Kosciuszko National Park

• Introduction
• Fact file
• A look at the past
• Aboriginal culture
• Natural features
• Native plants
• Wildlife


Blue Lake, Kosciuszko National Park, Paul Sinclair / Tourism New South Wales

Introduction

Kosciuszko National Park embraces the majestic grandeur of the high country. This is one of the world’s great national parks with its alpine herbfi elds and soaring mountain peaks, the headwaters of the famed Snowy River and a fascinating Aboriginal and European heritage. The largest national park in the state, Kosciuszko is expansive, dramatic and very often awe-inspiring. Situated on the highest land in Australia it has a rugged, wild beauty, yet up close it reveals many small treasures – delicate wildflowers, historic cattlemen’s huts, rare and endangered wildlife. In winter when its peaks are blanketed with snow it is transformed into one of Australia’s finest ski fields. In summer wildfl owers carpet the grassy meadows, and there are lovely walks and the chance to indulge in a whole range of outdoor activities. Kosciuszko contains six wilderness areas, and is recognised as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. It is also one of the Australian Alps National Parks, a cooperative arrangement between the states and Commonwealth to preserve and manage the region’s valuable alpine and subalpine environments.

Fact file

Access

From Cooma via Snowy Mountains Hwy (northern section) or via Jindabyne (southern section); from Jindabyne either via Kosciuszko Rd or Alpine Way; from Hume Hwy onto Snowy Mountains Hwy near Tumut; from Corryong (VIC) and Khancoban onto Alpine Way; many minor roads closed in winter and 2WD vehicles must carry snow chains on certain roads June–October; contact NPWS for details before setting off

Best Season

Winter for snow sports; summer for walking, camping, wildflowers

Location

450 km south of Sydney (480 km to park headquarters at Sawpit Creek); 90 km south-west of Cooma (to Thredbo or Perisher)

Park Information

• NSWNPWS 1300 361 967
• Snowy Region visitor centres
• Jindabyne (02) 6450 5600
• Khancoban (02) 6086 9373
• Perisher (02) 6457 5214
• Tumut (02) 6947 7025
• Yarrangobilly (02) 6454 9597
• www.snowyhydro.com.au

Size

690 000 ha

Where to Stay

Adaminaby/Cooma/Jindabyne/Tumut (02) 6450 5600, 1800 004 439 www.snowymountains.com.au

A look at the past

European pastoralists arrived in the region in the 1830s, bringing cattle and sheep to graze. This had adverse effects on the land and its flora and fauna. Grazing was phased out, ceasing completely in 1969, though the colourful heritage of the cattlemen of the high country lives on. From 1859 to 1861 thousands of diggers trekked to Kiandra, lured by the prospect of gold. The rush was short-lived but old race lines and abandoned equipment still scar the landscape. A more lasting legacy of the miners was the introduction of skiing to Australia and by the early 1900s a tourist industry based on this sport had sprung up in the Snowy Mountains. The greatest impetus to development, however, was the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, an ambitious project begun in 1949.

Aboriginal culture

Aboriginal people are known to have visited the Snowy Mountains for thousands of years, and to have come regularly for ceremonies and to feast on Bogong moths, which move from the lowlands to the high country during the summer months.

Natural features

Kosciuszko National Park straddles the Great Divide, its altitude ranging from just 200 or so metres in the Snowy River valley to the peak of Mount Kosciuszko at 2228 metres. This is the highest part of the continent, where glacial action has left five glacial lakes, including the icy Blue Lake, Australia’s highest lake. There are many different types of rock, with the oldest marine sediments 450 million years old, but granitic rock such as that at the summit of Mount Kosciuszko is the most common. An outstanding natural feature is the spectacular Yarrangobilly Caves, with their dramatic limestone formations.

Native plants

The western escarpment experiences much more rain and snow than the more sheltered eastern area and the natural vegetation echoes the diversity of altitudes and of the rainfall pattern. Vegetation ranges from alpine and subalpine tracts with their beautiful pink snow gum and alpine ash to areas of wet sclerophyll forest and mountain ash, and then at lower elevations eucalypt woodlands, with box species common. Above the tree line, where it is too cold for trees to survive, are the most distinctive and sometimes rare species – alpine herbfields that flower brilliantly in summer, flowering heathlands and spongy sphagnum bogs.

Wildlife

The extent and environmental diversity of the park ensures a wealth of wildlife. There are over 280 native vertebrate species, with kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and possums living on the lower mountain slopes and woodland areas. The most unusual creature is the rare (though common in the park) mountain pygmy-possum – a diminutive marsupial just 11 cm long, which lives high in the rocky alpine countryside, hibernating for seven months of the year. This tiny animal, originally known only from fossil records, was thought to be extinct until a colony was found in the park in 1969.


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Featured Activities in the National Park

• Camp in the park and enjoy a mountain sunrise
• Take the chairlift from Thredbo then walk to the top of Mount Kosciuszko
• Toss a line into a snow-fed stream and catch a trout for dinner
• Ski, snowboard or toboggan on the mountain slopes in winter
• Walk through meadows of wildflowers in summer
• Explore the magnificent Yarrangobilly Caves

Introduction

Kosciuszko National Park offers a multitude of activities, with bushwalking, skiing and snow sports, picnicking, fishing, swimming, whitewater rafting, cycling and touring by car just some of the options. The Snowy Region Visitor Centre at Jindabyne is particularly well set up with information about the park and region. Ask about guided activities – some are led by rangers and others are privately run. Also well worth visiting is the extraordinary Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme (see feature).

Canoeing and rafting

The fresh mountain streams are ideal for canoeing and when the snow melts the swollen creeks and rivers provide some challenging whitewater rafting conditions.

Cave tours

North of Kiandra and accessible off the Snowy Mountains Highway is the extensive complex of startlingly beautiful limestone Yarrangobilly Caves, open for guided and self-guided tours. There is also an impressive limestone gorge with walking tracks, and thermal pools where visitors can soak in soothing waters at a constant 27 degrees Celsius. The endangered yellow and black corroboree frog inhabits this area. There is an information centre here and picnic facilities.

Cycling

Cyclists can use the management trails to explore the park (bicycles are not permitted on walking tracks). A number of outlets in the region offer mountain-bike hire.

Fishing

The crystal-clear mountain streams and many lakes are renowned for their trout and both experienced fly fishers and amateur anglers have a good chance of landing a catch as the waterways are regularly re-stocked from local trout hatcheries. No fishing is allowed from the long weekend in June to the long weekend in October. A recreational fishing licence is required to fish inland waters of New South Wales. Contact NSW Fisheries (02) 9527 8411, or visit their website (www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au) to
check details.

Historic sites

For those with an interest in the past there are many vestiges of European history – historic miners’ and cattlemen’s huts, relics of the gold-rush days and remains of grazing properties.

Horse riding

Horse riding is a great way to experience the Snowy Mountains country, and there are opportunities for horse-based camping in the north of the park. Check with park rangers or regional visitor centres for details of restricted areas before setting off.

Scenic touring

The Alpine Way, which traverses the park, is steep and winding but offers a spectacular drive through truly exceptional countryside. Make sure to stop and enjoy the lookouts. Watch for wildlife on the road, especially early morning and at dusk.

Skiing and snow sports

All New South Wales’ ski fields are within the park. Well-known resorts with world-class ski runs are at Thredbo, Charlotte Pass, Perisher Blue and Selwyn Snowfields, all with multiple lifts for downhill skiing. There are marked and groomed trails suitable for cross-country or Nordic skiing. In the southern part of the park the trails are around Perisher Range; in the northern part they are around Mount Selwyn, Three Mile Dam and Dry Dam near Cabramurra. Cross-country skiers should advise someone responsible of their plans.
There are day-skiing areas at Mount Blue Cow, between Perisher Valley and Guthega, and Mount Selwyn, south-west of Kiandra. Snowboarding and tobogganing are also popular, along with snowshoewalking (ask about guided tours).

• Campsites

Campsites

Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat (southern section)

Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat offers a wide range of comfortable accommodation, from cedar cabins and chalets (some with spas) to caravan and tent sites. Facilities include a camp kitchen, drying room and laundry.... Find out more

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Black Perry Rest Area (northern section)

There are a handful of campsites at the top of Black Perry Mountain; to get here, follow Snowy Mountains Hwy about 40 km south of Tumut. The campsite is down a dirt road behind a gravel clearing by the main road. Bring... Find out more

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Blue Waterholes Campground (northern section)

You’ll need a 4WD in wet weather, and an off-road camper trailer to get to this cracking campsite. From here you can access multiple walking tracks, adventure caves, a waterfall and a spectacular lookout.Near the... Find out more

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Broken Cart camping area (northern section)

Set amid eucalypt forest, this is a very basic campsite with no facilities, near the intersection of Feints and Broken Cart trails in the north of the park. Access is via Broken Cart Track off Long Plain Rd, or Boundary,... Find out more

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Cooinbil Hut camping area (northern section)

There are 2 sections to this camping area: a walk-in and vehicle-based camping site on the north side of historic Cooinbil hut; and a vehicle- and horse-based camping site on the south side. The latter includes horse... Find out more

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Cooleman Mountain camping area (northern section)

Surrounded by towering gums, this campground is on the Blue Waterholes access road, 2.6 km east of Long Plain Rd. A 2 km walking track will take you to historic Coolamine Homestead. Bring your own firewood and drinking... Find out more

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Coonara Point camping area (boat-based camping, northern section)

This boat-based campground offers waterskiing, paddling and fishing as well as camping. To get here, you can launch from boat ramps at Talbingo Dam Wall south of Talbingo, or O’Hares Rest Area off Elliott Way.... Find out more

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Denison camping area (northern section)

From this camping ground you can reach Eucumbene dam and river, where you can go fishing or motorboating. It’s off the Snowy Mountains Hwy north of Gang Gang Creek. Bring your own drinking water and firewood.... Find out more

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Dubbo Flats camping area (northern section)

It’s 4WD access only to Dubbo Flats, reached via Broken Cart Track in the north of the park. The road will be closed completely in bad weather, so check with the parks office before setting out. Note: there are no... Find out more

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Eucumbene camping area (northern section)

Camp near the Eucumbene River (no closer than 30 m) and try your luck with a fishing rod. There are no facilities or designated camping sites here. It’s 4WD dry-weather access only via Four Mile Trail off the Snowy... Find out more

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Ghost Gully Horse Camp (northern section)

As its name suggests, this grassy camping ground allows horses, and provides a loading ramp and horse yard. You’ll find it 9 km south-east of Rules Point, via Port Phillip Fire Trail off Long Plain Rd. Note: Long... Find out more

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Humes Crossing camping area (northern section)

You’ll need to bring drinking water and firewood to this camping area, 25 km south of Tumut, reached by the Snowy Mountains Hwy. There are loads of water-based activities to immerse yourself in during summer,... Find out more

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Jounama Creek camping area (northern section)

This area has 2 parts. The main campground has picnic tables, barbecues and toilets; it’s 300 m off the Snowy Mountains Hwy, opposite the Talbingo turn-off. There’s a smaller area next to Jounama Creek, 1 km... Find out more

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Log Bridge Creek camping area (northern section)

In summer these grassy woodlands make a great base for campers in the mood for paddling, sailing, swimming, fishing and walking. It’s 18 km south of Tumut, near Blowering Reservoir, via the Snowy Mountains Hwy.... Find out more

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Long Plain Hut camping area (northern section)

There are horse yards here, to the east of Long Plain Hut, and there’s another designated camping area to the north of the hut as well. It’s a great spot for the active camper, with horseriding,... Find out more

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O’Hares Rest Area (northern section)

This old Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme workers’ campsite provides water access to the Talbingo Reservoir. As such, it’s a popular spot for boaters, paddlers, sailors and fishers. To get here, take the Elliott... Find out more

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Old Snowy Camp (northern section)

You can get to this horse-camping area from the Snowy Mountains Hwy – turn on to Tantangara Rd and then Pockets Saddle Rd. Note that Pockets Saddle Rd is apt to close during the period between the June–Oct... Find out more

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The Pines camping area (northern section)

Put up a tent at The Pines and head out on the water at Blowering Reservoir for a spot of fishing, waterskiing, swimming or kayaking. The camping area is 22 km south of Tumut via the Snowy Mountains Hwy. Bring your own... Find out more

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Ravine (Lobbs Hole) camping area (northern section)

Trout fishing, swimming and relative solitude are the drawcards of Ravine camping area, which was once the site of a village supported by large-scale copper mining in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Access from the north... Find out more

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Rock Flat camping area (northern section)

Follow Lacmalac Rd for about 25 km south-east of Tumut and you’ll be there before you can say Goobarragandra River, which is what you’ll see when you get there. Fishing, swimming and kayaking are all on offer... Find out more

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Rocky Plain camping area (northern section)

This is a horse-camping area with loading ramp about 300 m off the Snowy Mountains Hwy just south of The Rest House (Sawyers Hill). The road is accessible by camper trailers and 2WD but only in good weather. The road is... Find out more

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Three Mile Dam camping area (northern section)

Three Mile Dam, 14 km north-east of Cabramurra, was built in 1883 to service gold mining in the Kiandra region. Come in early to mid-summer and you’ll catch a kaleidoscopic display of wildflowers; in winter, the... Find out more

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Wares Yards camping area (northern section)

You can get to this horse-camping ground via Tantangara Rd off the Snowy Mountains Hwy, although the track in may be closed during the period between the June–Oct long weekends. Bring drinking water and firewood... Find out more

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Willis camping area (southern section)

Just inside the NSW border is Willis camping area, 74 km south of Jindabyne via Barry Way. Bring your drinking water and firewood.... Find out more

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Yachting Point camping area (northern section)

There are water activities galore during summer at this aptly named campground, 30 km south of Tumut near Blowering Reservoir. Take your pick of swimming, boating, fishing, waterskiing and paddling. Bring your own... Find out more

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Yarrangobilly Village Campground (northern section)

This is the perfect place to stay if you’re interested in visiting the startlingly beautiful Yarrangobilly Caves. You can also see Cotterrill’s Cottage, which dates back to the 1890s, making it one of the... Find out more

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Yolde camping area (northern section)

One of several camping spots on Blowering Reservoir, Yolde offers a great selection of water-based activities during summer: swimming, fishing, boating, paddling and waterskiing. It also has a boat ramp. It’s 34 km... Find out more

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Bradneys Gap camping area (northern section)

Bradneys Gap camping area is 10 km north-east of Khancoban via the Cabramurra–Khancoban Rd. Bring your own drinking water and firewood.... Find out more

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Clover Flat camping area (northern section)

You’ll need to bring drinking water and firewood to this camping area, 26 km north of Khancoban via the Cabramurra–Khancoban Rd.... Find out more

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Geehi Flats camping area (southern section)

On the winding Alpine Way, 31 km south of Khancoban, Geehi Flats camping area isn’t recommended for large caravans and camper trailers. Despite this, the old Snowy Mountains Hydro camp spot is popular in summer for... Find out more

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Keebles Hut camping area (southern section)

Renowned as one of the best huts in the national park, Keebles Hut was built in 1942 and has been an extremely popular camping area since its amalgmation into the national park in the 1970s. It’s next to the Geehi... Find out more

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Leatherbarrel Creek Rest Area (southern section)

You’ll need to bring your drinking water and firewood to this camping area, 16 km west of Thredbo on Alpine Way. Note: the Alpine Way is a narrow winding road, parts of which are unsuitable for large campervans or... Find out more

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Old Geehi Hut camping area (southern section)

The river here is a refreshing escape from the heat of summer; alternatively, you can drop a line in or go for a paddle. It’s off the Alpine Way; access unsuitable for 2WD vehicles. Bring your own drinking water... Find out more

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Tom Groggin camping area (southern section)

On the south-western border of the national park, Tom Groggin is a large grassed area next to the Upper Murray River, with its good trout fishing. Access is via the Alpine Way, which is unsuitable for large campervans... Find out more

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Halfway Flat camping area (southern section)

This is a popular picnic and camping area offering swimming, fishing, paddling and walking. It’s 55 km south of Jindabyne near the Snowy River. You’ll need to supply your own drinking water and firewood.... Find out more

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Island Bend camping area (southern section)

This former Snowy Mountains Hydro camp is located near the Snowy River, 23 km north-west of Jindabyne. Sites here are either in clearings where the old camp buildings were on the hill, or lower down near the upper... Find out more

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Jacob's River camping area (southern section)

Summertime offers fishing and swimming in the river next to this pleasant camping spot, 53 km south of Jindabyne. It’s near where the Jacobs and Snowy rivers meet, off Barry Way. You can boil/treat the river water... Find out more

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Ngarigo Rest Area (southern section)

There’s a short walk from car to tent here, although cars and small campervans and trailers can easily access the carpark. It’s 3.6 km from Thredbo Diggings and 24 km south of Jindabyne. Access is via the... Find out more

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No Name picnic and camping area (southern section)

Bring your own drinking water and firewood to this small camping area, 57 km south of Jindabyne via Barry Way.... Find out more

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Pinch River camping area (southern section)

You’ll find this spacious creekside campground straddling the Barry Way, 60 km south of Jindabyne. Bring your own drinking water and firewood.... Find out more

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Running Waters camping area (southern section)

You’ll need to bring drinking water and firewood to this campground, but it’ll supply the picnic tables, wood barbecues and top swimming, fishing and paddling spots. It’s 63 km south of Jindabyne via... Find out more

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Scotchies Yard camping area (southern section)

Accessed via Barry Way, 71 km south of Jindabyne, Scotchies Yard offers swimming, paddling, fishing and walking. Bring your own drinking water and firewood.... Find out more

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Thredbo Diggings camping area (southern section)

Steer clear of drinking the river water here – bring your own water, along with firewood. Access is via the Alpine Way, 1.4 km from the park entrance.... Find out more

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