Thredbo Hikes Track Report | 1 April

Track Report by Rachael Schultz | Guest Services Outdoor Operations Manager

The views this time of year are unparalleled with low cloud inversions that break through to clear blue days.

THREDBO TO MT KOSCIUSZKO 

As the seasons have turned the mornings and afternoons are crisp, be prepared for a chilly chairlift ride first thing and allow plenty of room in your backpack to shed some layers over the course of your journey to Mt Kosciuszko summit.

The stand out flower this time of year are the Mueller’s Snow-gentians. The white pin striped petals lay low to the ground amongst the various shades of green the alpine has returned to. Native Bitter Cress, Native Dandelions and Alpine Groundsel remain to be the most eye-catching flora on your way to the summit.

The walking track has received substantial upgrades making it not only safer but more accessible to those which travel here in hopes of climbing Australia’s Highest Peak.  NPWS and company continue to work tirelessly with the plan to complete all upgrades by snowfall. We thank them for their commitment.

DEAD HORSE GAP  

Dead Horse Gap walking track was reopened today after extensive track upgrades undertaken in the past month. Well, the wait has been worth it! From the top of Thredbo chairlift and, through the alpine, this section of the track has been rebuilt.  Now you will find secure, stable timber crossings installed through the fragile boggy sections. Masonry steps with solid rock sections have been put in place to lead you up hill with causeways to channel the water appropriately. The complete upgrade covers approximately 2kms of the 10km loop back to Thredbo.

When re-entering the tree line, the path is soggy in shade covered areas, tread with care as the mud is slippery. On a wind-free day you can hear water roaring through the cascades of Boggy Creek , a huge amount of water is moving down from the alpine.  Pied Currawong song is loud and clear as they travel through tree tops looking for small insects and reptiles. Their intense, golden yellow eyes and white under-tail make them identifiable comparatively to the Raven population.

FAUNA

The Mountain Katydid populates the alpine regions of Australia. This brown-leaf camouflaged insect keep a colorful secret under their wings; when disturbed, the wings flash open to reveal an outstanding bright red, blue and black striped abdomen in hopes to repel predators – known as aposematism. Research continues on these critters as they are significantly different from other types of Katydids, further study hopes to reveal environmental characteristics to piece together its evolution.

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 future.