As far as outdoor adventures go, national parks never lose their appeal. With sandstone canyons, scenic lookouts, rainforest vistas and fewer crowds, even the staunchest city slickers can find something to pique their interest in these natural wonders around town.
Many of NSW’s most dazzling spots are hidden in these very national parks so if you want to get off the beaten path, there’s no better place to start. One place to add to your list is the Yarrangobilly area, a highlight of the iconic Kosciuszko National Park which flanks snowy adventures, wildflowers and waterfalls in abundance. Local wildlife, a tranquil thermal pool and caves formed over millions of years decorate the Yarrangobilly area. Located between Tumut and Cooma, this lovely little retreat is the perfect place to stop, soak and recalibrate.
Yarrangobilly area, Kosciuszko National Park
A major highlight of the area is the Yarrangobilly Caves — found in the heart of the Kosciuszko National Park and created from a belt of limestone laid down about 440 million years ago. One of NSW’s most spectacular cave systems, visitors can explore 6 open show caves here and discover stunning sculpted rocks and delicate stalagmites and stalactites.
The largest of the six caves is South Glory and although the youngest cave on show, it presents the perfect opportunity for a self-guided tour with impressive rock formations and chambers. Jersey Cave, which arguably has the most diverse decorations of all the caves and the intimate Jillabenan cave with delicate formations including rare helictites and stalactites can only be seen on a guided tour that runs daily. There are about 60 caves in the Yarranbogilly area but only 6 are open to the public.
Head to the Yarrangobilly Caves Visitor Centre for more information and to buy tickets for guided tours.
Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool
There’s nothing better than taking a dip in a wild swimming spot after a long hike and the famed Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool offers the cosiest seat in the house. This enchanting swimming spot has it all — crystal-clear waters, a picturesque bushland setting and local wildlife like water dragons and platypus.
Fed by a natural spring, visitors will find two pools on site — a main pool, permanently heated to 27 degrees and a smaller wading pool for children. A day exploring the caves is perfectly teamed up with a swim in the tranquil thermal pool which lies in the vicinity of the caves and the carpark. Wear sturdy shoes though, the return walk is known to be quite steep.
Read all about this serene spot here.
How to get there
The Yarrangobilly area is about a 5-hour drive from Sydney and a bit under 3 hours from Canberra. Once you reach the town of Cooma, it’s another 90 minutes along the Snowy Mountains Highway. Head to the Yarrangobilly Caves Entrance Road and follow the one-way unsealed path for about 6km to Yarrangobilly Caves.
The Yarrangobilly area is open to visit all year. Find more information here. If you’re eager to stay a while and make a long weekend trip of it, check out your accommodation options here.