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 Restaurant, followed by an enjoyable chairlift ride down to Thredbo. There is then the tranquil snow gum forest surrounding the Thredbo River on the way back to Dead Horse Gap.
(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 Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo River loop
Cross sectional view of the Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo River loop bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo River loop 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
10km
Time
5 hrs
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
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
Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*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
5km of this walk has short steep hills and another 4.4km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (2.4km) is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
8km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.7km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (1.2km) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
Around 7km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 4.9km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
Around 8km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 4.2km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
8km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation) and another 3.1km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety. The remaining (1.3km) is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 9km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 3.5km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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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.
(0 km)
Cascades Trail track head
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Int of Thredbo River and Dead Horse Gap tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 160 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -3 m
From the Cascades Trail track head car park (on the Alpine Way 5.4km west of Friday Drive), this walk crosses the road and turns left following the 'Thredbo Walking Tracks' sign[1] along the track behind the road barrier. The track leads down the wooden steps[2] to soon cross Bogong Creek[3] on a metal bridge[4]. Here the walk heads up a few steps to a signposted intersection[5] with the 'Dead Horse Gap Track'.
Dead Horse Gap
Alt = 1543 m
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[6]. In the early 20th century, the pass became increasingly popular with stockmen, who brought sheep and cattle to the mountains each summer.[7]
(0.16 km)
Int of Thredbo River and Dead Horse Gap tracks
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Lower rest area Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.72 km
Time = 50 mins
Climb = 234 m
Descent = -7 m
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the Dead Horse Gap track up the hill. The track climbs the wooden steps and continues up the hill, through the open snowgum forest. As the track approaches the top of the ridge (where the ground is much rockier), it arrives at a backless wooden bench beside some boulders.
(1.88 km)
Lower rest area
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Upper rest area Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.31 km
Time = 37 mins
Climb = 171 m
Descent = -4 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track up the hill. The track climbs through the snowgum forest and up the rocky hill, crossing a few wooden boardwalks and some metal walkways, until it reaches the second wooden bench.
(3.19 km)
Upper rest area
to
Top of Basin Tbar Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.67 km
Time = 36 mins
Climb = 74 m
Descent = -54 m
Continue straight: From the second wooden bench, the walk follows the bush track up the hill towards the top of the ridge. The track emerges above the treeline and winds up past a long line of snow poles. The track then winds to the right, along the ridgeline until it reaches the information sign titled "above the tree line". Continue straight: From the information sign, the walk follows the bush track along the ridgeline to the east. The track passes several rock outcrops and climbs up to the top of the ridge, from where you can see the chair lift. The track then winds down the hill to the top of the Basin Tbar.
(4.86 km)
Top of Basin Tbar
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Int of Dead Horse Gap track and Kosciuszko footpath Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 112 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -10 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track down the hill for a short distance, to the intersection with the Kosciuszko footpath.
(4.97 km)
Int of Dead Horse Gap track and Kosciuszko footpath
to
Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 349 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -23 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows 'Eagles Nest Restaurant' sign[8] down along the paved path towards the chairlift building[9]. The path gently winds down the hill to find the top of the 'Kosciuszko Express' chairlift[10] and the Eagles Nest Restaurant[11].
Eagles Nest Restaurant
Alt = 1928 m
This is Australia's highest restaurant, providing great food and outstanding views. It is easily accessible, nestled on the mountain directly opposite the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift, and is open year-round. For more information, call (02) 64576019.
(5.32 km)
Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift
to
Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - transport
Length = 1.86 km
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -558 m
Turn left: From the top terminal, walk up to the platform as directed by the chairlift operator and sit down in the seat, letting it scoop you up. Once seated, pull down the safety bar and enjoy the ride down to Thredbo village. :) After alighting at the bottom, this walk turns right to almost immediately turn left down a set of steps and heads through the building to find an open area at the front of the 'Valley Terminal' building where there are some large maps. Note: The distance and altitude change for this ride is not included in the total for this walk.
Kosciuszko Express Chairlift
Alt = 1372 m
This is one of the few lifts operating in the summer months at Thredbo, and is made quite popular by thousands of people walking to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko each year. Lift tickets can be purchased from the store at the bottom of the chairlift. Lift tickets are $31 return ($25 one way) per person[12]. This lift is generally closed during November and May for maintenance each year, but the the Snowgum chair can be used at this time instead, this will add extra walking time to you walk[13]. More info
(7.18 km)
Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift
to
Thredbo Memorial Community Centre Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road
Length = 483 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 11 m
Descent = -10 m
Continue straight: From the big map[14] outside the ticket store at the bottom of the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift, this walk follows the 'Riverside Walk' sign[15] down to cross the bridge over Thredbo River[16]. Here the walk turns right onto Friday drive and follows the footpath under the footbridge[17] heading between the road and the river. The walk follows the road past the children's playground[18] (on your left) and beside the car park[19], past the pond[20] to come to a four-way intersection with 'Diggings Terrace'[21], just past a small pond. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Crackenback Drive' sign[22] across the bridge[23], over Thredbo River[24]. The walk then comes to a signposted intersection in front of the 'Thredbo Memorial Community Centre'[25].
(7.66 km)
Thredbo Memorial Community Centre
to
Int of Riverside Walk and Thredbo River bridge Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 204 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn left: From the Community Centre[26], this walk follows the 'Riverside Walk' and 'Dead Horse Gap' signs[27] down the track towards the river. The track leads alongside the river[28][29] for approximately 100m before bending up and leaving the bush to come to the edge of the Golf Course[30], behind the community centre[31]. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the well worn track winding around the edge of the golf course[32], away from the community centre. After about 30m this walk crosses a short metal bridge[33], to then come to an intersection at a larger timber bridge[34] (on your left).
(7.87 km)
Int of Riverside Walk and Thredbo River bridge
to
Int of Thredbo River and Golf Course Walk tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 807 m
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 30 m
Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From the wooden bridge[35], this walk follows the track whilst keeping the river to your left[36]. The track gently meanders between the golf course and the river, enjoying some sections very close to the river[37]. The track heads over a few metal grates[38] and over a small metal bridge[39] to come to an intersection next to the golf course marked with a small timber bridge[40] (over a small creek), just before the pump house[41]. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the clear track towards the green timber hut[42], keeping the Thredbo river to your left. The track soon passes the pump house[43] (the green timber hut) and leads beside the river[44] for about 150m before turning right and heading uphill[45]. The walk then heads up the steps[46] to find a clear three-way intersection marked with a large 'Thredbo River Track' sign[47].
(8.68 km)
Int of Thredbo River and golf course tracks
to
Cascades lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.3 km
Time = 27 mins
Climb = 69 m
Descent = -12 m
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
Alt = 1463 m
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.
(9.97 km)
Cascades lookout
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Int of Thredbo River track at eastern bridge Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 467 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 21 m
Descent = -8 m
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.
(10.44 km)
Thredbo River eastern bridge
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Thredbo River western bridge Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 340 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -6 m
Continue straight: From just before the bridge[48], this walk crosses Thredbo River[49] using the long metal bridge. This walk then leads up a log lined set of stairs[50] to then turn right and follow a track through the open grassy area with a scattering of snow gums[51]. Before too long the track comes closer to the river again and heads along a metal grate[52] to then cross the Thredbo River again on another metal bridge[53].
(10.78 km)
Thredbo River track western bridge
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Cascades Trail track head Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.23 km
Time = 26 mins
Climb = 71 m
Descent = -14 m
Continue straight: From the western bridge[54] this walk follows the track across the grassy area[55] to soon lead up a long series of steps[56]. 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[57] (and some small creeks) and passes through a section of dead snow gums[58]. The track gently climbs then flattens out to be a similar height[59] to the road (on the other side of the valley) and then comes to a signposted three-way intersection[60] where there is a 'Thredbo village 4km' sign[61] pointing back along the 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[62] on a metal bridge[63]. 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[64] 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).
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.
Did this walk yesterday, March 2010, although we started at the golf course. If feeling energetic (or worried about heights ie chairlift) take the Merritts Nature Track (4km/2-3 hours one way) instead of the chairlift. Walk through alpine, sub-alpine, wet heath and montane plant communities. It is an interesting and varied walk but it is steep in places with many steps.
Starts beside the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift and ends at the Valley Terminal.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
not too much longer now :)