If there’s one thing NSW does well it’s national parks. With over 895 dotted across the state, some of Australia’s most divine natural wonders can be found in these sprawling, recreational havens. One place bound to stop you in your tracks is the Kosciuszko National Park, a place of extraordinary beauty and importance and a favourite year-round destination for NSW residents. At a staggering 690,000 hectares, it’s not only the largest national park in NSW but the largest alpine park in all of Australia. You could spend a weekend here soaking up the snow-capped landscapes, towering peaks, and crystal-clear waters but objectively it would take a few weeks or more to enjoy it in its entirety. Here are some highlights of the Kosciuszko National Park.
Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
Drawing over 3 million visitors each year, the park is named after Mt Kosciuszko which also happens to be Australia’s highest mountain at 2228m. The park is also home to alpine wildflowers and native wildlife like the critically endangered mountain pygmy-possum and the alpine she-oak that can’t be found anywhere else in the world and was recognised internationally as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977 for this reason.
It is part of the larger Australian Alps system so you can expect stunning vistas and alpine trails here. Aside from Australia’s highest peak, all four ski resorts in NSW are located in Kosciuszko National Park and it’s also home to some of Australia’s only glacial lakes. Needless to say, there is a lot of ground to cover in this expansive part of the country but here are some of our picks for the top things to do here.
Things to do
1. Visit the ski resorts
People normally travel from far and wide to partake in the adrenaline-fuelled adventure activities at the ski resorts in Kosciuszko. There are four to choose from and you can’t go wrong with either. Head to Perisher for unbeatable skiing and snowboarding adventures, Thredbo for Australia’s longest ski runs and hiking trails and Charlotte Pass, which is the country’s oldest and highest ski resort for all the winter activities. Selwyn Snow Resort which claims to be NSW’s most affordable is temporarily closed.
2. Warm up at the Yarrangobily Caves Thermal Pool
This Instagram-famous thermal pool can be found hidden in the Yarrangobilly area in Kosciuszko National Park and is a must-visit any time of the year. The spring-fed pool is heated at a constant 27 degrees and is surrounded by ancient caves and a picturesque bush setting. It even has wi-fi now so you can stay connected while still being miles away from civilisation.
3. Walk along the Waterfall Walking Track
Love chasing waterfalls? In the Thredbo-Perisher area of the Kosciuszko National Park, you’ll find an easy, picture-perfect walk conveniently located close to Jindabyne which leads to a lovely waterfall. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service recommends starting the walk at either Sawpit Creek picnic area or Kosciuszko Education Centre and continuing to the underpass beneath Kosciuszko Road to take in the full effect of the meandering trail.
4. Hike Australia’s largest peak
Mt Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak can be found in Kosciuszko National Park. The country’s highest mountain is a sight to behold and is often included amongst the Seven Summits of the world, which are the highest mountain peaks on each continent. Unlike the other mountains though, Mt Kosciuszko is relatively easy to climb thanks to a chair lift which will take you a significant way up with only about a 6km walk remaining. Plan the walk here.
5. Discover Jindabyne
Jindabyne is a popular alpine escape and a veritable winter wonderland perched on the shores of the beautiful Lake Jindabyne at the edge of the Snowy Mountains. Winter sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do here with activities like skiing, snowboarding and more on offer. Jindabyne is a five-hour drive from Sydney and just 2 hours from Canberra.
6. Explore the stunning Yarrangobilly Caves
Once you’ve enjoyed a dip at the earlier-mentioned thermal pool, make a quick detour to explore the Yarrangobilly Caves. You’ll find six caves here that have been created from a belt of limestone laid down about 440 million years ago. The South Glory Cave is the largest here and can be explored on a self-guided tour and you can also opt to book guided tours for caves such as Jersey and Jillabenan.
7. Head to the majestic Blue Lake
A relatively underrated thing to do at Kosciuszko National Park is visiting the Blue Lake Lookout but it’s well worth the effort. The Blue Lake is one of only 4 glacial lakes on mainland Australia and offers azure waters and alpine wildflowers in the summer. The walk to get here is challenging but is considered one of the best hikes in the state, treating visitors to historic huts, lakes and sweeping vistas. Read more about the Blue Lake Walk here.
The best time to visit Kosciuszko National Park
The national park offers a range of activities all year round and you can make your trip depending on personal preference. The ski season generally runs from June to October with the best snow in July and August. The snow melts from December to March making way for wildflowers and bushwalks. Summer and spring are also considered the best seasons to embark on the Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk. Read more about the national park here.
Getting there
Kosciuszko National Park is a 5.5-hour drive from Sydney via M31. You must hold a valid National Parks pass for your vehicle if you are driving here as this is a protected area. Find more information about how to apply for your parks pass here. You will also need to pay an entry fee. Alternatively, NSW TrainLink rail and coach services operate between Sydney and Cooma, Jindabyne and Bombala, via Canberra.