Pipeline Path

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Time 1 hr 15 mins
Circuit 3.3 km Circuit
Climb 101 m
Grade 3 Moderate track
Car
no_pets
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 retrace your steps or follow the rest of the notes back to the start following Friday Drive. An enjoyable stroll out from the village.
Outside Village Terminal Bottom of the merrits nature track Track Passing the Tennis Courts Bobsled building Bobsled Intersection east of the Bobsled Intersection near Woodridge Merrits Nature Track steps at Friday Dr Crossing over the Thredbo River Thredbo River sign Crossing road to Pipeline Path Western end of the Pipeline Path Following the Pipeline Path Forest forming an avenue on the Pipeline Path Forest forming an avenue on the Pipeline Path Looking across the Thredbo valley from the Pipeline Path A storm water channel Forest along the Pipeline Path Pipeline maintiance lid on teh Pipeline Path Looking over the Thredbo Leisure centre from the Pipeline Path Pipeline Path The grassy edges of the Pipeline Path Water channels on the Pipeline Path Valley view from the Pipeline Path Glimpse of the pondage from the Pipeline Path The pondage from Pipeline Path Looking to Thredbo Village from the eastern end of the Pipeline Path Pondage from Pipeline Path Upper Pipeline Path intersection Looking down along the Pipeline Path to the pondage Snowmakers Pond from the Pipeline Path Pipeline Path beside Snowmakers pond Thredbo River BBQ area at Snowmakers Pond Crossing the Thredbo River Thredbo River Thredbo River Verge on Friday Drive Car parking are on Friday Dr Near Friday Flats Following the footpath beside Friday Drive Passing Thredbo Leisure Centre

Covered in snow part of the year

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) 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 east of bobsled run → Int of Friday Drive and Merritts Nature Track

distance 200 m time 4 mins climb 7m descent -11m Easy track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the paved footpath gently uphill[10], keeping the valley to your right. The path soon crosses a metal grate[11], then leaves the grove of trees to find a three-way intersection[12] marked with a 'Merritts Nature Walk' sign[13].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the face of the 'Merritts Nature Walk' sign[14] along the paved path with a handrail. The path soon leads down some steps[15] to come to a 'T' intersection with a footpath beside Friday Drive,[16] where there is a 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[17] pointing back up.

(1km) Int of Friday Drive and Merritts Nature Track → Thredbo River sign

distance 40 m time 1 mins climb 1m descent 0m Very easy
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads along the footpath to cross the bridge over Thredbo River, whilst keeping Friday Dr to your left[18]. On the other side of the bridge the footpath immediately comes to an intersection marked with a 'Thredbo River'[19] sign.

(1km) Thredbo River sign → Upper Pipeline Path junction

distance 1.1 km time 21 mins climb 30m descent -29m Moderate track
Turn sharp left: From the 'Thredbo River' sign[20], this walk crosses the road[21] to the 'Pipeline Path' sign[22]. Here the walk follows the 'Pipeline Path' sign down the track[23] that soon flattens out and gently winds along the side of the hill. The track has a few sections of metal grates[24] and passes several storm water drains[25][26]. Following a pipeline, this track passes the round concrete maintenance lids[27] at fairly regular intervals. As the track approaches the lake at the northern end, the views begin to open up[28], with great views over the wetlands and back into Thredbo[29]. Just before the road, the track comes to a 'Y' intersection marked with an arrow post[30].

(2km) Upper Pipeline Path junction → Snowmakers pond intersection

distance 130 m time 2 mins climb 0m descent -12m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the arrow post, down the steps towards the water[31]. Soon the track flattens out and gently winds along the the shoreline[32] (just below the road). The track then comes up to find an intersection with Friday Drive, just before 'Thredbo River' bridge[33], marked with a 'Pipeline Path' sign[34].

(2km) Snowmakers pond intersection → Snowmakers pond Picnic area

distance 40 m time 1 mins climb 1m descent 0m Very easy
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads along the dirt trail[35] away from the main road, keeping the pondage to your left[36]. The trail soon leads to a car park and picnic area[37]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left.

Snowmakers pond Picnic area

Snowmakers pond Picnic area
Nestled between the Thredbo River and the Snowmakers pond (just of the side of Friday Drive), this picnic area is a great spot to rest and enjoy the water. There is a car park[38], a picnic table[39] and some BBQ's[40] on the grassy bank of the pond. The pond provides a place to swim (observe the signs) or to enjoy the quiet spot away from the main village.

(2km) Snowmakers pond intersection → Int of Friday Drive and Merritts Nature Track

distance 1 km time 19 mins climb 27m descent -19m Easy track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads west along Friday Dr immediately crossing the signposted 'Thredbo River'[41]. The walk follows the narrow verge[42] beside the road, passing a car park on your left after about 200m. Approximately 300m later, the walk crosses the road at the roundabout and follows the footpath past the buildings and back down to Friday Drive to an intersection just with a driveway just below the signposted 'Thredboland' building.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath keeping Friday Dr to your left, heading away from the roundabout, to cross a bridge almost immediately. The walk continues along the side of the road past 'River Inn'[43] and about 100m later passes the 'Thredbo Leisure Centre'[44] (on the other side of the road). Just shy of 200m later this walk comes to an intersection with a set of steps signposted as 'Merritts Nature Track'[45] (on your right), just before the Thredbo River bridge[46].

(3km) Int of Friday Drive and Merritts Nature Track → Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift

distance 530 m time 11 mins climb 29m descent -14m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[47] up the steps[48] and along the paved footpath, soon coming to a 'T' intersection marked with a 'Merritts Nature Walk' sign[49].
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Merritts Nature Walk' sign[50] along the paved footpath, keeping the road and valley to your left. The path soon crosses a metal grate[51] and heads through a grove of trees, coming to a three-way intersection marked with an arrow post[52] (and a 'Merritts Nature Track' sign pointing up the steps the right[53]).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the paved footpath west towards the clearing[54], keeping the valley to your left. The footpath soon leads out of the bush[55] and then along side the bobsled run[56] to find the building at the bottom of the run[57].
Continue straight: From the bottom of the bobsled run, this walk heads around the building, down the ramp[58] and along the sealed path towards the tennis courts[59]. The walk follows the path beside the tennis courts[60], then through the car park, and around the front of the buildings[61][62] to find the entrance to the ticket sales for the Kosciuszko Express chairlift, and a large map.

Maps for the Pipeline Path 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 Pipeline Path bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Pipeline Path

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Pipeline Path

Altitude analysis for Pipeline Path

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.

Length3.3 km
Time1 hr 15 mins
.




Grade 3/6



Moderate track		AS 2156.1GradientGentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Quality of trackClear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
SignsClearly signposted (1/6)
Experience RequiredNo experience required (1/6)
WeatherStorms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
InfrastructureGenerally 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 2km of this walk is flat with no steps, whilst the remaining 1.4km has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

Around 2.1km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path, whilst the remaining 1.2km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

This whole walk, 3.3km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 3.3km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 1.9km of this walk is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety, whilst the remaining 1.5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 3.3km 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 Pipeline Path 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

Meadows Nature Track

3.1 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

Meadows Nature Track

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

Grade 4
  • Car

Hard 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 Pipeline Path 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 Pipeline Path 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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