Thredbo Hikes Track Report | 5 January

Track Report by Rachael Schultz | Guest Services Outdoor Operations Manager

Step into the new year on the rooftop of Australia with wildflowers, mountain breezes and wide open spaces.

THREDBO TO MT KOSCIUSZKO 

The dominant plant community currently blooming along the path from Thredbo to Mt Kosciuszko summit is the Tall Alpine Herbfield. The Eyebright, an endemic species, are plentiful from Cootapamtaba Lookout to Rawson’s Pass and elegantly frame the lead up to the final summit push. These flowers are unmissable with bright violet and crisp white colours. Make sure to also keep an eye out for the odd Waxy Bluebell, a solitary pale blue flower that grows in damp zones, as they come into bloom this month.

FLORA AND FAUNA 

The list of what’s in bloom continues to grow as we enter the pinnacle of summer. Wreath Pennywort are a stemless perennial herb and can be found in the wetter areas showcasing small white flowers that grow in a ring like pattern. Silver Ewartia, a daisy like flower with silvery grey leaves, grows as ground cover and is easily identified around the stone steps on the Main Range track. Alpine Sundew can be spotted often with Sphagnum moss and has a white flower that grows on a short stem with sticky, hair like leaves. These leaves trap and digest insects making it a carnivorous herb. Watch out for the Showy Violet too, these flowers grow close to the ground with an arrow-shaped dark green leaf and flowers that range from deep violet to almost white.

We would like to remind visitors to not pick the wildflowers, please leave them to thrive so that their beauty can be shared by others. Help inspire and promote responsible outdoor recreation and Leave No Trace.

The waterways come alive with Spiny Crayfish when the sun goes down. These freshwater crays are nocturnal and endangered, they burrow in the sand and gravel around alpine wetland systems. Alpine Water Skinks can be seen using these burrows throughout the day.

THREDBO VALLEY

Guided Valley Tours are running throughout January on Thursdays and Sundays. These two to three hour tours have a maximum hiking distance of 4km and are an awesome way to check out some of Thredbo Village’s highlights and hidden gems with our local and knowledgeable guides. Head on a tour for only $10 per person and learn more about this unique part of Australia!

Please note temperatures along Thredbo River peak mid-afternoon as the hot air gets trapped under the tree canopy. Make sure you have enough water if you are finishing the Dead Horse Gap Hike and walking back to Thredbo Village via the Thredbo River Track.

Check trail status updates 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 future.