The thrill seeker’s guide to Thredbo Mountain Bike Park

By Kristie Lau-Adams
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Drawing bigger crowds every season, Thredbo MTB offers thrill-seekers awesome adventure without a snowflake in sight.

Love discovering escapades to get your heart racing? Ditch the skis in favour of exploring Thredbo during the warmer months. Home to Thredbo Mountain Bike Park, a playground for two-wheeling daredevils, it offers a Thredbo MTB experience like no other.

Gaining momentum as one of the best things to do in Thredbo these days, stunning cross-country trails and Australia’s only lift-accessible terrain are just some of the highlights. Here, an access-all-areas guide to get you on your way.

What you need to know before you go

It’s worth getting your head around the basics because enjoying this place isn’t exclusive to extreme sports enthusiasts. MTB is the in-the-know abbreviation of ‘mountain biking’ and once the snow in Thredbo melts, the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park opens.

a person traversing MTB trails at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park

Traverse challenging MTB trails at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park.

Home to a diverse range of trails and conditions catering to both beginners and experienced riders, there are more than 40 kilometres of terrain that span Gravity trails, those accessed by a chairlift that stores your bike as you climb to elevated heights and gravity (as opposed to pedalling) launches you back down, cross-country trails and skills and jump parks.

There’s also a mix of trail types; Flows that are machine-built and offer smoother surfaces and Technical that are rougher, narrower and feature natural obstacles. The bottom line: Thredbo MTB is for everyone thanks to Thredbo Mountain Bike Park.

a mountain biker navigating the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park

Get your heart racing at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park.

When is the best time to experience Thredbo MTB?

The only time you can try your hand at Thredbo MTB is during the warmer months once the ski fields are grassy and the snow’s gone. The season will kick off officially on November 18 in 2023 and will close at the end of April 2024. Fans can expect a similar five-month window in the years that follow.

bikers passing through a grassy terrain at Thredbo MTB

Once the snow melts it’s time to hit the trails on two wheels.  (Image: Thredbo Resort)

What gear do I need for Thredbo MTB?

Much like hitting the slopes in winter, there’s an entire kit to be gathered ahead of your foray into Thredbo MTB. As it’s often a hazardous sport due to the incredibly thrilling terrain, safety is paramount – ensuring you’re dressed for the slide as opposed to the ride is the smartest approach. Also, it’s mandatory for all MTB riders to wear a helmet even in the beginner zones.

kids participating the closing weekend at Thredbo MTB

Safety gear is a must for all riders. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

A handy list of what you’ll need:
– Helmet (full-face varieties are recommended, though not a must)
– Mountain bike
– Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
– Full-finger gloves
– Full body armour
– Elbow and knee pads, plus shin pads are also recommended
– Neck brace
– Wrap-around goggles

A lot, right? Thankfully, there are rental packages that do all the heavy lifting for you. Visit the Thredbo Retail and Rental website for Thredbo bike hire, gear hire and further information.

What if this is my first MTB experience?

You’re certainly not alone given this is an emerging summer sport in Australia. If you’re keen to avoid winging it, your best option is to sign up for a two-hour beginner’s clinic through the Thredbo Mountain Bike School.

an instructor guiding kids at Thredbo Mountain Bike School

The Thredbo Mountain Bike School program is a great school holiday activity.

The programs are typically held daily at 10am throughout the season and run by some of the country’s most experienced riders so you’ll learn all the basics on Thredbo MTB from the very best. Plus, these classes aren’t just for total novices. Programs including the ‘MTB Progression’ and the ‘MTB Essentials’ provide the chance to take your skills to the next level.

adults learning the basics of Thredbo MTB at Thredbo Mountain Bike School

Learn all the basics of Thredbo MTB from the very best.

Is Thredbo MTB family-friendly?

Absolutely, although it’s recommended that children under the age of five should wait a few years before getting stuck in.

Several of the Thredbo Mountain Bike School programs are catered to children including the ‘Intro to MTB’ for kids aged five and over, the ‘MTB Fundamentals’ for kids aged seven and over, the ‘MTB Essentials’ for kids aged seven and over, the ‘MTB Progression’ for kids aged seven and over and the ‘MTB Junior Race Clinic’ for kids aged seven to 17.

There are also school holiday camps to help refine skills like gravity riding technique and bike maintenance. It should be noted that no tandem bikes are allowed while engaging in Thredbo MTB.

two kids at Thredbo MTB doing a high-five

Kids will be quick to make friends on the trails at school holiday camp.

What are the best Thredbo MTB trails?

Finally, to the fun stuff. There are 22 different courses to tackle, conveniently split into difficulty categories, so selecting your poison should be a breeze. If you’re a beginner, the Easy Rider trail is a great start as it isn’t too steep.

a kid riding a bike and passing through rocky trail

Take on the challenging rocky trails. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

If you’re looking for a scenic route and a slow cross-country journey is more your speed, the Thredbo Valley Track is a beautiful option and features suspension bridges, river views, rich forest surroundings and smoother terrain. You can take a six-kilometre route or go the full 35 kilometres to make the most of it.

a biker navigating the verdant landscape in Thredbo MTB

Explore the vast scenery on two wheels. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

Low intermediate riders should consider the Kosciuszko Flow which starts at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and rolls down through magnificent mountain scenery to help sharpen those downhill riding skills.

Hardcore MTB fans will love the Paparazzi, Flow Link, Lower All-Mountain and Upper All-Mountain trails for their drops, rocks and breathtaking sights. Make sure you check out the Thredbo trail map for a comprehensive look at everything on offer.

a group of people riding the Kosciuszko Chairlift, Thredbo

Take in breathtaking sights from the Kosciuszko Chairlift. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

How much does it cost to experience Thredbo MTB?

Every rider needs a Thredbo MTB Lift Pass to gain access to Thredbo Mountain Bike Park. The pass enables entry to the Kosciuszko Chairlift, Gunbarrel Chairlift, Merritts Gondola and the Cruiser Chairlift which are all fitted with bike racks and serve as your only access points to the top of the mountains.

Adult season passes start from $599 per person and one-day adult passes start from $95 per person.

a chair lift heading to Thredbo Mountain Bike Park

The Thredbo MTB Lift Pass ensures you get to the top of the mountain with ease.

Are there any events at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park?

Heck yes, there are. Thredbo events at the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park are epic and world-renowned, playing home to the southern hemisphere’s most active events calendar.

There are interschool championships plus the Thredbo Gravity Series which is staggered throughout the Thredbo MTB season and offers serious cash prizes. The hottest ticket is arguably the Cannonball MTB Festival which is typically staged in February and features live music, world-class MTB spectacles and party times over about a week.

riders at the Thredbo MTB closing weekend

It’s a great weekend away with mates. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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10 secluded Thredbo camping spots you won’t want to leave

    By Kristie Lau-Adams
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    Weary heads will delight in a blanket of stars and swaying snow gums scattered throughout the best Thredbo camping destinations. 

    Riverside barbecues and adventures through rich Australian bushland – Thredbo  camping offers humbling escapes and memories to last a lifetime. While Thredbo’s best hotels and resorts provide comfortable lodgings against breathtaking backdrops, nothing awakens your senses like immersing yourself in nature.

    We’ve rounded up the most picturesque camping spots at Thredbo to add to your bucket list. 

    1. Thredbo Diggings Campground 

    Thredbo Diggings

    Thredbo Diggings campground has great access to hiking and local attractions. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Where: Bullocks Walking Track, Kosciuszko National Park
 

    Driving distance from Thredbo village: 10 minutes
 

    Price: $ 

    Amenities: Drop toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecue and fire ring facilities (BYO firewood), limited mobile reception and car parking. 

    Perks: A standout Thredbo camping location, Thredbo Diggings Campground in the Thredbo-Perisher area of Kosciuszko National Park is a super scenic bush camping site bounded by the meandering Thredbo River. 

    You’ll find access to peaceful walking tracks and mountain biking trails, plus spectacular mountain views. It’s a popular spot with anglers who come to catch rainbow trout, but families also love to pitch up here and take to the trails or swim in the river’s crystal-clear waters. 

    Hardy, well-prepared souls can camp or park a campervan on the grounds during winter, too. You’ll need to fork out for park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll be hit with a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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    2. Ngarigo Campground 

    Ngarigo Campground

    Riverside grassy spots are open to all tents and camper trailers.

    Where: Alpine Way, Kosciuszko National Park
 

    Driving distance from Thredbo village: 8 minutes
 

    Price: $ 

    Amenities: One non-flush toilet, picnic tables, wood barbecue and fire ring facilities (BYO firewood), limited mobile reception and car parking. 

    Perks: A Thredbo camping hot spot set even closer to the village than Diggings, Ngarigo campground is an adventure-lover’s paradise just a turn off the long and winding Kosciuszko Alpine Way. 

    Fly fishing folk love it here as rainbow and brown trout abound, plus there’s plenty of amazing hiking to be done as a diverse forest is decorated with scenic trails. 

    All tents, camper trailers and caravans are welcome to set up shop on one of the grassy riverside patches. Quiet generators are also welcome in some parts. You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and there’s a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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    3. Leatherbarrel Creek Campground 

    Where: Alpine Way, Kosciuszko National Park
 

    Driving distance from Thredbo village: 20 minutes
 

    Price: $ 

    Amenities: Drop toilets, fire ring barbecue facilities (BYO firewood), picnic tables, space for tents and small campervans but nothing larger.  

    Perks: Another spectacular Thredbo camping spot within Kosciuszko National Park, Leatherbarrel Creek campground is a great spot for a picnic and is frequented often by day-trippers. However, the campground itself is worth hanging around for. 

    Dotted by fascinating birdlife like rosellas, kookaburras and currawongs plus plenty of shade, the space is peaceful and idyllic. The terrain is steep so arriving in anything bigger than a small campervan isn’t advised, however you can sleep in vans so plan accordingly. You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll pay a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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    4. Island Bend Campground 

    Island Bend campground

    Island Bend is a magical campground in the Snowy Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Where: Guthega Road, Kosciuszko National Park
 

    Driving distance from Thredbo village: 45 minutes
 

    Price: $ 

    Amenities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecue and fire ring facilities (BYO firewood), limited phone reception. 

    Perks: Open to tents, camper trailers and sleeping beside your car, the Island Bend campground is closer to Perisher than Thredbo but well worth the consideration for other reasons.  

    Located right on the Snowy River, it’s a Thredbo camping spot made for kayaking and canoeing and there’s also a network of hiking and biking trails to be tackled. 

    You’re also on the same road as the historic Guthega Power Station and a series of old huts along the Whites River so exploring fascinating relics is a bonus. You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll pay a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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    5. Tom Groggin Campground 

    Tom Groggin Campground

    Tom Groggin is a serene camping spot. (Image: Office of Environment and Heritage NSW)

    Where: The Bicentennial National Trail, Murray Gorge, Kosciuszko National Park 

    Driving distance from Thredbo village: A little over 40 minutes
 

    Price: $ 

    Amenities: Picnic tables, drop toilets and fire ring barbecue facilities (BYO firewood). It should also be noted there is no mobile reception. 

    Perks: Located in the southern section of Kosciuszko National Park, the Tom Groggin Campground is right on the NSW and Victorian border. It rests right along the upper Murray River, offering ideal fishing conditions and serene riverside campsites. 

    There is also plenty of impressive wildlife including emus and sensational birds. You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll pay a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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    6. Adventist Alpine Village 

    Adventist Alpine Village

    Wildlife lovers will have a fantastic experience at Adventist Alpine Village.

    Where: 122 Tinworth Drive, Jindabyne
 

    Driving distance from Thredbo village: 35 minutes
 

    Price: $-$$ 

    Amenities: Showers, toilets, coin-operated washing machines (BYO powder), dryers, a children’s playground, camp kitchen, tennis court, disc golf course, basketball court, equipment hire, barbecue facilities and dump point. 

    Perks: Offering plenty of grassy space within the grounds of a tourist park, the Adventist Alpine Village is littered with local wildlife including kangaroos and wombats, plus the odd farm animal, making it a hit with families seeking a memorable Thredbo camping experience. 

    The campground welcomes tents, caravans and camper trailers and it’s dog-friendly so you can bring your furry friend if they stay on a leash. 

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    7. Old Geehi Campground

    Where: Geehi Hut Road, Geehi 

    Driving distance from Thredbo village: 55 minutes 

    Price: $ 

    Amenities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecue and fire ring facilities (BYO firewood). There is no water available at this campground and mobile coverage is limited. 

    Perks: Another hidden gem along the Swampy Plain River, the Old Geehi Campground offers unmarked and unpowered camping in the middle of nature. From ground level — nestled into a camping chair with a cold one, we say — you’ll spy the Snowy Mountains’ peaks, and there’s also historic stone huts to explore along a nearby walking trail. 

    Mountain biking, swimming and fishing is the norm during the warmer months as kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and possums scurry along this magical destination right past you.  

    You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll pay a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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    8. Geehi Flats Campground 

    Geehi Flats Campground

    Geehi Flats Campground is a picturesque spot near the Swampy Plain River. (Image: Murray Vanderveer)

    Where: Geehi Campground Access, Geehi
 

    Driving distance from Thredbo village: 50 minutes
 

    Price: $ 

    Amenities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables and wood barbecue and fire ring facilities (BYO firewood). There is no water available at this campground and mobile coverage is limited. 

    Perks: Another soothing site located within the Kosciuszko National Park, the Geehi Flats Campground offers flat, unmarked grassy grounds in which to set up digs as the Snowy Mountains loom around you. 

    Set on the banks of the Swampy Plain River, it’s the perfect Thredbo camping spot for some fun-filled tubing, kayaking, canoeing and fly fishing. 

    And if 4WDing is more your thing, you’ll find several great roads nearby. You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll pay a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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    9. Gungarlin River Campground 

    Where: Gungarlin River, Burrungubugge 

    Driving distance to Thredbo village: Just over 1 hour 

    Price: $ 

    Amenities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecue and fire ring facilities (BYO firewood). Mobile coverage is limited. 

    Perks: Catch sparkling water views straight from your campsite at the Gungarlin River Campground in Kosciuszko National Park. It’s only accessible by 4WD and camper trailers are as big as you can get, but the remote nature of this pick makes every effort worth it (just nine campsites are offered in total). 

    If it’s warm, mountain biking, swimming and fishing are good time killers, while alpine huts are also worth checking out, originally built in 1909 and offering unrivalled insight into what once thrived.  

    You’ll need park entry, which is typically $17 per vehicle per 24-hour period, and you’ll pay a winter surcharge between June and October so check the website for accurate pricing. A $6 booking fee also applies. 

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    10. Khancoban Lakeside Caravan Park 

    Khancoban Lakeside Park

    Khancoban Lakeside Caravan Park boasts lake frontage and majestic mountain views. (Image: Matt Beaver/Snow Valleys Council)

    Where: 1362 Alpine Way, Khancoban 

    Driving distance to Thredbo village: 1 hour and 20 minutes 

    Price: $-$$ 

    Amenities: Camp kitchen, games room, outdoor barbecues, showers, toilets and a laundry 

    Perks: Pick from structured powered and unpowered sites within Khancoban Lakeside Caravan Park. You’ve got the option of cabins, too, but given all the bells and whistles included in this Thredbo camping hot spot, you’re hardly slumming it in canvas walls. 

    The property is situated right off Khancoban Pondage, renowned for great fishing and home to a boat ramp. A visit here is best experienced in summer, as crowds will prove.  

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