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Pilot Wilderness mountain bike ride (Alpine Way to Barry Way)

Kosciuszko National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Pilot Wilderness mountain bike ride (Alpine Way to Barry Way).

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Pilot Wilderness mountain bike ride is in the southern precinct of Kosciuszko National Park. To get there:

    From Snowy Region Visitor Centre:

    • Drive 3km along Kosciuszko Road towards Perisher, then turn left at Alpine Way. The trackhead is 36.5km along Alpine Way, 5.5km past the Thredbo Village turn-off.

    Road quality

    All 2WD vehicles need to carry snow chains in winter, between June and October long weekends, on:

    • Kosciuszko Road (to Perisher)
    • Guthega Road
    • Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin

    Snow chains are recommended for all vehicles driving in the park, including 4WD and AWD, in the event of extreme weather. Read our snow driving in Kosciuszko tips.

    Roads can close in extreme weather, so it’s a good idea to check weather and road conditions before setting out.

    Parking

    Parking is available nearby to the attraction at the Cascade trailhead on Alpine Way – please note that park use fees apply. Most people arrange a car shuttle or pick up from Pinch River campground on Barry Way, 60km from Jindabyne on a dirt road.

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Alpine safety

    Alpine areas present special safety issues. Conditions can be extreme and may change rapidly, particularly in winter. It’s important to be prepared and find out how to stay safe in alpine areas.

    • Weather can change quickly in the Snowy Mountains and snow can fall at any time. Check weather conditions before your journey, and avoid setting out if bad weather is approaching. 

    Cycling safety

    Hundreds of cyclists head to our national parks for fun and adventure. If you're riding your bike through a national park, read these mountain biking and cycling safety tips.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    River and lake safety

    The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

    Permitted

    • Fat bikes, or snow bikes, are permitted year-round on Pilot Wilderness mountain bike ride.
    • Walking is not recommended in winter as this trail can become snowbound.
    • You can cross-country ski or snowshoe this trail in winter.
    • Cycling is permitted in the Pilot Wilderness Area only on Cascade trail, Ingeegoodbee trail, and Nine Mile trail.

    Prohibited

    Drones

    Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.

    This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.

    Commercial filming and photography

    Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas. The alpine resorts of Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass, Selwyn, Ski Rider and Kosciuszko Tourist Park are exempt, though some commercial and outdoor places within these resorts may have no smoking areas.

    Pilot Wilderness mountain bike ride (Alpine Way to Barry Way)

    Operated by

    Park info

    • in the Thredbo-Perisher area of Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains region
    • The Thredbo-Perisher area is open all year, but some roads and trails may close due to weather conditions or park management issues. Kosciuszko Road is closed between Perisher and Charlotte Pass in winter (June to October long weekends).

    • Park entry fees apply on Alpine Way and Kosciuszko Road

      Winter (June to October long weekends): $29 per vehicle per day (24hrs from purchase); motorcycles $12; bus passengers $11.45 per adult, $3.60 per child per day. Find out more about the winter entry surcharge.

      Rest of Year: $17 per vehicle per day (24hrs); motorcycles $7; bus passengers $6.60 per adult, $2.20 per child per day.

      Passes: Day passes, multi-day passes and annual All Parks Pass available from NPWS visitor centres, local agents and operating vehicle entry stations. Single and Multi-Day passes are also available via the Park'nPay app. Short Breaks Pass: $68 for 5 days park entry at price of 4 days (not valid winter).

      Read our Annual Pass FAQs for information.

      Buy annual pass

    Visitor centre