Thredbo Hikes Track Report | 16 December

Track Report by Lachlan Melling | Head Guide

Take your time to enjoy and protect the rare ecosystems of Kosciuszko National Park.

THREDBO TO MT KOSCIUSZKO

With the wild flower season well and truly upon us, it is important to remember to enjoy the beauty but also to take care of the precious flora found during your hike. The first step (as mentioned in our previous track report) is to use the boot brush provided by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services, this helps to prevent the potential spread of pathogens through the park.

Track work is still active at the summit, take note of any signage and listen to the directions of NSW NPWS and any workers on site. A small detour around the worksite offers a different perspective of the Cootapatamba Valley.

Every week there are new flowers popping up along the walk to Mt Kosciuszko. Flowering now, there are Alpine Sunray, Mountain Celery, Herbfield Clemisia, Alpine Stackhousia, Candle Heath and many more. Naturally, the inquisitive of us will want to get up close to the flowers and although it is encouraged, we do want to be careful and ensure we don’t pick or trample any flowering plants as they are quite vulnerable during this flowering stage. The nature of the harsh alpine climate requires quite a bit of time and energy for these plants to recover if they do at all.

The lifted design of the trail to Mt Koscuiszko is designed to protect the diverse ecosystems that you pass through along the way. One of the most fragile are the bog and fens (wet areas) as the flora and fauna found in these areas are very sensitive to change in their environment. Please take care making sure to stay on trail, especially in these wetter areas. These bog and fens can sometimes be difficult to spot, one very helpful identifier is the plant the Candle Heath, which grows in wet areas. Identified by it’s bright green spiky foliage and flowers reminiscent of a candle wick, see image below for reference.

FLORA

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.