I’ve visited a LOT of locations in Australia within the cumulative 7 years I’ve lived on this nation, however one which had eluded me up till late 2020 is the very-popular (significantly amongst snow sport fans) Kosciuszko Nationwide Park.
My excuse? Oh, the standard: a bit too far to do as a weekend getaway from Sydney (it’s a 5 hour drive), and never spectacular sufficient (in my subjective opinion) to divert my time and a spotlight from seashore and Outback locations.
Mates and very long time readers know this a bout me: I a lot desire seashores to mountains. Kozzie (as Aussies wish to name Kosciuszko, and truthfully I’m into it as a result of I can’t for the lifetime of me appear to recollect the way to spell the precise title as I’m typing this!) is alllllllll concerning the mountains… or so I believed.
In actuality, Kozzie has MUCH extra to supply than simply the snowy mountains round Jindabyne, Perisher, and Thredbo. And it’s not only a winter vacation spot match for skiers and snowboarders: Kosciuszko additionally makes for a unbelievable summer time vacation spot.
I spent 10 days over Christmas and New Years mountain climbing and tenting in Kosciuszko Nationwide Park, from lakes to gorges, rivers to mountains, and repeatedly saying to myself: I can’t imagine I didn’t go to this place sooner!
Right here’s every little thing you must hit in your go to to Kosciuszko Nationwide Park in summer time:
Clarke Gorge.
The far north of Kosciuszko Nationwide Park is called the Excessive Plains area, and it’s effectively off the overwhelmed path. Particularly, the Blue Waterholes space is so off-grid that you simply don’t even get telephone reception on the market, and the closest grocery store is an hour away.
However man oh man is it definitely worth the effort and the sacrifice. What a peaceable, magical place – and it occurs to supply a number of the finest mountain climbing and tenting in Kosciuszko Nationwide Park.
There are 3 free campgrounds close to the Blue Waterholes (you should e-book prematurely, attributable to COVID):
Nichols Gorge.
Regardless of the positioning being named for them, the Blue Waterholes aren’t the star attraction right here. Positive, they supply a refreshing dip on a scorching day, however they’re not significantly lovely. As a substitute, there are two gorge walks you are able to do alongside both facet of the Blue Waterholes:
I can not emphasize this sufficient: THE BLUE WATERHOLES GORGE HIKES ARE INCREDIBLE. Like really mindblowing and bucket list-worthy, and much more wonderful ’trigger they’re so off the radar. IMO they’re two of the highest Kosciuszko walks.
Simply be careful for snakes throughout summer time – we noticed one on each of the hikes!
READ MORE: Blue Waterholes: An Off-The-Grid Gem In Kosciuszko Nationwide Park
Waterfall at Clarke Gorge.
Whereas on the Blue Waterholes, it’s additionally price stopping to see the close by Coolamine Homestead. Right here you may peek inside a handful of previous buildings from the 1800’s and stage a photograph shoot on the grounds (not that we did that or something… *cough*).
Full disclosure, we skipped Yarrangobilly after we unexpectedly stumbled upon one other place that appealed to us extra within the second (see under). Nonetheless, I nonetheless contemplate it among the best issues to do in Kosciuszko Nationwide Park as a result of it’s simply so cool.
So Yarrangobilly has two noteworthy sights: a thermal pool and a few caves.
The closest campground is… await it… Yarrangobilly Village campground. You’d assume it could be onsite, but it surely’s truly fairly a methods down the primary street. And it’s actually proper subsequent to the street, alongside a river. Supposedly you may camp away from the street, additional down the river, however I believe you’d nonetheless have the ability to hear site visitors in any respect hours.
Both means, this Kosciuszko Nationwide Park tenting spot is free (however you do have to e-book prematurely, attributable to COVID).
This spot is finest visited outdoors of summer time, as a result of who needs to soak in a 27C pool on a scorching day (another excuse we skipped it)? However in cooler climate, bathing in a pool heated by a pure spring feels like absolute BLISS.
Swimming apart, the Yarrangobilly Thermal Pool is price a cease purely for the novelty issue. How typically do you see a pure pool set within the mountainous center of nowhere?
Additionally at Yarrangobilly are a handful of caves, 4 of that are usually open for admission:
South Glory permits self-guided excursions, whereas the opposite caves supply admission by guided tour solely. The upside to this commercialization is that the Yarrangobilly caves are illuminated and marked with informative plaques so as to truly find out about what you’re seeing (in contrast to the caves by the Blue Waterholes, the place you’re by yourself at the hours of darkness).
We found this space by full accident after we had been determined for meals after a number of days on the very-remote Blue Waterholes and needed to drive to the closest city, Tumut, which was practically an hour away from the place we had been.
We had each intention of driving again up into the mountains to camp at Yarrangobilly, however as soon as we noticed the beautiful lake down there and dozens of fellow campers with caravans and tents arrange alongside the foreshore, we rapidly modified our plan and located ourselves a free campsite with a view.
There are quite a few free campgrounds alongside the japanese facet of the lake, however we went with Log Bridge Creek as a result of it was the least crowded and provided a number of semi-shaded campsites on a hill, simply above a ship ramp. The opposite lakefront campgrounds boast extra lakefront actual property, however much less elbow room.
This ended up being my favourite Kosciuszko Nationwide Park tenting spot of your complete journey! Additionally, Log Creek can also be nearer to Tumut, the primary city within the area, so it’s fast and simple to pop up there to replenish on meals and water when wanted.
I had no thought this lake even existed, a lot much less was part of Kosciuszko Nationwide Park. It’s a stunning place to calm down and chill for a number of days: extremely suggest you come geared up with a hammock and a few sort of float or boat, as a result of floating out on the lake in some kind is certainly the factor to do at Blowering Reservoir.
Jindabyne is the hub of the Snowy Mountains: it’s the place everybody passes by (or bases themselves in) throughout ski season. Accordingly, the city is supplied with loads of out of doors attire outlets, so if you find yourself needing a bit of substances in your Kozzie journey, you must have the ability to decide it up in Jindy.
I like Jindabyne only for the novelty issue, because it’s in contrast to most anyplace else in Australia. I’m used to laidback seashore cities and random-ass Outback street homes, so generally it’s enjoyable to alter the channel to one thing a liiiiiiittle completely different.
Jindabyne’s the form of place the place folks stroll down the road sporting skinny puffer jackets, flannel shirts, and mountain climbing boots as on a regular basis put on. It’s a very distinct vibe.
There are a handful of cafes and bars round city, however the one place we frequented was The Market Jindabyne, an natural store and cafe that serves up one of the best espresso in Jindabyne. It’s a comfortable place to hang around for awhile and escape the climate.
Aside from procuring, consuming, and consuming, Jindabyne additionally affords some out of doors journey actions round its lake. You’ll be able to go kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Jindabyne, or trip a mountain bike on the lakeside path (I actually wish to return and do that subsequent time!).
Jindabyne has a number of lakefront caravan parks, however we ended up tenting in Kosciuszko Nationwide Park (and thus wanted to pay for a park cross simply to entry our campground, d’oh!) at Kosciuszko Tourist Park, only a 15 minute drive from city. It is a nice possibility for these eager to camp with a number of luxuries (y’know, like flush bathrooms and showers) whereas nonetheless being immersed in nature (i.e. it doesn’t really feel like a typical crowded caravan park in any respect). There are additionally a few Kosciuszko walks that begin from proper outdoors the campground.
Charlotte Go lookout.
Charlotte Go is residence to Australia’s highest snow resort (at 1765m in elevation). However this weblog put up is all about issues to do in Kozzie in summer time, so we’ll simply gloss over that truth for now.
Among the finest walks in Kosciuszko Nationwide Park begin from Charlotte Go, making it a fab summer time journey hub. Most of them contain summitting a number of mountains, however for those who’re not up for it it’s nonetheless price making the drive up right here to benefit from the views from the lookout platforms.
The granddaddy of all Kosciuszko walks is the Main Range walk, a 22km loop that begins and ends at Charlotte Go. It may be completed in a single (lengthy and exhausting) day, however is healthier accomplished as an in a single day hike so you may take your time and do the facet journeys to Blue Lake lookout and the Mt. Townsend summit.
The Fundamental Vary stroll is taken into account a traditional stroll in New South Wales, which I assume means it’s among the best in your complete state. From alpine lakes to mountain peaks, it positive does supply a picturesque panorama by which to hike. And sure, you can be summiting Mt. Kosciuszko whereas on the Fundamental Vary loop! A number of hikers camp in a single day on the backside, get up early, and summit for dawn.
When you do that epic Kosciuszko stroll in 2 days, you may camp at Wilkinsons Creek across the midway level of the monitor. There’s water obtainable on the creek close by if you must refill your bottle/bladder.
READ MORE: What to pack for an in a single day hike // The 5 Greatest Meals To Eat Earlier than A Lengthy Hike
Even for those who’re doing this Kosciuszko stroll throughout summer time, be ready for all kinds of climate! You’re undoubtedly not assured scorching sunny days on this neck of the woods. Sadly we axed our plan to do that hike on New Years Eve as a result of forecasted rain (sure I’m a pansy in terms of climate), and I’m completely decided to return for one more try later this yr.
I additionally suggest taking a PLB with you on the hike – you may rent one from the visitors centre in Perisher or Jindabyne. It’s free, and it’s further insurance coverage in case something occurs to you whereas on the path. You’ll be able to by no means be too secure on the market, in spite of everything.
A visit to Kosciuszko Nationwide Park isn’t full with no go to to Thredbo, one other fashionable ski resort in Kozzie. Thredbo’s a reasonably and polished alpine village, with its scenic chairlift the centerpiece. It’s effectively price visiting outdoors of ski season simply to trip the raise up into the mountains and take within the surroundings from above.
On the prime, you may wander round and both hike as much as Mt. Kosciuszko with only a fraction of the hassle of summiting from the underside, or hike again down through the Lifeless Horse Hole path (extra on these under).
When you’re into mountain biking, Thredbo is a wonderful place to trip. There are quite a few trails accessible from the highest of the chairlift and there’s gear for rent on the backside.
It prices $45 for a scenic raise day cross and $85 for a MTB raise day cross – and it can save you 15% for those who buy your pass a minimum of every week prematurely.
As of February 2021 —
A nationwide parks cross that features entry to Kosciuszko Nationwide Park is required for:
A Kosciuszko Nationwide Park cross prices $17/automobile per 24 hours (or $68 for five days), or for those who plan on making a number of journeys to Kozzie throughout the yr you should buy an annual parks pass (supplying you with entry to all nationwide parks in NSW together with Kosciuszko) for $190.
My excuse? Oh, the standard: a bit too far to do as a weekend getaway from Sydney (it’s a 5 hour drive), and never spectacular sufficient (in my subjective opinion) to divert my time and a spotlight from seashore and Outback locations.
Mates and very long time readers know this a bout me: I a lot desire seashores to mountains. Kozzie (as Aussies wish to name Kosciuszko, and truthfully I’m into it as a result of I can’t for the lifetime of me appear to recollect the way to spell the precise title as I’m typing this!) is alllllllll concerning the mountains… or so I believed.
In actuality, Kozzie has MUCH extra to supply than simply the snowy mountains round Jindabyne, Perisher, and Thredbo. And it’s not only a winter vacation spot match for skiers and snowboarders: Kosciuszko additionally makes for a unbelievable summer time vacation spot.
I spent 10 days over Christmas and New Years mountain climbing and tenting in Kosciuszko Nationwide Park, from lakes to gorges, rivers to mountains, and repeatedly saying to myself: I can’t imagine I didn’t go to this place sooner!
Right here’s every little thing you must hit in your go to to Kosciuszko Nationwide Park in summer time:
Clarke Gorge.
Blue Waterholes
The far north of Kosciuszko Nationwide Park is called the Excessive Plains area, and it’s effectively off the overwhelmed path. Particularly, the Blue Waterholes space is so off-grid that you simply don’t even get telephone reception on the market, and the closest grocery store is an hour away.
However man oh man is it definitely worth the effort and the sacrifice. What a peaceable, magical place – and it occurs to supply a number of the finest mountain climbing and tenting in Kosciuszko Nationwide Park.
There are 3 free campgrounds close to the Blue Waterholes (you should e-book prematurely, attributable to COVID):
Nichols Gorge.
Regardless of the positioning being named for them, the Blue Waterholes aren’t the star attraction right here. Positive, they supply a refreshing dip on a scorching day, however they’re not significantly lovely. As a substitute, there are two gorge walks you are able to do alongside both facet of the Blue Waterholes:
Kosciuszko Walks on the Blue Waterholes
- Clarke Gorge (5km return) – Follows the creek (and crosses it 8 instances every means) by a shocking gorge and ends at a waterfall. Completely gorge(ou)s! Extremely suggest bringing strolling poles and flip flops (you’ll develop uninterested in taking off and placing in your mountain climbing boots for each creek crossing, belief me!).
- Nichols Gorge (7km loop) – Follows the dry creek mattress for the primary half of the loop and has 2 caves alongside it which you’ll discover (carry a minimum of 2 gentle sources!).
I can not emphasize this sufficient: THE BLUE WATERHOLES GORGE HIKES ARE INCREDIBLE. Like really mindblowing and bucket list-worthy, and much more wonderful ’trigger they’re so off the radar. IMO they’re two of the highest Kosciuszko walks.
Simply be careful for snakes throughout summer time – we noticed one on each of the hikes!
READ MORE: Blue Waterholes: An Off-The-Grid Gem In Kosciuszko Nationwide Park
Waterfall at Clarke Gorge.
Coolamine Homestead
Whereas on the Blue Waterholes, it’s additionally price stopping to see the close by Coolamine Homestead. Right here you may peek inside a handful of previous buildings from the 1800’s and stage a photograph shoot on the grounds (not that we did that or something… *cough*).
Yarrangobilly
Full disclosure, we skipped Yarrangobilly after we unexpectedly stumbled upon one other place that appealed to us extra within the second (see under). Nonetheless, I nonetheless contemplate it among the best issues to do in Kosciuszko Nationwide Park as a result of it’s simply so cool.
So Yarrangobilly has two noteworthy sights: a thermal pool and a few caves.
The closest campground is… await it… Yarrangobilly Village campground. You’d assume it could be onsite, but it surely’s truly fairly a methods down the primary street. And it’s actually proper subsequent to the street, alongside a river. Supposedly you may camp away from the street, additional down the river, however I believe you’d nonetheless have the ability to hear site visitors in any respect hours.
Both means, this Kosciuszko Nationwide Park tenting spot is free (however you do have to e-book prematurely, attributable to COVID).
Yarrangobilly Thermal Pool
This spot is finest visited outdoors of summer time, as a result of who needs to soak in a 27C pool on a scorching day (another excuse we skipped it)? However in cooler climate, bathing in a pool heated by a pure spring feels like absolute BLISS.
Swimming apart, the Yarrangobilly Thermal Pool is price a cease purely for the novelty issue. How typically do you see a pure pool set within the mountainous center of nowhere?
Yarrangobilly Caves
Additionally at Yarrangobilly are a handful of caves, 4 of that are usually open for admission:
- South Glory Cave
- Jillabenan Cave
- Jersey Cave (closed as of February 2021 attributable to COVID)
- North Glory Cave (closed as of February 2021 attributable to COVID)
South Glory permits self-guided excursions, whereas the opposite caves supply admission by guided tour solely. The upside to this commercialization is that the Yarrangobilly caves are illuminated and marked with informative plaques so as to truly find out about what you’re seeing (in contrast to the caves by the Blue Waterholes, the place you’re by yourself at the hours of darkness).
Blowering Reservoir
We found this space by full accident after we had been determined for meals after a number of days on the very-remote Blue Waterholes and needed to drive to the closest city, Tumut, which was practically an hour away from the place we had been.
We had each intention of driving again up into the mountains to camp at Yarrangobilly, however as soon as we noticed the beautiful lake down there and dozens of fellow campers with caravans and tents arrange alongside the foreshore, we rapidly modified our plan and located ourselves a free campsite with a view.
There are quite a few free campgrounds alongside the japanese facet of the lake, however we went with Log Bridge Creek as a result of it was the least crowded and provided a number of semi-shaded campsites on a hill, simply above a ship ramp. The opposite lakefront campgrounds boast extra lakefront actual property, however much less elbow room.
This ended up being my favourite Kosciuszko Nationwide Park tenting spot of your complete journey! Additionally, Log Creek can also be nearer to Tumut, the primary city within the area, so it’s fast and simple to pop up there to replenish on meals and water when wanted.
I had no thought this lake even existed, a lot much less was part of Kosciuszko Nationwide Park. It’s a stunning place to calm down and chill for a number of days: extremely suggest you come geared up with a hammock and a few sort of float or boat, as a result of floating out on the lake in some kind is certainly the factor to do at Blowering Reservoir.
Jindabyne
Jindabyne is the hub of the Snowy Mountains: it’s the place everybody passes by (or bases themselves in) throughout ski season. Accordingly, the city is supplied with loads of out of doors attire outlets, so if you find yourself needing a bit of substances in your Kozzie journey, you must have the ability to decide it up in Jindy.
I like Jindabyne only for the novelty issue, because it’s in contrast to most anyplace else in Australia. I’m used to laidback seashore cities and random-ass Outback street homes, so generally it’s enjoyable to alter the channel to one thing a liiiiiiittle completely different.
Jindabyne’s the form of place the place folks stroll down the road sporting skinny puffer jackets, flannel shirts, and mountain climbing boots as on a regular basis put on. It’s a very distinct vibe.
There are a handful of cafes and bars round city, however the one place we frequented was The Market Jindabyne, an natural store and cafe that serves up one of the best espresso in Jindabyne. It’s a comfortable place to hang around for awhile and escape the climate.
Aside from procuring, consuming, and consuming, Jindabyne additionally affords some out of doors journey actions round its lake. You’ll be able to go kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Jindabyne, or trip a mountain bike on the lakeside path (I actually wish to return and do that subsequent time!).
Jindabyne has a number of lakefront caravan parks, however we ended up tenting in Kosciuszko Nationwide Park (and thus wanted to pay for a park cross simply to entry our campground, d’oh!) at Kosciuszko Tourist Park, only a 15 minute drive from city. It is a nice possibility for these eager to camp with a number of luxuries (y’know, like flush bathrooms and showers) whereas nonetheless being immersed in nature (i.e. it doesn’t really feel like a typical crowded caravan park in any respect). There are additionally a few Kosciuszko walks that begin from proper outdoors the campground.
Charlotte Go lookout.
Charlotte Go
Charlotte Go is residence to Australia’s highest snow resort (at 1765m in elevation). However this weblog put up is all about issues to do in Kozzie in summer time, so we’ll simply gloss over that truth for now.
Among the finest walks in Kosciuszko Nationwide Park begin from Charlotte Go, making it a fab summer time journey hub. Most of them contain summitting a number of mountains, however for those who’re not up for it it’s nonetheless price making the drive up right here to benefit from the views from the lookout platforms.
Kosciuszko Walks from Charlottes Go
Fundamental Vary Stroll
The granddaddy of all Kosciuszko walks is the Main Range walk, a 22km loop that begins and ends at Charlotte Go. It may be completed in a single (lengthy and exhausting) day, however is healthier accomplished as an in a single day hike so you may take your time and do the facet journeys to Blue Lake lookout and the Mt. Townsend summit.
The Fundamental Vary stroll is taken into account a traditional stroll in New South Wales, which I assume means it’s among the best in your complete state. From alpine lakes to mountain peaks, it positive does supply a picturesque panorama by which to hike. And sure, you can be summiting Mt. Kosciuszko whereas on the Fundamental Vary loop! A number of hikers camp in a single day on the backside, get up early, and summit for dawn.
When you do that epic Kosciuszko stroll in 2 days, you may camp at Wilkinsons Creek across the midway level of the monitor. There’s water obtainable on the creek close by if you must refill your bottle/bladder.
READ MORE: What to pack for an in a single day hike // The 5 Greatest Meals To Eat Earlier than A Lengthy Hike
Even for those who’re doing this Kosciuszko stroll throughout summer time, be ready for all kinds of climate! You’re undoubtedly not assured scorching sunny days on this neck of the woods. Sadly we axed our plan to do that hike on New Years Eve as a result of forecasted rain (sure I’m a pansy in terms of climate), and I’m completely decided to return for one more try later this yr.
I additionally suggest taking a PLB with you on the hike – you may rent one from the visitors centre in Perisher or Jindabyne. It’s free, and it’s further insurance coverage in case something occurs to you whereas on the path. You’ll be able to by no means be too secure on the market, in spite of everything.
Thredbo
A visit to Kosciuszko Nationwide Park isn’t full with no go to to Thredbo, one other fashionable ski resort in Kozzie. Thredbo’s a reasonably and polished alpine village, with its scenic chairlift the centerpiece. It’s effectively price visiting outdoors of ski season simply to trip the raise up into the mountains and take within the surroundings from above.
On the prime, you may wander round and both hike as much as Mt. Kosciuszko with only a fraction of the hassle of summiting from the underside, or hike again down through the Lifeless Horse Hole path (extra on these under).
When you’re into mountain biking, Thredbo is a wonderful place to trip. There are quite a few trails accessible from the highest of the chairlift and there’s gear for rent on the backside.
It prices $45 for a scenic raise day cross and $85 for a MTB raise day cross – and it can save you 15% for those who buy your pass a minimum of every week prematurely.
Kosciuszko Walks from Thredbo
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Frugal Info
As of February 2021 —
A nationwide parks cross that features entry to Kosciuszko Nationwide Park is required for:
- Yarrangobilly (for those who don’t have one, you may pay $4/day to entry the sights within the space)
- Charlotte Go
- Fundamental Vary
- Thredbo
A Kosciuszko Nationwide Park cross prices $17/automobile per 24 hours (or $68 for five days), or for those who plan on making a number of journeys to Kozzie throughout the yr you should buy an annual parks pass (supplying you with entry to all nationwide parks in NSW together with Kosciuszko) for $190.