Thredbo Hikes Track Report | 28 October

Track Report by Rachael Schultz | Guest Services Outdoor Operations Manager

While the alpine ecosystem covers less than 0.3% of Australia’s land mass, the snowmelt and rain from this small region play a hugely significant role in preserving the Snowy, Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers.

THREDBO TO MT KOSCIUSZKO LOOKOUT

To access the Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko track between now and November 12, hikers need to take Snowgum’s Chairlift from Valley Terminal. This is a scenic 20-minute ride over dense montane bushland and past the lively falls of Merritts Creek. Once you reach the top, there is a steep 500m walk on a gravel road with large snow banks which leads you up to the trailhead. We advise hikers to take extra caution during this part of the track. Hikers can prevent slipping by walking in a zig-zag motion and with poles.

There are currently three small snow crossings and two large snow crossings that hikers must cross to reach the Mt Kosciuszko Lookout. We recommend wearing good-quality hiking boots and using poles for extra stability. Make sure to stay close to the track to avoid ‘post-holing’ through the snowpack. ‘Post-holing’ is where your legs plunge vertically into a narrow and deep insertion into the snow. The trail is distinguishable with standing markers on a clear day however with La Niña lingering, consistently clear sky’s have not been reliable recently. Hikers must carry two forms of navigation and be confident in using them when exploring the alpine during the current conditions.

Alpine Marsh Marigolds and Feldmark Buttercups are blooming through snowmelt areas and the Bogong Moths have arrived. Following their roughly 900km migration, the moths now enter aestivation in an attempt to survive the hot summer, taking on a hibernation-like state amongst cool rock walls and boulder piles.

Road to trailhead

Towards Mt Kosciuszko Lookout

Alpine Marsh-marigold

Bogong Moth

A moment of sunshine

BEYOND MT KOSCIUSZKO LOOKOUT

Many large and steep snow drifts stand between the lookout and the summit of Mt Kosciuszko. For those who are ambitious to journey on from the Mt Kosciuszko Lookout, we highly recommend taking hiking poles and wearing snowshoes. Before departure, please ensure that you refer to the Alpine Safety page, complete a Trip Intention Form and check the current alerts and closures directly with NSW National Park and Wildlife Services.

Thredbo Guided Hikes will commence on November 19.

Snow crossing over track towards Mt Kosciuszko summit

Stay up to date with live updates on our Lifts and Trails page here.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them their cultures, and Elders past, present and emerging.