Discover Kosciuszko National Park

In Kosciuszko National Park, alpine landscapes meet unusual traces of Australian history. Above the snow gum tree line lie alpine herbfields, feldmark, wetlands and mountain pools. More than half of the park—over 350,000 hectares—is designated as wilderness, including the rugged Western Fall Wilderness of the Main Range. These landscapes provide a distinctive setting for exploring high-country nature, caves and cultural history.

Alpine Landscapes and Wilderness

The snow gum tree line marks the transition to an alpine landscape of herbfields, wetlands and small mountain pools. The Main Range is also home to the Western Fall Wilderness, which is designated as a wilderness area. Visitors looking to focus their trip on landscape and nature will find different facets of the high country here—from open alpine areas to a rugged wilderness region.

Kiandra’s Skiing History

Australian skiing has its roots in Kiandra: in 1861, Norwegian gold miners made skis there from fence palings. Kiandra is considered the birthplace of skiing in Australia. Visitors interested in this history can combine it with the Kiandra Heritage Track: the short, easy 1.2-kilometre loop is in the central part of the national park and offers insight into Australia’s gold rush history. Some sections of the track infrastructure are still damaged. Its loop format and short distance make it a clearly defined walk with a historical focus.

Caves and Thermal Waters at Yarrangobilly

In the northern part of the park, Yarrangobilly Caves offer different ways to experience the caves. Visitors can explore South Glory Cave independently, while Jersey Cave has a guided tour every day. Jillabenan Cave can also be visited on a guided tour. It is the smallest of the Yarrangobilly Caves and has delicate formations. Check tour availability before your visit, particularly for seasonal tours or those offered on request.

The cave area also has a thermal pool fed by a natural spring. The mineral-rich water stays at 27°C year-round. In winter, visitors can bathe in it as steam rises from the water and snow covers the surrounding ground. This combines year-round warm water with a distinctive winter atmosphere; the season changes the scene, not the stated water temperature.

Winter Tours in the Perisher Mountain Area

Around 58 kilometres of marked and backcountry ski touring trails run through the high country of Kosciuszko National Park in the Perisher mountain area. The trail network includes groomed loops of 2.5 and 5 kilometres, as well as longer, remote routes. The two loop lengths offer a clear guide to the planned distance; the longer routes are another touring option. Seasonal operations and local closures may vary, so check the latest notices before setting out.

Choose the Focus of Your Trip

The experiences described are spread across different parts of the park: the caves are in the north, Kiandra is in the central area, and the ski trails are in the Perisher mountain area. When looking for a holiday rental in Kosciuszko National Park, it may help to first decide what you want to focus on—caves and thermal waters, gold rush history or winter tours.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Moonbah, Beloka, Jindabyne, Providence Portal, Thredbo Village, Adaminaby, Ingebirah.

Back to the main travel overview: Snowy River Shire Council.