National trail: Tom Groggin to Geehi

Khancoban area in Kosciuszko National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

Ride, cycle, or hike 21km of National trail in Kosciuszko National Park. Saddle up your horses for a day of high-country adventure on this epic ride from Tom Groggin to Geehi horse camp.

Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Distance
21km one-way
Time suggested
4-6 hr
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.

Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Opening times
Open between October and May. Check park alerts and the National trail website for details.
What to
bring
Drinking water, food supplies, tent, sleeping bag, first aid kit, personal locator beacon, clothes for all weather conditions, hat, sunscreen, raincoat
Please note
  • For detailed information and trail notes, visit the National trail website.
  • Horse riders and cyclists must give way to all walkers. Cyclists must give way to horse riders. Read the code of practice for horse riding.
  • Remember to secure your horses in the yards at Tom Groggin or Geehi if you’re camping, as brumbies often visit.
  • Alpine weather can change rapidly. Pack for extreme heat, as well as strong wind and snow, even in summer.
  • Creeks often dry up by late summer so check with NPWS about water before you leave. You may need to bring water for horses.
  • Use a topographic map and pack a compass as unexpected detours may be required.

Saddle up for a Man from Snowy River experience in the high country. This section of National trail, also known as Boardman's Run, follows the mighty Murray River and the Alpine Way in parts.

Starting at Tom Groggin, near Thredbo, it's suitable for competent horse riders, keen mountain bikers, and experienced walkers.

As you wind along the trail for 21km you'll encounter steep climbs, creek crossings through ferny valleys, and historic huts to explore. If you have fishing gear, stop to catch a trout in the river, then cook it up on fire rings at the horse camps at either Tom Groggin or Geehi.

Wallabies, wombats, kangaroos, and emus are often easy to spot on the ground in this area. Wedge-tailed eagles, flame-robins, treecreepers, and lyrebirds could be harder to glimpse, so it's worth packing binoculars. In spring the slopes come alive with purple hovea, then yellow and orange peas, while the plains are carpeted with yellow billy buttons and white paper daisies.

National trail is one of Australia’s iconic long-distance treks. It stretches 5330km, from Cooktown in Queensland to Healesville in Victoria and follows the historic coach, horse and stock routes of early European pioneers.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

National Trail - Tom Groggin to Geehi

  • Grassy clearing with people seated at a picnic table, with a wood-fired barbecue in the foreground, in Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Murray Vanderveer © DPIE

    Tom Groggin horse camp

    Tom Groggin horse camp is the perfect start or end point for a horse riding adventure along the scenic Tom Groggin to Geehi section of National trail, in Kosciuszko National Park.

  • Tent and cars at Tom Groggin campground, Koscisuzko National Park. Photo: Murray Vanderveer/NSW Government

    Tom Groggin campground

    Tom Groggin campground, between Khancoban and Thredbo, is an ideal base to enjoy fishing, bushwaking, mountain biking, and 4WDing in southern Kosciuszko National Park.

  • Park signage beside a shelter at Geehi horse camp, Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Robert Mulally © Robert Mulally

    Geehi horse camp

    Stay at Geehi horse camp, on the Tom Groggin to Geehi section of the National trail, in Kosciuszko National Park. It’s a great place to unsaddle and rest on your horse riding adventure.

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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/horse-riding-trails/national-trail-tom-groggin-to-geehi/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about National trail: Tom Groggin to Geehi.

Getting there and parking

This section of National trail starts at Tom Groggin picnic area and campground which is a 30min drive from Thredbo. If driving from Jindabyne:

  • Follow Kosciuszko Road for 3km
  • Turn left on Alpine Way, towards Thredbo
  • Continue past Thredbo and remain on Alpine Way for another 26km
  • Turn left onto National trail for about 350m
  • Turn right into Tom Groggin picnic area and campground

This section of trail ends at Geehi horse camp, a 30min drive from Khancoban.

 

Road quality

  • Mixture of sealed and unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • Most roads suitable for 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • 4WD required in wet weather

Parking

Horse float and truck parking is available at Tom Groggin horse camp and at Geehi horse camp.

Facilities

  • There are no supplies available on the trail. Please bring all food and supplies with you.
  • Water for horses can be collected from creeks. Check with NPWS before you arrive to confirm if existing water sources are dry or if the water is usable for horses. 
  • Treat creek or river water before drinking for human consumption.
  • If you’re bringing feed for horses, pelletised feeds are preferred. Hay is not recommended as it usually contains seeds that sprout and become weeds.
  • Hitching rails are available at some horse camps. Bring your own materials to secure your horse in case other riders’ horses are already there using the yards and hitching rails.
  • Permanent horse yards are available at some camps, otherwise bring your own temporary yards. 

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

  • Fire rings (bring your own firewood)

Carpark

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Adventure sports

Adventure sports like climbing, caving, canyoning and abseiling offer a thrilling opportunity to explore our unique environments. Before you head out, be aware of the risks and stay safe during adventure sports.

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.

Camping safety

Whether you're pitching your tent on the coast or up on the mountains, there are many things to consider when camping in NSW national parks. Find out how to stay safe when camping.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

Horse riding safety

Before you hop on your horse, learn how to keep you and your riding group safe.

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.

Accessibility

Disability access level - no wheelchair access

Permitted

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

Camping

Cycling

Fishing

A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

Gathering firewood

Horses

Prohibited

Chainsaws are 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.

Generators

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.

Visitor centre

  • Khancoban Visitor Centre
    2 Scammel Street, Khancoban NSW 2642
  • Winter (June to September): Open 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 2pm on weekends. Rest of year: Open 9am to 4pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
  • 02 6070 8400

Learn more

National trail: Tom Groggin to Geehi is in Khancoban area. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

Unique landscapes

Olsens lookout, Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Murray Vanderveer © OEH

The Western Fall of Kosciuszko National Park’s Main Range is the highest and steepest part of the Snowy Mountains. Mount Townsend and Abbot Peak block the view to Mount Kosciuszko, but their towering, rocky peaks are a breathtaking backdrop to the Geehi Plains, 1600m below. The mountain range captures the westerly air stream allowing tall mountain ash forest to grow in the moist soil below the treeline. 

The man-made landscapes of the Snowy Hydro Scheme, one of the civil engineering wonders of the modern world, are also on show. Murray 1 and 2 Power Stations are close to Khancoban, while the scenic drive to Kiandra travels across the very top of the Tumut Pond Reservoir wall.

  • Scammells Ridge lookout Scammells Ridge lookout, 1000m above sea level, offers marvellous views of the rugged Western Fall of the Main Range, and makes a scenic picnic spot just off Alpine Way.

Historic alpine huts

A man walks towards Bradleys and O'Briens Hut, Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Murray Vanderveer/OEH

The Khancoban area is home to many of Kosciuszko National Park’s picturesque historic huts. Built as shelter or fishing retreats for graziers and prospectors, or like Major Clews Hut, by Snowy Hydro Scheme workers, the huts provide a window into the past. The 8km return Geehi Huts walk is a great way to see Geehi, Keeble’s and Old Geehi Huts, all constructed from river rocks. Be prepared for several river crossings. Bradleys and O’Brien’s Hut is hard to miss along the Khancoban to Kiandra drive. You can also stretch your legs on a short walk to the rustic Patons Hut or Round Mountain Hut, made out of corrugated iron and surrounded by wilderness.

  • Geehi huts walking track Explore Geehi huts walking track by foot, bike, horse or 4WD. This short track, near Khancoban, boasts historic huts, river crossings and magnificent views of the Snowy Mountains in Kosciuszko National Park.
  • National trail: Tom Groggin to Geehi Ride, cycle, or hike 21km of National trail in Kosciuszko National Park. Saddle up your horses for a day of high-country adventure on this epic ride from Tom Groggin to Geehi horse camp.
  • Round Mountain Hut walking track Round Mountain Hut walking track winds through the Jagungal Wilderness Area in central Kosciuszko National Park. A great Snowy Mountains walk or ride, it offers view and spring wildflowers on its way to the rustic hut.

Discover western and central Kosciuszko

Khancoban Visitor Centre, Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Elinor Sheargold

Khancoban Visitor Centre is a convenient stop to buy passes, get maps, information and inspiration before you enter the park. Alpine Way is the main, year-round route through this area. It offers lookouts, campgrounds, picnic areas, walking tracks and bike trails along its 108km length between Khancoban and Jindabyne. The area's upgraded section of the National trail is popular with horse riders, who can also take advantage of horse camps near Geehi and Tom Groggin.

  • Khancoban to Kiandra drive Picturesque Khancoban to Kiandra drive links Alpine Way with Snowy Mountains Highway, in Kosciuszko National Park, and takes in scenic dams, historic huts, mountain forest, and the highest town in Australia.
  • Khancoban Visitor Centre Khancoban Visitor Centre, on Alpine Way at western entry point to Kosciuszko National Park, is a great place to pick up maps, information and buy a parks pass for your Snowy Mountains adventure.
  • 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.
  • National trail: Tom Groggin to Geehi Ride, cycle, or hike 21km of National trail in Kosciuszko National Park. Saddle up your horses for a day of high-country adventure on this epic ride from Tom Groggin to Geehi horse camp.

Remote wilderness and rare species

Round Mountain Hut walking track, Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Murray Vanderveer © OEH

In recognition of Kosciuszko's unique value as a conservation area, it’s been named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. More than half of the park, over 350,000ha (almost 865,000 acres), has been declared wilderness, including the Jagungal, Western Fall and Indi wilderness areas, located in the Khancoban area. The park's alpine and sub-alpine areas are home to rare plant species found nowhere else in the world, such as the Southern corroboree frog.

  • Round Mountain Hut walking track Round Mountain Hut walking track winds through the Jagungal Wilderness Area in central Kosciuszko National Park. A great Snowy Mountains walk or ride, it offers view and spring wildflowers on its way to the rustic hut.

Plants and animals protected in this park

Animals

  • Front-on view of a spotted tree frog on a rock. Photo: Dave Hunter &copy Dave Hunter

    Spotted tree frog (Litoria spenceri)

    The spotted tree frog is a rare Australian frog that lives in only a small number of high mountain streams, including a single location in Kosciuszko National Park. It’s listed as critically endangered in NSW.

  • Bare-nosed wombat. Photo: Keith Gillett

    Bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus)

    A large, squat marsupial, the Australian bare-nosed wombat is a burrowing mammal found in coastal forests and mountain ranges across NSW and Victoria. The only other remaining species of wombat in NSW, the endangered southern hairy-nosed wombat, was considered extinct until relatively recently.

  • Brush tail possum. Photo: Ken Stepnell

    Common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

    One of the most widespread of Australian tree-dwelling marsupials, the common brushtail possum is found across most of NSW in woodlands, rainforests and urban areas. With strong claws, a prehensile tail and opposable digits, these native Australian animals are well-adapted for life amongst the trees.

  • Eastern common ringtail possum. Photo: Ken Stepnell

    Common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus)

    Commonly found in forests, woodlands and leafy gardens across eastern NSW, the Australian ringtail possum is a tree-dwelling marsupial. With a powerful tail perfectly adapted to grasp objects, it forages in trees for eucalypt leaves, flowers and fruit.

  • Emu, Paroo Darling National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

    The largest of Australian birds, the emu stands up to 2m high and is the second largest bird in the world, after the ostrich. Emus live in pairs or family groups. The male emu incubates and rears the young, which will stay with the adult emus for up to 2 years.

  • A juvenile platypus saved by National Parks and Wildlife staff. Photo: M Bannerman/OEH

    Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)

    One of the most fascinating and unusual Australian animals, the duck-billed platypus, along with the echidna, are the only known monotremes, or egg-laying mammals, in existence. The platypus is generally found in permanent river systems and lakes in southern and eastern NSW and east and west of the Great Dividing Range.

  • Echidna. Photo: Ken Stepnell

    Short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

    One of only 2 egg-laying mammals in the world, the short-beaked echidna is one of the most widespread of Australian native animals. Covered in spines, or quills, they’re equipped with a keen sense of smell and a tube-like snout which they use to break apart termite mounds in search of ants.

  •  Superb lyrebird, Minnamurra Rainforest, Budderoo National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

    Superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae)

    With a complex mimicking call and an elaborate courtship dance to match, the superb lyrebird is one of the most spectacular Australian animals. A bird watching must-see, the superb lyrebird can be found in rainforests and wet woodlands across eastern NSW and Victoria.

  • Swamp wallaby in Murramarang National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

    Swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor)

    The swamp wallaby, also known as the black wallaby or black pademelon, lives in the dense understorey of rainforests, woodlands and dry sclerophyll forest along eastern Australia. This unique Australian macropod has a dark black-grey coat with a distinctive light-coloured cheek stripe.

Plants

  • Billy Button flowers at Peery Lake picnic area. Photo: Dinitee Haskard OEH

    Billy buttons (Craspedia spp. )

    Billy buttons are attractive Australian native plants that are widespread throughout eastern NSW in dry forest, grassland and alpine regions such as Kosciuszko National Park. The golden-yellow globe-shaped flowers are also known as woollyheads. Related to the daisy, billy buttons are an erect herb growing to a height of 50cm.

Environments in this area