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Cascade trail

Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park

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Overview

Cascade trail is a popular mountain biking and walking trail that takes you to an historic alpine hut. In winter, strap on cross-country skis or snowshoes to enjoy this trail near Thredbo.

Where
Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park in Snowy Mountains
Distance
20km return
Time suggested
5hrs
Grade
Medium
Trip Intention Form

It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.

Personal Locator Beacon

Hire a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for free at Snowy Region Visitor Centre in Jindabyne, Perisher Valley Office, Tumut Visitor Centre or Khancoban Visitor Centre.

Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Opening times

Cascade trail is open to bike riders and walkers in summer and for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Fat bikes permitted year-round.

What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen, suitable clothing, snacks, bike repair kit
Please note
  • If you're riding a bike, please give way to walkers along this track.
  • It's a good idea to bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS.
  • Fill in the free trip intention form and hire a PLB from the Snowy Region Visitor Centre.

Cascade trail is one to try in every season. In summer, bring your mountain bike or hiking boots: the remote path twists through snow gum woodland and the beauty of Pilot Wilderness Area. In winter the trail turns white with snow, offering terrific opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or fat biking. Spring-blooming wildflowers herald the return of warmer months.

This versatile trail, which is part of the Australian Alps walking track, is great for beginners and experts alike. Starting from Dead Horse Gap, on Alpine Way near Thredbo, it's a 10km ride or walk one-way (20km return) to historic Cascade Hut, deep in the Pilot Wilderness Area.

A high point on the trail, Bob’s Ridge, offers a scenic lookout across the Murray River valley into Victoria, so be sure to bring some binoculars.

If you're keen for a multi-day challenge, continue along the Pilot Wilderness mountain bike ride, past the Tin Mine huts turnoff on to Ingeegoodbee trail, then Nine Mile trail which connects with Barry Way - where you’ll need to be collected at Pinch River campground.

 

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see:

  • Pilot Wilderness mountain bike ride (Alpine Way to Barry Way), Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Murray Vanderveer

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

    Pilot Wilderness mountain bike ride in Kosciuszko National Park is a challenging, long-distance mountain bike trail that is suited to experienced mountain bike riders.

  • Two mountain bike riders cycle along a winding dirt section of the lower Thredbo Valley track, Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Robert Mulally/DPIE

    Thredbo Valley track adventure rides

    Experienced mountain bike riders can get their thrills on Thredbo Valley track in Kosciuszko National Park. From the world-class 37km ride, to short technical sections, try these adventure options.

  • A 4WD vehicle drives towards Thredbo on Alpine Way, passing the Thredbo River near Dead horse Gap, Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Murray Vanderveer/DPIE

    Kosciuszko – Alpine Way drive

    A driving or motorbike tour along Alpine Way scenic drive is a great way to discover the spectacular mountain views, serene campgrounds, magnificent walks, rides, and heritage of southern Kosciuszko National Park.

  • Skier atop Thredbo's highest lift point at sunrise, Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Thredbo Resort

    Thredbo Resort

    Thredbo Resort is the ultimate base for your Kosciuszko National Park adventure. This year-round alpine destination serves up skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking and more.

 

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

Conservation program:

Southern corroboree frog conservation project

An iconic endangered species, the southern corroboree frog, found only in Kosciuszko National Park, faces the grave threat of extinction. Saving Our Species aims to prevent this from happening by battling chytrid fungus, protecting frog habitat from pests, and fostering a captive breeding program. 

Southern corroboree frog (Pseudophryne corroboree), Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: John Spencer

General enquiries

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
See more visitor info

What's nearby:

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Volunteering (1)

School excursions (3)