Thredbo to Cascades Lookout return

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs

4.7 km Return

121 m

Moderate track

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.

intersection of the golf coures loop track

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) Pond intersection → Thredbo Memorial Community Centre

60 m

1 mins

0m Very easy

From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Crackenback Drive' sign[1] across the bridge[2], over Thredbo River[3]. The walk then comes to a signposted intersection in front of the 'Thredbo Memorial Community Centre'[4].

(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[5], this walk follows the 'Riverside Walk' and 'Dead Horse Gap' signs[6] down the track towards the river. The track leads alongside the river[7][8] for approximately 100m before bending up and leaving the bush to come to the edge of the Golf Course[9], behind the community centre[10].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the well worn track winding around the edge of the golf course[11], away from the community centre. After about 30m this walk crosses a short metal bridge[12], to then come to an intersection at a larger timber bridge[13] (on your left).

(0km) Int of Riverside Walk and Thredbo River bridge → Int of Riverside Walk and golf course bridge

510 m

9 mins

14m

-1m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the wooden bridge[14], this walk follows the track whilst keeping the river to your left[15]. The track gently meanders between the golf course and the river, enjoying some sections very close to the river[16]. The track heads over a few metal grates[17] and over a small metal bridge[18] to come to an intersection next to the golf course marked with a small timber bridge[19] (over a small creek), just before the pump house[20].

(1km) Int of Riverside Walk and golf course bridge → Int of Thredbo River and Golf Course Walk tracks

300 m

6 mins

16m

0m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the clear track towards the green timber hut[21], keeping the Thredbo river to your left. The track soon passes the pump house[22] (the green timber hut) and leads beside the river[23] for about 150m before turning right and heading uphill[24]. The walk then heads up the steps[25] to find a clear three-way intersection marked with a large 'Thredbo River Track' sign[26].

(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.

Maps for the Thredbo to Cascades Lookout return 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 to Cascades Lookout return bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Thredbo to Cascades Lookout return

Altitude analysis for Thredbo to Cascades Lookout return

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	4.7 km
		Time	2 hrs
		.
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

1.3km of this walk has short steep hills and another 930m has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (140m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

1.4km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 890m follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (60m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 1.8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 560m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 1.3km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.1km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 1.4km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 2.4km 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 to Cascades Lookout return 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

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 Thredbo to Cascades Lookout return 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