Pallaibo Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs 30 mins

5.5 km One way

114 m

Hard track

This wonderful walk explores the lower half of Sawpit Creek. Starting from high up on Kosciuszko Road at the Sawpit Creek Picnic Area, you will follow the well signposted track as it follows Sawpit Creek through the valley. You will explore various forest types as you make you way down to the Thredbo River. The walk finish with a stroll along the Thredbo River to find the well established Thredbo River Picnic Area. Plan ahead to organise a lift from the end of this walk or allow extra time to walk back up.

Information sign at Sawpit Creek Picnic Area

'Pallaibo Track' and 'Sawpit Track' signs

Following Pallaibo and Sawpit Tracks along the side of the gully

Bridge spanning Sawpit Creek on the Pallaibo and Sawpit Tracks

Pallaibo and Sawpit Tracks passing under the power lines

Track passing through the beautiful trees

Pallaibo and Sawpit Tracks high on the western side of Sawpit Creek valley

Looking down the valley from Sawpit Valley View

Pallaibo Track to Thredbo River 4 KM sign

A switchback high up on the Pallaibo Track

Walking along the Sawpit Creek valley floor on the Pallaibo Track

Crossing Sawpit Creek on the Pallaibo Track

A spiky friend (Echidna) on the Pallaibo Track

Bushwalking along the Pallaibo Track in Kosciuszko National Park

View to Sawpit Creek falls from Pallaibo Track

Looking across the valley on the Pallaibo Track

Getting close to nature on the Pallaibo Track

Walking along Sawpit Creek valley floor on the Pallaibo Track

View to Lake Jindabyne on the Pallaibo Track

3km milestone post on the Pallaibo Track

Walking along the lower section of the Pallaibo Track

Cleaing at the lower end of the Pallaibo Track

Crossing the lower end of Sawpit Creek on the Pallaibo Track

Rockfall on the Pallaibo Track near Thredbo River

Lower end of the Pallibo Track at Thredbo River Picnic Area

Infromation sign at the Thredbo River Picnic Area

Snow & Ice on walk

This walk leads through an alpine environment and all walkers must be well prepared. During summer, be prepared for both hot and cold weather, high winds, rain, 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, there is a much higher change of snow, ice and extremely cold conditions.

Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat

The 'Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat' is a caravan park about 1km further into Kosciuszko NP from the paystation on Kosciuszko Rd. The retreat provides cabins and chalets as well as powered and un-powered camping sites. The retreat has a public phone[1], a small kiosk[2], drying room[3], laundry and kids playground. Dave and Gina welcome guests all year round, with many guest skiing in winter and walking in the warmer months. More info.

Sawpit Creek Picnic Area

Sawpit Creek Picnic Area is found beside Kosciuszko Rd, and is accessed through the 'Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat' driveway[4]. The picnic area is about 1km further into the park from the NPWS pay station. A great starting point for several popular walks, this is also a pleasent spot to just stop and rest. Sawpit Creek[5] runs along the side of the open area and there are also several picnic tables[6], wood BBQs[7] and a non-flush toilet[8]. There are information signs about the area, explaining that the creek is named for the Alpine Ash that were milled in the area during the 1860s [9].

(0km) Sawpit Creek Picnic Area → Sawpit intersection

50 m

1 mins

-2m Very easy

From the large 'Sawpit Creek Picnic Area' information signs[10], this walk follows the paved footpath[11] away from the road and across Sawpit Creek[12] using the metal bridge[13]. On the other side of the bridge, the walk comes to T-intersection[14] marked with a 'Pallaibo track' sign[15].

Kosciuszko Education Centre

The Kosciuszko Education Centre is a facility at Sawpit Creek that helps students from primary school through to university learn about the natural and cultural heritage within the national park. The building has a display with some information for visitors[16], but it is not designed to be a general visitor information centre. You can call the Kosciuszko Education Centre on 6451 3700. More info.

(0km) Kosciuszko Education Centre → Sawpit intersection

310 m

6 mins

-11m Very easy

Turn sharp left: From the front of the large stone 'Kosciuszko Education Centre'[17], this walk heads across the car park towards the timber building[18] (keeping Kosciuszko Rd, some distance to your right). The walk then veers left just before the timber building to find the large metal 'Kosciuszko Education Centre' sign[19] with arrows pointing to various walks. This walk follows these arrows along the paved footpath[20] and after about 100m, the path doglegs past a couple of bench seats[21]. The walk continues down this path for another 150m to a T-intersection[22] marked with a 'Pallaibo track' information sign[23] (and a bridge on your right[24]). Now Turn left to join the main walk.

(0km) Sawpit intersection → Powerline Clearing

490 m

9 mins

-16m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Pallaibo Track' and 'Sawpit Track' signs[25] along the dirt track, directly away from the bridge. The track leads along the side of the valley[26] and after about 260m, crosses a short metal grate[27] and then, about 150m later, leads down through the granite boulders[28]. Next, the track leads down some timber steps[29] to cross Sawpit Creek on a flat timber bridge[30]. On the other side of the bridge, the track bends left and heads over a small rise, soon coming to a clearing underneath a set of power lines[31] (and fenced water treatment area up to your right).

(1km) Powerline Clearing → Sawpit Valley View

440 m

9 mins

-28m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk crosses under the power lines and follows the clear narrow track[32] along the side of the hill, whilst initially keeping the fenced water treatment area up to your right. The walk winds gently through the forest, passing a couple of timber posts[33] with walking track symbols, heads over a rise then down to cross a small gully with a metal grate[34], about 200m from passing under the power lines. The track continues gently downhill and after about 160m, it bends sharply right[35] to follow the steep side of Sawpit Creek valley[36]. The walk soon comes to a signposted three-way intersection[37] (with an unfenced valley view on your left[38]) and a few 'Pallaibo Track' signs[39].

Sawpit Valley View

At the intersection about halfway around Sawpit Track (where it joins Pallaibo Track) is an unfenced view[40] into the Sawpit Creek valley. From the rocky edge, walkers can look up and down the valley[41]. Looking down the valley, there is a view of Bald Mountain (1300m) and a glimpse over the Thredbo River into the adjoining farmland.

(1km) Sawpit Valley View → Sawpit Falls view

1.2 km

29 mins

26m

-101m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Pallaibo Track to Thredbo River 4 KM' sign[42] downhill, keeping the main valley to your left. The track leads fairly steeply down for about 130m, passing through several switchbacks[43][44]. The track then essentially flattens out[45] and leads along the valley for a few hundred metres to find a metal bridge[46]. The walk crosses the bridge over Sawpit Creek[47], then turns right, heading over a gentle rise[48]. The walk continues gently down though the open eucalypt forest[49] and, about 800m from the bridge, this walk comes to an unfenced view point[50] looking down to a waterfall[51] on Sawpit Creek (this is just before the track heads down some stone steps[52]).

Sawpit Falls view

Sawpit Falls view is found on the rocky edge of a steep cliff of Pallaibo Track. The unfenced view looks between two trees[53], peering down into the Sawpit Creek Valley to a large waterfall cascading down the wide rockface. The waterfall is some distance[54] away and the view is filtered through the trees, but it is still worth stopping to enjoy.

(2km) Sawpit Falls view → Lower Sawpit Creek Bridge

1.8 km

47 mins

26m

-184m Hard track

Veer left: From the view point[55], this walk follows the stone steps[56] downhill, keeping the main valley to your right. After about 150m of leading down the side of the gully, the track leads through a right-hand switchback[57] then soon crosses Sawpit Creek on a metal bridge[58]. Here the track heads left, leading about 200m further down along the valley floor before heading down some timber steps[59]. A further 400m along the track, the walk comes to a '3K' timber milestone post[60]. The track starts to lead a little more steeply downhill for the next 500m, as it passes through a granite outcrop[61] and down a series of steps, and then bends around a left-hand switchback[62]. The track starts to get steeper and winds down the hill through some sharp bends for about 250m before passing another right-hand switchback[63]. Still fairly steep for another hundred metres or so, the track then essentially flattens out to come to a large grassy clearing[64]. Across the Thredbo River is a view to the Gaden Trout Hatchery is a NSW Government facility for breeding Atlantic salmon, brook, brown and rainbow trout for recreational fishing. Here, the fainter track leads down the clearing, tending left and leading back into the trees[66] to a flat metal footbridge over Sawpit Creek[67].

(4km) Lower Sawpit Creek Bridge → Thredbo River Picnic Area

1.5 km

32 mins

51m

-66m Moderate track

Continue straight: From here, the walk crosses Sawpit Creek on the flat metal bridge[68] and follows the track up the steps to cross a grassy clearing. The walk climbs over a rise then down the other side to pass a '5K' timber milestone[69], about 1km from the bridge. The walk continues down the hill and steps, and soon follows the bank of the Thredbo River[70]. Keeping the river a short distance to your right, this track leads past a few rock falls[71] before coming to edge of the Thredbo River Picnic Area[72]. Here the walk heads up towards the toilet block[73] and follows the footpath[74] down past the stone picnic shelter[75] (and information signs) to the car park. The picnic area is where Kosciuszko Rd crosses the Thredbo River.

Thredbo River Picnic Area

The Thredbo River Picnic Area, as the name suggests, sits on the northern bank of the Thredbo River[76]. The picnic area is just within the bounds of Kosciuszko National Park and is signposted on Kosciuszko Rd[77]. There are well covered (and uncovered) BBQs[78] and picnic tables[79], as well as a toilet block[80][81] and open grassy area[82]. There is a large car park[83] and paved path[84] linking the main facilities. Sitting at the lower end of Pallaibo Track[85], this is a popular spot for people walking, fishing and enjoying this gateway to the national park.

Maps for the Pallaibo Walk 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.

Kalkite Mountain	1:25 000 Map Series	86253N KALKITE MOUNTAIN	NSW-86253N
Tombong	1:50 000 Map Series	8624S TOMBONG	NSW-8624S
Numbla Vale	1:50 000 Map Series	8624N NUMBLA VALE	NSW-8624N
Berridale	1:100 000 Map Series	8625 BERRIDALE	8625

Cross sectional view of the Pallaibo Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Pallaibo Walk

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	5.5 km
		Time	2 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		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	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		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

3km of this walk is very steep and another 1.5km has short steep hills. Whilst another 940m has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 50m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 50m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 4.9km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 540m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 4.5km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 990m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 4.9km of this walk is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety, whilst the remaining 540m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 3.4km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 2km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Pallaibo Walk walk.

Sawpit Walk

2.2 km Circuit, 45 mins

This short but popular walking track offers a great way to explore the middle section of Sawpit Creek in the Kosciuszko National Park. Start near Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat (or alternatively you can start from Kosciuszko Education Centre), you will cross Sawpit Creek a couple of times and explore

Total climbing: 67m

Moderate track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Pallaibo Walk walk.

Waterfall Walk

5.8 km Circuit, 2 hrs 15 mins

This walk explores the upper section of Sawpit Creek from the Sawpit Creek picnic area beside Kosciuszko Road. You will follow a circuit track visiting the main highlight, a small but lovely cascade near the halfway point. The walk guides through the tall eucalypt forest, exploring the sides of the

Total climbing: 205m

Moderate track

Rennix Trail

12.8 km Return, 5 hrs

This enjoyable walk follows an old management trail from Rennix Gap to the panoramic views from a granite outcrop, which is also home to a Snowy Hydro radio repeater. On this walk, you will visit a variety of environments from open grassy plains, wooded forest, exposed granite outcrops and alpine fe

Total climbing: 411m

Hard track

Rainbow Lake Trail

2.5 km Return, 1 Hr

This popular walk explores the snow gums and alpine grasslands between Kosciuszko Rd and Rainbow Lake. The lake is the main focal point for the walk and is a great place to rest or have lunch. The man-made lake was built in the early 1900's to provide water to the Hotel Kosciusko, it is now a natu

Total climbing: 109m

Moderate track

Munyang River Circuit

14.1 km Circuit, 5 hrs 30 mins

This walk explores the alpine country and huts around the Munyang River. You will explore parts of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, starting with the Munyang /Guthega Power station, before climbing up the steep old road to find some great views down the valley. Optional side trips can take you to the Gat

Total climbing: 649m

Hard track

Schlink Hut Walk

22.4 km Return, 9 hrs

This full day (or overnight) walk visits a series of interesting huts whilst exploring some open alpine country and parts of the Snowy Mountains Scheme. Starting at the Guthega / Munyang Power station, you climb up the steep old road to find some great views down the valley. Optional side trips visi

Total climbing: 918m

Hard track

Mount Piper Trail

5.2 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

This winter-only snowshoe walk starts from the Smiggins Centre and follows a snow pole line and cross-country ski trail to Perisher Valley. Starting along the road, you soon follow a snow pole line up and behind Mt Piper. There are some wide vistas over Perisher Creek Valley along sections of this

Total climbing: 167m

Hard track

Guthega River Snowshoe

3.3 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This pleasant snowshoe walk starts from the car park at Guthega. You will wander down the gently hill following a wide trail, then cross Guthega Dam wall. There are great views over the pondage as you continue along the snow covered trail past Guthega Shaft. The flat trail soon ends and the more cha

Total climbing: 115m

Hard track

Guthega Trig

6 km Return, 3 hrs

On this walk, you will visit the old Guthega Trig station and its wide views over the Guthega Dam, the township and surrounding country side. The walk initially leads along management trails and across the dam wall before following a narrow foot pad up the ridge between Guthega River and Falls Cree

Total climbing: 377m

Very experienced only

Guthega to Blue Lake via Little Twynam

17.4 km Return, 8 hrs

This great walk starts at Guthega and explores the area east of Blue Lake. The walk heads to the Illawong Lodge, via the Blue Cow Creek flying fox, and then crosses the famous Snowy River at the suspension bridge. The walk then winds up the long ridge to the top of Little Twynam and down to Blue La

Total climbing: 1120m

Experienced only

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

Guthega to Charlotte Pass

15.2 km One way, 6 hrs 30 mins

This walk explores the wonderful alpine country between Guthega village and Charlotte Pass at the end of Kosciuszko Rd. Starting with views of Guthega Dam, the walk visits Illawong Lodge and crosses the Snowy River suspension bridge before climbing up to Mt Twynam. Once on the Main Range track, you

Total climbing: 908m

Experienced only

Illawong Walk

6.4 km Return, 2 hrs 45 mins

From Guthega village, this walk leads you over Blue Cow Creek and alongside the Snowy River to Illawong Lodge and the suspension bridge. You will be using a narrow, unsignposted but generally clear track. A flying fox is in place over Blue Cow Creek, however a more modern bridge offers a safer path

Total climbing: 343m

Moderate track