Thredbo Hikes Track Report | 21 January

Track Report by Rachael Schultz | Guest Services Outdoor Operations Manager

With plenty of daylight and extended chairlift hours there is ample time to stop and smell the flowers whilst they are still about.

THREDBO TO MT KOSCIUSZKO 

Between Thredbo and Mt Kosciuszko the elevated walking track continues to be updated, with old materials still remaining in some places to be lifted out by helicopter. When construction is underway hikers may be required to detour off track. When doing so it’s best to try stick to grasses, avoiding flowers and heath varieties. To have lesser impact on the fragile ecosystem we recommend walking with fellow hikers in a fanned formation, not one behind the other, which allows vegetation to bounce back quicker as the same plants are not being stepped on.

Bidgee-widgee have begun to bud along the majority of the walkway. Carpet Heath are also blooming now with blankets of tiny white flowers growing closely to the granite rock. The granite traps the summer heat aiding the heaths’ survival. Waxy Bluebells and Alpine Sunrays are currently the stand out along the summit walk.

Little Ravens can be spotted gathering in flocks of hundreds amongst the alpine walk with synchronised aerobatics. Juvenile ravens can be spotted by their dark hazel eyes and matte feathers across their head, compared to the pale eyes and glossy feathers of those matured.

DEAD HORSE GAP

With an expected heat wave over the coming weekend it is especially important to stay hydrated, sun safe and alert for snakes. Thredbo River will be especially tempting for a cool off when returning from Dead Horse Gap. After the bridges hikers can find easy river access points by the viewing platform.

Many of the plants throughout the subalpine are rare and only occur in the Kosciuszko National Park or the Australian Alps. Showy Violets, Alpine Trigger Plants and Common Shaggy-pea are standouts throughout the area. This month is the last chance to spot Alpine Bottlebrush, Kosciuszko Rose and Baw Baw Daisy in bloom, until next summer.

To make the most of lift operating hours and hiking opportunities check out their latest statuses 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.