Riverside and Golf Course Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 15 mins

3.3 km Circuit

105 m

Moderate track

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 trout swimming past.

Crossing the Thredbo River at Valley Terminal

Crossing Thredbo River on Crackenback Dr

Int of Riverside Walk and golf course bridge

Passing the pump house on Riverside track

Int of Thredbo River and Golf Course Walk tracks

Looking across the valley from eastern side of the Golf Course

Walking on the eastern side of the golf course

Int of the Golf Course Walk and Meadows Link trail

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 → Thredbo Memorial Community Centre

480 m

9 mins

11m

-10m Very easy

From the big map[1] outside the ticket store at the bottom of the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift, this walk follows the 'Riverside Walk' sign[2] down to cross the bridge over Thredbo River[3]. Here the walk turns right onto Friday drive and follows the footpath under the footbridge[4] heading between the road and the river. The walk follows the road past the children's playground[5] (on your left) and beside the car park[6], past the pond[7] to come to a four-way intersection with 'Diggings Terrace'[8], just past a small pond.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Crackenback Drive' sign[9] across the bridge[10], over Thredbo River[11]. The walk then comes to a signposted intersection in front of the 'Thredbo Memorial Community Centre'[12].

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.

(0km) 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[13], this walk follows the 'Riverside Walk' and 'Dead Horse Gap' signs[14] down the track towards the river. The track leads alongside the river[15][16] for approximately 100m before bending up and leaving the bush to come to the edge of the Golf Course[17], behind the community centre[18].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the well worn track winding around the edge of the golf course[19], away from the community centre. After about 30m this walk crosses a short metal bridge[20], to then come to an intersection at a larger timber bridge[21] (on your left).

(1km) 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[22], this walk follows the track whilst keeping the river to your left[23]. The track gently meanders between the golf course and the river, enjoying some sections very close to the river[24]. The track heads over a few metal grates[25] and over a small metal bridge[26] to come to an intersection next to the golf course marked with a small timber bridge[27] (over a small creek), just before the pump house[28].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the clear track towards the green timber hut[29], keeping the Thredbo river to your left. The track soon passes the pump house[30] (the green timber hut) and leads beside the river[31] for about 150m before turning right and heading uphill[32]. The walk then heads up the steps[33] to find a clear three-way intersection marked with a large 'Thredbo River Track' sign[34].

(1km) Int of Thredbo River and Golf Course Walk tracks → The Wedge

320 m

7 mins

17m

-13m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the green and black arrows uphill[35][36]. The track leads over a small rise then downhill and across a small creek via a flat timber bridge[37]. The track then leads up the hill for about 80m, coming to the golf course[38] next to the signposted 'The Wedge'[39] - the 6th hole tee.

(2km) The Wedge → Int of the Golf Course Walk and Meadows Link trail

480 m

11 mins

30m

-15m Moderate track

Continue straight: From next to 'The Wedge'[40], this walk follows the green and black arrows[41] uphill along the track, keeping the golf course to your right. The track then bends left and heads into the bush[42], climbing the hill. After about 150m, the track crosses a metal grate[43], then climbs a series of steps[44] for about another 100m to find a bench seat[45] with valley views. Here, the walk continues along the track through a grove of snow gums[46], past another bench seat[47] and down to a signposted 'T' intersection[48] with a gravel management trail.

(2km) Int of the Golf Course Walk and Meadows Link trail → Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift

980 m

20 mins

10m

-64m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Riverside Walk' sign[49] downhill along the wide gravel management trail[50]. After about 40m, this walk turns left at the 'T' intersection[51] and continues down the management trail, soon coming to a gate[52] at the end of Cascades Close[53].
Continue straight: From the end of Cascades Close, this walk heads downhill along the road[54]. At the 'T' intersection, this walk turns right and follows the 'Riverside Walk' arrows[55] down along Crackenback Drive. The road winds down, out the 'Crackenback Ridge' boundary[56] then down to the intersection in front of the Thredbo Memorial Community Centre[57] (just before the bridge[58]).
Continue straight: From the Community Centre[59], this walk follows the road across the bridge[60], over Thredbo River to come to a signposted intersection with 'Friday Drive'[61].
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill following the 'Friday Drive' sign[62] past the pond (on your right). The road leads through a car park and past the children's play ground[63]. In time the walk follow the footpath beside the road[64] that leads under a footbridge[65], where this walk then turns left across the road bridge[66]. Here the walk tends left up the road to find a large map[67] and the entrance to the tickets station[68] at the bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift.

Maps for the Riverside and Golf Course 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.

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 Riverside and Golf Course Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Riverside and Golf Course Walk

Altitude analysis for Riverside and Golf Course 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	3.3 km
		Time	1 hr 15 mins
		.
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	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		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

1.6km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 1.2km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (480m) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

1.8km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.3km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (120m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 2km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 1.3km has directional signs at most intersection.

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 1.3km 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 Riverside and Golf Course Walk walk.

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 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

Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo River loop

10.1 km Circuit, 5 hrs

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

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Riverside and Golf Course Walk walk.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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