Big adventures for active kids: Thredbo Valley track

Thredbo Valley track offers all the fresh air and sunshine of a warm weather holiday, without the hassle of leaving NSW. You won’t even need to worry about keeping the kids busy. Just pack up the car and take the family on an alpine adventure they’ll never forget.

Thredbo Valley track is in the Thredbo-Perisher area of Kosciuszko National Park, around 5 ½ hours' drive from Sydney. It’s a huge track with lots of different sections that you can ride in either direction (in other words: uphill or downhill).

It’s pretty easy to plan your ride with the family. Just arrange a car shuffle or pickup if you’re cycling one way, or book a shuttle service - there are several that operate over summer between Thredbo and the mountain bike trails.

When it comes to accommodation in Kozzie, you’ve got plenty of options. If you want to give your kids the kind of incredible holiday that’s burned into their memories for a lifetime, get them to shut down the iPads and start pitching a tent instead.

Thredbo Diggings campground offers beautiful grassy areas on the banks of the Thredbo River – perfect for a picnic or two. Ngarigo campground is close to Thredbo Alpine Village and also popular in summer. Both are for seriously keen campers – you’ll need to be prepared and bring your own firewood, as well as water for drinking and cooking.

If a mountain chalet is more your style, there's the choice of a stay at the luxurious Creel Lodge or Creel Bay cottages with stunning views over Lake Jindabyne. After exploring Thredbo Valley track, enjoy a BBQ on the deck or wander down to Creel Bay for a swim.

Thredbo Valley track is a playground for mountain bikers of all ages. The full track is made up of different sections, with varying levels of difficulty. You can tackle the full track (37.3km, one-way) from Thredbo to Thredbo River picnic area, or break it up and do shorter trails. The family-friendly Thredbo to Ngarigo trail takes 1-4 hours one-way and is best for kids 10 years and up.

If the kids are a little younger there are two options that are also great for less experienced mountain bikers or time-poor parents. (Tip: you can exit or turn around at either end of the trails.)  

Option 1:

The Thredbo Diggings to Bullocks flat section of the track (2.6km, one-way) which starts at Thredbo Diggings campground and passes through black sallee woodland with views of the Muzzlewood Wetland and Ramshead Range to finish at Bullocks flat.

Option 2: The Gaden Bridge to Thredbo River picnic area trail, which starts once you cross over the Gaden Bridge. Turn right to begin the short and easy 1.5km (one-way) ride, where you'll gently climb through snowgum woodland, with spots to stop to enjoy the sounds of local birdlife and Thredbo River Valley views. You’ll then make your way through tall eucalypt forest to end at the picturesque Thredbo River picnic area. Reward the kids (and adults) with a picnic or BBQ, with facilities available at both Gaden Trout Hatchery and Thredbo River picnic area.

No matter which option you choose, you’ll be treated to some pretty spectacular scenery along the way. Ride across suspension bridges, coast across grassy plains and pedal up rocky paths, surrounded by towering snow gums. Even the easiest trails will be a challenge.

Thredbo Valley track is a great way to take your family’s mountain biking skills to the next level, but make sure you’re well prepared. You’ll need:

• At least 2 litres of water per person.
• Plenty of snacks and a bag for rubbish.
• A topographic map and compass (and some skills to use them).
• The NSW National Parks app for offline maps.
• A first aid kit.
• A bike pump.

If all that planning sounds a bit much, let the professionals handle it for you, on a guided tour. Whether you're all new to mountain biking or you're an experienced bunch looking to upskill, there will be a tour option to choose from.

If you’re all feeling a bit saddle sore, hop off your bikes and set out on one of the many walking tracks in the area. Dead Horse Gap walking track is a popular walk that offers sweeping views of the high country. The kids may even spot a wombat or kangaroo along the way.

There are two ways to do it. You can take the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift up the mountain, which is pretty fun and return back to Thredbo Village along the Thredbo River track. Or you can drive Alpine Way and park at the Cascade Trail car park – the trail starts just across the road. With this option, you’ll climb the mountain, so be prepared to sweat it out for 5km (one-way).   

Want to teach your kids to fish for trout? There’s no better time than summer in the Snowies. Drop a line in Thredbo River, or join a tour to get some tips from the pros.

Just remember to grab a recreational fishing licence and read our fishing safety tips before you set out. You can also visit the Gaden Trout Hatchery and learn about sustainable fishing. Take a tour, feed the fish and explore the parklands, before enjoying a BBQ lunch on the banks of the river.

By the end of the week, the kids will be brimming with stories from their adventure and you’ll feel good knowing you’ve spent some quality time with the family. You never know, it might become the family favourite you’ll return to year after year.