FREE GUIDE

Kosciuszko National Park Guide Winter 2009 T Denison Rocky Plain Gungarlin Bridge

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Four Four Mile T Photo © Craig Smith Photo © Craig

Eucumbene Photo © Michael Scott-Lees

Kings Cross Road Tumut Pond Trail

Tumut Tumut Pond

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Mt Jagungal

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Manjar/Black Jack trails road closed winter closed road CABRAMURRA Tooma Tooma Reservoir

Clover Flat Clover Yellow Bog Trail Bog Yellow

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DDrivingriving inin tthehe snowsnow BBackcountryackcountry safetysafety CCross-countryross-country sskiingkiing VVisitorisitor facilitiesfacilities mapmap TTouringouring northernnorthern TouringTouring southernsouthern aandnd tobogganingtobogganing aadvicedvice aandnd ccampingamping aandnd ssnowshoeingnowshoeing aandnd walkingwalking ttracksracks KKosciuszkoosciuszko KKosciuszkoosciuszko 2 3 4 5–8 8–9 10–11

IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS LISTED BELOW Adventure activities—NPWS licenced tour operators 11

NPWS visitor centres Report wildlife Fishing provide up-to-date information on road and You need a valid Fishing is not permitted in streams and from NPWS weather conditions, visitor injured by Monday midnight June long weekend to Friday facilities and activities, fire NPWS pass to midnight October long weekend. Fishing is permitted Visitor bans and park regulations. vehicles in the dams all year. They also carry a range drive express lanes of books, maps, posters, Jindabyne–/Kiandra For more information go to postcards and souvenirs. All ski resorts are in Kosciuszko National LAOKO (Looking After Our www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au Centres Park so you must purchase a valid NPWS Kosciuszko Orphans) Closed Christmas Day pass. This is additional to any lift/festival 24 hours phone (02) 6456 1313 Jindabyne Perisher Valley pass unless stated. More info page 12. Tumut–Talbingo/Batlow Snowy Region Visitor Centre , Be prepared. Check weather WIRES (Wildlife Information & Rescue Reporting emergencies Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne Perisher Valley Service) forecasts and road conditions If someone is lost, injured or overdue call the Police 000 Phone: (02) 6450 5600 Phone: (02) 6457 4444 24 hours phone (02) 6949 5999 Weather www.bom.gov.au Fax: (02) 6457 4455 For all accidents call the Ambulance Service 000 7 days a week Khancoban–Tumbarumba/Adelong Road conditions www.rta.nsw.gov.au 8.30am – 5.00pm Visitor facilities To report a fire, gas leak, chemical, fuel or oil spill call RTA 132 701 SONA (Saving Our Native Animals ) 7 days a week in winter the Fire Brigade 000 July to August Southern Kosciuszko—Radio 2XL (96.3), 24 hours phone (02) 6946 2222 8.00am – 4.00pm To report car trouble and request roadside assistance Saturday 7.00am – 5.00pm FM (94.7) or ABC Bega (95.5) General advice Monday to Friday in summer call the NRMA 13 11 11 Northern Kosciuszko— Tumut 8.00am – 4.00pm WIRES General advice line NSW Radio FM 96.3 Tumut Region Visitor Centre 13000WIRES (1300 094 737) For other issues within the national park call the The Old Butter Factory Office NPWS information lines updated NPWS Emergency line (24 hours) 1800 629 104 9am each morning NPWS Emergency 1800 629 104 Adelong Road, Tumut 7 days a week in winter 8.00am – 4.00pm NPWS Weather (02) 6450 5550 Animals are marked with paint after Phone: (02) 6947 7025 Monday to Friday in summer they have been checked for young. NPWS Park use fees (02) 6450 5552 8.00am – 12.00pm & They are often left on the roadside to 7 days a week NPWS Snow report (02) 6450 5553 warn motorists of animal presence. Alpine resorts 9.00am – 5.00pm 1.00pm – 4.00pm Please slow down in Charlotte Pass Village (02) 6457 5247 Yarrangobilly Caves these areas. www.charlottepass.com.au Khancoban Toboggan in designated Khancoban Information Located 6.5 km off the Perisher 1300 655 822 Centre Highway tube & toboggan parks www.perisher.com.au Cnr Scott and Mitchell Ave between Tumut (77 km) and Check snow cover before hiring Selwyn Snowfields (02) 6454 9488 (109 km) tubes or toboggans www.selwynsnow.com.au Phone: (02) 6076 9373 Phone: (02) 6454 9597 Perisher 1300 655 822 Thredbo (02) 6459 4100 Open most days www.thredbo.com.au 9.00am – 12.30pm & 7 days a week Selwyn Snowfields (02) 6454 9488

Photo © Ken Green Photo © Ken 1.00pm – 4.00pm 9.00am – 5.00pm

ISSN 1449–7441 www.environment.nsw.gov.au www.australianalps.gov.au 2 Driving in the snow and tobogganing Safe driving on snow and ice 2WD & 4WD 2WD & 4WD DOs • Drive to weather conditions in all vehicles— Black ice 4WD doesn’t help your vehicle stop • Do keep a steady momentum going Black ice forms when water or melted snow uphill—don’t start and stop freezes on the road. The lack of traction on this surface is dangerous for all vehicles including • Do use your gears to slow down or when four-wheel drives. You may come across black going downhill—not your brakes ice in the colder times of the day and it is almost • Do use short, gentle pumps on the impossible to recognise. brakes If you think you’re entering an area with black • Do keep twice the normal distance Is your car ready for the cold? Where to park ice, reduce your speed. If you do hit black ice between yourself and the car in front and your vehicle begins to slide: • Do put headlights on in white-outs, fog Have your vehicle’s radiator anti-freeze Parking areas indicated by signs are for the • stay calm and don’t brake suddenly and blizzards. Remember to turn them checked. Many residents ensure their anti- safety and protection of your vehicle. Vehicles • turn your steering wheel towards where you off freeze is suitable for –25°C. Also check your parked outside these areas can be damaged want to head. • Do keep to correct side of roadway by snowploughs or buried under snow. Failure tyres. Tyre pressure should be at least 25 kPa • Do look out for snow-clearing machinery when using chains. to park in designated areas may result in 4WDs, AWDs & snow • Do have plenty of fuel so that you can keep fines or your vehicle being towed away and Four-wheel drive improves gentle acceleration the engine running in traffic congestion Snow clearing impounded. in slippery conditions, however, four-wheel drive systems don’t offer any advantage when • Do carry spare blankets, spare warm Snowploughs may be working at any time There is no overnight parking during winter you want to stop or turn on slippery surfaces. clothing, food and drink of the day or night. Give them a wide berth at Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Blue Cow or When going downhill, you must be going slow • Do carry correct fitting snow chains as these machines are difficult to drive and Charlotte Pass. enough to use your accelerator to maintain (compulsory in 2WD vehicles) may have to operate on the wrong side of Overnight visitors may: traction and keep four-wheel drive active. the road. 2WD & 4WD DON’Ts • leave their vehicle at Sawpit Creek car park Anti-lock brakes, traction control, vehicle stability and all-wheel drive, all require traction • Don’t brake hard —even 4WDs can slide and arrange a car shuffle Wildlife provided by suitable tyres to work effectively. • Don’t lock up your brakes Every year vehicles take a large toll on • leave their vehicle at Bullock’s Flat Skitube Many four-wheel drives and all-wheel drives • Don’t use sharp steering movements Terminal on the and travel to the kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and echidnas. also weigh more than two-wheel drive vehicles • Don’t overtake on double lines, crests or As most of these animals are nocturnal they are resorts by train increasing the braking distance. curves most active at dusk, night and early morning. Overnight parking is available at Thredbo Know how to engage four-wheel drive in your • Don’t drive if you are tired—stop and rest vehicle before you head into snowy or icy These are also the times you are most likely to and at Guthega (but 1.6km before the main • Don’t let children play on or near the conditions—read your vehicle manual. encounter ice so slow down. carpark). road Fitting and using snow chains Tobogganing Fitting snow chains can be a wet and muddy Snow tubing and tobogganing are job. Carry a sheet of plastic to kneel on and an Fitting ladder-style chains old pair of gloves. fun activities for the whole family. 4WD Please note that diamond pattern chains are Tube and toboggan parks are provided at both In two-wheel drive vehicles you only need to easier to fit than standard ladder-style chains. Perisher Resort and Selwyn Snowfields. changes fit chains to the two driving wheels: 1. Snow chain is fitted over tyre. • Front-wheel drive vehicles fit to front Remember to wear appropriate clothing wheels for the snow when tubing or tobogganing, Four-wheel drive is what gets you going especially gloves to protect your hands. in the snow but it is not what helps you • Rear-wheel drive vehicles fit to rear View as shown from stop in icy conditions. Each year there is a wheels. axle side of wheel. Make sure that you check that the tube and high incidence of four-wheel drive vehicle In four-wheel drive vehicles you only need toboggan parks are open before heading accidents in . to fit chains to the front wheels. off. If there is insufficient snow or the slope is unsafe, the area will be closed. While four-wheel drive vehicles are exempt In all-wheel drive vehicle you will need to from fitting chains under the current consult your vehicle manual for which wheels You can check their status at: legislation, the NSW Roads and Traffic to fit chains to. Authority (RTA) recommends that ALL 2. Make sure inner and outer securing Perisher 1300 655 822 vehicles carry snow chains from the June Some vehicles can’t be fitted with chains. www.perisher.com.au Always consult your vehicle manual. hooks are correctly fastened. to October long weekends— especially Selwyn Snowfields (02) 6454 9488 if drivers have little experience driving in Remember that snow chains are not infallible www.selwynsnow.com.au snow. — many accidents still occur involving vehicles There is no tobogganing at Thredbo, Smiggin with snow chains fitted. Detail of inner Holes, Blue Cow or Guthega. Chains can increase the braking distance of securing hook. 2WD your vehicle. Tobogganing can be a risky activity. It is recommended that you only toboggan in requirements Pull off on a clear stretch of road these designated toboggan parks. When fitting chains, pull off the road as far as Tobogganing in ungroomed areas away Chains must be carried in two-wheel drive possible. Choose a clear stretch of road where from resorts is not recommended due to the vehicles from the June to October long you can be seen from a distance. Never stop on danger of obstacles beneath the snow. Detail of outer weekends: the crest of a hill. Generally you will be directed securing hook. • from the park boundary at the Thredbo to fit chains by an authorised officer in a chain- Tobogganing near roads is very River on the Kosciuszko Road fitting bay along the route. dangerous because you do not have • Guthega Road Do not use a jack the control necessary to stop or 3. Tie loose ends of chain down to • between Thredbo and Tom Groggin on Do not use a jack to lift a vehicle to put on snow change direction quickly. the Alpine Way chains. In icy conditions your car will slide off a prevent damage to mudguards. Consult your vehicle manual to determine jack. All snow chains can be fitted without the which wheels you should fit chains to. need to lift the vehicle. You can hire chains from ski hire outlets and Drive at a maximum speed of 40km/h service stations. Tyre manufactures recommend that cars with When hiring chains, ask for advice on fitting radial tyres shouldn’t travel faster than 40 km/h them. when fitted with chains. Stop and check the tension of the chains after about 200 metres. Practice BEFORE you head into the snow and ice-risk sections. Remove chains when clear of snow Side view of correctly fitted RTA Information 24 hours 132 701 Remove chains as soon as they are not needed snow chains. — unnecessary use of chains wears out tyres www.rta.nsw.gov.au and the road surface. 4. Tighten after 200 metres Photo © M. Abernethy

KosciuszkoToday WINTER 2009 Backcountry safety advice and camping 3 Think about weather, equipment and safety Camping If you are going into the alpine ‘backcountry’ for a day or a week, Don’t rely on technology Take your own overnight shelter you must be prepared for all conditions. • Mobile phone coverage within the park is • Walk-in camping is permitted in most patchy so don’t rely on it. areas except designated day-use areas and within 200 metres of any public road. Do not attempt any backcountry trip in bad weather conditions. • PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) can be hired • Take a quality mountain tent that will from NPWS visitor centres. They’re cheap handle strong winds and heavy snow Change your plans. to hire. Buy one if you go out often. They loads. transmit a signal to the emergency centre in Kosciuszko’s alpine area experiences extreme • Huts provide emergency shelter but don’t Be prepared—even on day trips . Technology won’t guarantee your weather. A winter storm can bring wind gusts rely on them as you might not reach them. • Never travel alone. Always travel with at least safety though as mountain weather means of 150 km/h and as much as one metre of Be aware that some huts shown on maps two others. helicopters can only fly about 50 percent of may have been destroyed by bushfires. snow. Wind speed affects the temperatures the time. • Know where you are going. experienced by those exposed to it as is shown • Snow caves can provide complete • The analogue EPIRB network has now been protection from extreme weather but on the Wind Chill Chart below. • Take a topographic map and compass and know how to use them. A GPS can help you shut down. take a lot of energy to build and you’ll get work out where you are but should be used very wet during construction. with a map and compass. Batteries go flat Hypothermia • Ventilation in shelters is critical. It needs quickly in the cold. • In cold and wet conditions inadequate to be checked regularly in windy or snowy • Make sure you’ve got layers of warm clothing, tiredness and insufficient food can weather. clothing, a waterproof jacket and pants, a combine to cause a lowering of normal body Restrictions for the alpine area bivvy bag or space blanket and a first aid temperature which can result in collapse or kit. death if untreated. Camping is not permitted in the catchment areas of , , • Signs of hypothermia are often mistaken • Food helps provide heat for the body, so take Blue Lake, Hedley Tarn or Club Lake. Weather plenty of food and drink. for fatigue. Victim is exhausted, lags behind, Camping is also not permitted within 200 stumbles, may have slurred speech and • Weather in the mountains can change very • As UV is high and snow reflects 100% of the metres of: appear drunk, is reluctant to keep walking rapidly—check the forecast before you go. sun, wear sunblock and sunglasses. • the trackheads at Charlotte’s Pass, or skiing, is cold to touch and has a slow • Never head off into the alpine area with bad • Tell a reliable person your travel plans, Crackenback Chairlift, Guthega Village, pulse. weather approaching. alternative plans in case of bad weather and and within the • Bad weather includes an approaching low be sure to tell them when you do return. • Treat the victim immediately by providing resort boundaries; pressure system, approaching cold front, shelter and warm, dry clothes, a sleeping bag • the walkway from Crackenback strong wind warning or severe weather If lost or injured or shared body warmth. Warm the person Chairlift; warning. These can bring strong winds, from the inside out so give them a warm • the summit of Mt Kosciuszko; • Stay where you are. You will be harder to find and blizzards. drink if they are conscious. • Rawson’s Pass; if you’re on the move and you will be using • Foreman’s Crossing (Main Range Track • The Bureau of Meteorology issues reports valuable energy. • Around wind chill –30°C there is a serious crosses ). daily www.bom.gov.au danger of frostbite on exposed skin. • Find a place out of the wind and make a In the alpine area, woodfires are not Be aware of risks shelter. Children need special care permitted at any time of year. You • Ungroomed surfaces may be very • Leave something visible for searchers. • Children get colder and tire faster than must only use a fuel stove. unpredictable—you should be an • If you’re on the Main Range (above the adults. They are especially susceptible experienced skier or boarder and know treeline), do not drop down into the trees Camping Codes how to stay in control. to hypothermia. Check them regularly, except for temporary shelter. The forest areas especially inactive babies in backpacks. • Although avalanches are uncommon, you are dense and rugged. It’s almost impossible Plan ahead. Think about weather, equipment and safety. should take precautions—stay away from for helicopters to see people on the ground. • Food helps provide heat for the body, so take overhanging cornices and edges where If you do drop down into the trees, climb snacks and drinks. Camp on a firm dry spot. In snow, camp overhangs may develop. back up into the alpine area where you • As UV is high and snow reflects 100% of well away from ski trails and resorts but • Know how to check for unstable layers will be more visible to searchers when the the sun, ensure children wear sunblock and within skiing distance of a toilet. before skiing or boarding. weather improves. sunglasses. Camp and wash well away from water— at least 30 metres, 50 metres is best. Carry it in, carry it out—don’t bury any Snow caves rubbish in the snow. Do you have the experience, time 1. Dig an entrance tunnel about 50 cm wide, is to reduce wind—not to stop air flow Got to ‘go’? Use a toilet or take a walk extending at least one metre into the drift. completely. Mark the entrance with skis, —at least 100 metres from water and and energy to build a snow cave? campsites. Dig 15 cm deep into soil 2. Scoop out a platform at a level above the snowboards or stocks as it may be hard to (below any snow) and cover well. In Building is hard work and takes entrance tunnel. This is developed into a locate in poor visibility. Mark the area of deep snow, consider carrying it out in several hours. long slot centred on the entrance tunnel, the cave outside so that there is no risk of walking over the top of it. suitable containers or go close to the The tragic deaths of four young backcountry and then the ceiling can be hollowed out. base of snow gums. 6. It is important to keep the ceiling reasonably snowboarders a few years ago is a stark Excavated snow is removed through the thick. This is ensured by making the entrance Always take a suitable tent— huts are reminder of the risks associated with snow entrance. tunnel deep into the drift before excavating for emergencies only. caves. An overnight blizzard dumped 3. Dig down from the platform to provide a upwards. The sleeping platform is placed Wear lightweight shoes around the enough snow to block their ventilation. foot well and a space to store equipment. above the entrance level so that cold air (and camp. Consider taking a mountain tent. If bad 4. Push a ski stock through the ceiling to form carbon dioxide) drains outwards and warm weather is approaching do not head out Keep your group small—4–8 is best. a ventilation hole and keep at least one ski air is trapped inside. into snow country. Always be prepared for stock inside the snow cave to ensure that Use a fuel stove. Quicker for you, sudden changes in weather. 7. Dig a cold air drain by the door. When you this hole is kept open. better for the bush. A must above the turn in for the night, make sure that your treeline—no woodfires are permitted Selecting a site is critical to your 5. The door is formed from snow blocks or shovel is inside with you just in case there is in the alpine area at any time of year. a backpack stuffed in the opening. This a collapse during the night. survival In snow covered areas, dig an ‘ice kitchen’ The ANARE (Australian National Antarctic near your tent and cook there—fill it in Research Expeditions) Field Manual when you leave. advises that when selecting a site select Much of the information is reprinted Use only dead fallen wood (chainsaws ‘a sloping snow surface and snow that courtesy of the Australian Antarctic Division from the ANARE Field Manual, prohibited) in fireplaces and make sure is well compacted but digable. Wet or Commonwealth of , 1998. Drawing the fire is out before you leave. Better unconsolidated snow is liable to collapse’. by Andrew Jackson, Australian Antarctic still, leave timber as habitat and bring Division, from the manual. Snow accumulates in the lee of ridges your own wood. and this often looks the most inviting Feed yourself not the animals. for a snow cave. However be aware that heavy snowfalls also bring the danger of Keep fires in hut fireplaces only. avalanches. A 30 degree slope is about the Tell someone who cares where you are limit of snow stability and safety. Check that going and for how long. Let them know your site is not under a cornice which may when you return. fail and also that you are clear of any run-out Check the weather—don’t go out with from an avalanche. bad weather approaching.

KosciuszkoToday WINTER 2009 4 Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing Cross-country ski trails and snowshoe tracks Cross-country trail reports www.environment.nsw.gov and follow the links to Kosciuszko National Park/Facilities and activities/ Snowsports or phone one of our visitor centres

Perisher Cross-country ski trails

The trackhead is approximately Scale in metres To Jindabyne Mt Blue Cow 400 metres behind the Perisher Fire GUTHEGA 0 500 1000 1500 2000 Dainers Station (opposite the NPWS Office and VILLAGE Gap

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Rock Creek Snow-shoe Track Mt Perisher T reek Mag 3km round-trip The Paralyser Perisher C Nordic This gentle track begins approximately 400 The coloured triangles on the poles indicate the Mt shelter Creek length of the trails. metres along Kosciuszko Road from the NPWS s Wheatley k Office and Visitor Facilities. It follows Rock Creek White 2.5 kilometres Blue 5 kilometres Spencer Guthrie Cree through a naturally treeless frost hollow then Creek Green 7.5 kilometres k Red 10 kilometres heads into snow gum woodland. Roc Orange recreational—not a standard distance ko The Porcupine Creek Rock Creek Snowshoe Track Please look out for oversnow vehicles as you osciusz Betts cross Kosciuszko Road then follow the access To M t K track to Mt Perisher double chair, where you CHARLOTTE PASS can buy a hot drink. VILLAGE ights Creek Nordic Shelter Head back down Perisher Valley towards the Mt Wr Stillwell showing the two start. The carpark is about 300m from the end Perisher storey extension on the of the trail. rd Creek original building Trapya Snow-shoeing damages groomed cross-country trails A network of cross-country ski trails is Cross-country ski trail grooming at Perisher groomed near Perisher. These are marked by a line of poles. For the safety of skiers please These trails are funded by your park entry fees Track packing avoid snowshoeing on the trails as snowshoe Most of the cross-country trails have been developed over many This happens at the start of winter so that a solid base is developed on indentations are hazardous to skiers. Staying years to maximise snow collection in areas where snow is scarce or is which the trails can be built. This also needs to be done after very heavy off the designated ski trails also means you easily blown away. Areas that are usually wet, or where snow would snowfalls. It is achieved by forcing air out of the layers of snow. will avoid colliding with skiers. be washed away quickly, have been avoided. Trail grooming Snow-shoeing on the ungroomed The interaction of temperature, humidity and wind combine to define the snow type and consequently different grooming approaches. The finishing touch. Grooming is the most common procedure once cross-country ski trails around Three the trail is packed. Grooming also aids in packing and re-forming the Mile Dam and Dry Dam is permitted Grooming does many things to make your skiing experience safe and trail. Grooming is usually not done during windy weather or heavy more enjoyable. snowfalls as the finished result is quickly covered and lost. Goldseeker’s Track Trail building Track setting 3km round-trip At the start of the season, the trails need to be built. This means that Good quality tracks, for diagonal stride or classic skiing, are best cut This loop track begins opposite the entrance the snow surface needs to be levelled and snow bridges built across in by a snow-grooming machine as they have hydraulic presses that to Three Mile Dam. It can also be accessed wet areas. After big snowfalls, strong winds (drifted snow), heavy ensure an imprint is pressed into the trail surface regardless of the from Selwyn Snowfields. See Three Mile Dam rainfall and damage by oversnow machinery or skiers, the trail needs snow type. A track cutter dragged behind a skidoo can also put in map (right). to be re-built. This involves reforming the surface, repairing washed these tracks. This method is generally less successful in producing firm, out areas and pushing through drifts, covering rocks and pushing consistent tracks. Tracks cannot be cut until there is sufficient snow In winter, it is left ungroomed and so can be snow out from fences. cover to ensure that the tracks do not go through to the vegetation. enjoyed by cross-country skiers as well as snow-shoers.

The track meanders through snowgrass flats, DRA Scale in metres snow gum woodland and past an abandoned OMA

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T (c o Communications lo Day K To w e r se H Car park d in A Abandoned N quarry C w O in B te A r) N JINDABYNE Marked cross-country ski trail system THREDBO The coloured triangles on the poles indicate Perisher Dry Dam the length of the trails. White 2.5 kilometres oss Road (closed winter) DAM Blue 5 kilometres Three Mile Dam Red 10 kilometres Yellow 15 kilometres DRY Kings Cr To

KosciuszkoToday WINTER 2009 Visitor facilities map and walking tracks 5

Walking tracks (see maps pages 6–7) Australian Alps Walking Code SOUTH KOSCIUSZKO WALKS MAP CODE NORTH KOSCIUSZKO WALKS MAP CODE Plan ahead. Think about weather, North Kosciuszko equipment & safety. Waterfall Track A3 Landers Creek Walk C5

Carry it in, carry it out. Whatever it is, 6km round trip Walks 12km return don’t burn, bury or leave anything. Moderate NORTH KOSCIUSZKO WALKS MAP CODE Moderate to difficult Got to ‘go’? Use a toilet or take a walk This track starts at the Sawpit Creek picnic From Talbingo proceed along the Snowy —at least 100 paces from water and area and passes under the road. It runs Mountains Highway towards Cooma. campsites. Dig 15 cm deep into soil. Warogong Sugarloaf Walk C1 roughly parallel to the left of Sawpit Creek Approximately 10kms from the Talbingo Stay on track. Even if it’s muddy or dusty, until it crosses the creek at a cas cade or small 11km return turn-off, you will come to a turn-off on the don’t widen tracks or take shortcuts. ‘waterfall’. Moderate to difficult right-hand side. No track? Spread out so people don’t The tall trees with fibrous bark growing near Park 500m north of the park boundary, 16km Landers Creek two-wheel-drive access walk in the same places. the falls are al pine ash. Alpine ash was logged south of Tumut. The walk includes some steep 2WD vehicles will need to park in the car park in this area late in the 19th century. sections. About 2kms along, a branch to the Avoid sensitive vegetation especially provided on the left-hand side of the highway right takes you to a lookout on Bald Hill. bogs and wet areas. The track pass es between huge granite about 100 metres past the Cumberland Trail boulders before returning to the picnic area. Further along the track, there are extensive turnoff. Proceed on foot along the Cumberland views over the Tumut valley to the north and Trail for approximately 4.2kms to the Mt Allow 1 hour for every 4 km Along the Alpine Way Blowering Reservoir to the south west. Talbingo Trail. Turn left and cross Landers Creek The walk passes through areas that were via the traffic bridge. (Fieldbook for Australian Scouting). SOUTH KOSCIUSZKO WALKS MAP CODE Allow 1 hour for: cleared for grazing. Log Creek provides a Approximately 500m further along is the 5km easy going moist, cool valley dominated by peppermints path to the Talbingo Reservoir lookout. This 3 km easy scrambling Bullocks Track A15 and mountain gum. In contrast the Warogong offers views of Landers Creek and gorge, 1.5 km of extremely rough country 3.3 or 4.5km round trip Sugarloaf itself is dominated by scribbly gum Talbingo Reservoir, the Bago Range and and grass trees. Granite Mountain. Retrace your steps from Add 1 hour for: Easy to moderate every 500 m up the lookout and continue on for another 300 Thredbo Diggings. Re turn via: metres to the Landers Creek Falls lookout. every 1000 m down Blowering Cliffs Walk Bullock’s Hut—4.5km C2 Landers Creek four-wheel-drive access Add an extra hour for every five hours, to Muzzlewood Flat—3.3km allow for fatigue. 5km return This is closed in winter from the June long This track begins from either the Thredbo Moderate weekend to the October long weekend. Walk time decreases with experience. Diggings camping area or from the western The track starts from the parking area at the International visitors: 1 km = 0.62 miles side of the Bullock’s Flat car park (car park ‘C’) bridge over the at Huts are for emergency shelter only. oppo site the Skitube terminal. Both routes are the Log Bridge Creek picnic area. signposted. Buddong Falls Track C6 Huts undergoing conservation work The track, which goes to Blowering Falls, is One branch goes to Bullock’s Hut which was 3km return are not open to visitors. quite steep in sections and passes through built in 1934 as a holiday cottage for Dr H. dense vegetation which grows on the damp, Moderate to difficult Bul lock. sheltered hill sides. The last section of the walk From Talbingo go to the Tumut 3 Power South Note this track is currently being upgraded involves negotiating rock slabs which have Station, follow the sealed road up the hill for for improved walking as well as mountain fallen from the cliff above. one kilometre then turn off to the right over biking. a cattle grid and onto a gravel road. This road Kosciuszko follows the powerline easement through to Jounama Creek Walk C3 the Elliott Way. The Buddong Falls turnoff is Geehi Huts Walk B1 6km return 10.7km along this road and is well sign- Walks posted. 10km round-trip Easy From Batlow follow the signs to Lake Blowering Easy to Moderate This walk starts at the Jounama Creek camping Along the Kosciuszko Rd along Forest Road and into Bago State Forest. Geehi to: area, 500 metres off the Snowy Mountains Turn right into Snubba Road 9km from Batlow, SOUTH KOSCIUSZKO WALKS MAP CODE Keeble’s Hut—1km one-way Highway, 3 kilometres from Talbingo. then left into Browns Road 5km along. It is Old Geehi Hut—3km one-way From the camping area walk 1km to the end of 10km from this intersection to Buddong Falls. Sawpit Track A1 Take maps— Scammells Lookout 1:25 000 the gravel road where the walk begins. It runs The road is well sign-posted but is suita ble 2.6km round trip and Youngal 1:25 000 parallel to Jounama Creek and ends at a large for 4WD vehicles only. It may be impassable OR Rooftop’s Jindabyne–Khancoban pool. Return the same way. during win ter. Easy From the Geehi campground and historic Both routes lead to the same point. There are You can start this walk from the southern end Geehi Hut wade across the Swampy Plain two sets of falls. The walk to the lower falls is of the Kosciuszko Education Centre or from the Old Mountain Rd Walk River (take care during high water) and walk C4 about 3km return. The lower section is quite Sawpit Creek picnic area. across Behrs Flat to Keeble’s Hut. There are 4km one-way steep and is slippery during wet weather. The The track follows Sawpit Creek downstream magnificent views back to the Main Range. Moderate upper falls are about 20m high. through woodland. The thick shrub grow ing You can walk along the trail to another crossing This walk follows the first road up Talbingo The lower falls are cascades about 60m high. beside the creek is predom i nant ly woolly on the same river that leads to Old Geehi Hut, Mountain, built in 1860 during the Kiandra tea tree. After about one kilometre, a track They occur where harder granite meets softer restored after the 2003 wildfires. Return the gold rush. It starts at the RTA stockpile, which, junction is reached. The Sawpit Track takes a shales and slates. The shales have been worn way you came or continue on a loop to the if you were trav el ling toward Cooma, is 5.5 km sharp turn to the right while the Pallaibo Track away by Buddong Creek. Geehi Walls Trail junction where a right turn past the Talbingo turn-off on the left side of continues follow ing the creek. The Sawpit takes you through montane forest back to the the highway. It involves a steep descent, so Track climbs back to the Kosciuszko Mountain Alpine Way 2km from Geehi campground, a organise a car shuttle at the bot tom. Yarrangobilly Caves Walks Retreat (cabins/camping area). Walk through total distance of approximately 8km. C8 this complex to re turn to the picnic area. The first part of the walk provides excellent see page 9 views of the Bogong Peaks and Jounama Swampy Plain Loop Ride Creek valley. After 2km the track turns sharp Easy to Moderate Pallaibo Track A2 10km round trip right and de scends 350 metres in al ti tude to Jounama Creek. Turn left at the creek to reach 5.6km one-way Take maps—Scammells Lookout 1:25 000 the picnic area. From here you can walk along Goldseeker’s Walk C10 Moderate and Youngal 1:25 000 the Jounama Creek Walk. 3km round-trip OR Rooftop’s Jindabyne–Khancoban This track starts at the Sawpit Creek picnic Easy to Moderate area and finishes at picnic area. It is an easy ride with two river crossings. Start Walk Grades This loop track begins opposite the entrance Most visitors ar range to be picked up from the at the Geehi campground and ride 2km up Easy. Suitable for most people to Three Mile Dam. Thredbo River picnic area. the Alpine Way towards Khancoban. Turn left onto the Geehi Walls Trail. After 3.4km turn left Moderate. Some steps or steep areas, The first part of the walk follows the Sawpit suitable for people who walk occasionally. When snow cover permits, it can be enjoyed Track. When the Sawpit Track branches off to for Old Geehi Hut and follow the trail back to as an ungroomed cross-country ski trail or Difficult. Steep sections, for people who walk the right, contin ue along the creek down past Geehi campground. snowshoe track. regularly. Visitors with heart or breathing two small cascades (locally known as Sawpit Check the river level at Geehi campground problems should not attempt these walks. The track meanders through snowgrass flats, Falls and Charlie’s Cascades). before you begin to make sure you can return snow gum woodland and past an abandoned safely. As the track drops down to wards Thredbo Equipment ore-crushing battery. River it crosses former grazing land. After Old Geehi Hut—Built in the 1940s of large Carry warm and waterproof clothes, a hat, crossing Sawpit Creek the track follows the rounded river stones, it was restored after the sunscreen, food and water. Weather can There are views back to Three Mile Dam and river down stream to the picnic area. 2003 wildfires. change quickly at any time of year. access from and to Selwyn Snowfields.

KosciuszkoToday WINTER 2009 Visitor facilities map and walking tracks Visitor facilities map and walking tracks JIN Currango Homestead 7

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Discovery programs at at Discovery programs Visitor Region Tumut Centre & Bush Craft Tucker Bush Moderate—Learn about local bush tucker and then prepare lunch. By arrangement (all year). Life A Frog’s 2 hours—Explore Moderate, and Wetlands the Riverglade By learn about local frogs. arrangement (all year). Bush Detectives the 2 hours—Discover Easy, plants and animals living by By . arrangement (all year). can be arranged Tours suit your to on request Contact the requirements. Centre Visitor Region Tumut 02 6947 7025 r

Gooandra Hut y h Rennix Track T 8 11 Four Mile Hut Mountains KIANDRA 4 Goldseeker’s Track Goldseeker’s Walk (Homestead) Gooandra Walk Mile Hut Four Warogong Sugarloaf Walk Sugarloaf Warogong Walk Cliffs Blowering Jounama Creek Walk Jounama Creek Walk Rd Old Mountain Walk Landers Creek Buddong Falls Track Buddong Falls Jennings Walks Walks Caves Yarrangobilly Kiandra Heritage Track Heritage Kiandra Tabletop Mountain Trail scale in kilometres 0 2 4 6 8 Northern walks descriptions walk See page 5 or 9 for conditions for Centre Visitor Region Tumut Call (02) 6947 7025 C MAP C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 C10 C11 C12 12 Rennix Gap BOMBALA Rainbow Rainbow Lake QUEANBEYAN

Three Mile Dam Yarrangobilly Caves

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Bullocks Hut Landers Creek Walk Head SMIGGIN HOLES Warogong Sugarloaf Track 3 Talbingo Reservoir 1 Blowering Cliffs Track 16 Bullocks Track CABRAMURRA 2

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PERISHER VALLEY TALBINGO MT BLUE COW Buddong Falls

Road closed here in winter Road closed here Picnic area area/toilets Camping/picnic facilities area—no Camping Horse yards permitted Camping—horses Lookout track Walking NPWS Information Visitor Entry Station building Historic property Private Skitube Sealed road not (may Unsealed road weather) in wet be accessible not be (may 4WD trail weather) in wet accessible (or walk track Walking along management trail) Kosciuszko National Park Wilderness area 6 SHANNON’S FLAT Porcupine Porcupine Rocks

GUTHEGA

To Canberra To Alpine Way Alpine CHARLOTTE CHARLOTTE PASS 8 SNOWY MOUNTAINS HIGHWAY Hedley Tarn Blue Lake DALGETY BERRIDALE Summit Walk 10 Kosciuszko Kosciuszko Walk Club Lake Explore north Pass THREDBO 13 Lake Lake Albina

11 T Thredbo Thredbo River Track Snowy River Rawson’s Seaman's Hut ADAMINABY Goodradigbee (Old Snowy) Camp Cascade Main Range Track Blue Waterholes Coolamine Homestead

9 locked gate locked 12 14 Lake Lake Eucumbene Cooleman Mountain Bob’s Ridge Bob’s Walk Dead Horse Track Gap Mt Kosciuszko Broken Cart Broken Lake Cootapatamba

Currango Currango Homestead Dubbo Flats Road Tantangara Lake Lake Jindabyne JINDABYNE

Tantangara Tantangara Reservoir Snowy River Cooinbil Hut Broken Cart Trail Denison Long Plain Road Plain Long Port Phillip Trail Rocky Plain Thredbo River Thredbo Gungarlin Bridge Sawpit Creek Sawpit —summer only Ghost Gully —summer only

Wares Yards Wares —summer only

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Trail Hill Bullock Four Four Mile Trail Long Plain Hut WAY BARRY Bullock Hill —check cover snow —check cover snow —summer only

Gungarlin River —summer only

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—check cover snow Bullock’s Bullock’s Hut Goobarragandra Wallace Craigie Wallace Lookout Rock Flat BULLOCK’S FLAT

Jacob’s River Jacob’s Island Bend ROAD

Summit Walk Kosciuszko Walk Walk Kosciuszko Dead Horse Gap Track Track Dead Horse Gap Track River Thredbo Walk Ridge Bob’s Track Bullock’s Thredbo Village Walks Village Thredbo (Ravine) KOSCIUSZKO KOSCIUSZKO Track Sawpit Track Pallaibo Track Waterfall Rennix Walk Walk Lake Rainbow Walk Porcupine Walk to Blue Cow Perisher gums Boardwalk Snow Track Main Range Kings Cross Road Walk Geehi Huts SMIGGIN HOLES Lobb’s Hole Lobb’s

Yarrangobilly Tumut Pond Trail Lookout Southern walks descriptions walk See page 5 or 10–11 for conditions for Centre Visitor Snowy Region Call (02) 6450 5600 A MAP A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 A9 A10 A11 A12 A13 A14 A15 A16 B MAP B1 Tumut Tumut Pond

Wallace Creek Creek Wallace Tumut Thredbo Thredbo Diggings Bradley’s/O’Brien’s Hut Bradley’s/O’Brien’s Black Perry Dam YARRANGOBILLY YARRANGOBILLY CAVES Bridge out Mt Jagungal

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Doctor Forbe’s Hut Thredbo River Thredbo Yards Scotchie’s GUTHEGA PERISHER VALLEY Jack’s Lookout Jack’s 1 Olsen’s Lookout Olsen’s Talbingo Talbingo Reservoir Manjar/Black Jack trails MT BLUE COW

Running Waters road closed winter closed road Pinch River CABRAMURRA Tooma Tooma Reservoir Coonara Point Trail Yolde

Clews Geehi Major Clews’ Hut TALBINGO Dead Horse Gap Geehi Hut The Pines Scammell Spur Lookout Major Buddong Falls Buddong Mt Kosciuszko CHARLOTTE’S CHARLOTTE’S PASS Keeble’s Hut Keeble’s The Pilot Log Bridge Creek Clover Flat Clover

Leatherbarrel Leatherbarrel Creek

Old Geehi Hut Major Clews’ Hut Major Clews’ Yellow Bog Trail Bog Yellow Hume’s Crossing Hume’s River Murray Old Yachting Old Yachting Point TUMUT BATLOW Geehi Walls Trail KHANCOBAN MAP B: SOUTHERN KOSCIUSZKO WALKS MAP B: SOUTHERN KOSCIUSZKO Elliot Way Geehi Hume Highway To Gundagai and To Khancoban Pondage Bradney’s Gap Bradney’s

Greg GregTrail Tom Groggin Tom ADELONG TUMBARUMBA Old Geehi/YHA Hut Behr’s Flat/Keeble’s Hut Flat/Keeble’s Behr’s closed winter Most 4WD trails

To Hume Highway Explore south KosciuszkoToday WINTER 2009 Albury To KosciuszkoToday WINTER 2009 8 Touring and walking northern Kosciuszko Yarrangobilly Caves walking tracks Cave tours Take warm clothes and sturdy shoes—the caves are 9–12°C and paths may MAP D: YARRANGOBILLY CAVES WALKS be wet. Closed Christmas Day. Self-guided South Glory Cave Jillabenan Cave The South Glory Cave is the youngest Although the Jillabenan Cave is the D5 cave on show at Yarrangobilly. It smallest cave on show at Yarrangobilly, is less than 100,000 years old and it is possibly the oldest—at around was first explored by Europeans two million years. It features in 1834. The South Glory Cave impressive displays of some of the contains massive decorations and most delicate cave formations to be vast rockpiles. Signs and automated found. Straw stalactites, shawls, cave feature lights allow you to explore corals and helictites can be readily D6 this cave at your own pace. seen throughout this amazing When: Open 9am to 4pm daily cave. D4 (except Christmas Day) Limited wheelchair access is Duration D1 : 45 mins available. Please contact the staff at D2 Difficulty: Moderate D3 Yarrangobilly Caves for wheelchair Jersey Cave booking information. When Noted for its rare displays of black : 11am and 3pm daily (except and grey flowstones, the Jersey Cave Christmas Day) Duration: 1 hour is home to some of the most stunning Difficulty YARRANGOBILLY CAVES WALKS MAP CODE Bradley and Walter Hoad built the track, with some help and diverse cave decorations found : Easy from Kiandra miners. The track was later extended to the at Yarrangobilly. Cleopatra’s Needle, Harrie Wood, Castle and North Thermal Pool Castle Cave. After walking below spectacular cliffs you a remarkable four metre column that D1 will reach a fork in the track. The right branch leads to the touches the cave‘s ceiling, is just one Glory caves 0.7km one-way Harrie Wood Cave. This cave and Castle Cave were first of many fantastic features that you During busy holiday periods these Moderate explored by Europeans in 1893 by the Bradley brothers will see as you journey back over caves may become available for and were used as inspection caves until the 1930s. 700,000 years in time. tours. Bookings are taken only on Parking is available at the Thermal Pool car park. From When: 1pm daily (except Christmas the day. Contact us on 02 6454 9597 the gate at the car park a steep track leads to the Thermal The left branch of the track leads to the Harrie Wood Day) for further information or email: Pool beside the . The longer but easier Gorge, which formed when Mill Creek flowed above Duration: 1.5 hours yarrangobilly.caves@environment. grade River Walk is available to return to your car. ground to the Yarrangobilly River. Mill Creek now flows underground. The next cave you will come across is Difficulty: Moderate nsw.gov.au The pool is 20 metres long, 8 metres wide and up Grotto Cave. Mill Creek once flowed through this cave. to 2.5 metres deep. There is also a children's wading Grotto Cave is now closed to protects its fauna. pool, change rooms, pit toilets and picnic facilities. Yarrangobilly Caves Site fee The pool is fed by a natural spring. The water is mildly Ahead the higher track continues to Castle Cave, another mineralised—containing dissolved magnesium, sodium abandoned passageway of Mill Creek. The obvious All vehicles without a valid day pass, Annual All Parks Pass or Short Breaks Pass must pay a site fee of $3.00 (valid 24 hours). This covers parking and the use of BBQ and and calcium salts—and is a constant 27°C all year. Open solutional notch at the entrance runs far into the cave picnic facilities and the Thermal Pool. Water on site is drinkable. daylight hours only. indicating that the water was flowing at this level for a long period. From the Thermal Pool there are two walking tracks, the Contact Yarrangobilly Caves 02 6454 9597 for details or stop in at the Visitor Glory Hole Farm Walk and the River Walk. You can take a Discovery tour of Harrie Wood and Castle Centre on site. The Visitor Centre has limited drinks, ice-creams and snacks caves during the Christmas and Easter holidays. as well as towels and some clothing. Open 9am–5pm daily except Christmas Day. River Walk D2 Bluff Lookout Walk Cave tour fees Adult Concession Family 2.5–3km round trip D5 2.5km round trip Jillabenan Cave or Jersey Cave $16.00 $12.00 $40.00 Easy to Moderate Moderate South Glory Cave $13.00 $8.00 $30.00 This walk is best started from the Glory Hole car park. Follow the road around to the Thermal Pool car park Park in the Glory Hole car park and by walking instead of and make your way down to the pool. From the pool driving along the Jersey and Jillabenan access road you follow the River Walk upstream along the eastern bank will have time to enjoy the view. Heritage accommodation of Yarrangobilly River. From the Glory Hole car park follow the road to the When the track reaches the dry valley of Rules Creek it Jersey Cave car park. Take a short detour to the lookout Advance bookings required Rates and Bookings follows this smaller valley up to the Glory Arch Walk. Turn for views of the Yarrangobilly River valley. You will see Experience your own self-contained Low season: $180.00 per wing per right here and head back to the car park or turn left to street lights on some power poles. When Caves House wing of historic Caves House. night Monday to Thursday. walk through the self-guided South Glory Cave and back was a guesthouse, there were night tours of the Glory to the Glory Hole car park. You must purchase a ticket for and Jersey caves. Caves House was built in 1901 when High season: $250.00 per wing per the self-guided South Glory Cave before you set out. Further up the hill a short detour along the Jillabenan Yarrangobilly Caves was the most night July and August; Friday to access track provides views of the Harrie Wood gorge. popular resort in southern NSW. Sunday year round; and all Public Silver banksia grow in this area, the altitudinal limit of Each wing has a fully equipped Holidays and school holiday periods Glory Hole Farm Walk D3 the species. kitchen, dining room, lounge room, in NSW, Victoria, and ACT. 2.8 km return The turn off to the Bluff Lookout is 285m further on. A verandah and outdoor barbeque There is a minimum two-night short walk takes you to views of Caves House in the Rules area. There is no television, stereo booking. Contact: Moderate Creek Valley. Walk 500m to the picnic area and past the or mobile phone reception so bring Tumut Region Visitor Centre Park at the Thermal Pool car park. Follow the track visitor centre back to the Glory Hole car park. some games and books to entertain PO Box 123 Tumut NSW 2720 towards the Thermal Pool and on the last bend in the road yourselves in the evenings. 02 6947 7025 the Glory Hole Farm walking track veers to the left. East Wing (9 people): This walk takes you downstream along the eastern bank Glory Arch Walk & self-guided D6 Queen bedroom, 1 bunk room, 5 of the picturesque Yarrangobilly River before crossing South Glory Cave 1km round-trip single rooms, 2 bathrooms with Little Glory Hole Creek and heading towards the site shower and toilet. Moderate of Henry Harris’ Glory Hole farm. The Glory Hole was an West Wing (7 people): important part of the mountain community and supplied From the Glory Hole car park follow the signs to the Kiandra miners with fresh meat. self-guided South Glory Cave. You will walk through Bedroom with 1 double and 1 single the now dry valley of Rules Creek around limestone bed, bedroom with 1 double and Once at the Thermal Pool, return the way you came or for 1 bunk bed, bathroom with toilet, a longer walk back to the car, try the River Walk. bluffs to the Glory Arch and spectacular Glory Hole. The track is a remarkable construction and was the work of shower and bath. Walter Hoad and Anthony Bradley who were guides at Castle Walk D4 the Caves. 3.2km return If you wish to complete the loop walk by returning to the Glory Hole car park through the cave, please purchase a Easy to Moderate ticket from the visitor centre before starting your walk. From the Glory Hole car park follow the Glory Arch Walk. Sensor lights turn on as you move through the cave The Castle Walk follows the eastern side of Yarrangobilly and signs explain the history behind the formation and River beyond the Glory Arch. Consider buying a ticket and European discovery of the cave. The average temperature returning through the self-guided South Glory Cave. is 10°C and the cave is usually damp, so sturdy footwear Beyond the Glory Arch the Castle Walk features dry stone is recommended. There are 206 steps as well as a walls built from hand cut limestone. Work began in 1905 number of ramps. You will walk through the hill, gaining and reached the Harrie Wood Cave in 1911. Anthony approximately 45 metres to the Glory Hole car park.

KosciuszkoToday WINTER 2009 Touring and walking northern Kosciuszko 9 It is recommended that all vehicles carry chains on the Snowy Mountains Highway Snowy Mountains Highway during winter. Some minor roads are closed duing winter limiting some activities. DISTANCES are given from the park Park boundary sign (0km/100km, 1180m above sea level) Jounama pine plantation (53.7–55km/45–46.3 km) This was established boundary sign on the Adaminaby side 14 km from Adaminaby, this section of road passes around the northern in the 1920s and 30s to test which species would be suitable for forestry first, then from the park boundary on edge of Lake Eucumbene. To the right is Boundary Trail which you can in the area. The plantation is now being removed and the cleared areas ride along in summer to Gavels Hut. are being re-vegetated with native plants. the Tumut side of the park. Turn-off to Providence Portal (3.4km/96.6km)This is the end ADAMINABY is 51km from Cooma (less Lobs Hole Trail (58.1km/41.9km) This public access 4WD trail of the tunnel which brings water from Tantangara Reservoir to Lake than an hour’s drive). The town is home leads to the site of an old settlement where copper mining took place. Eucumbene. Some of the foreshore land in this area is not in the park, to the ‘’. Refuel the car and pick The trail crosses Yarrangobilly River and joins the Ravine Road passing including the tourist facilities here. up something for a picnic lunch. Wallaces Creek Lookout before it joins the Cabramurra Road. Subject Turn-off to Tantangara Dam (5.4km/94.6) Tantangara Dam is 18km Travel to the northern end of Kosciuszko to to weather. from the turn-off. During summer, you can cycle to historic huts or stay experience the area’s rich history as well as a at historic Currango Homestead, however access is closed in winter. wide variety of recreational opportunities. Cumberland Trail (66.4km/33.6km) Start of 12km return Landers Contact the Tumut Region Visitor Centre for Currango Homestead Creek Falls Walk along several management trails. After European settlement, parts of northern bookings 02 6947 7025. Kosciuszko were occupied year round Black Perry picnic area (68km/32km, 1060m above sea level) and many huts and homesteads remain. Turn-off to Delaney’s Hut (12.9km/87.1km) Rebuilt in 2008 after View of the granite Bogong Peaks and of Black Perry which is a Historic Currango Homestead is available for it was burnt in the 2003 fires. The hut is believed to have been built by metamorphosed blend of limestone and other minerals. accommodation during summer. Close by James Delaney before World War I. at Long Plain there are many other huts to Talbingo Mountain (69–76km/24–31 km) Steep descent. explore during summer and places to camp Rocky Plains camping area (14.4km/85.6km) with horses. RTA stockpile (71.2km/28.8km) Start of the 4km one-way Old The highway climbs through woodlands to The Rest House, Sawyers Hill (15.9 km/84.1km) This was a shelter Mountain Road Walk along several management trails. the open, treeless plains of Kiandra and Long for travellers on the old Kiandra Road in the early 1900s. Burnt in the Jounama pondage (76.7km/23.3km, 420m above sea level) 2003 fires, it was rebuilt in 2008. The 4WD (dry weather only) Four Mile Plain and then drops into the picturesque Turn-off to Talbingo and the Tumut 3 Power Station. 1km past the power Trail, to the Eucumbene River, starts here. valleys of Talbingo and Tumut. station is a gravel road (dry weather only) which will take you through There are opportunities for bushwalking and Alpine ash forest (16.9–18km/82–83.1km) This area was extensively private property to Buddong Falls camping area where you can start the camping as well as mountain biking, 4WD burnt during the January 2003 bushfires but is slowly recovering. Alpine 3km return Buddong Falls Track. touring, horse riding and boating. ash is killed by fire and regenerates only from seed. Indigenous people are still actively associated Kiandra Cemetry (22.1km/77.9km) Jounama Creek picnic/camping area (76.7km/23.3km) with the high plains and pass on cultural Opposite the turn-off to Talbingo. Start of the 6km return Jounama Tabletop Trail (23.2km/76.8km) Start of 14km return Four Mile Hut practices and knowledge through Discovery Creek Walk. Walk. Four Mile Hut is off the main trail. Check snow cover. programs and other organised activities. , Tumut River valley (78.4km/21.6km) Settlement began Kiandra (23.7km/76.3km, 1390m above sea level) in the late 1820s following Hume and Hovell’s 1824 expedition from Walking tracks descriptions are given Yass to Port Phillip. In 1968 the valley was flooded as part of the Snowy on page 5 and 8. The site of a short-lived goldrush. There is a self-guided heritage walking track around the remains of the old township. Kiandra also claims to be Mountains Scheme. The closest fuel, food, water and the birthplace of . In the late 1960s the old Courthouse beverages are at Cabramurra, approximately became a Chalet. No fuel available. Yolde boat launching, picnic/camping area 20km from Kiandra. (81.6km/18.4km) Turn-off to the Cabramurra (Link) Road (24.5km/75.5 km) The rock View of Blowering Reservoir (82.3km/17.7km) The reservoir is 18km pinnacles on the plain were formed from lava deposited in a shallow sea There is no fuel at Kiandra. Talbingo and long and up to 4km wide. In 1974 the eastern foreshores were included during the Ordovician. They have been turned on edge by later folding. Adaminaby are the closest towns where fuel, in the park. The western foreshore is managed by Forests NSW. Extensive mechanical services and general supplies This road will take you to Selwyn Snowfields in winter. grass flats and the protection of adjoining wooded areas have led to an can be found. Gooandra Trail (29.7km/70.3km) Start of 10km return Gooandra abundance of eastern grey kangaroos in the area. Take care driving. Camping is not permitted at Yarrangobilly Walk to historic Gooandra Homestead. Check snow cover. Yachting Point picnic area (86.8km/13.2km, 390m above sea Caves to ensure the water entering the caves Mount Gooandra (1522m) (34km/66km, 1440m above sea level) level) remains free of pollution. Watershed of the Eucumbene and Murrumbidgee rivers on the Great Dividing Range. Hume’s Crossing picnic/camping area Watch out for wildlife, especially at (91.1km/8.9 km) Hume and Hovell’s group crossed the Tumut River here. dawn and dusk. Be particularly careful on the Bullocks Hill Trail to camping area (35.5km/64.5km) Cumberland Range and along the foreshores Rules Point (42.2km/57.8km, 1330m above sea level) Summer only The Pines boat launching ramp, picnic/camping area of Blowering Reservoir. turn-off onto Long Plain Road to visit historic huts. There are trails to (94.2km/5.8 km) cycle on and areas to camp with horses. Access to Blue Waterholes (4WD when wet) where you can walk the 2.5km return Clarke Gorge Track or Log Bridge Creek boat ramp, picnic/camping area the 6.3km round trip Nicole Gorge Track. The track to the ruins of a guest (98.4km/1.6 km) Start of 5km return Blowering Cliffs Walk. View from Wallaces Creek Lookout house is opposite the Long Plain Road. After 50m turn right for 100m and follow the track where it curves to the left up the hill. Warogong Sugarloaf Trail (99.5km/0.5km) Start of the 11km return Warogong Sugarloaf Walk. Yarrangobilly Caves (45.3km/54.7km,1260m above sea level) 02 6454 9597. Yarrangobilly Caves is located 6.5kms off Park boundary sign (100km/0km) the Snowy Mountains Highway. There is heritage accomodation, walks, cave tours and picnic facilities (see page 8 for details). Open all year. Tumut: 15km from the boundary of Kosciuszko National Park. The Tumut Region Visitor Centre is located on the corner of the Gocup Road Yarrangobilly Village picnic/camping area (52.9km/47.1km) to Gundagai and the Snowy Mountains Highway and has information View Cotterill’s Cottage built in 1898. and displays (02 6947 7025). Ask about our Discovery tours. Kiandra to Cabramurra DISTANCES are given from the Snowy New Chum Hill (0.7km) The site of old mining equipment Lobs Hole (Ravine) Trail and Wallaces Creek Lookout (8.2km) Mountains Highway turn-off. The lookout is 2.2kms along a hardened gravel surface suitable for Take the turnoff to Cabramurra. Travel past Visitor entrance station (1.4km) Winter only. 2WDs. The viewing platform is 40m from a parking area and is suitable Three Mile Dam and the Goldseeker’s Track for wheelchair access. The trail beyond here is a 4WD trail as it has a river Selwyn Snowfields turn-off (4.5km) The first ski lift was to Cabramurra to refuel and grab something crossing (subject to weather). The trail heads to Lobs Hole/Ravine, once a to eat. transferred here from Kiandra in 1966. It has a range of activities for all age groups during winter. There is day and overnight parking and a village and copper mine. Only mining relics remain. The trail then climbs In winter you can access Selwyn Snowfields designated toboggan slope. No overnight accommodation. up to the Snowy Mountains Highway. Allow 2–3 hours (37km). and in summer you can drive from Cabramurra to Khancoban and on to Jindabyne along the Turn-off to the Elliott Way (15.3km) Access to Tumbarumba. Three Mile Dam (5.7km) Originally constructed as a source of water Alpine Way. for sluicing at New Chum Hill. It then became the first staging camp for Cabramurra turn-off (19.6km) The town was established for works for the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme. Many workers Cross-country ski trails and Snowy Scheme workers. It offers the closest fuel, meals and services from lived in tents throughout winter until other structures were built. snowshoe tracks are given on page 4. Selwyn Snowfields. The road to Khancoban is closed here in winter. Goldseeker’s Track (5.7km) This 3km loop track begins Do not walk or drive on ice-covered opposite the entrance to Three Mile Dam. It is also a popular cross-country Elliott Way: From Cabramurra, drive back to the Elliott Way for dams or lakes. Frozen water bodies have ski or snowshoe trail in winter—check snow cover. Features include an Tooma, Corryong, Tumbarumba, Batlow, Tumut and Khancoban. unstable surfaces. abandoned ore-crushing battery and snow gum woodlands.

KosciuszkoToday WINTER 2009 10 Touring and walking southern Kosciuszko The RTA recommends that all vehicles carry chains in winter. From the June long weekend to the October long weekend chains MUST be carried in two-wheel drive Kosciuszko Road vehicles on the Kosciuszko Road from the park boundary.

Snowy Region Visitor Centre (0km) 02 6450 5600. Discover the Rainbow Lake Walk (26.3km) This gentle 3km return track winds natural and cultural features of the region as well as find accommodation, through snow gums to Rainbow Lake—check snow cover. places to eat and things to see and do in the area. Staff will provide Dainer’s Gap (29.9km) Named after a stockman who is believed to have the latest info on weather and road conditions as well as fishing reports. had a camp here. You can also purchase a park entry pass or an annual All Parks Pass. Wragge’s Creek (28.3km) Clement Wragge was a meteorologist who Alpine Way turn-off (3 km) This road takes you to Thredbo and operated a weather station on Mt Kosciuszko from 1898 to 1902. then Khancoban. Prussian Creek (30.2km) The creek is named after one of James Spencer’s bullocks. Thredbo River picnic area (9.8km) The Thredbo River is the Piper’s Creek (31km) Named after another bullock. park boundary. 2WDS MUST CARRY CHAINS FROM HERE IN WINTER. Waste Point Road turn-off (12.2km) Smiggin Holes (31.6km) Scottish name for shallow depressions caused by cattle around a salt lick. During winter, ski lifts are run by Waste Point Lookout and surge tank (13.7km) The tank relieves Perisher. You can access cross-country ski trails at the carpark’s end. water pressure in the pipeline from Island Bend to Lake Jindabyne. Perisher Valley (33km) Mt Perisher was named by Spencer Vehicle Entry Station (14.8km) Seven entry booths include a in reference to the climate. here is open from the bus/coach only booth and a NPWS passholder express lane. June long weekend to the October long weekend. During winter there is also a designated toboggan area. During summer there are several Kosciuszko Education Centre (15.4km) The Kosciarium is full mountain bike rides to enjoy. of child-friendly hands-on educational displays featuring natural, Photo © M. Abernethy Indigenous and historic heritage of the region. Open for group Setting out from Charlotte Pass in summer (top) and NPWS Visitor Centre (33.3km) Discover the natural and cultural snowboarding lessons on Front Valley, Perisher bookings. features of the area. Staff will provide the latest info on weather and road conditions. DISTANCES are given from the Snowy Sawpit Creek picnic area (15.8km) Late in the 19th century alpine ash logs were sawn near this creek. One man stood in the ‘sawpit’ Porcupine Track turn-off A popular 5km return walk in Region Visitor Centre in Jindabyne. with another above and the logs were sawn using a double-handed summer and ungroomed cross-country trail in winter. Finishes with a saw. Now it is the trackhead for several short walks that can be taken Many of the place names used today were rock scramble for views over the Thredbo valley. Access to the Nordic year round. The information shelter at the picnic area provides walk devised by James Spencer who owned West shelter and Perisher groomed cross-country trails. descriptions. The gentle Sawpit Track is a 2.6km round trip. The sheltered Point (now Waste Point) and grazed stock in Waterfall Track is a 6km round trip through majestic forests. The Pallaibo the high country in the mid-1800s. Rock Creek Snow-shoe Track During winter this gentle 3km track track is a 5.6km walk which descends to the Thredbo River picnic area. Completed in 1909, the road originally ran to follows Rock Creek then heads into snow gum woodland. Wilson’s Valley (20.3km) Named after a gold prospector. the top of Mt Kosciuszko but was closed in Winter road closure: The road is closed from here during winter. 1976 at Charlotte’s Pass because of safety and Access to Charlotte Pass Village is by oversnow transport. Rennix Walk (22.9km) Change in vegetation from montane to environmental concerns. In winter you can sub-alpine. The walk is 13km return—check snow cover. Rennix was the Perisher Gap (38.8km) Just beyond the gap, Mt Kosciuszko can be seen only drive as far as Perisher Valley. For road engineer in charge of road construction between 1906 and 1909. as a rounded peak in the far distance. condition reports contact RTA ph 132 701. Guthrie’s Creek (36.9km) Named after a professor at Sydney Guthega Road turn-off (24km) Turn off to Island Bend, the site of There is no fuel past Discovery Caravan University. a township from the early 1950s to the mid-1960s, and Park along the Kosciuszko Road. Bett’s Creek pondage. Here there are trails to cycle on in summer. Further along is (37.5km) Named after a district surveyor. Munyang (Guthega Power Station) an entry point into the Jagungal Spencer’s Creek (39.3km) Named after James Spencer. Walking tracks descriptions are given Wilderness area. The road ends at Guthega, part of Perisher ski resort. on page 5 and 8. Charlotte Pass Village (41.4km) The first chalet was built in 1931 Diggers’ Creek (24.8km) The creek may have been worked for and destroyed by fire in 1938. It was rebuilt in 1939. A summer and Cross-country ski trails and gold. winter resort. In summer you can walk to the alpine area from the top snowshoe tracks are given on page 4. Sponar’s Chalet (24.9km) All that remains of the Hotel Kosciusko of the chairlift. Charlotte’s Pass (42.3km) Named after Charlotte Adams, reputed to be Watch out for wildlife, especially at built in 1909 and destroyed by fire in 1951. The present chalet was the the first European woman to reach the summit of Mt Kosciuszko. It is the dawn and dusk. hotel’s staff quarters. Across the road in spring you can see a cross of daffodils (known by locals as Mrs Mac’s Cross) which was planted to start of the Summit Walk/Ride and the Main Range Walking Track which inspire safe driving but became a memorial to those who lost their takes you past several glacial lakes. The Snow gums Boardwalk is a good lives in the area. introduction to alpine ecology—check snow cover.

Head to the Lower Snowy and discover the sandy banks of the Snowy River and warmer climate. This road follows the Snowy River valley, which has been an important travel route for thousands The of years. There are several spots to stop and discover the area’s rich history.

Snowy Region Visitor Centre (0km) 02 6450 5600. Discover the No Name picnic area (56.4km) Stop here and wander down to the natural and cultural features of the region as well as find accommodation, sandy banks of the Snowy River. places to eat and things to see and do in the area. Staff will provide the latest info on weather and road conditions as well as snow and Pinch (Moyangul) River picnic/camping area (59.9km) The fishing reports. You can also purchase a park entry pass or an annual largest camping and day recreation area on the Barry Way, located on the All Parks Pass. junction of the Pinch and Snowy rivers. It is an important Indigenous site and used to be a stock reserve on the Bairnsdale route. It is now known Turn-off to the Barry Way (1.5km) Lake Jindabyne is to the right. Turn for its wildlife including emus, kangaroos and swamp wallabies. left at the round-about onto the Barry Way. The road is sealed for 34km. Wildlife is around at all times of day so take extra care. View of the Snowy River from Jack’s Lookout Jack’s Lookout (61.5km) This lookout on the Snowy River was Park boundary sign (38.8km) named after Jack Shannon, a local park worker and stone mason. DISTANCES are given from the Snowy Wallace Craigie Lookout (39.7km, 900m above sea level) Running Waters picnic/camping area (62.5km) Region Visitor Centre in Jindabyne. The lookout was constructed in memory of Wallace Craigie, editor of the Cooma Monaro Express newspaper from 1922 to 1955, in recognition Scotchie’s Yard picnic area (70.3km) This area is referred to as Quong The Barry Way follows the lower Snowy River. of his efforts toward the completion of this road link to Victoria. Gullamarang on old parish maps. There are references to stockyards in This was once a corridor for Indigenous Enjoy the spectacular view of the Snowy River valley to the south, this area on the Snowy River from the 1830s. Fifty metres past the picnic people’s movement to the high country. It Pinch Mountain to the east and to the west the valley of Jacobs area you can still see notched fence posts on the high side of the road. became an important stock route for taking River as it flows towards the Snowy. The trees are the lookout Scotchy was Scotsman William Creighton. He worked for Richard Brooks horses, cattle and sheep to the high country are Eucalyptus goniocalyx, long-leaved box. Notice the grass trees in the 1840s and 50s, owner of the out-station at Willis. each summer. as you drive down to Jacobs Bridge. There are also stands of native cypress pine. Willis picnic area (71.8km, 220m above sea level) NSW/VIC Petrol is not available after Jindabyne border. In 1872, Black and Allan completed their survey of the straight until Seldom Seen about an hour’s drive Jacobs Bridge (50.3km) Crossing Jacobs (Tongaroo) River, which section of the border—from Cape Howe to the source of the Murray from Willis (120km from Jindabyne) and then rises in the Pilot Wilderness, 5km south of Thredbo. River—through 177km of difficult country. Before federation, a customs Buchan (173km from Jindabyne). house stood here, as the Victorian Government levied tax on cattle being Jacobs (Tongaroo) River picnic/camping area (53.2km) Indigenous taken south. In the 1890s the duty was 30/- per head of cattle. For most of its length, the Barry Way is people used this area frequently. Later it was an overnight holding area unsealed. It is steep, narrow and winding. for stock being taken to Bairnsdale markets. Tree markers and remains Alpine National Park: Continue through to the Alpine National of old stockyards are reminders of this time. Park in Victoria. This road will take you through to Buchan Caves.

Watch out for wildlife. Halfway Flat picnic area (54.8km) At this area and for the next 1km you will see unusual shapes in the rocks on the banks of the river.

KosciuszkoToday WINTER 2009 Touring and walking southern Kosciuszko 11 The RTA recommends that all vehicles carry chains during winter. Chains MUST be carried in all two-wheel drive vehicles from the June long weekend to the October long The Alpine Way weekend between Thredbo and Tom Groggin. Jindabyne end of Alpine Way (0km/108km) The turn-off to the Alpine Way is 3km west of Jindabyne on Kosciuszko Road. Geehi picnic/camping area (76km/32km) There is a wheelchair Park boundary sign (16.6km/91.4km) access walking track and abundant wildlife. Drive to the far end to see the historic huts. There are also great views of snow-capped peaks in Bullock’s Flat Skitube Terminal (17km/91km) The Skitube was constructed between 1984 and 1988. This rail link runs to Perisher and winter. You can cycle the 10km Swampy Plain Loop which is a gentle Mt Blue Cow during winter. The terminal provides free parking all year. ride with a river crossing (caution during spring floods) or ride 2km Car park ‘C’ is the beginning of one route into Bullock’s Hut. up the Alpine Way towards Khancoban and turn onto the Geehi Walls Trail (dry-weather only). This takes you to Old Geehi Hut. Be Visitor entrance station (18km/90km) aware of 4WDs. Return following the (take maps Scammells Lookout 1:25 000 and Youngal 1:25 000). Thredbo Diggings picnic/camping area (19km/89km) Beside the Thredbo River. Walk either 4.5km or 3.3km to Bullocks Hut. Turnoff to Geehi Dam and Olsen’s Lookout (82km/26km) Travel cautiously on the narrow, winding section to spectacular views Ngarigo picnic/camping area (23km/85km) On your right are the of the steep western side of the Main Range on a clear day. May be Lubra Rocks, a conspicuous granite outcrop. Note the line of demarcation closed during winter. between the upper snow gum woodland and the lower forest of Bogong Creek (83km/25km) This moist environment provides an mountain gum and alpine ash which occurs at about 1400m. excellent reptile habitat. The native mint bush is in flower (pale purple) from October to early November. The yellow and brown egg-and-bacon

Photo © M. Abernethy Thredbo Village (31km/77km) A year-round resort offering skiing, plant and white rice flowers can also be seen in spring. DISTANCES are given from the chairlift rides, walking, cycling, golf, tennis, an indoor sports complex with a pool, cafés, bars and restaurants. In summer, walk to Mt Kosciuszko Jindabyne end of the Alpine Way first, Scammell Spur Lookout (90km/18km) A spectacular panorama of from the top of the chairlift (fees apply). Purchase park entry passes at the the western face of the Main Range. newsagency. Fish the Thredbo River during summer. IN WINTER 2WDS then from the Khancoban end. Geehi Walls (91km/17km) To the left (travelling from Jindabyne) you MUST CARRY CHAINS FROM HERE TO TOM GROGGIN. The Alpine Way partly follows the Thredbo will see the famed Geehi Walls and behind them, the Indi Range. The River. This was once a corridor for Indigenous original route to Tom Groggin was over the Geehi Walls. Opposite is Cascade Trailhead (36.5km/71.5km) Start of the 10 km people’s movement to the high country. return Bob’s Ridge Walk. Beyond Bob’s Ridge is Pilot Wilderness so you Major Clews 4WD dry weather road. It became an important stock route for taking need to be self-sufficient. Walk, cycle or ski (depending on snow cover) Clews Ridge (92km/16km) The ridge was named by the Snowy Mountains horses, cattle and sheep to the high country along the Cascade Trail to Cascade Hut. Opposite is the 5km one-way Authority (now Snowy Hydro) in recognition of the outstanding survey each summer. Dead Horse Gap track and the 4km one-way Thredbo River Walk. work carried out for the scheme by the late Major Clews. The ridge is Dead Horse Gap (37km/71km) 1580 metres above sea level. This is the covered with an impressive stand of alpine ash. The road was constructed in 1956 for highest point on the road. The name is believed to have arisen after Peppermint forest (93km/15km) The road winds through a forest largely the . For road horses were trapped here by snowfalls. This is the watershed between composed of peppermint (eucalypts) and wattles. condition reports contact RTA ph 132 701. the Snowy and systems on the Great Dividing Range. Murray 1 Power Station and Visitor Centre (101km/7km) The Pilot (42km/66km) The view is of the upper Murray River valley and is Petrol is available at the turn-off, Thredbo visitor centre is next to the power station. Open 9am to 4pm Monday to dominated by The Pilot (1828m) with the double peak. South of the Pilot Village and then at Khancoban. Friday and 10am to 4pm June long weekend. Power Station inspections are the jagged peaks of the Cobberas (1883m). The NSW/VIC border runs from a viewing gallery are at 11am and 2pm during winter. Phone for the between the two mountains. The tall trees are alpine ash. Walking tracks descriptions are given latest information 1800 623 776. Closed Christmas and Anzac days. on page 5 and 8. Leatherbarrel Creek (47.8km/60.2km) In early summer, the bush Murray 1 Power Station viewing area (102km/6km) The white contains a variety of flowers. Wildflowers grow in the damp, shaded areas pipes carry water through the mountains from dams as well as to the The Alpine Way is steep, narrow and and tea-tree can be seen along the creek. The mixed eucalypt forest power stations. winding between Geehi and Khancoban. contains mountain gum, candlebark and the eurabbie. Watch out for minor rock falls especially after Park boundary (104km/2km) rain. Sections are steep and winding. Tom Groggin picnic/camping area (55km/53km) Reported to be derived from the Aboriginal word tomarogin meaning ‘water spider’. Khancoban end of Alpine Way (108km/0km) 02 6076 9373. Khancoban was built as a construction town for the Snowy Mountains Watch out for wildlife, especially at It is on the banks of the Murray River (the NSW/VIC border) as close as Scheme. The information centre is run by the NPWS. dawn and dusk. you can get to the headwaters of the Murray in a standard vehicle. Tom Groggin Station turnoff (57km/51km) The NSW/VIC border runs Khancoban to Cabramurra: During summer you can drive between the road and the cattle station. Watch for cattle, kangaroos from Khancoban to Cabramurra through Kosciuszko National Park. and emus on the road. IN WINTER 2WDS MUST CARRY CHAINS FROM During winter, however, this road is closed. Instead you can drive to HERE TO THREDBO. Cabramurra via Tumbarumba and the Elliott Way.

Adventure activities NPWS licensed tour operators This list is correct at time of printing Canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, bushwalking, camping Action Learning Initiatives Pty Ltd Guided bushwalking and ski touring Kosciuszko Thredbo Outdoor Adventures snowshoeing, snowcraft, cross-country skiing 02 6457 2788 www.action-learning.com.au 02 6459 4100 www.thredbo.com.au Guided ice climbing, abseiling, snow camping, snowshoeing Adventure Guides Bushwalking and camping Kosciuszko Alpine Guided Walks— 02 4782 7722 www.adventureguideaustralia.com.au Novotel Lake Crackenback Resort Guided bushwalking Adventure Tours Australia (Oz Experience) 02 6451 3000 www.novotellakecrackenback.com.au 03 8338 9632 www.adventuretours.com.au Bushwalking and cross-country skiing Land’s Edge NSW Whitewater rafting Adventure Victoria Whitewater Rafting 02 4234 3278 www.landsedge.com.au & Add-venture Rafting 4WD tag-along tours Misty Mountain 4WD Tours 02 6077 1164 www.adventurevictoria.com.au 02 4757 2278 www.4wdtours.net.au Guided flyfishing Andrew Matenson Fly Fishing Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ski and Mountain Adventure Centre (Paddy Pallin) 02 6457 5132 [email protected] snowboarding tours, ice climbing, snow camping 02 6456 2922 www.mountainadventurecentre.com.au Guided ice climbing, ski touring, snow camping, Australian School of Mountaineering Bushwalking Nature Bound Australia Tours mountaineering, ski mountaineering 02 4782 2014 www.asmguides.com 07 3254 1911 www.natureboundaustralia.co Guided vehicle tours Australian Wilderness Tours Bushwalking, cross-country skiing, camping, canoeing, Outdoor Education Group (OEG) 02 6587 7188 www.awtours.com.au bike riding, rafting 02 4869 6700 www.oeg.net.au Guided bushwalking Auswalk Bushwalking Outward Bound 02 5356 4971 www.auswalk.com.au 1800 267 999 www.outwardbound.org.au Guided mountain biking and bushwalking Back Pedal Cycle Tours Guided bushwalking Parktrek 02 6492 1981 www.backpedaltours.com.au 03 9486 7070 www.parktrek.com Ski touring and bushwalking Charlotte Pass Village Horse riding Reynella Rides 02 6457 5245 www.charlottepass.com.au 02 6456 2386 www.reynellarides.com.au Guided flyfishing Clearwater Flyfishing Guides Guided bushwalking and camping Salvation Army Eastern t/as Collaroy Centre 0417 240 797 [email protected] 02 9982 9800 www.collaroycentre.org.au Horse riding Cochran Family Tradition Horse Treks Guided flyfishing Snowy Monaro Fly Fishing (Paul Bourne) 02 6454 2336 www.corchranhorsetreks.com.au 0415 779 316 www.snowymonaroflyfishing.com.au Bushwalking and showshoeing Cooba Sport & Education Centre Rock climbing Snowy Mountains Climbing School 02 6456 3150 www.alpineinfo.com.au 02 6076 9101 www.snowymtns.com Four wheel drive tag-along tours Great Divide Tours Whitewater rafting Upper Murray White Water Rafting 02 9913 1395 www.4wd.net.au 02 6452 7998 www.raftingsnowymountains.com.au Guided bushwalking High Country Motel Guided ski touring and mountain biking Wild Horizons 02 6452 1277 www.highcountrymoteltours.com.au 02 4883 6509 www.wildhorizons.com.au Bushwalking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, Higher Ground Pty Ltd Bushwalking and camping Wild Women on Top snowcraft, camping 07 5463 2799 www.higherground.com.au 02 9907 9873 www.WildWomenOn Top.com Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, rock and ice climbing High ‘n Wild—Mountain Adventure (Peak Adventures) Cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, mountain biking, Wilderness Sports Pty Ltd 02 4782 9075 www.peakachievements.com.au bushwalking, abseiling, rock climbing 02 6456 2966 www.wildernesssports.com.au Rock and ice climbing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing K7—Kosciuszko Adventures 02 6457 7404 www.k7adventures.com KosciuszkoToday WINTER 2009 12 Park use fees from your NPWS pass at work Part of the ‘Towards Centenary’ and other projects across the park Australian Alps— Repairing the roof of Tourism promotion and Protecting our precious Park Restoration part of our Australia visitor facilities wildlife The Kosciuszko National Park Restoration Plan is currently being developed. This will identify national heritage Over the summer of 2008/09 new rock paving was A site has been finalised for a new visitor centre Research projects continue focusing on threatened priority sites and future direction for restoration laid at Rawson Pass. Toilets and bike racks were at Khancoban. The State Property Authority has species within the park including the spotted tree within the park. The Australian Alps National Parks, also completed as well as further rehabilitation of begun project management and an architect has frog, southern corroboree frog, spotted-tail quoll which include Kosciuszko, have been the natural environment. Other visitor facilities due been appointed. Tumbarumba Shire Council will and mountain pygmy-possum. Information on NPWS are working with Snowy Hydro, the RTA included in the National Heritage for completion next summer include indigenous fund the project on a lease back arrangement threatened species can be viewed on line at and volunteers such as Talbingo and District List. information signage, new directional signage and to NPWS. www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ Bushwalking Group to reduce weeds. natural rock seating. In announcing the inclusion, the threatenedspecies/ Weed control programs, such as the removal An Australian Geographic DVD ‘Spirit of the Snowy Federal Minister for the Environment, Heritage Tourism Financial support continues from NPWS to assist of willows have been undertaken in target Heritage and Arts, Peter Garrett, said Mountains’ can be viewed at visitor and education wildlife carer groups. catchments, along roads, in high visitation the listing encompasses 1.6 million Plans to restore and develop the Kiandra centres across the region. This production provides Courthouse as a heritage interpretation site recreation areas and areas where threatened hectares of national parks and reserves an excellent introduction to the values of the park A new project assessing the genetics of wild dogs species are vulnerable from weed invasion. in the ACT, NSW and Victoria. and focal point for Kiandra has commenced. and will encourage visitors to get out into the park across Kosciuszko National Park commenced in The project has four components including full and experience the outdoors. late 2008 in collaboration with the University of The partnership continues between NSW, ACT Mr Garrett said: ‘The Australian Alps reconstruction of the courtroom, conceptual and Victoria to manage feral animals across the are an important place of dreaming . Following on from the “Dogs plans for restoration of the rest of the building, Australian Alps. and gathering for Aboriginal people Aboriginal heritage in Space” wild dog satellite tracking initiative landscape designs and a plan for maintenance. and of recollection and discovery as management partnership the new project will look at the level of dingo Orange Hawkweed is an emerging threat to former grazing land once traversed Research and mapping into the mining history genes in the wild population, as well as genetic the Australian Alps and a concerted effort will Tumut Region Visitor Centre listed its new by stockmen, gold prospectors, of the Kiandra area including New Chum Hill relationships among individuals from different be required over the next few years to identify Wiradjuri Wonders tour in the Australian National pastoralists, migrants and botanists has been undertaken. This will inform a new areas of the park. and treat as many sites as possible. Treatment of Indigenous Tour Product manual. of early settlement. interpretive walk planned for the area. known infestations is occurring. Further Information is available in the Australian A new program to train and mentor Aboriginal He said a cooperative process had A new lookout has been constructed near Tooma Alps Fact sheet “Dogs in Space Tracking Initiative”. A Project Officer has been employed to assist people in the delivery of cultural tours and been in place since 1986 to collectively providing extensive views into the western side Please go to www.environment.nsw.gov.au or with monitoring and assessing the impacts of manage and protect the Australian of Kosciuszko National Park and the crash site of interpretation of traditional knowledge started in www.australianalps.deh.gov.au. Climate Change in the alpine area which has Alps National Parks. the ‘Southern Cloud’ aeroplane. Tumbarumba February 2009. 14 participants were selected who been identified as one of the most susceptible ‘Places on the National Heritage List shire completed roadworks and construction and are being trained and mentored in tour guiding Perisher Range Resorts ecological communities in Australia to Climate are afforded protection under the NPWS installed information signage. with a focus on Indigenous culture. Road sealing works have been completed at both Change. Australian Government’s Environment The refurbished Yarrangobilly Caves House The program includes NSW State and local Guthega Village and Smiggin Holes. Huts Reconstruction Protection and Biodiversity Act and continues to be very popular for overnight government, community groups and the Rehabilitation works have begun in both Guthega we will continue to work together accommodation with strong bookings since it The Kosciuszko National Park Huts with NSW, Victoria and the ACT to local Tumut and Brungle Wiradjuri Aboriginal and Smiggin Holes with weed control and native reopened in 2007. Planning is underway to open Conservation Strategy is available online at ensure the protection and proper community. vegetation planting programs which will continue the two storey wing currently closed to the public. www.environment.nsw.gov.au management of the outstanding over the next few years. If you visited in summer New lights and handrails were installed in the Two trainee indigenous field officers have been heritage values of the Australian Alps you would have noticed hundreds of pink tree The rebuilding of Sawyers Rest House, O’Keefe’s, South Glory Cave. employed. Boobee, Brooks and Opera House huts is complete. National Parks.’ guards. Pink is used as it provides the best UV Kosciuszko Huts Association volunteers assisted filtration to encourage plant growth. with all planning and construction work. Significant work was completed this summer this Your day, multi-day or annual NPWS pass summer to replace old and broken sewer pipelines Walking tracks and camping Your pass is like cash Second household annual All Short Breaks Pass in Perisher and Smiggin Holes. areas The Perisher Sewerage Treatment Plant was A new entry station has been installed on the road If you lose your pass it can’t be This operates from the end of the Parks Pass–one & two years slightly modified to provide storage for all of the to Mt Selwyn. The road has been widened, sealed replaced. October long weekend to the start Provide proof of purchase of the chemicals and other consumables required for the and has additional lanes. This will improve traffic of the June long weekend. Your pass should be fixed to first annual All Parks Pass and valid winter. The plant was also upgraded to provide flow to and from the entry station and facilitate registration papers for both vehicles It provides five days access to automated chemical dosing. more rapid issue of park entry passes. the bottom right-hand corner showing the same address. Kosciuszko National Park for the After community consultation, a route was selected Alpine resort areas of the windscreen Any second household annual All price of four. for the Thredbo Valley Track and construction has The front of your pass must be clearly Parks Pass must be dated the same as This product cannot be upgraded to A new contract for the grooming of the cross- commenced. The existing walking track between visible from the outside. Please don’t the first annual All Parks Pass. an annual All Parks Pass or upgraded country ski trails began last winter. A range of Thredbo Diggings camping area and fix your pass to any dark tinted area from a day pass or multi-day pass machinery will provide better value for money has been upgraded. Materials have been gathered of the windscreen. Replacing your annual pass and allow for grooming in more marginal from disturbed sites within the park. Planning for Pre-purchase your annual All conditions. future stages is well underway. Consultation with Your pass is not transferable between If you are purchasing a new vehicle local mountain bike enthusiasts has resulted in The NPWS passholder express lane on the vehicles. provide a copy of new registration Parks Pass improved track design and safety. papers, bill of sale for original vehicle Alpine Way has been successful over 2008/2009 Purchase an annual All Parks Pass Upgrade a day pass or plus the original annual All Parks summer. Following consultation with users and at any local visitor centre, over the key stakeholders, Cooinbil and Long Plain Pass. Restoration of the Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel at unexpired multi-day pass to an phone or on-line: Hut campgrounds have been upgraded. If replacing your windscreen provide Charlotte Pass Resort continues. NPWS are annual All Parks Pass www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au. Improvements include bollards, fencing, a receipt for the work and the original working with Charlotte Pass Village for the installation of new toilets, modifications to Upgrade your day pass to an annual annual All Parks Pass. construction of a viewing platform at the top of All Parks Pass within 7 days of Transit Pass existing horse yards and an upgrade of the road the Kosciuszko Triple Chairlift. surface. purchase. If your vehicle is stolen or written-off This is a free non-stop pass through provide documentation such as a The section of the Stilwell track between Charlotte Planning has commenced for a new lookout at Upgrade your unexpired Kosciuszko the park along the Alpine Way and police report. Pass carpark and the proposed viewing platform Black Perry rest area. Approval from the RTA is multi-day pass to an annual All Parks from Kiandra to Tumbarumba. at the top of the chairlift is being upgraded. Work currently being sought. Pass. Once your pass has expired you Check with our visitor centres for a list of local agents that also sell passes commenced in summer 2008/09 and should Two new lookouts were constructed along the won’t be able to upgrade. during winter. be completed during the summer of 2009/10. Landers Falls Walking Track providing views over Further work is planned for the section above the Only one pass (day or unexpired Landers Creek Falls and Gorge as well as Talbingo viewing platform. multi-day) can be upgraded. Reservoir. Access is via the Cumberland Trail which Annual All Parks Pass–one & Park Use Fees Rehabilitation Guidelines for the Resorts has 300 metres of new track. It now provides safer NSW NATIONAL PARKS & WILDLIFE SERVICE of Kosciuszko National can be downloaded access onto the Snowy Mountains Highway. two years Kosciuszko Road and Alpine Way (year round) from www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ Access to Selwyn Snowfields (winter only) Non- Winter All year These are just some of the projects NPWS Your annual All Parks Pass is only Entry Mode winter parkmanagement/knp_resorthab.htm has been working on over the last year. for private-use vehicles with up to Vehicle day pass $16.00 $27.00 Work begins on the Thredbo Valley shared-use track 8 seats. Motorcycle day pass $6.00 $11.00 includes Bus passenger (adult) $6.60 $11.45 winter An annual All Parks Pass mustn’t surcharge Bus passenger (child) $2.20 $3.60 be altered in any way or it will be Short Breaks Pass (5 days for the price of 4) $64.00 considered invalid and further action Annual All Parks Pass $190.00 may be taken. Second household annual All Parks Pass $95.00 An annual All Parks Pass allows you Two-year All Parks Pass $335.00 to use the Passholders Only Lane Second household two-year All Parks Pass $165.00 during winter along Kosciuszko Road Replacement annual All Parks Pass—administration fee $6.00 Please check www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au or contact your local visitor centre for up-to-date information. and the Alpine Way as well as all This information is correct at the time of printing. other national parks in NSW.

KosciuszkoToday WINTER 2009