Thredbo River track

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 45 mins

4.8 km One way

224 m

Moderate 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 lookout and various bridges. An enjoyable way to explore the Thredbo River and the valley environments.

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 down steps to the eastern bridge

Lone snow gum in the Thredbo River Valley

Crossing the western Thredbo River bridge

Thredbo River Valley near Dead Horse Gap

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 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.

(3km) 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.

(3km) Thredbo River eastern bridge → Thredbo River western bridge

340 m

7 mins

15m

-6m Moderate track

Continue straight: From just before the bridge[35], this walk crosses Thredbo River[36] using the long metal bridge. This walk then leads up a log lined set of stairs[37] to then turn right and follow a track through the open grassy area with a scattering of snow gums[38]. Before too long the track comes closer to the river again and heads along a metal grate[39] to then cross the Thredbo River again on another metal bridge[40].

(4km) Thredbo River track western bridge → Int Thredbo River and Dead Horse Gap tracks

1.1 km

23 mins

68m

-8m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the western bridge[41] this walk follows the track across the grassy area[42] to soon lead up a long series of steps[43]. 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[44] (and some small creeks) and passes through a section of dead snow gums[45]. The track gently climbs then flattens out to be a similar height[46] to the road (on the other side of the valley) and then comes to a signposted three-way intersection[47] where there is a 'Thredbo village 4km' sign[48] pointing back along the track.

(5km) Int of Thredbo River and Dead Horse Gap tracks → Cascades Trail track head

160 m

3 mins

-6m Moderate 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[49] on a metal bridge[50]. 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[51] 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).

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[52]. In the early 20th century, the pass became increasingly popular with stockmen, who brought sheep and cattle to the mountains each summer.[53]

Maps for the Thredbo River 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.

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 Thredbo River track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Thredbo River track

Altitude analysis for Thredbo River 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.

		Length	4.8 km
		Time	1 hr 45 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	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		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

2.5km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.8km has short steep hills. The remaining (570m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

3.3km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.1km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (480m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 2.6km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 2.3km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 3km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.8km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 2.6km of this walk is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety, whilst the remaining 2.2km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 4.8km 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 Thredbo River track 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

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

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

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 Thredbo River track 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

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

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