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Dead Horse Gap walking track

Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Dead Horse Gap walking track.

Track grading

Grade 4

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

5km one-way

Time

1hr 30min - 2hrs 30min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

Some bushwalking experience recommended

Gradient

Very steep

Steps

Many steps

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Dead Horse Gap walking track is in the central/Thredbo section of Kosciuszko National Park. To get there from Jindabyne:

    • Take Kosciuszko Road, which turns onto Alpine Way.
    • Follow Alpine Way for 32km until you reach Thredbo Village
    • After parking, proceed to the Crackenback chairlift, where the track begins.

    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.

    Parking

    Bus and car parking is available at Thredbo, including several designated disabled spots.

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    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.

    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.

    Bushwalking safety

    If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

    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

    • You can cross-country ski or snowshoe this track in winter but there are no snow poles marking the route.
    • Walking isn't recommended when this track is snowbound.

    Prohibited

    • Cycling, including fat bikes or snow bikes, is not permitted on this track.

    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.

    Dead Horse Gap walking track

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    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