Kosciuszko National Park

Paddling, sailing and boating

Paddling

Flat-water canoeing is popular on the various reservoirs within the park that form part of the Snowy Mountains Scheme. Canoeing and rafting trips are undertaken along sections of several rivers in the park, including the Yarrangobilly River.

Day or overnight canoe and raft trips down the Snowy River between Half Way Flat and Willis are very popular in the southern section of Kosciuszko National Park. The nearby Barry Way provides numerous readily accessible entry points.

Elsewhere on the Snowy River, trips are occasionally undertaken along the Lower Snowy through the Byadbo wilderness. Here, travel can be hampered by low river levels due to upstream dams and diversions associated with the Snowy Mountains Scheme.

The upper Murray River, which remains undiverted, provides some of the most challenging whitewater conditions in the park.

Motor boating

The Geehi, Talbingo, Tantangara, Tooma and Tumut Pond reservoirs provide opportunities for relatively quiet, nature-oriented motorised boating experiences.

By contrast, Blowering Reservoir to the north-west and the extensive lakes, Eucumbene and Jindabyne, that adjoin the eastern boundary of the park, offer water skiing and boating within easy access of a range of nearby support services. Sailing and windsurfing is also undertaken on these lakes, and occasionally on those within the park.

Boating facilities

Jounama Creek campground

Jounama Creek campground in Koscisuzsko National Park (Image: Jo Caldwell/DECCW)When it’s time to head for the great outdoors, load up the van and head out of town to Jounama Creek campground in Kosciuszko National Park. Fringed with trees and gently undulating hills, this idyllic creekside spot is the perfect nature getaway. Ideal for families, there’s open grassy areas where the kids can play and ample space for self-sufficient campers to park a caravan or trailer.

In the warmer months, it’s a great base for boating, swimming and fishing at nearby Blowering and Talbingo reservoirs. Experienced walkers will enjoy the challenge of Old Mountain road track and those who are keen on mountain biking will be keen to explore cycling routes such as Cumberland Trail.

As the shadows lengthen, gather together for a campfire barbecue of freshly caught fish and settle back to enjoy the sounds of the surrounding bush.

Activities: walking, mountain biking, paddling, sailing, swimming, fishing, birdwatching

Natural setting: dry eucalypt forests

Location:  shown on Blowering Reservoir map

Getting there: Jounama Creek campground is in the north-west precinct of Kosciuszko National Park. To get there:

  • Take Snowy Mountains Highway south from Tumut for about 42km
  • Turn left at the campground sign opposite the turn-off to Talbingo township
  • Drive 500m to the campground

Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 2WD vehicles.

Facilities: picnic tables, wood barbecues (bring your own firewood), non-flush toilets, fire rings

Bookings: Bookings are not available at this campground.

Contact: Tumut, Phone: (02) 6947 7025

The Pines campground

The Pines campground is only a stone’s throw from Blowering Reservoir and on the edge of Bogong Peaks Wilderness. Located in the northern precinct of Kosciuszko National Park, it’s a perfect spot for adventure-seekers who love to revel in the great outdoors.

Pull up the van or boat beside the reservoir and set up camp. With so many options for outdoor activities, and a huge stretch of water to play on, it’s a great base for water sports including paddling, sailing, boating, waterskiing and fishing.

As the sun goes down over the water, it’s time to stoke up the barbecue for a feast of fresh fish. Then kick back and settle in for a night around the fire under a blanket of stars.

Activities: paddling, sailing and boating, picnics and barbecues

Natural setting: grassy woodlands

Location:  shown on Blowering Reservoir map

Getting there: The Pines campground is in the northern precinct of Kosciuszko National Park. To get there, drive south of Tumut on Snowy Mountains Highway for approximately 21km.

Road access: Sealed road - 2WD vehicles.

Facilities: picnic tables, wood barbecues (bring your own firewood), flush toilets, boat ramp, carpark

Water supply: This campground is within 200 m of Blowering Dam high water mark, however the water level is variable. All water collected for drinking should be boiled for approximately 5-10 minutes.

Bookings: There is no booking available for this campground.

NB: All reservations incur a booking fee of 2.5% in addition to the total amount payable

Contact: Tumut, Phone: (02) 6947 7025

Canoeing trips

Yarrangobilly Caves – Castle walk

A spectacular and inspiring walk for photographers, birdwatchers and bushwalkers, Castle walk, near Yarrangobilly Caves, follows Yarrangobilly River past Glory Arch and South Glory Cave. With the sight of spectacular limestone cliffs – where you may even discover ancient fossils – and the opportunity to combine it with a cave tour, this medium walk in the north of Kosciuszko National Park, delights in all seasons.

Spend the warmer months swimming and fishing in the pristine mountain waters, while the currawongs and kookaburras chatter in the trees. Winter often blankets the area in snow and offers the chance to see glistening icicles clinging to the South Glory cave entrance.

After a day of exploring, take the plunge with a delightful dip in the outdoor thermal pool and feel the tension peel away. With overnight options at nearby historic Yarrangobilly Caves House and Lyrebird Cottage, you might be tempted to linger a while in the magnificent high country.

Paddling, sailing and boating: events and activities

Commercial activity

Action Learning Initiatives

Raft Building on Lake JindabyneAction Learning Initiatives (ALI) specialises in developing customised outdoor education programs for our client schools. ALI runs both summer and winter outdoor education programs which are safe, professional and educational.

Activities that can be incorporated into our programs include:

  • day/multi-day hikes
  • flat water canoeing
  • white water canoeing/rafting
  • archery
  • orienteering
  • rock climbing/abseiling
  • mountain biking
  • downhill skiing/snowboarding
  • cross country skiing/snowshoeing
  • raft building.

More info: Action Learning Initiatives, Phone: 02 6457 2788 (international +612 6457 2788)

As required
Commercial activity

Higher Ground Group

As one of Australia's leading outdoor education providers, Higher Ground specialises in the development of individually customised, curriculum integrated, sequential programs with dynamic, high quality delivery.

We offer a large range of programming options from centre-based to full expedition experiences in a host of locations throughout NSW and QLD. We have the ability to provide an option to cater to every group's programming and budgetary requirements.

More info: Higher Ground Group, Phone: 1300 093 316

As required
Commercial activity

K7 Adventures

Snow Shoe Trip to Mt KosciuszkoDuring summer, K7 Adventures provides quality abseiling, rock climbing, bushwalking, wildflower walks, photography walks, astronomy nights and cross country mountain bike trips. In winter, we offer day and overnight snow shoeing and back country skiing. Our overnight trips take you from resort to resort, giving you the best of day and night experiences in the alpine region.

We specialise in individual, small group and family trips, personalised to suit your needs, level of fitness and budget.

More info: K7 Adventures, Phone: 0421 862 354 (international +61421 862 354)

As required
Commercial activity

Land's Edge

Snorkelling at Land's EdgeLand's Edge is one of Australia's leading providers of dynamic and progressive education outdoor experiences for schools and other groups.

Operating in Sydney Harbour, the NSW South Coast and in Kosciuszko National Park, the company's outdoor experiences combine adventure and personal growth.

Land's Edge provides safe and enjoyable programs, with participants guided at every turn by highly experienced and professional staff. Land's Edge staff adheres to comprehensive safety and risk-management procedures.

Land's Edge also offers inexpensive group accommodation on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour. The Land's Edge Sydney Harbour education/accommodation facility is located on the foreshore of Chowder Bay, on Sydney's lower North Shore and adjacent to Sydney Harbour National Park.

Offering spectacular Harbour views, the venue accommodates 75 people in fully refurbished dormitory-style rooms. A large, light-filled dining room in a bushland setting seats 80 and can be used for multiple purposes. 

More info: Land's Edge, Phone: 02 9969 0038 (international +612 9969 0038)

As required
Commercial activity

The Outdoor Education Group

Bushwalking ProgramsThe Outdoor Education Group (OEG) is a unique, independent, not-for-profit organisation that provides experiential adventure-based learning programs to schools throughout NSW and Victoria. OEG runs programs in a diverse range of natural environments throughout NSW.

Our programs run from one day up to 30 days and offer activities such as bush walking, canoeing, rafting, cycling, snow shoeing and many more.

OEG envisages a world where more people respect and take responsibility for themselves, others and the natural world, and act to support positive relationships, healthy communities and the sustainability of life.

Our mission is to deliver excellence in outdoor education through partnerships with schools in order to prepare young people for the personal, social and environmental challenges in their lives.

More info: The Outdoor Education Group, Phone: 02 4869 6700 (international +612 4869 6700)

As required