Thredbo Valley track easy rides

Thredbo Diggings to Bullocks Flat: 5.2km return

Grade: Green - Easy

Distance: 5.2km return

Time: 0.5-2hrs

Season: Year-round

This 2.6km compacted gravel section of Thredbo Valley track is great for beginners and time-starved travellers keen to explore the great outdoors by pedal-power. It’s also the only section generally open year-round for bike riders.

Whether you start from Thredbo Diggings campground or Bullocks Flat carpark D, the first half of the ride is a gentle but steady climb, meaning the second half is downhill. Pass through black sallee woodland with views of the Muzzlewood Wetland and Ramshead Range. You can exit or turn around at either end.

Bullocks Hut is well worth the extra 200m from Bullocks Flat. This picturesque spot, at the junction of Thredbo River and Little Thredbo River, is great for a picnic, rest stop or fishing. From here, a well-maintained trail heads around 1km to Lake Crackenback Resort.

If you’re feeling confident and want to step it up a notch, connect with the narrower dirt track along 2.9km Muzzlewood track to loop back to your start point.

Thredbo 3 bridges ride: 5.2km return

Grade: Green - Easy

Distance: 5.2km return

Time: 0.5-2hrs

Season: November to May. Closed to bikes in winter.

This section of Thredbo Valley track starts from Friday Drive, in Thredbo village, and includes 3 photogenic suspension bridges crossing the Thredbo River.

While the first half of the ride is mostly downhill to Bridge 3, there's a steady uphill gradient on the return trip.

You can park opposite the track head on Friday Drive, in Thredbo. The single file track heads 1.4km east along the hillside, travelling through snow gum woodland then turning downhill to reach Bridge 1. Cross the impressive bridge, which looks like a mini Golden Gate Bridge.

The track continues alongside the Thredbo River another 1.2km to Bridge 2 and Bridge 3, which are only a few metres apart. Each photogenic bridge offers lovely views over the crystal-clear river, and occasional glimpses of the Ramshead Range.

Stop to catch your breath and take in the views before turning around. There are a couple of short, steep climbs from Bridge 1 back up to Thredbo, and you’ll need to keep your eyes out for rocks and roots at times.

Thredbo to Old Ranger Station: 11.8km return

Grade: Green - Easy

Distance: 11.8km return

Time: 1.5 – 4hrs

Season: November to May. Closed to bikes in winter.

This extension to the 3 Bridges ride adds an extra 3.3km downstream and gives you a crack at some fun zig-zag turns on the way to Bridge 4. 

After the mostly downhill ride from Thredbo to Bridge 3, the track becomes more undulating. There are several short climbs and descents, and some tight turns that offer plenty of fun for the whole family.

The track here passes by pockets of slow-growing mountain plum pine - a favourite of the endangered mountain pygmy possum. Some pines may be over 400 years-old. In spring, keep an eye out for flowering hovea with its purple ‘hearts’.

Follow the track down to the junction at Bridge 4, where you can stop for a rest before heading back up to Thredbo. At the junction you can continue straight for around 500m for an emergency exit out to the Old Ranger Station, on Alpine Way. 

Thredbo to Ngarigo: 9.3km one way

Grade: Green - Easy

Distance: 9.3km one-way

Time: 1-4hrs

Season: November to May. Closed to bikes in winter.

This one-way ride is a great option if you want a taste of the Thredbo Valley track’s scenery without the uphill return climb. It boasts 5 scenic bridges and some introductory tight turns to test your balance and bike handling skills on.

From Thredbo village it’s mostly downhill to the first 3 suspension bridges that cross the Thredbo River. There are several rolling hills and zig-zag bends as you meander further downstream. 

Cross Bridge 4 to continue the 3.4km to Ngarigo campground. Enjoy the relatively flat section along the river before the track narrows and picks up more curves. There are some tight corners, so please slow down and watch for oncoming traffic.

Finish up at Ngarigo campground, where you can cool your feet off in the Thredbo River and refuel with a picnic. There are toilets at the far end of the campground. You’ll need to organise a car shuffle or pickup if you’re riding one-way.

Ngarigo to Old Ranger Station: 6.8km return

Grade: Green - Easy

Distance: 6.8km return

Time: 1-2.5hrs

Season: November to May. Closed to bikes in winter.

This kid-friendly ride follows one of the flattest sections of Thredbo Valley track. There’s some very gentle climbs and exhilarating narrow bends, but you’re rewarded with a short and easy return ride.

Heading up the valley from Ngarigo campground you'll cross Bridge 5 after around 600m. Entering a narrower section of the Thredbo Valley, the track snakes its way beside the Thredbo River for 2.8km to Bridge 4. 

Breathe in the fresh air and listen to the cascading water as you cycle. Several hair-pin corners will add excitement to the ride. Remember to slow down to avoid accidents and watch for riders in the other direction.

Cross Bridge 4 then turn left and cycle an extra 500m if you want to look at the Old Ranger Station, before heading back to Ngarigo campground.

Gaden Bridge to Thredbo River picnic area: 1.5km one way

Grade: Green - Easy

Distance: 1.5km one way

Time: 30mins - 1hr

Season: This section is open all year round if the track is dry.

Gaden Bridge to Thredbo River picnic area is a short, easy section of the Thredbo Valley track. It’s perfect for riders looking for a quick adventure, family-friendly ride, or brief introduction to this iconic track.

Starting from Gaden Bridge you’ll climb gently through snowgum woodland, then descend through tall eucalypt forest to Thredbo River picnic area. A peaceful, shady ride, you’ll get to enjoy the sights and sounds of local birdlife as well as stunning views of Thredbo River and up the Thredbo Valley.

A wide, gravel track, with a 300m section of raised platform, the Gaden Bridge to Thredbo River picnic area track has several spots which are ideal to stop at and soak up your surroundings. You can have a picnic or BBQ at both Gaden Trout Hatchery and Thredbo River picnic area, and between the snowgum woodland and the eucalypt forest there’s a seating area with great views of the river. With easy access to both Gaden Trout Hatchery and Thredbo River picnic area, you can also choose which way you want to ride. Starting from Thredbo River picnic area you can tackle the track as a 3.2km return ride, returning to Thredbo River for a picnic.

If you’re looking for a longer, more challenging ride, you can easily combine this track with the Bullocks Flat to Gaden Trout Hatchery section of the Thredbo Valley track.

Please note

• Arrange a car shuffle or pickup if cycling one way.
• Local shuttle services operate between Thredbo village and Lake Crackenback Resort in summer. Fees apply. Book well in advance. Ask our friendly staff at Snowy Region Visitor Centre for more details.
• Please give way to walkers along this track, and be considerate of beginner and slower riders, including children.
• Check conditions and closures before you set out.