HIGHLIGHTS

KOSCIUSZKO WALK

Welcome to the roof of Australia - the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. The Kosciuszko Walk, one of the most inspiring day walks in the country, will take you there. You'll experience breathtaking views of the alpine area into the valleys and gorges below, and the chance to be Australia's top individual when you reach the summit. Starting from the snow gums at Charlotte Pass, the trail descends and then climbs up the valley through the headwaters of the river, wildfl ower meadows and glacial lakes. The walk is 21.5 km long with a total climbing distance of 633 m. Backpack camping is available virtually anywhere in the park, but please camp out of sight of the walking track and away from watercourses, and note that campfi res are not permitted.

Or, you can start your walk at the top of the Crackenback chairlift at Thredbo. After crossing Merritts Creek, the trail runs beside the rocky outcrops of Rams Head Range and passes through

herbfi elds and heath to Kosciuszko lookout (2 km). It then crosses the headwaters of the Snowy River, climbs to a saddle above Lake Cootapatamba and continues past Etheridge Range to Rawson's Pass. From here it is a gradual climb up the old road to Mount Kosciuszko's summit.

Either way, it's spectacular, enthralling and will leave you with a genuine sense of achievement!

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0 25 50 100 Kilometres Kosciuszko NP pg 69

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66 For more information visit www.nswnationalparks.com.au/snowymountains

SnowyMountainsThe land climbs steadily higher to the magnifi cent alpine environment of the Snowy Mountains, a place where winter's icy wonderland gradually gives way to a summer of brilliant wildfl owers, glacial lakes and sparkling streams.

Come now to explore the rooftop of Australia... a natural area of outstanding beauty, protected in all its splendour within Kosciuszko National Park, the state's largest and one of its very fi nest.

Experience your own adventure on the Kosciuszko Walk

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You really are � � e r� ftop � Australia

Snowy Mountains 67

Dawn light refl ected on Blowering Dam near Jonama Creek, Kosciuszko National ParkPhotography: Rene Vogelzang

As � e colours � summer replace � e crisp white snow, � e Snowies bec e a place for adventure. Walk, climb, canoe, cycle, ride - or simply stop and brea� e fresh alpine air

HIGHLIGHTS

YARRANGOBILLY CAVES

You'll need at least a day to explore the spectacular limestone Yarrangobilly Caves, so we recommend an overnight stay - allowing for an early morning walk with a chance to see some pretty special wildlife in the quiet solitude of our Snowy Mountains. There are guided and self-guided tours into the underground nearly every day of the year. Join a guided tour of Jersey or Jillabenan Caves, two of the most attractive.

You can take the steep track down to the thermal pool beside the Yarrangobilly River. The water is always warm (27°C) because rain water seeps through porous rock to almost 800 m below the ground surface where it is heated and then forced up through cracks to emerge as a warm spring. The mildly mineralised water fl ows into the pool at about 100,000L an hour. The pool is 20 m long and up to 2.5 m deep. Kids can play in the adjacent wading pool.

SNOWY RIVER RAFTING, KAYAKING AND PADDLING

The Snowy River comes alive after the winter snow melts, giving another perspective to the park experience. Swimming, canoeing, kayaking and liloing are best between Jacobs River and the Victorian border at Willis. Here, the river runs through spectacular scenery, has long deep pools with rapids in between and sandy beach areas for a picnic. There are plenty of camping areas along the way, including Jacobs River, Pinch River and Scotchies Yards. For safety, watch out for snags, blockages and swift currents. Only experienced and well prepared paddlers should attempt the river during high fl ows (brown water), and make sure you arrange a car shuttle or prepare for a walk back along the river bank.

For more information visit: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/nationalparks/touroperators.aspx, where you'll fi nd a list of licensed tour operators, who offer a raft of experiences in Kosciuszko National Park and many others.

68 For more information visit www.nswnationalparks.com.au/snowymountains

2 TALLAGANDANATIONAL PARK AND STATECONSERVATION AREA 21,879 HA

Highlights Two sections of the Great Dividing Range south-east of Canberra support a range of forest habitats, including stringybark, scribbly gum, brown barrel and peppermint forest, as well as subalpine snow gum and mountain gum forest. The park provides habitat for threatened species such as the spotted-tailed quoll, powerful owl and barking owl.

Activities The park has no facilities but there are plenty of opportunities for bushwalking, orienteering, 4WD touring and birdwatching. Registered trail bike riding, horse riding and cycling is permitted on the park's public trail system. There's an informal picnic area at Mulloon Creek in the northern section of the park.

Access 50 km south-east of Canberra, off the Captains Flat-Braidwood and Hoskinstown-Braidwood roads (4WD recommended).

Queanbeyan offi ce: 6229 7000

Magnifi cent limestone fomations in YarrangobillyCave

Peaceful fi shing in the Murrumbidgee river

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1 KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK 673,524 HA

Camping fee level 1

Highlights Kosciuszko is one of the world's great national parks, home to the highest mountains in Australia, the NSW ski fi elds and the famous Snowy River. There are endless opportunities for summer walks and winter snow sports, and a teeming variety of native wildlife. It comprises six wilderness areas and its unique beauty is evident across the distinct changes between summer and winter.

Activities Snow sports are the big attractions in winter, but in warmer months you can admire the alpine wildfl owers,

visit historic homesteads on the treeless plains in the north of the park, or explore Yarrangobilly Caves and swim in the thermal pool. Alpine walks are limited to the warmer months, but lower-altitude walks are worth taking throughout the year. The fully sealed Alpine Way provides a scenic route between Jindabyne and Khancoban. Car-based camping areas with fi replaces and toilets are provided along major roads throughout the park, including the Alpine Way, the Khancoban Cabramurra road (closed in winter), the Snowy Mountains Highway, Elliot Way and Barry Way; phone for details about camping in these areas. Commercial accommodation is available at Thredbo, Perisher, Smiggin Holes, Charlotte Pass, Guthega and Sawpit Creek. For a real old-world high-country experience stay at Currango Homestead and cottages in the heart of the snow gum woodlands in

the north of the park or in the picturesque Yarrangobilly Caves House (phone 6947 7025 for all bookings).

Access 200 km south west of Canberra. Yarrangobilly Caves are 70 km south-east of Tumut on the Snowy Mountains Highway; the ski fi elds are 90-100 km west of Cooma on Kosciuszko Road and Alpine Way and at Selwyn Snowfi elds north-west of Cooma. During winter, motorists must carry properly fi tting snow chains on most mountain roads. A park use fee applies year round in Southern Kosciuszko (winter season $27 per day; outside winter season $16 per day).

Jindabyne offi ce: 6450 5600Tumut offi ce: 6947 7025Perisher offi ce: 6457 5214Khancoban offi ce: 6076 9373Yarrangobilly offi ce: 6454 9597

Snowy Mountains 69

The glacial Lake Albina glows an intense bluePhoto: N. Oayda / Courtesy Tourism NSW

Brea� e d� ply - take in � at fresh alpine air and f� l your spirits soar...

70 For more information visit www.nswnationalparks.com.au/snowymountains

SNOWY MOUNTAINS DRIVE AND KOSCIUSZKO ALPINE WAY

The Snowy Mountains Drive allows you to explore where much of Australia's identity lies - a place of myths and legends, history and heritage, and spectacular natural beauty. You'll see the country's highest mountains, discover amazing fl ora and fauna and explore historic towns. It's the land of The Man from Snowy River, and everywhere there's stories to hear and history to discover.

Sealed roads off the Snowy Mountains Drive take you through towns including Bredbo, Cooma, Berridale, Jindabyne and Thredbo.

The Kosciuszko Alpine Way meanders through the Kosciuszko National Park, affording plenty of opportunities to see the splendour of this place, the snow, the wildfl owers, the rivers and streams, the glacial lakes. You'll fi nd plenty of lookouts, picnic spots, camping sites and bushwalking trails, so plan to stay a while and enjoy this meander through Australia's only true alpine region.

For more information on these drives visit the touring section of www.snowymountains.com.au

The www.rta.nsw.gov.au website gives up to date information on driving conditions and possible road closures along these drive.

The boulders of Rams Head Range look dramatic in the afternoon light.

Enjoy an exhilarating walk through Kosciuszko National Park in the warmer months.

Heading up to Australia's highest peak, the summit of Mt. Kosciuszko.

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Snowy Mountains 71

PARK SAFETY

Alpine areas present special safety issues, particularly in winter, and you must be knowledgeable and take precautions when visiting these areas. We highly recommend that you visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/parksafety when you plan your trip, to help ensure your park experience is a safe one.

MOUNTAIN BIKING SAFELY

There's brilliant cycling in Kosciuszko. For your enjoyment and safety, you need a clean, well maintained bike, and always wear a helmet. You're also responsible for protecting the park, so avoid skidding, riding in the wet, riding through puddles or forming new trails.

DRIVING IN THE SNOW

Driving in the snow needs special attention; watch for signs of tiredness, be patient, take a break, enjoy your trip.

For your safety, leave double the normal distance between you and the car in front. Don't break hard and avoid sharp steering movements: stopping on icy roads takes a lot longer.

Your radiator needs effective antifreeze. Snow chains are compulsory on two-wheel-drive vehicle and recommended for 4WDs from the June to October long weekends on the following roads:

• Kosciuszko Road from the park boundary at Thredbo River

• Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin

• Island Bend/Guthega Road for its full length

The Roads and Traffi c Authority's website (www.rta.nsw.gov.au) carries current information on road conditions and closures.

CAVING AND CANYONING SAFELY

Caves and canyons are spectacular places to visit and caving offers a thrilling opportunity to explore these unique environments, however caving is an activity that involves inherent risks that can be minimised but not completely eliminated. Careful research and planning, competent organisation, provisioning and training is essential.

GREAT PLACES TO STAY

VIP LODGE, WASTE POINT

If you're planning a fi shing holiday, this lodge is ideal due to its proximity to Lake Jindabyne, which offers fi ne trout fi shing. The lodge has four comfortable ensuite bedrooms, great for groups and families, a large lounge room, and fully-equipped kitchen and laundry.

Skiers can use the lodge as a base to access resorts within Kosciuszko National Park. During the warmer months, there are plenty of adventure activities available including bushwalking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and canoeing, horse riding and kayaking.

For more information and bookings phone 6450 5600.

YARRANGOBILLY CAVES HOUSE

In its heyday through the 1940s and 1950s, Yarrangobilly Caves House in Kosciuszko National Park was a popular cold-climate getaway for Canberra residents, trout anglers and workers.

It is now back to its former glory, recreating a bygone era with its heritage décor and comfortable family rooms. It's divided into two wings, sleeping seven and nine in self-contained accommodation. Great for a family or bunch of friends.

Caves House has been described as a hidden gem, offering the perfect, activity-based holiday. Fishing, walking, photography and swimming in the natural thermal pool - there's so much to do and see close by. The three limestone caves - South Glory Cave, Jersey Cave and Jillabenan Cave - are breathtaking, some of the fi nest in Australia, and there are daily guided tours.

For more information and bookings phone 6947 7025.

CURRANGO HOMESTEAD

Nestled among the snowgums on the edge of the Currango Plain, the heritage Currango Homestead and Pines and Daffodil cottages offer rustic accommodation and an experience of life in the high country 100 years ago. Currango Homestead is open from the October to the June long weekends, subject to weather conditions, and can accommodate up to 27 people. Discover other mountain huts within walking or driving distance; fi sh in mountain streams or reservoirs; visit Yarrangobilly limestone caves. Currango features living conditions of 100 years ago – historic weather-board structures with basic facilities such as pit toilets and old fashioned bucket showering system. Maximum of 10 horses permitted.

For more information and bookings phone 6947 7025.