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 retrace your steps or follow the rest of the notes back to the start following Friday Drive. An enjoyable stroll out from 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 Pipeline Path bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Pipeline Path 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
3.3km
Time
1 hr 15 mins
.
Grade 3/6
Track: Moderate
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
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
Around 2km of this walk is flat with no steps, whilst the remaining 1.4km has gentle hills with occasional steps.
Quality of track
Around 2.1km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path, whilst the remaining 1.2km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
This whole walk, 3.3km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 3.3km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 1.9km of this walk is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety, whilst the remaining 1.5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
This whole walk, 3.3km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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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)
Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift
to
Bottom of bobsled run Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 225 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -13 m
From the entrance to the ticket sales for the Kosciuszko Express chairlift[1], this walk follows the 'Merritts Nature Track' sign. The walk leads around the car park and past the picnic area to follow another 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[2] along the footpath, leading beside the tennis courts[3]. The footpath continues past the tennis courts[4] and then heads up a ramp[5] and to the other side of the building at the bottom of the bobsled run.
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
(0.23 km)
Bottom of bobsled run
to
Int of Bobsled service trail and Merritts nature track Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 108 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -5 m
Continue straight: From the bobsled building[6], this walk follows the paved footpath along side the bobsled run[7] (to your left) whilst keeping the valley to your right. Soon the footpath leads into the bush[8] and then comes to a three-way intersection marked with a 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[9] (pointing up to the left).
(0.33 km)
Int east of bobsled run
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Int of Friday Drive and Merritts Nature Track Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 198 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -11 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the paved footpath gently uphill[10], keeping the valley to your right. The path soon crosses a metal grate[11], then leaves the grove of trees to find a three-way intersection[12] marked with a 'Merritts Nature Walk' sign[13]. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the face of the 'Merritts Nature Walk' sign[14] along the paved path with a handrail. The path soon leads down some steps[15] to come to a 'T' intersection with a footpath beside Friday Drive,[16] where there is a 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[17] pointing back up.
(0.53 km)
Int of Friday Drive and Merritts Nature Track
to
Thredbo River sign Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 44 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads along the footpath to cross the bridge over Thredbo River, whilst keeping Friday Dr to your left[18]. On the other side of the bridge the footpath immediately comes to an intersection marked with a 'Thredbo River'[19] sign.
(0.58 km)
Thredbo River sign
to
Upper Pipeline Path junction Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.09 km
Time = 21 mins
Climb = 30 m
Descent = -29 m
Turn sharp left: From the 'Thredbo River' sign[20], this walk crosses the road[21] to the 'Pipeline Path' sign[22]. Here the walk follows the 'Pipeline Path' sign down the track[23] that soon flattens out and gently winds along the side of the hill. The track has a few sections of metal grates[24] and passes several storm water drains[25][26]. Following a pipeline, this track passes the round concrete maintenance lids[27] at fairly regular intervals. As the track approaches the lake at the northern end, the views begin to open up[28], with great views over the wetlands and back into Thredbo[29]. Just before the road, the track comes to a 'Y' intersection marked with an arrow post[30].
(1.66 km)
Upper Pipeline Path junction
to
Snowmakers pond intersection Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 125 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -12 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the arrow post, down the steps towards the water[31]. Soon the track flattens out and gently winds along the the shoreline[32] (just below the road). The track then comes up to find an intersection with Friday Drive, just before 'Thredbo River' bridge[33], marked with a 'Pipeline Path' sign[34].
(1.79 km)
Snowmakers pond intersection
to
Snowmakers pond Picnic area Optional sidetrip: Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - servicetrail
Length = 35 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads along the dirt trail[35] away from the main road, keeping the pondage to your left[36]. The trail soon leads to a car park and picnic area[37]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
Snowmakers pond Picnic area
Alt = 1347 m
Nestled between the Thredbo River and the Snowmakers pond (just of the side of Friday Drive), this picnic area is a great spot to rest and enjoy the water. There is a car park[38], a picnic table[39] and some BBQ's[40] on the grassy bank of the pond. The pond provides a place to swim (observe the signs) or to enjoy the quiet spot away from the main village.
(1.79 km)
Snowmakers pond intersection
to
Int of Friday Drive and Merritts Nature Track Walk: Easy - road
Length = 1.02 km
Time = 19 mins
Climb = 27 m
Descent = -19 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads west along Friday Dr immediately crossing the signposted 'Thredbo River'[41]. The walk follows the narrow verge[42] beside the road, passing a car park on your left after about 200m. Approximately 300m later, the walk crosses the road at the roundabout and follows the footpath past the buildings and back down to Friday Drive to an intersection just with a driveway just below the signposted 'Thredboland' building. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath keeping Friday Dr to your left, heading away from the roundabout, to cross a bridge almost immediately. The walk continues along the side of the road past 'River Inn'[43] and about 100m later passes the 'Thredbo Leisure Centre'[44] (on the other side of the road). Just shy of 200m later this walk comes to an intersection with a set of steps signposted as 'Merritts Nature Track'[45] (on your right), just before the Thredbo River bridge[46].
(2.8 km)
Int of Friday Drive and Merritts Nature Track
to
Bottom of Kosciuszko Express chairlift Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 531 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 29 m
Descent = -14 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Merritts Nature Track' sign[47] up the steps[48] and along the paved footpath, soon coming to a 'T' intersection marked with a 'Merritts Nature Walk' sign[49]. Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Merritts Nature Walk' sign[50] along the paved footpath, keeping the road and valley to your left. The path soon crosses a metal grate[51] and heads through a grove of trees, coming to a three-way intersection marked with an arrow post[52] (and a 'Merritts Nature Track' sign pointing up the steps the right[53]). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the paved footpath west towards the clearing[54], keeping the valley to your left. The footpath soon leads out of the bush[55] and then along side the bobsled run[56] to find the building at the bottom of the run[57]. Continue straight: From the bottom of the bobsled run, this walk heads around the building, down the ramp[58] and along the sealed path towards the tennis courts[59]. The walk follows the path beside the tennis courts[60], then through the car park, and around the front of the buildings[61][62] 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.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Moderate
1 km
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
not too much longer now :)