lookout return

4.7 km Return, 2 hrs

Thredbo to Cascades Lookout return

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

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Bridle Trail Loop

2.9 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

Bridle Trail Loop

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

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo River loop

10.1 km Circuit, 5 hrs

Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo River loop

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 Re

Total climbing: 710m

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Dead Horse Gap to Cascades Lookout return

4.1 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

Dead Horse Gap to Cascades Lookout return

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

Grade 3
  • Car

Moderate track

Dead Horse Gap Track

5.3 km One way, 3 hrs

Dead Horse Gap Track

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

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Bob's Ridge Trail

9.7 km Return, 4 hrs

Bob's Ridge Trail

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

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Meadows Nature Track walk starts and ends at the Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift (gps: -36.503981, 148.30397)

car Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Snowy Mountains weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Kosciuszko National Park

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