Thredbo Hikes Track Report | 9 January

Track Report by Alex Parsons | Outdoor Programs Coordinator

Peak wildflower season is upon us – come see ‘em while they’re blooming! It’s a great time to visit as we enter a quieter period.

THREDBO TO MT KOSCIUSZKO

Mt Kosciuszko trail is in good condition with track work still underway at the summit. There are stairs as an alternative and a number of building materials around so watch your step at the final ascent. The new pavers winding to the top and the metal-reinforced cairn is looking majestic!

You’ll pass open fields of wildflowers at this time of year. Variable Eyebrights have turned the hills near Rawson Pass purple, while the Silver Snow Daisy is out in force, its root systems joining together to form extensive white carpets.

THREDBO LOOP VIA DEAD HORSE GAP

Dead Horse Gap trail has returned to its loop status with the Thredbo Valley track open once again. National Parks have been working hard on replacing the bridges that were swept away in the 2021 floods. The replacements are beautiful arched structures, ideal for a photo opportunity! Watch out for some left over machinery nearby.

WILDFLOWER SEASON

You won’t have to walk far to see a wide variety of alpine wildflowers. There are Daisy’s, Billy Buttons, the pungent Yellow Kunzea and dry varieties like the Alpine Sunray, Chamomile Sunray or Alpine Everlasting.

Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to see one of our native orchids – such as the Alpine Caladenia or Highland Leek-orchid.

Alpine Trigger Plants are also in full swing. These bright magenta flowers stand about 30-40cm upright from the ground and have a spring loaded trigger. The trigger catapults forward and hits any unsuspecting insect that has just landed – dusting it in pollen before it continues to the next flower. Shout out to our alpine pollinators – blowflies and horseflies – the unsung heroes of high altitude pollination.

Want to learn more about wildflowers? Consider booking a Thredbo Guide to help you!

NATIVE FAUNA

You may come across piles of silver snow daisy petals – a clue that the native Broad-toothed rat has been by and collected flowers for their food stores. A delicious treat they will keep for later snacking.

Most of the native creatures that live in the alpine and sub alpine are small and hidden. There are fish in the streams, rodents in the grass and special moths that navigate their way to the mountains by the stars. Many of our mountain species are nocturnal and best viewed once the sun has gone down – best to book a guided Sunset hike to have guides point them out!

Come along with Thredbo Guided Hikes to learn more. Book now. 

To make the most of lift operating hours and hiking opportunities, check out the lift and trail status 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.