This enjoyable walk starts at Dead Horse Gap, the highest point on the Alpine Way. The walk follows the Riverside track downstream, along the Thredbo River, through the valley and the snow gum forest to the cascades lookout. This walk follows a well defined track and, although close to the road, you can feel a million miles from anywhere. Let us begin by acknowledging the Ngarigo people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
start of the bushtrack from the road. | Photo by admin, 2008.looking down the river. | Photo by admin, 2008.Bridge across Bogong Creek. | Photo by admin, 2008.riverside walk. | Photo by admin, 2008.following the track through the valley. | Photo by admin, 2008.thredbo river bridge. | Photo by admin, 2008.looking down stream from the bridge. | Photo by admin, 2008.looking down at the cascades lookout. | Photo by admin, 2008.View from the cascades lookout. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start
At the intersection of Cascade Trail & Dead Horse Gap Walking Track (-36.5229419,148.2645534)
Mode
Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
Directions
From Barry Way
Turn on to Kosciuszko Road then drive for 1.8 km
Keep left onto Alpine Way and drive for another 17.5 km
Keep left onto Alpine Way and drive for another 18.7 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the Cascades Trail track head car park (on the Alpine Way 5.4km west of Friday Drive), this walk crosses the road and turns left following the 'Thredbo Walking Tracks' sign along the track behind the road barrier. The track leads down the wooden steps to soon cross Bogong Creek on a metal bridge. Here the walk heads up a few steps to a signposted intersection with the 'Dead Horse Gap Track'.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Cascade Trail & Dead Horse Gap Walking Track Start heading along Dead Horse Gap Walking Track (a vehicle track).
There is a sign (about 30 m back from the start).
After another 30 m to find the car park.
After another 65 m cross the ford.
After another 35 m cross the ford.
After another 1 m (at the intersection of Thredbo River Track & Dead Horse Gap Walking Track) continue straight, to head along Thredbo River Track (a walking track).
After another 105 m find the "Dead Horse Gap" (20 m on your left).
Dead Horse Gap
Dead Horse Gap
Dead Horse Gap is a relatively low mountain pass in the Great Dividing Range at 1582m AMSL. It was once a meeting place for Aboriginal groups in the summer, where they would perform ceremonies and trade with each other. In nature, the pass acts as a funnel for the migration of insects and birds. In the early 20th century, the pass became increasingly popular with stockmen, who brought sheep and cattle to the mountains each summer.
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Dead Horse Gap is a relatively low mountain pass in the Great Dividing Range at 1582m AMSL. It was once a meeting place for Aboriginal groups in the summer, where they would perform ceremonies and trade with each other. In nature, the pass acts as a funnel for the migration of insects and birds. In the early 20th century, the pass became increasingly popular with stockmen, who brought sheep and cattle to the mountains each summer.
After another 960 m cross the bridge (about 50 m long)
After another 300 m cross the bridge (about 30 m long)
After another 470 m continue straight, to head along Thredbo River Track.
After another 25 m come to a seat., has no backrest.
About 15 m past the end is a viewpoint.
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 2.1 km to get back to the start.
About 10 m past the end is "Cascades Lookout".
Cascades Lookout
Cascades Lookout
This metal platform leans over the Thredbo River, lookout upstream to the flowing cascades. There is also a wooden seat provided here, making it a great rest stop, conveniently situated about half way between Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo Village, on the Thredbo River track.
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This metal platform leans over the Thredbo River, lookout upstream to the flowing cascades. There is also a wooden seat provided here, making it a great rest stop, conveniently situated about half way between Dead Horse Gap and Thredbo Village, on the Thredbo River track.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Dead Horse Gap to Cascades Lookout
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
4.2 km
Time
1 h 30 min to 2 h
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Bushwalk
1 h 30 min to 2 h
Seat: There is one 2.1 km from the start.
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There is a sign (about 30 m back from the start).
After another 30 m to find the car park.
After another 65 m cross the ford.
After another 105 m find the "Dead Horse Gap" (20 m on your left).
After another 960 m cross the bridge (about 50 m long)
About 15 m past the end is a viewpoint.
