One of the best kept secrets in NSW lies north in Kosciuszko National Park. With endless beauty, you’ll feel like you’ve jetted to a remote location overseas as you explore the vast terrain including limestone cliffs, creek crossings, swimming holes, caves and waterfalls. Along the walks you’ll find an array of animals including kangaroos, wallabies and wild brumby’s that will bring you right back to Australia.

The off-the-grid campgrounds are in the perfect position to set up then set out to explore the highlights including Clarke Gorge, Cave Creek, The Blue Waterholes and Nichols Gorge walking track.

With a long weekend and 3 nights stay, we had the most perfect weather, the best camp site and just the right amount of time to explore the beauty this spot has to offer.

Clarke Gorge and Cave Creek

5KM return | Water Crossings | Waterfall | Swimming Holes

Clarke Gorge walk starts from the Blue Waterholes campsite and heads down to Cave Creek and your first water crossing. The 5km return walk follows the creek downstream through limestone gorges and cave formations towering either side of you as you meander through the many river crossings before arriving at the most stunning waterfall. There are many opportunities for a fly fish or a swim along the way if you can brave the icy cold waterholes. With around 9 river crossings to pass through, it is a good idea to wear water shoes or something you can easily take off and put back on as each crossing can be deep, slippery and not so easy to stay dry. I found my reef boots to be the perfect option. Keep an eye out for wild brumbies and kangaroo’s that frequent the area, along with many bird species and trout. Even though it’s only a 5km walk, it is a grade 5 meaning it does take a lot longer than a usual hike of that distance due to the amount of water crossings. Whilst there are no real steep climbs, there is a (optional) scramble down to the bottom of Caves Creek waterfall / Cooleman Falls which isn’t signposted but totally worth it for the waterfall swim. It also made the perfect lunch spot with stunning views down Wilkinsons Gorge.

Nichols Gorge Walking Track

7km loop | Cooleman & Murray Cave | Dry Creek Beds | Mountainous | Brumbies

We set off from Magpie Flats campground and head up hill, as we were told it would be easy going this way instead of from blue waterholes. The beginning of the track leads through grassy fields. Keep an eye out for snakes and brumbies! The trail leads through dry creek beds. No wet shoes required. It won’t be long and you can see down Nichols Gorge to the left, resembling scenes from Lord Of The Rings. We continued straight along the signposted walk, meandering our way up to the top of the ridge where we spot our first brumbies on the walk. We sent up the drone and the views were amazing. We did sadly come across some brumby caucasus that seem to have been long gone. As the walk gets closer to Nichols Gorge, you’ll find a rocky cliff in which you have to scramble down to reach the bottom and it’s where you’ll find the first cave – Cooleman Cave. Grab your head torch as the cave is dark and damp and seems endless. We walked as far as we felt comfortable before turning around. As you enter back into daylight, you’ll be met with a fork in the road. Turning left would lead you through the gorge, back to where you almost started from but the real gem is turning right. From here you are lead through dry creek beds with large limestone cliffs towering next to you. Another pinch-yourself moment. We stopped for lunch and a refuel before continuing on the windy trail. We explored Murray Cave that had two large arches showcasing the beautiful blue sky outside. Not far from here is the Blue Waterholes and the short walk back up to the campsite.

Even though this walk was longer in distance at 7km, it was actually quicker than the Clarke Gorge walk as there wasn’t any water crossings.

The Campsite

There are two campsites to choose from, Blue Waterholes and Magpie Flats. Both have their pro’s and con’s but you won’t be losing out if you book either. Blue Waterholes campground is closer to Cave Creek and the start of the day walks. The views are quite lovely and it was our personal favourite out of the two as we scored the front corner site overlooking the creek below. The sites were quite sloping though and many of the day visitors would park around you. Magpie Flats is set on the hill up behind the blue waterholes campground. The sites are a lot more flat and spacious and was closer to the start to the Nichols Gorge walk. As it is on a hill though, it was a slightly steeper climb on gravel road to get back to it from the creek, but nothing hard. Both campsites are only 5 minutes from each other so if one isn’t available then booking the other will be completely fine!

Both sites are completely off-grid so you need to be self sustainable, except for the usual national park dropbox facilities and some fire pits depending which site you book. You will need to bring your own firewood & toilet paper. There is no reception in this area so you really get to disconnect and enjoy your surroundings. Many birds and kangaroos joined us at the campsite, along with the sound of howling dingos or wild dogs that could be heard at night. We didn’t see any brumbies at the campsite but I read that it is common. You don’t need a 4WD to access these campsites however if it has rained recently then you may find the dirt roads difficult to drive.

Keep in mind this campsite is usually closed from Easter long weekend in April until the long weekend in October for the winter months.

There are no camping fees at this campground but a $6 booking fee applies.

Highlights Nearby

Other places to explore en route include the town of Gundagai and the Dog on the Tuckerbox. Heading along the scenic Snowy Mountains Highway you’ll find the town of Tumut, a great lunch and grocery stop to pick up your food and fly-fishing supplies.

You’ll head past the beautiful Tumut River and Blowering Cliffs, all showcasing camping spots jotted along the rivers edge as well as the quaint town of Talbingo for a last fuel stop before entering Kosciuszko National Park. From here, you’ll start the climb up the mountain to Yarrangobilly, another highlight of the region. Enjoy a quick stop at Black Perry lookout for beautiful views of the Snowy Mountains Region and the native Australian bush below.

A swim stop at Yarrangobilly thermal pools is a must. A natural hot spring keeps this emerald green pool at a lovely 27’c most the year round. From here you can head along the scenic river walk and enjoy an icy but refreshing swim!. This spot is also home to a number of caves, including Yarrangobilly Caves, North Glory and South Glory caves with many passes and tours to chose from at the information centre.

There is a park entry fee of $4 per vehicle per day, for those without the Kosciuszko National Park day pass or NPWS All Parks annual pass. Cave tours cost extra.

As always, it was such a lovely camping trip where the photos don’t do it justice but the memories make it worth it and it’s definitely one I would add to your must-see Australia travel list!