This short but popular walking track offers a great way to explore the middle section of Sawpit Creek in the Kosciuszko National Park. Start near Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat (or alternatively you can start from Kosciuszko Education Centre), you will cross Sawpit Creek a couple of times and explore the valley environment. The track then leads you up through the more open forest of the ridge and loops back through Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat to Sawpit Creek Picnic Area.
(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 Sawpit Walk bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Sawpit Walk 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
2.2km
Time
45 mins
.
Grade 3/6
Track: Moderate
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Signs
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (1/6)
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
Around 1.7km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 460m is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
Around 1.7km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 460m follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
Around 1.8km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 440m has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 2.2km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 1.2km of this walk is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety, whilst the remaining 960m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 1.8km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 440m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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This walk leads through an alpine environment and all walkers must be well prepared. During summer, be prepared for both hot and cold weather, high winds, rain, 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, there is a much higher change of snow, ice and extremely cold conditions.
Sawpit Creek Picnic Area
Alt = 1197 m
Sawpit Creek Picnic Area is found beside Kosciuszko Rd, and is accessed through the 'Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat' driveway[1]. The picnic area is about 1km further into the park from the NPWS pay station. A great starting point for several popular walks, this is also a pleasent spot to just stop and rest. Sawpit Creek[2] runs along the side of the open area and there are also several picnic tables[3], wood BBQs[4] and a non-flush toilet[5]. There are information signs about the area, explaining that the creek is named for the Alpine Ash that were milled in the area during the 1860s [6].
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Sawpit Creek Picnic Area
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Sawpit intersection Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 49 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -2 m
From the large 'Sawpit Creek Picnic Area' information signs[7], this walk follows the paved footpath[8] away from the road and across Sawpit Creek[9] using the metal bridge[10]. On the other side of the bridge, the walk comes to T-intersection[11] marked with a 'Pallaibo track' sign[12].
Kosciuszko Education Centre
Alt = 1205 m
The Kosciuszko Education Centre is a facility at Sawpit Creek that helps students from primary school through to university learn about the natural and cultural heritage within the national park. The building has a display with some information for visitors[13], but it is not designed to be a general visitor information centre. You can call the Kosciuszko Education Centre on 6451 3700. More info
(0.05 km)
Kosciuszko Education Centre
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Sawpit intersection Alternate Entry:
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
( Show detail)
Length = 314 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -11 m
Turn sharp left: From the front of the large stone 'Kosciuszko Education Centre'[14], this walk heads across the car park towards the timber building[15] (keeping Kosciuszko Rd, some distance to your right). The walk then veers left just before the timber building to find the large metal 'Kosciuszko Education Centre' sign[16] with arrows pointing to various walks. This walk follows these arrows along the paved footpath[17] and after about 100m, the path doglegs past a couple of bench seats[18]. The walk continues down this path for another 150m to a T-intersection[19] marked with a 'Pallaibo track' information sign[20] (and a bridge on your right[21]). Turn left to join the main walk, following the notes from 0.05km 'Sawpit intersection'.
(0.05 km)
Sawpit intersection
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Powerline Clearing Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 494 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -16 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Pallaibo Track' and 'Sawpit Track' signs[22] along the dirt track, directly away from the bridge. The track leads along the side of the valley[23] and after about 260m, crosses a short metal grate[24] and then, about 150m later, leads down through the granite boulders[25]. Next, the track leads down some timber steps[26] to cross Sawpit Creek on a flat timber bridge[27]. On the other side of the bridge, the track bends left and heads over a small rise, soon coming to a clearing underneath a set of power lines[28] (and fenced water treatment area up to your right).
(0.54 km)
Powerline Clearing
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Sawpit Valley View Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 444 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -28 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk crosses under the power lines and follows the clear narrow track[29] along the side of the hill, whilst initially keeping the fenced water treatment area up to your right. The walk winds gently through the forest, passing a couple of timber posts[30] with walking track symbols, heads over a rise then down to cross a small gully with a metal grate[31], about 200m from passing under the power lines. The track continues gently downhill and after about 160m, it bends sharply right[32] to follow the steep side of Sawpit Creek valley[33]. The walk soon comes to a signposted three-way intersection[34] (with an unfenced valley view on your left[35]) and a few 'Pallaibo Track' signs[36].
Sawpit Valley View
Alt = 1163 m
At the intersection about halfway around Sawpit Track (where it joins Pallaibo Track) is an unfenced view[37] into the Sawpit Creek valley. From the rocky edge, walkers can look up and down the valley[38]. Looking down the valley, there is a view of Bald Mountain (1300m) and a glimpse over the Thredbo River into the adjoining farmland.
(0.99 km)
Sawpit Valley View
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Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat Track: Moderate - bushtrack,servicetrail
Length = 1 km
Time = 22 mins
Climb = 56 m
Descent = -18 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the track directly away from the valley view, heading between the two trees to follow the 'Sawpit Track to Picnic Area 1KM' sign[39]. The track leads gently up through the open forest with a scattering of granite boulders for about 800m, coming to a dirt track next to unit 7, at the edge of the Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat. Here is a timber 'Pallaibo Track 1KM'[40] sign pointing back along the track. Veer left: From beside unit 7[41], this walk heads further into the retreat and turns left to follow the main dirt road through the park[42]. After about 150m, the dirt road leads to a gravelly intersection just outside the 'Office' and 'Kiosk' at the 'Managers Residence'[43]. The walk continues straight (past the public phone[44]) along the gravel road and soon passes a yellow 'DIP' sign[45] to come to a four-way intersection and a large green 'Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat' sign[46].
Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat
Alt = 1200 m
The 'Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat' is a caravan park about 1km further into Kosciuszko NP from the paystation on Kosciuszko Rd. The retreat provides cabins and chalets as well as powered and un-powered camping sites. The retreat has a public phone[47], a small kiosk[48], drying room[49], laundry and kids playground. Dave and Gina welcome guests all year round, with many guest skiing in winter and walking in the warmer months. More info
(1.99 km)
Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat
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Sawpit Creek Picnic Area Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - servicetrail
Length = 208 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -4 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Walking Track' and 'Picnic Area' signs[50] downhill along the dirt road. The road soon passes a historic stone chimney[51] (on your right), before winding down[52] past the toilet[53] to the parking area and the signposted 'Waterfall track' trackhead[54] on the eastern side of Sawpit Creek Picnic Area. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads away from Kosciuszko Rd[55], going just a short distance across the car park[56] to the large information sign and parking area[57].
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 8 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
500 meters
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
not too much longer now :)