Snowy Mountains 4WD - Blue Waterholes

The road

The Kosciuszko National Park high country south of Kiandra is some of the most accessible genuine alpine landscape in Australia. The 4WD tracks from Kiandra follow the old gold-rush era roads through snow gum woodland at 1,400-1,600m to the Blue Waterholes and Yarrangobilly caves. The Blue Waterholes are an azure limestone spring on the Yarrangobilly River - a short walk through snow gum grassland to a series of cold clear pools that are the visual highlight of the circuit. Yarrangobilly Caves are accessible from the sealed highway below, but the high country approach tracks add the proper perspective. The old Kiandra township was a brief gold rush settlement in the 1860s - the highest goldfield in Australia - and remnant earthworks from the race system are still visible from the tracks.

The region

Kosciuszko National Park is Australia's largest alpine national park. The snow season typically runs June to October, closing most of the high country tracks. Kiandra is now uninhabited - the former alpine settlement collapsed after the gold ran out in the 1870s. The Snowy Hydro tunnels and facilities are scattered through the park.

Before you go

Fuel in Tumut or Cooma - there is no fuel in the park interior. The park requires an entry fee. The bogs on the plateau tracks are protected under the National Park - stay on the formed track surface. In November and early December there can still be snow on the upper sections. Carry warm clothing at all times.

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