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 Thredbo Bobsled and continues around the back of the tennis courts, back to the village.
(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 Merritts Nature Track bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Merritts Nature 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
3.7km
Time
2 hrs 30 mins
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
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
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
2.2km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 1.9km is very steep. Whilst another 1.2km has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 200m has short steep hills.
Quality of track
2.2km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 2km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (1.3km) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.
Signs
Around 4.3km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 1.2km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
Around 2.9km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.7km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 3.7km of this walk is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety, whilst the remaining 1.9km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 5km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 390m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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.
Part of this walk is used as a groomed winter ski run. This walk is closed and should not be attempted when there is a chance of significant snow on the ground.
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
Top of Snowgums chairlift Track: Hard - bushtrack,servicetrail
Length = 420 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 11 m
Descent = -84 m
Turn sharp left: From the top of the chairlift[3], this walk heads straight downhill (keeping the chairlift to your left) following paved management trail[4]. After about 25m, this walk veers right to leave the paved trail, now following the dirt track marked by the 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[5]. The track follows the arrow posts among the granite boulders[6] and down the long series of steps that leads under the chairlift[7]. The track continues to wind steeply down the hill[8] and after some time, comes to a clear 'T' intersection with a dirt management trail marked with another 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[9]. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[10] downhill along the wide management trail, keeping the main valley to your right. The trail soon leads to a four-way intersection marked with a 'Kosciuszko Walk' sign[11], just above the top of Snowgums chairlift[12].
(2.28 km)
Top of Snowgums chairlift
to
Lower bench seat Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 293 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -73 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the track that leads down the left side of the Snowgums chairlift, where the track soon passes a 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[13]. The track heads left, away from the chairlift through some snow gums and winds steeply down the hill[14]. About 100m from the chairlift, the walk turns right at a minor intersection[15] (the left branch leads to a view of a small fall) - here, the main track leads down more steep steps to come to a small clearing, with a view of the creek[16] and a wooden bench seat[17]. Veer right: From the bench seat[18], this walk follows the clear track downhill, which soon heads down the steep steps[19][20], coming to another bench seat (and another good excuse for a rest).
Lower bench seat
Alt = 1784 m
This small lookout on Merritts Nature Track provides a seat[21] and a view looking north across a wide gully[22]. A small creek cascades down the rocks through the gully. There is limited natural shade from the snow gums here. A nice place to rest and enjoy the view whilst giving your knees a rest.
(2.57 km)
Lower Bench Seat
to
Picnic Lookout Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 568 m
Time = 16 mins
Climb = 10 m
Descent = -119 m
Veer right: From the bench seat[23], this walk follows the track heading downhill away from the creek[24]. The track passes over a timber[25] then metal[26] section of boardwalk, before heading down a series of steep steps[27]. The track winds down the hill, passing some large boulders[28] before heading down a timber ramp[29] to a four-way intersection with a wide management trail. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[30][31] down the steps, following the track through the snow gum forest. After about 130m, the track heads along a few sections of metal and timber boardwalks[32] before heading down more steps[33] and coming to a four-way intersection with another management trail[34], marked with another 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[35] (on the other side of the trail, next to the safety barrier). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[36] down the steps[37]. The track leads steeply down through the alpine heath and snow gums[38] to soon come to a partly fenced rock promontory[39] and picnic table[40] with great valley views.
Picnic Lookout
Alt = 1674 m
This partially fenced lookout platform is perched on a rock and provide great views down across Friday Flats to the range on the other side of Thredbo River. There is a picnic table and a bench seat, but limited shade. This make a great place to stop, rest and enjoy the valley views.
(3.14 km)
Picnic Lookout
to
Bunnywalk chairlift station Track: Moderate - bushtrack,servicetrail,servicetrail
Length = 431 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -62 m
Turn right: From the picnic table and rock platform, this walk heads gently downhill following the track along the side of the hill, keeping the main valley to your left. The track immediately passes a bench seat[41] and, after a short time, heads down some steps then a timber staircase[42], coming to an intersection with a grassy management trail. Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the grassy management trail south, gently downhill[43] (keeping the valley to your left). After about 80m, the trail passes under the chairlift[44], where the trail bends left and then becomes wider[45]. The walk continues along the trail and soon comes to a 'T' intersection with a clearer management trail and a 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[46]. Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows 'Merritts Nature Trail' sign[47] downhill along the clear management trail passing under the chairlift. Soon after passing under the chairlift, this walk comes to a 'Y' intersection[48] marked with another 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[49], just above 'Bunny Walk Station'[50] (the midway station on Snowgums Chairlift).
(3.57 km)
Bunnywalk chairlift station
to
Int of Merritts nature walk and chairlift service trail Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 243 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -32 m
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[51], off the main management trail and along the grassy strip (keeping the management trail through the trees on your left)[52]. The walk heads through the grassy clearing to come to the start of a narrow track marked with another 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[53], just beyond the small hut[54]. Continue straight: From the end of the clearing, this walk follows the 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[55] down along the narrow track, leading through dense alpine heath and snow gum forest[56]. The track gently winds downhill, then heads down a series of steps leading to a clear four-way intersection with a management trail where there is another 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[57] pointing back up the steps.
(3.82 km)
Int of Merritts nature walk and chairlift service trail
to
Int of weir track and Merritts nature track Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 622 m
Time = 17 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -127 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[58] down the steps[59] and along the narrow track through the dense bushland. The track winds steeply[60] through a couple of switch-backs then gently winds[61] around the side of the hill before heading down more steps. In time, the track comes to a 'T' intersection signposted as an intersection with both 'Merritts Nature Track' and 'Meadows Nature Track'[62]. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[63] along the fairly flat track, keeping the valley to your right. The track soon passes a bench seat[64] where the track turns sharply right and heads steeply downhill[65]. The track bends a few more times, passing another seat and heading through a grove of tall stringybark trees[66]. As the track approaches the valley, it passes another bench seat[67] then crosses the creek (just below a weir[68]) on a metal bridge[69] to find a three-way intersection (with a short track on the left leading to the weir[70]).
(4.44 km)
Int of weir track and Merritts nature track
to
Weir Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 15 m
Time =
Climb = 2 m
Descent = 0 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the narrower track[71], keeping the creek a short distance to your left. The track leads a short distance to the concrete weir[72][73] (no swimming). (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
Thredbo Village Weir
Alt = 1473 m
The Thredbo Weir can be found on the Merritts Nature Track, along a creek that flows from the Rams Head Range. The weir is used to supply water to the village below.
(4.44 km)
Int of weir track and Merritts nature track
to
Int of Merritts nature track and Birralee bushcamp tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 228 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -46 m
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the track down the hill[74], keeping the creek to your right. The track winds gently through the mossy[75] valley with tall snow gums[76] and, in time, comes to a clear open intersection[77] with the wide Sundowner ski run (between a water tank[78] and safety barriers[79]), marked with a blue arrow post[80]. Continue straight: From the opposite side of the clearing to the water tank[81], this walk follows the blue arrow[82] down the steps[83] along the the narrow track. The track then leads down a more gentle series of steps with the mossy creek[84] to your right, and soon comes to a three-way intersection and a 'Birralee Bush Camp'[85] and a 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[86] (and a footbridge to your right[87]).
(4.67 km)
Int of Merritts nature track and Birralee bushcamp tracks
to
Birralee Bushcamp Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 53 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Birralee Bush Camp' sign[88] across the creek using the footbridge. The bridge bends over the mossy creek[89] then the track bends left to reveal the campsite and picnic area[90]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Birralee Bush camp
Alt = 1429 m
Birralee bush camp is a signposted[91] clearing just on the other side of a small creek[92] from Merrits Nature Track (north of Merritts chairlift). Accessed by a bridge[93], this flat clearing has a picnic table[94] and a bench seat[95] and access to the creek[96] (treat water before drinking). This is naturally shaded, making a great place to cool off and rest on hot days.
(4.67 km)
Int of Merritts nature track and Birralee bushcamp tracks
to
Int of Merritts nature track and Bobsled service trail Track: Moderate - bushtrack,servicetrail,bushtrack
Length = 291 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -26 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Merritts Nature Track' sign downhill[97]. The track leads alongside the creek and, after a short while, the bush opens up[98] and the track leads under Merritts Chairlift[99], The walk then finds a 'T' intersection with a management trail[100] marked with another 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[101]. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[102] down along the management trail (keeping the chairlift to your right) and soon crosses the flat wooden bridge[103]. The trail then climbs up the hill for about 60m and just before the crest of the hill, the trail leads to a 'Y' intersection[104], marked with an arrow post (and a timber-lined track on the left). Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the arrow marker[105] along the timber-lined track[106] and down the steps. The track leads through the bush for a short time and soon comes to a 'T' intersection[107] with another management trail, near the top of the bobsled run[108], marked with a 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[109].
(4.96 km)
Int of Merritts nature track and Bobsled service trail
to
Bottom of bobsled run Track: Hard - servicetrail,bushtrack,footpath
Length = 339 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -44 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide management trail downhill, keeping the bobsled and main valley to your right[110][111]. A short distance later, just past the bobsled, this trail leads to a 'Y' intersection[112] (with a timber-lined track on your right) marked with an arrow post[113]. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the arrow post down the track[114] and steep steps[115]. The track zigzags beside the bobsled run (on your right)[116] and then continues down towards the view of Thredbo Village[117], coming to a 'T' intersection with paved footpath[118] where there is a 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[119] pointing back up the steps. Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the paved footpath west towards the clearing[120], keeping the valley to your left. The footpath soon leads out of the bush[121] and then along side the bobsled run[122] to find the building at the bottom of the run[123].
Thredbo Bobsled
Alt = 1365 m
With a twisting and turning path more than 700m long, this luge-style track is a great summer activity for the family to enjoy whilst staying in Thredbo. Offering individual rides or day passes, allowing you to enjoy this fun ride as many times as you want as you whizz down the mountain on your cart, controlling your speed with a neat hand-break system. More info
(5.3 km)
Bottom of bobsled run
to
Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 225 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -6 m
Continue straight: From the bottom of the bobsled run, this walk heads around the building, down the ramp[124] and along the sealed path towards the tennis courts[125]. The walk follows the path beside the tennis courts[126], then through the car park, and around the front of the buildings[127][128] to find the entrance to the ticket sales for the Kosciuszko Express chairlift, and a large map.
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.
We have done this walk a couple of times but on the most recent trip we joined it about half way down where it meets with Meadows Nature Track. The full walk can be hard on the knees (as we get older!) but it is a lovely walk - particularly during wild-flower season.
Jude - Steep with lots of steps
IP:144.136.116.xxx | 2010-03-05 10:53:46
Good comment Sue, this is a steep walk with lots of steps, many of which are unevenly spaced, and some with very high risers which are difficult to navigate.
This walk can be combined with the Dead Horse Gap Walk and Riverside Walk (both described elsewhere) to make a challenging loop.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
not too much longer now :)