Wednesday 11th March, 2026
Blue Waterholes, Clarke Gorge and Cooleman Falls, Kosciuszko NP

Once again, a slow start to the day. We enjoyed our coffee and breakfast waiting for our tents to dry off a little. We then packed up and headed on our short but long drive to Blue Waterholes campground along Long Plain Rd, a dirt road that goes about 25km through the beautiful plains of Kosciuszko National Park. We were hoping to see some brumbies along the way but their culling of them has been very successful as there were none to be seen.

On arrival at Blue QWaterholes Campground, we decided on a camp site, set up camp and enjoyed some lunch. It was then time to explore the area. First adventure was the Clarke Gorge walking trail along Cave Creek to the amazing Cooleman Falls. As we were about to start we recognised a fellow Avoca surf club buddy who was here on a 4 day loop hike around the area. We had a short chat and headed off on our way on our hike, we went down to the Blue Waterhole which was very pretty, and then started along the short 5km return trail, crossing the babbling creek 9 or 10 times. Water shoes were definitely on the agenda and muchly appreciated. The first creek crossing was a big shock as it was very, very cold, but by the time you were up to the next few, the cold wasn’t noticeable at all. We enjoyed the stroll through the magnificent towering limestone rocks in Clarke gorge. It was beautiful. The trees were also amazing as we continued to the end where we looked out from Cooleman Falls through the Wilkinson Gorge. It’s absolutely stunning and the pool at the base of the falls is big enough for a swim, if you don’t mind the cold water. It was very cold but worth the exhilarating dip. We enjoyed a very cold swim and then warmed up in the beautiful warm sunshine with a cuppa and cake for afternoon tea. What a delight!

After our break, we headed back along the trail to camp, wondering if the dark clouds would eventuate in some rain, which it did not. We then enjoyed the activity of the kangaroos and birdlife around our camp before cooking our dinner. After the beautiful sunset we then enjoyed some more stargazing and a game of cards before heading off to bed for our last night sleeping in the bush. Such peace and tranquility. I love it! Reminding me it is time for another adventure Mr Broadbent.

WHAT AN AMAZING DAY!

“Escape to Blue Waterholes campground, the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors, with hiking, caves and Kosciuszko National Park’s northern wilderness on its doorstep.
This beautifully positioned campground is the perfect place to stay if you’re planning to hike the Clarke Gorge and Nichols Gorge walking tracks, and explore the nature and historic huts in the Northern Plains and Wilderness area of Kosciuszko National Park.
From the campsite there are lovely views of the limestone cliffs and rock formations of Clarke Gorge and Cave Creek. Wander down the short track to the turquoise waterhole that gives the campground its name. It’s a great spot to paddle your feet and enjoy a picnic on a hot summer’s day, as kangaroos cast a curious eye and eagles soar overhead.
Nearby campgrounds at Cooleman Mountain, Cooinbil and Long Plain offer alternative places to stay in the popular summer months.”

“The 5km Clarke Gorge walking track follows Cave Creek downstream through limestone gorges and cave formations. Stop along the way to do some fishing and birdwatching.
As you hike through the narrow gorge cut by Cave Creek, spectacular limestone cliffs, and cave formations on either side, you’ll never imagine that Clarke Gorge walking track could get any better. But it does, finishing at the top of Cave Creek Falls . There’s a 15m drop of water as well as views down Wilkinsons Gorge. Unsurprisingly, this walk is very popular with photographers.
As well as the beauty of the rock features, some of which were formed more than 400 million years ago, the landscape is dotted with snow gums and black sallee (another high-altitude eucalypt with dark bark), rare discaria shrubs, and vibrant yellow billy buttons. You’ll likely see grey kangaroos bounding in the distance and wedge-tail eagles circling overhead. Fishermen might also want to bring their lines with them because there are a few waterholes along Cave Creek where they can try their luck catching trout, before returning to the walk’s starting point at Blue Waterholes campground.”