This walk explores some of the history and beauty along the Thredbo River around Bullocks Flat. Starting from the Thredbo Diggings campsite, you will follow the clearly signposted Bullocks Track though the scattering of snow gums and granite boulders to Bullocks Hut, before returning to the campsite via a track that follows the Thredbo River. The walk ducks under the Ski Tube railway bridge, and uses the bridge to cross the river on an optional side trip.
(open in app)
There are Closed areas in Kosciuszko National Park Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Bullock's track - via Bullock's Hut
Cross sectional view of the Bullock's track - via Bullock's Hut bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Bullock's track - via Bullock's Hut bushwalking track
Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length
5km
Time
2 hrs
.
Grade 3/6
Track: Moderate
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Signs
Clearly signposted (1/6)
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)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing
Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk. Gradient
3.2km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.4km has short steep hills. The remaining (690m) is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
3.7km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.4km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (190m) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
This whole walk, 5km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 5km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 5km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
This whole walk, 5km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
Online bushwalking Magazine. Download the full magazine for free Bushwalk Australia eMag The Online Magazine is produces by the community at bushwalk.com and the Wildwalks team Bushwalk.com Australia's most active bushwalking forum - Check it out. Happy Reading. Matt :)
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.
Thredbo Diggings Camping area
Alt = m
This is a pleasant free campsite in the Thredbo River valley beside the river. It is a popular spot for fishing and exploring the area. The Diggings Bullocks Track is also accessible from here. The campsites are not marked out but there are non-flushing toilets, picnic tables and metal fire BBQ's. No drinking water is provided, treat water from Thredbo River before use. The campsite signpost is about 1.9km west of the SkiTube along Alpine Way.
(0 km)
Thredbo Diggings Bullocks trackhead
to
Int of Bullocks Walking and car park tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.97 km
Time = 34 mins
Climb = 31 m
Descent = -30 m
From the Bullocks Trackhead (just south of Thredbo Diggings, about 430m from the Alpine Way), this walk follows the metal 'Bullocks Track' sign[1] down the steps (or ramp[2]) and along the gravel path to cross an open grassy flat. These open grassy areas are frost hollows[3] and part of Muzzlewood Flats. The gravel soon gives way to a rock, then metal, path[4] that leads over a metal arched bridge[5]. The path then leads uphill[6] and after about 300m, the walk follows the grassy track along the edge of a clearing[7], then follows another section of winding path[8]. The path is then broken again with a section of grassy track before coming to gravel path again. This path leads downhill and soon bends sharply to the right, before passing through an even sharper left-hand bend[9]. The path gives way to a grassy track[10] a few more times and the walk winds gently down through the open bushland, passing a few granite boulders[11]. The path then leads over a small rise, winding through some larger granite boulders, where the track leads down the hill to a three-way intersection[12] and a 'Thredbo Diggings 2km' sign[13] pointing back up the track.
This section of the walk follows a track shared with walkers and mountain bike riders.
(1.97 km)
Int of Bullocks Walking and car park tracks
to
Bullocks Loop bridge intersection Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 340 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -15 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bullocks Hut 600m' sign[14] gently downhill along the gravel path. The trail winds through the bush and soon passes between some large granite boulders[15], then after about 270m, the walk heads left at a 'T' intersection[16] with a management trail, and comes to an intersection just before signpost and timber bridge[17].
(2.31 km)
Bullocks Loop bridge intersection
to
SE corner of Skitube bridge Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 218 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -5 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bullocks Hut 300m' sign across the bridge[18]. The grassy track bends left[19] and heads over a small rise, before bending right and following the wide gravel track (past the water monitoring station[20]). Soon the walk veers left to follow the 'Bullocks Hut' sign[21] along the paved footpath and under the rail bridge[22]. Just on the other side of the bridge, this walk comes to a signposted three-way intersection[23].
Skitube - Alpine Railway
Alt = 1117 m
The Skitube is an electric rack railway which provides access between Bullocks Flat, Perisher and Blue Cow ski fields. The journey starts across the bridge over Thredbo River, then covers a distance of 8.5km, of which 6.3km is underground in the Bilston and Blue Cow tunnels.
Construction of the railway began in 1984, and the complete line was officially opened in 1988[24]. There are 11 passenger cars in total, of which 4 are motor cars - each with four 301 kW traction motors, making them the most powerful rack railway vehicles in the world[25]. The braking system is mixed regenerative and rheostatic.
Prices are around $48 for an adult return fare. Schedules vary throughout the year. More info
(2.53 km)
SE corner of Skitube bridge
to
Steam Engine Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 311 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -3 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill, away from the river and face of the 'River Walk' sign[26], keeping the rail bridge to your right[27]. The walk heads up the hill and bends sharply right, finding the 'Pedestrian Access...' sign[28]. Here, the walk follows the footpath along the bridge and over Thredbo River[29]. On the other side of the bridge, the walk follows the posts and the 'River Walk' sign[30] right and under the bridge[31]. Just past the bridge, this walk follows the grassy track up to the right[32], passing around the edge of a small dam[33]. Soon after the dam, the walk turns left to head away from the trail line towards the grassy clearing[34]. The walk crosses a small creek[35], then finds the rusty steam engine[36] and a few other scattered historic items. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Steam Engine
Alt = 1121 m
On the northern side of the Thredbo River at Bullocks Flat is a large, open area, still home to some historic items. Here you will find a rusty portable steam engine[37], chains[38], wheels[39] and a small dam[40]. These items are left over from the late 1910’s when Ned Irwin established and operated a sawmill here. He would process the Alpine Ash trees that had been cut from the surrounding hills. There was another mill operating at the nerby Sawpit Creek since the mid to late 1800’s[41]. During the 1850's some gold mining was also undertaken at this site, but it proved not a very popular site. [42].
(2.53 km)
SE corner of Skitube bridge
to
Bullocks Hut Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 99 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bullocks Hut' sign[43], keeping the river to your left and passing over a metal grate. The track almost immediately comes to another three-way intersection with a timber post[44] and opening in the fence (on your right). Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads directly away from the river, through the gap in the fence[45] to the large grassy clearing. The walk heads left through the clearing (passing the toilet, on your right) to come to a series of buildings[46], the last of which is Bullocks Hut[47].
Bullocks Hut
Alt = 1117 m
Bullocks Hut is a cement block house, built in 1934 as a fishing lodge for Dr Bullock. Extra buildings were added to the substantial house over the following decades. The hut has been managed by NPWS since 1969, and was fully renovated when the nearby Skitube was built in the early 90s.[48] Bullocks Hut has bunk beds[49][50], tiled floors, a stainless steel food preparation area with sink[51], as well as a nearby toilet[52] and stables building[53]. A popular spot for day visits. The hut and grounds are available for hire for events such as wedding, please respect the space of other people using this site. More info
(2.63 km)
Bullocks Hut
to
Bullocks Loop bridge intersection Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 411 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From the front of the main hut[54], this walk follows the short, concrete path[55] towards the confluence of Little Thredbo and Thredbo Rivers[56]. Near the rivers, the track turns sharply left to follow the Thredbo River upstream[57], just on the other side of the fence from the Bullocks Hut[58]. This track soon leads to a signposted three-way intersection at the other end of the Bullocks Hut yard[59] (with a gap in the fence to your left). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Skitube' sign[60] along the track, keeping the river to your right. The track leads over a metal grate[61] and almost immediately comes to a signposted three-way intersection, just before the bridge[62]. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Skitube Carpark' sign under the bridge[63], whilst keeping the river to your right. The walk follows the paved footpath uphill[64], passing a 'Bullocks Hut' sign[65] (facing the other way) and continuing straight along the wide gravel path[66]. This path soon narrows and bends left (at the water monitoring station[67]) and leads over the grass and across a timber bridge[68]. On the other side of the bridge, this walk comes to a three-way intersection[69] where there is a 'Bullocks Hut 300m' sign pointing back over the bridge[70].
(3.04 km)
Bullocks Loop bridge intersection
to
Thredbo River rocks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.36 km
Time = 28 mins
Climb = 53 m
Descent = -50 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Thredbo Diggings 1.8km' sign[71] along the grassy track, initially keeping the creek to your right. The track soon bends left and leads through the snow gum forest[72] and past a scattering of granite boulders[73], enjoying the occasional view down to the Thredbo River[74]. About 700m from the bridge, the track leads down some steps and across a narrow gully[75] before climbing back up the other side. The trail winds over the rise, winding through more small granite boulders[76] and leading down closer to the river[77]. Soon after crossing a metal grate[78], the track comes close beside the river and to a series of boulders[79], a great spot to rest and enjoy the river.
(4.4 km)
Thredbo River rocks
to
Bull Creek bridge Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 482 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = -7 m
Turn left: From the river bank[80], this walk follows the clear track west, upstream, initially heading directly away from the river[81]. The track winds through the forest for a while[82], passing a couple of informal tracks (which lead to riverside areas) and soon heads down just a few steps to come to a lovely grassy clearing on the bank of the river[83]. From here, the track heads up the few steps[84] and continues along the track for about 90m, to a smaller clearing just before Bull Creek bridge[85].
(4.88 km)
Bull Creek bridge
to
Lower Thredbo Diggings Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 156 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn left: From the small clearing, this walk crosses the the Bull Creek bridge[86] and follows the track as it bends left to leave the Thredbo River and heads up through the button grass plain[87]. The track soon leads to an intersection at the bottom of a turning circle[88] (at the northern end of Thredbo Diggings), marked with a 'Bullocks Track' sign[89] pointing back along the track.
(5.04 km)
Lower Thredbo Diggings
to
Thredbo Diggings Bullocks trackhead Track: Moderate - road
Length = 194 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill along the dirt road[90] leading through the campsites. The road soon leads past a toilet[91] (on your left) then straight past an intersection[92] (with a dirt road and sign on your right). About 80m further up the road, this walk comes to a small car park and the signposted 'Bullocks Track'[93], on your left. This is just south of Thredbo Diggings, about 430m from the Alpine Way.
Fire Danger This walk passes Monaro Alpine fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place. (Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 7 years ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Region: South Coast & Highlands Park feesCampingFacilities Current Park Closure information for Kosciuszko National Park Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM Closed areas: Thredbo Diggings campground closed to caravans Thredbo Diggings campground is currently closed to all caravans and camping trailers due to continuing wet conditions. There will be limited sites available for tents. Caravans and camping trailer sites are available at Ngarigo, Island Bend and Tom Groggin campgrounds. For more information please phone (02) 6450 5620.
Closed areas: Island Bend campground partially closed due to maintenance Partial closure of Island Bend campground due to maintenance. Camp sites are now available at the lower camp at Island Bend in Kosciuszko National Park. Other sites have been fenced and will remain closed for 6 to 12 months following capping works to ameliorate the asbestos risk and to allow for revegetation. Please observe all signs and closures. For more information, please contact Andrew Miller at the NPWS Jindabyne Office or on 0427 437391 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page. Download a map of the closed area.
Closed areas: Winter road closures The following roads will be closed until the October long weekend, unless weather allows them to be opened in late September:
Behrs Flat trail
Blue Waterholes trail
Broken Cart trail
Bullocks Hill trail
Cabramurra - Khancoban Road (KNP5)
Cumberland trail
Four Mile Hill trail
Geehi Dam Road (Olsen's Road)
Goobragandra Powerline Road
Kings Cross Road
Link Road
Long Plain Road
Major Clews Road
Manjar Road
Perisher to Charlotte Pass
Pocket Saddle Road
Port Phillip trail
Tantangra Dam Road
Three Mile Dam access trails
Davies Plain track
and all associated subsidiary roads and access trails. The Murray River crossing into Victoria at Tom Groggin campground is closed until 29 October 2015 due to winter road closures by Parks Victoria. There will be no access into Davies Plain, Mt Pinnibar and Tom Groggin fire trails in the Victorian Alpine National Park. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Tumut Visitor Centre on (02) 6497 7025 or the NPWS Snowy Region Visitor Centre on (02) 6450 5600, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page.
Closed areas: Thredbo Valley track reopening Sunday 27 September 2015 Sections 1 and 2 (Thredbo to Ngarigo) of the Thredbo Valley track will be reopening on Sunday 27 September 2015. The track from The Diggings to Skitube- Bullocks Flat, Bullocks Hut and Lake Crackenback Resort will remain open. The Bullocks and Muzzlewood tracks will also remain open. For more information, please contact the Snowy Region Visitor Centre, Jindabyne on (02) 6450 5600 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Moderate
1 km
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
not too much longer now :)