Thredbo Hikes Track Report | 4 January

Track Report by Rachael Schultz | Outdoor Operations Manager

The undulating granite plateau across the alpine zone of Kosciuszko is home to twenty-one endemic plant species, they can only be found right here!

THREDBO TO MT KOSCIUSZKO LOOKOUT

From the Kosciuszko Chairlift, the 2km walk to Mt Kosciuszko Lookout brings you to 2000m above sea level. Tangles of tiny white flowers of the Coral, Swamp, and Both scatter the way. On a breezy day, the sweet scent of Alpine Stackhousia surrounds the lookout, emitting perfume from small, yellow star-shaped flowers. At this altitude, hikers can spot Mountain Log Skinks, which can be seen basking on rocks and sometimes on the elevated walking track waiting to capture flies and grasshoppers.

Alpine Stackhousia

Mountain Log Skink

LOOKOUT TO MT KOSCIUSZKO SUMMIT 

Billy Buttons, Snow Eyebrights, Anemone Buttercups, and Astons Bitter-cress scatter the way to the summit. Two significant snowdrifts remain beyond Rawson Pass so caution is advised when passing 2-way traffic as it can be challenging on sun-affected, slippery snow. Accessibility upgrades to the summit area are set to commence January 10th between Rawson pass and Kosciuszko Summit, with closure taking effect for 2 days fortnightly from late afternoon to mid-morning, weather permitting. Be sure to check NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services for current alerts.

 Track works set to be airlifted

Aston’s Bitter-cress

Billy Button near Lake Cootapatamba

THREDBO VALLEY

Throughout Thredbo Valley, Tasman Flax Lilly’s green fruit is bursting with blue flowers, Alpine Orites boat-shaped fruits are seeding with distinguished, showy yellow flowers and hikers can spot small dark purple clusters of Showy Violets. Leafy Bossiaea has a vibrant yellow flower across the valley. The metallic green of the Diphucephala beetles makes them easy to spot as they flock to the flowering Leafy Bossiaea in high numbers.

Tasman Flax Lilly

Diphucephala Beetle on Leafy Bossiaea

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.