Kosciusko National Park

Kosciusko National Park was proclaimed during 1967. It was named after the highest mountain in Australia, Mount Kosciusko (2,228 metres above sea level), which is contained within the park. Mount Kosciusko was first climbed in March 1840 by Polish explorer and scientist Sir Paul Edmund de Strzelecki. He named the peak after the Polish patriot and democratic leader Tadeusz Kosciuszko. Today, the National Park covers 690,000 hectares across the alpine regions of NSW, spanning from the ACT to Victoria.

The National Park offers a variety of activities for visitors to the area. Included amongst these are visiting the various mountain huts and learning about the history of the high country. Kiandra goldfields have some remanents left from the gold boom in the latter half of the 19th century. The majority of the infrastructure at Kiandra was demolished by the National Parks and Wildlife service during 1974. There are however many old mines and workings throughout the Park that are of particular historical interest.

There are significant areas of limestone within the National Park resulting in the development of karst geomorphology. In these areas there are many caves. At Yarrangobilly, a small settlement exists run by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. There you will be able to take Ranger guided tours of the spectacular caves. Some of the caves are open for self guided tours.

Also located at Yarrangobilly, there is a natural thermal pool. This pool is geothermally fed from underground at a steady temperature all year round of 27 degrees celcious. There are change and shower facilities loacted at the pool.

Coolemon Plains and Blue Water Holes (on the other side of the Snowy Mountains Highway from Yarrangobilly Caves) is also speckled with caves. These are smaller systems and are only suitable for people with spieliological experience. There is a good camping ground at Blue Water Holes to use as a base for exploring these caves.

Blue Water Holes is the home of a spectacular gorge that runs along Caves Creek. These towering calcarious sediments and limestone cliffs are spectacular to walk between. There is a track that cris-crosses the creek up through the gorge that makes for a beautiful and inspiring walk.

There are various fire trails and tracks around the park for 4WD enthusiasts, many leading to beautiful valleys or mountain peaks with views that will take your breath away.

The Park is a favourite place for bushwalkers with walks ranging from easy strolls through any grade that you wish to attempt. There is no limit to the areas that you can walk and camp. However be aware that the weather may change rapidly in the high country, so be prepared for all conditions.

In recent years mountain bike riding has taken off throughout the National Park. There are some spectacular rides within the park, that range in difficultiy depending on the choice of ride.