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 along the Thredbo river. After passing the golf course, the walk returns to the base of the chairlift. Alternatively, you may organise a lift from Dead Horse Gap.
(open in app)
There are Closed areas in Kosciuszko National Park Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Cross sectional view of the Dead Horse Gap Loop track bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Dead Horse Gap Loop track 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
4 hrs 30 mins
.
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 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 (890m) 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 2.8km 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 8km 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.
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[1]. 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[2]. More info
(0 km)
Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift
to
Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - transport
Length = 1.86 km
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 558 m
Descent = -1 m
This walk heads into the 'Valley Terminal' building, where you can buy a ticket for the lift. Continue through the building and up the steps, where this walk turns right to find the bottom terminal of the 'Kosciuszko Express'. 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 to the top of the ridge. :)
At the top step of the chair lift and turn left to find the restaurant (now on your right) and track information signs ahead. Note: The distance and altitude change for this ride is not included in the total for this walk.
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.
(1.86 km)
Top of Kosciuszko Express chairlift
to
Int of Dead Horse Gap track and Kosciuszko footpath Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 349 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 23 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn right: From the top of the chairlift[3], this walk follows the footpath around Eagles Nest restaurant[4][5] (keeping the building to your right). The walk passes the large map[6] and information signs[7], heading up the gentle hill along the paved path[8]. Near the top of the rise, the path leads to a signposted intersection with the 'Dead Horse Gap' track[9] (on your left), where there is also an arrow pointing back to 'Eagles Nest Restaurant'[10].
(2.21 km)
Int of Dead Horse Gap track and Kosciuszko footpath
to
Top of Basin Tbar Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 112 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 10 m
Descent = -1 m
Veer left: From the intersection, the track follows the rocky bush track a short distance to the top of the Basin Tbar.
(2.32 km)
Top of Basin Tbar
to
Upper rest area Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.67 km
Time = 36 mins
Climb = 54 m
Descent = -74 m
Continue straight: From the top of the Tbar, the walk follows the bush track heading west along the ridgeline. The track climbs the hill, passing numerous rock outcrops, and reaches an information sign titled "above the tree line". Continue straight: From the signpost, the walk follows the bush track along the ridgeline, down the hill. The track passes a long line of ski run markers, continuing down towards the tree line until it comes to the intersection at the wooden bench.
(3.99 km)
Upper rest area
to
Int of Thredbo River and Dead Horse Gap tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 3.03 km
Time = 1 hr 27 mins
Climb = 11 m
Descent = -405 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track down the hill. The track winds down the long hill, crossing some metal walkways and wooden boardwalks, then passing through the snowgum forest until it comes to the second, small rest area at the wooden bench seat. Continue straight: From the bench, the walk follows the bush track down the rocky hill. The track passes through the open snow gum forest, down into the valley. The track goes down a long set of wooden steps and comes to an intersection signposted 'Dead Horse Gap track'.
(7.02 km)
Int of Thredbo River and Dead Horse Gap tracks
to
Cascades Trail track head Alternate Exit:
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
( Show detail)
Length = 160 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -6 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follow the clear track away from the other two sign posted tracks to soon cross Bogong Creek[11] on a metal bridge[12]. 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[13] 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). (End of the alternative exit 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[14]. In the early 20th century, the pass became increasingly popular with stockmen, who brought sheep and cattle to the mountains each summer.[15]
(7.02 km)
Int Thredbo River and Dead Horse Gap tracks
to
Thredbo River track western bridge Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.07 km
Time = 23 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -68 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Thredbo village 4km' sign[16] gently downhill whilst keeping the valley (and road) to your right. The track gently undulates along the side of the valley and after about 600m the track leads over a series of metal erosion control grates[17]. The walk continues crossing a series of these grates for about another 600m before leading down a long series of steps[18] to find a large metal bridge[19].
(8.09 km)
Thredbo River western bridge
to
Thredbo River eastern bridge Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 340 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -15 m
Continue straight: From the small clearing[20], this walk crosses Thredbo River using the long metal bridge[21]. This walk then turns left and heads through the grassy flat (initially over a metal grate[22]) enjoying the scattering of snow gums[23]. Before too long the track comes closer to the river again the leads down a log lined set of stairs[24] to cross the Thredbo River again on another metal bridge[25].
(8.43 km)
Int of Thredbo River track at eastern bridge
to
Cascades lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 467 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -21 m
Continue straight: From the bridge, this walk crosses to the north side of the river and follows the bush track downstream, winding down the hill and through the snowgum forest. The walk continues along a metal walkway followed by a wooden boardwalk, then heads down a long hill to the intersection at 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.
(8.9 km)
Cascades lookout
to
Int of Thredbo River and golf course tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.3 km
Time = 27 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -69 m
Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk winds down the hill following the Thredbo River track as it continues along the creek, winding through the snow gum forest and crossing several metal walkways, continuing down some wooden steps until coming to the signposted intersection of the golf course loop track.
(10.19 km)
Int of Thredbo River and Golf Course Walk tracks
to
Int of Riverside Walk and Thredbo River bridge Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 807 m
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -30 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the face of the 'Thredbo River Track' sign[26] to follow the track east down the hill. The track leads down a series of steps the gently meanders along the side of the Thredbo River. Soon after passing the the green timber pump house[27], this walk comes to an intersection beside a small timber bridge[28] (that heads over a small creek onto the golf course). Continue straight: From the intersection[29], this walk follows the track away from the golf course down the gentle hill and over a small metal bridge[30], keeping the main river to your right[31]. The track leads through the bush between the golf course and the river, crossing several sections of metal walkways[32] until winding back up to the golf course to soon come to an intersection at a large wooden bridge[33] (that crosses Thredbo River).
(11 km)
Int of Riverside Walk and Thredbo River bridge
to
Int behind the community centre Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 84 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -3 m
Continue straight: From the timber bridge[34], this walk follows the clear track[35] keeping the river to your right. The track soon leads around the edge of the golf course and over a short metal bridge[36]. About 30m after this track leads to an intersection[37] (where the track on the right leads down to the creek), behind the community centre.
(11.08 km)
Int behind the community centre
to
Thredbo Memorial Community Centre Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 120 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -4 m
Continue straight: From the intersection[38], this walk follows the track heading downhill towards the river[39]. The track leads along the side of the river[40] for approximately 100m, then bends left and back up to the front of the Community Centre[41].
Thredbo Golf Course
Alt = 1383 m
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
(11.2 km)
Thredbo Memorial Community Centre
to
Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road
Length = 483 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 10 m
Descent = -11 m
Turn right: From the Community Centre[42], this walk follows the road across the bridge[43], over Thredbo River to come to a signposted intersection with 'Friday Drive'[44]. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill following the 'Friday Drive' sign[45] past the pond (on your right). The road leads through a car park and past the children's play ground[46]. In time the walk follow the footpath beside the road[47] that leads under a footbridge[48], where this walk then turns left across the road bridge[49]. Here the walk tends left up the road to find a large map[50] and the entrance to the tickets station[51] at the bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift.
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.
Weather and Climate Weather and Climate summary wx71041
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.
Why is this walk 9.9km and the Dead Horse Gap & Thredbo River Loop one 10.2km. They seem pretty much the same? Anyhow, we have done THIS one - starting at the chairlift - several times and love it. It is a very special walk that takes you through a wonderful variety of the park's landscapes.
admin - re: Dead Horse Gap a great wal
Super Administrator | 2010-01-05 20:24:43
Sue in Canberra wrote:
Why is this walk 9.9km and the Dead Horse Gap & Thredbo River Loop one 10.2km.
Hi Sue
Thanks for your feedback. What a great walk. these are very similar walks, but starting in different places. The extra 300m is the length of the track from Dead Horse Gap to the main track.
Matt :)
John Cashmore - Top of chairlift to dead horse
IP:58.166.68.xxx | 2013-01-17 04:07:39
Guys I wanted to test the app for an up coming major walk. I tested and then paid and downloaded the map and expected that I would be able to use it whilst up in the high country even without signal (as I had it downloaded on my phone) . Was I doing something wrong? Can't I use the app without signal once downloaded and paid for? John
admin - App
Super Administrator | 2013-01-17 04:30:57
Hi John
Sorry you had trouble the the app - it is designed to work out of mobile phone coverage, we have tested a lot on the edge and out of coverage. But it obviously did not work for you. Can you email me a little more info about what happened, did the app open at all? If so was the map and notes missing?? Matt@wildwalks.com
Sorry for the trouble, lets try to solve the problem.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
not too much longer now :)