When most individuals (myself included, till not too long ago) consider Kosciuszko Nationwide Park, they image mountains (and possibly snow). It is Australia’s premier alpine vacation spot, in spite of everything.
However in actuality, Kozzie is completely MASSIVE. At 6900 km², it’s New South Wales’ largest nationwide park, so it’s protected to say that it contains far more than simply Australia’s tallest peak.
Tucked within the Excessive Plains (northernmost half) of Kosciuszko Nationwide Park is Blue Waterholes, an space that takes a concerted effort to achieve (suppose 40 minutes of gradual driving on a gravel highway). There is no such thing as a reception on this neck of the woods, not even on the trusty Telstra community, which makes it a perfect digital detox getaway.
Belief me, you received’t even care about checking your e mail or social media whereas at this magical spot (THAT NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW ABOUT!). From pristine pure swimming spots to gorge hikes to caves, there’s a lot to discover across the Blue Waterholes.
Right here’s every thing you should learn about Blue Waterholes campground and issues to do close by:
There are a number of campgrounds within the neighborhood of the Blue Waterholes, the closest being the Blue Waterholes campground. Nonetheless, I’d advocate tenting on the subsequent one up, Magpie Flat campground, because it’s only a 5 minute stroll away and provides a significantly better view of the encircling panorama as a result of it’s larger up. These campgrounds are tent and automobile tenting solely – belief me, you don’t want to drive a caravan or motorhome down this highway (the downhill stretch simply earlier than Magpie Flat is especially grueling).
We stayed at Magpie Flat and completely LOVED it there. There aren’t too many websites (possibly 10?), however they’ve all received hearth pits and loads of room for tents and autos. There’s a protracted drop rest room as effectively. The Blue Waterholes campground has an analogous setup/measurement.
If Blue Waterholes campground and Magpie Flat campground are full, Cooleman Mountain campground is the subsequent one up (it’s fairly a methods uphill, so that you’d in all probability wish to drive all the way down to Blue Waterholes from there).
And if all three of these are booked out, there are several other campgrounds alongside Lengthy Plain Highway, nearer to the freeway however farther from the Blue Waterholes… which is likely to be extra handy for those who additionally plan on visiting Yarrangobilly in your Blue Waterholes journey, however extra of a ache within the arse if all you wish to do is spend a weekend on the Blue Waterholes and should hold driving backwards and forwards down the filth highway.
Oh and did I point out that the campsites are all FREE? (save for a $6 reserving price; you used to have the ability to simply present up with out reserving, however as of late you do should guide prematurely on account of COVID).
Although we didn’t encounter any, brumbies (wild horses) are identified to frequent Blue Waterholes campground and surrounds. I didn’t spot any whereas we had been there; as an alternative, I witnessed kangaroos banging proper subsequent to my tent (and my lords, the sounds they made might need been extra disturbing than the visible itself!).
Aaaaaanyway, the Blue Waterholes are actually only a spot within the creek the place you’ll be able to swim; they aren’t THE factor to do right here. Nope, the explanation you come right here is to do a few gorge hikes (one among which truly has nicer locations to swim alongside the way in which). Ranging from the Blue Waterholes, you simply observe the creek in both course and also you’ll be on one of many two strolling tracks: Clarke Gorge to the left, and Nichols Gorge to the best.
I’d allot a half day to every hike, and possibly do them on two separate days to unfold it out. You are able to do them each on the identical day for those who’re quick on time or good climate, although.
Disclaimer: In the event you hike close to the Blue Waterholes throughout summer time, anticipate to see snakes (that is Australia, in spite of everything). We noticed one on each of the hikes, which we did in December.
The Clarke Gorge strolling observe is without doubt one of the BEST hikes I’ve achieved in Australia. I used to be the epitome of the heart-eyed emoji your entire time, that’s how blown away by it I used to be.
What’s so nice about it, you ask? I imply… image a creek flowing via a shocking gorge. What extra might you need?
With each nook we turned, I discovered myself gasping in surprise. HOW DOES THIS EXIST? AND HOW COME NOBODY KNOWS ABOUT IT?!
I don’t know, however what an journey it was.
There are 8 creek crossings to finish every means on the Clarke Gorge strolling observe (fortunately none went up larger than my knees). I used to be VERY grateful for my climbing poles, which helped me hold my stability whereas strolling over slippery rocks. There aren’t any rapids within the creek, so that you’ll be wading via comparatively calm water.
I began the hike sporting boots, however shortly swapped to my flip flops as a result of they had been simpler to take off and put again on at each creek crossing. There’s just one a part of the path the place you actually have to be sporting correct sneakers/boots (between crossing 4 and 5, the place you’re strolling on rocky ledges slightly than a path). The remainder of the Clarke Gorge strolling observe is okay to do sporting flip flops.
On reflection, my water-friendly Tropicfeel Canyon sneakers would have been good for this hike!
With out stopping, the Clarke Gorge strolling observe will take about an hour every means for those who go all the way in which to the waterfall. Realistically, I’d allot not less than 3 hours for the hike so you’ve gotten loads of time to ooh and ahh over it. Additionally, you may want a while to swim and/or picnic on the waterfall on the finish. JUST. SAYING.
In accordance with NSW NPWS, the Clarke Gorge strolling observe is 5km return and takes about 4 hours.
BE SURE TO BRING: Mountaineering poles, climbing sneakers AND flip flops
The Nichols Gorge strolling observe is far more tame than the Clarke Gorge strolling observe, and almost as picturesque. It’s largely flat and dry, as you’ll be climbing in/alongside a dried-up creek mattress.
The primary occasion right here is the caving: there are two caves alongside the path that you would be able to go inside (the primary is on the best facet, the second is on the left facet; they’re pretty apparent so that you’re unlikely to overlook ’em). The second is especially spectacular: positively go all the way in which to the top of it, the place there’s a giant cavern stuffed with water (it’s not a protracted trek in… not more than 10 minutes I’d say?). I discovered it tremendous enjoyable to discover what felt like a maze in the dead of night, however positively skip it for those who’re the slightest bit claustrophobic or nyctophobic.
Observe that the caves each have plenty of puddles inside, however it’s best to be capable of stroll via them with dry toes (particularly for those who convey your climbing poles).
From the second cave, you’ll be able to both observe the Clarke Gorge strolling observe up and out onto the hill above and loop again round to the place to begin, or return the identical means you got here. Mountaineering to the caves and again took us about 2.5 hours, together with time spent inside every cave (be aware that we didn’t do the entire loop).
In accordance with NSW NPWS, the Nichols Gorge strolling observe is a 7km loop and takes 4-6 hours to finish.
BE SURE TO BRING: Head torch and flashlight (you MUST have not less than 2 gentle sources with you when exploring the caves!)
For one thing rather less energetic, enterprise as much as the Coolamine Homestead and have a wander round some cool-looking buildings from the late 1800’s. Be at liberty to go inside them, too: the primary residence has historic newspapers plastered on its partitions (the outdated commercials are HILARIOUS-ly horrible).
If you wish to snap some cool images across the grounds, I like to recommend visiting throughout golden hour (or the final couple hours earlier than sundown) – the late day gentle will make the buildings look all glowy! Plus, there’s an excellent likelihood you’ll be picture bombed by a kangaroo
However in actuality, Kozzie is completely MASSIVE. At 6900 km², it’s New South Wales’ largest nationwide park, so it’s protected to say that it contains far more than simply Australia’s tallest peak.
Tucked within the Excessive Plains (northernmost half) of Kosciuszko Nationwide Park is Blue Waterholes, an space that takes a concerted effort to achieve (suppose 40 minutes of gradual driving on a gravel highway). There is no such thing as a reception on this neck of the woods, not even on the trusty Telstra community, which makes it a perfect digital detox getaway.
Belief me, you received’t even care about checking your e mail or social media whereas at this magical spot (THAT NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW ABOUT!). From pristine pure swimming spots to gorge hikes to caves, there’s a lot to discover across the Blue Waterholes.
Right here’s every thing you should learn about Blue Waterholes campground and issues to do close by:
Blue Waterholes Campground
There are a number of campgrounds within the neighborhood of the Blue Waterholes, the closest being the Blue Waterholes campground. Nonetheless, I’d advocate tenting on the subsequent one up, Magpie Flat campground, because it’s only a 5 minute stroll away and provides a significantly better view of the encircling panorama as a result of it’s larger up. These campgrounds are tent and automobile tenting solely – belief me, you don’t want to drive a caravan or motorhome down this highway (the downhill stretch simply earlier than Magpie Flat is especially grueling).
We stayed at Magpie Flat and completely LOVED it there. There aren’t too many websites (possibly 10?), however they’ve all received hearth pits and loads of room for tents and autos. There’s a protracted drop rest room as effectively. The Blue Waterholes campground has an analogous setup/measurement.
If Blue Waterholes campground and Magpie Flat campground are full, Cooleman Mountain campground is the subsequent one up (it’s fairly a methods uphill, so that you’d in all probability wish to drive all the way down to Blue Waterholes from there).
And if all three of these are booked out, there are several other campgrounds alongside Lengthy Plain Highway, nearer to the freeway however farther from the Blue Waterholes… which is likely to be extra handy for those who additionally plan on visiting Yarrangobilly in your Blue Waterholes journey, however extra of a ache within the arse if all you wish to do is spend a weekend on the Blue Waterholes and should hold driving backwards and forwards down the filth highway.
Oh and did I point out that the campsites are all FREE? (save for a $6 reserving price; you used to have the ability to simply present up with out reserving, however as of late you do should guide prematurely on account of COVID).
Although we didn’t encounter any, brumbies (wild horses) are identified to frequent Blue Waterholes campground and surrounds. I didn’t spot any whereas we had been there; as an alternative, I witnessed kangaroos banging proper subsequent to my tent (and my lords, the sounds they made might need been extra disturbing than the visible itself!).
Aaaaaanyway, the Blue Waterholes are actually only a spot within the creek the place you’ll be able to swim; they aren’t THE factor to do right here. Nope, the explanation you come right here is to do a few gorge hikes (one among which truly has nicer locations to swim alongside the way in which). Ranging from the Blue Waterholes, you simply observe the creek in both course and also you’ll be on one of many two strolling tracks: Clarke Gorge to the left, and Nichols Gorge to the best.
I’d allot a half day to every hike, and possibly do them on two separate days to unfold it out. You are able to do them each on the identical day for those who’re quick on time or good climate, although.
Disclaimer: In the event you hike close to the Blue Waterholes throughout summer time, anticipate to see snakes (that is Australia, in spite of everything). We noticed one on each of the hikes, which we did in December.
Clarke Gorge Strolling Observe
The Clarke Gorge strolling observe is without doubt one of the BEST hikes I’ve achieved in Australia. I used to be the epitome of the heart-eyed emoji your entire time, that’s how blown away by it I used to be.
What’s so nice about it, you ask? I imply… image a creek flowing via a shocking gorge. What extra might you need?
With each nook we turned, I discovered myself gasping in surprise. HOW DOES THIS EXIST? AND HOW COME NOBODY KNOWS ABOUT IT?!
I don’t know, however what an journey it was.
There are 8 creek crossings to finish every means on the Clarke Gorge strolling observe (fortunately none went up larger than my knees). I used to be VERY grateful for my climbing poles, which helped me hold my stability whereas strolling over slippery rocks. There aren’t any rapids within the creek, so that you’ll be wading via comparatively calm water.
I began the hike sporting boots, however shortly swapped to my flip flops as a result of they had been simpler to take off and put again on at each creek crossing. There’s just one a part of the path the place you actually have to be sporting correct sneakers/boots (between crossing 4 and 5, the place you’re strolling on rocky ledges slightly than a path). The remainder of the Clarke Gorge strolling observe is okay to do sporting flip flops.
On reflection, my water-friendly Tropicfeel Canyon sneakers would have been good for this hike!
With out stopping, the Clarke Gorge strolling observe will take about an hour every means for those who go all the way in which to the waterfall. Realistically, I’d allot not less than 3 hours for the hike so you’ve gotten loads of time to ooh and ahh over it. Additionally, you may want a while to swim and/or picnic on the waterfall on the finish. JUST. SAYING.
In accordance with NSW NPWS, the Clarke Gorge strolling observe is 5km return and takes about 4 hours.
BE SURE TO BRING: Mountaineering poles, climbing sneakers AND flip flops
Nichols Gorge Strolling Observe
The Nichols Gorge strolling observe is far more tame than the Clarke Gorge strolling observe, and almost as picturesque. It’s largely flat and dry, as you’ll be climbing in/alongside a dried-up creek mattress.
The primary occasion right here is the caving: there are two caves alongside the path that you would be able to go inside (the primary is on the best facet, the second is on the left facet; they’re pretty apparent so that you’re unlikely to overlook ’em). The second is especially spectacular: positively go all the way in which to the top of it, the place there’s a giant cavern stuffed with water (it’s not a protracted trek in… not more than 10 minutes I’d say?). I discovered it tremendous enjoyable to discover what felt like a maze in the dead of night, however positively skip it for those who’re the slightest bit claustrophobic or nyctophobic.
Observe that the caves each have plenty of puddles inside, however it’s best to be capable of stroll via them with dry toes (particularly for those who convey your climbing poles).
From the second cave, you’ll be able to both observe the Clarke Gorge strolling observe up and out onto the hill above and loop again round to the place to begin, or return the identical means you got here. Mountaineering to the caves and again took us about 2.5 hours, together with time spent inside every cave (be aware that we didn’t do the entire loop).
In accordance with NSW NPWS, the Nichols Gorge strolling observe is a 7km loop and takes 4-6 hours to finish.
BE SURE TO BRING: Head torch and flashlight (you MUST have not less than 2 gentle sources with you when exploring the caves!)
Coolamine Homestead
For one thing rather less energetic, enterprise as much as the Coolamine Homestead and have a wander round some cool-looking buildings from the late 1800’s. Be at liberty to go inside them, too: the primary residence has historic newspapers plastered on its partitions (the outdated commercials are HILARIOUS-ly horrible).
If you wish to snap some cool images across the grounds, I like to recommend visiting throughout golden hour (or the final couple hours earlier than sundown) – the late day gentle will make the buildings look all glowy! Plus, there’s an excellent likelihood you’ll be picture bombed by a kangaroo
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