Blue Waterholes campground, Cooleman NSW
For the intrepid adventurer seeking a truly breathtaking and remote high-country experience, the Blue Waterholes campground is one of Kosciuszko National Park’s most spectacular destinations. Tucked away on the vast, open grasslands of the Cooleman Plain, this free campground is a gateway to a magnificent karst landscape of limestone gorges, caves, and impossibly clear, blue-tinted waterholes. Reaching this spot is an adventure in itself, requiring a long drive on unsealed roads that are best suited to 4WD or high-clearance all-wheel-drive vehicles, particularly after rain. The journey ensures a level of seclusion that makes the destination all the more rewarding.
This is a primitive bush camp designed for the fully self-sufficient explorer. The campground itself is a large, grassy area offering numerous informal sites where you can set up camp and soak in the 360-degree views of the surrounding plains and mountains. The facilities are basic, consisting of pit toilets and wood barbecues. Campers must bring everything they need, including all drinking water and firewood, and are required to pack out all their rubbish. The area is a haven for wildlife, with brumbies, kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats often seen grazing peacefully on the plains.
The true magic of Blue Waterholes lies in the incredible walking tracks that start from the campground. The short walk to the main waterhole reveals the stunning turquoise water that gives the area its name, a perfect spot for a bracing alpine swim on a warm day. The more substantial hikes through the Clarke and Nichols Gorges are simply world-class, leading you along riverbeds, through spectacular limestone cliffs, and into fascinating cave systems. The sense of ancient history and raw natural power is palpable. For the well-prepared traveller, a trip to Blue Waterholes is an unforgettable adventure into the wild heart of Australia’s high country. Bookings are essential.
Site Information
- Location: In the remote Cooleman Plains area of northern Kosciuszko National Park.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, Off-road Camper Trailers, and high-clearance Off-road Caravans/Hybrids.
- Road Access: Long unsealed road access. A high-clearance AWD or 4WD is strongly recommended. Roads are subject to closure due to snow or heavy rain.
- Site Surface: Large, level grass and dirt areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free unpowered sites. Bookings via the NPWS website are mandatory.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check the NPWS booking platform.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Large, undefined area with many informal sites.
Facilities
- Facilities: Non-flushing (pit) toilets, wood-fired BBQs/fire pits. No showers.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None. An emergency communication device is essential.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in provided BBQs only, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All water and food, firewood, rubbish bags, sturdy hiking boots, torch for caves, warm alpine clothing, and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
- Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals are not permitted in Kosciuszko National Park.
- Fishing: Fishing for trout is possible in the creeks and rivers.
- Short Walks: This is a major hiking and caving hub, with the Clarke Gorge and Nichols Gorge tracks starting from the campground.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The historic Royal Hotel, Adaminaby (approx. 60 km)
- Snowy Mountains Hotel, Adaminaby (approx. 60 km)
- Talbingo Country Club (approx. 80 km)
- Places to Eat: The nearest reliable options are in Adaminaby, Tumut, or Cooma.
- Local Attractions:
- Clarke Gorge Walk
- Nichols Gorge Walk
- The historic ghost town of Kiandra
- Yarrangobilly Caves (a long drive on different roads)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Adaminaby Snowy Scheme Caravan Park
- Talbingo Tourist Park
- Next Free Camps: Other remote NPWS campgrounds like Cooinbil Hut or Long Plain Hut (fees and different access).
- Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points are available in Adaminaby and Tumut.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Adaminaby (check hours). It is essential to have a full tank and spare fuel.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Adaminaby.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Mild to warm days, but alpine weather can change rapidly. Nights are cool. Temperatures average 5°C to 22°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A beautiful season with clear, crisp days and cold nights. Temperatures average 0°C to 16°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Very cold with heavy snow. The campground and access roads are closed during this period.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A lovely season as the snow melts and the alpine wildflowers bloom. Weather is very variable, with cold nights and the chance of late snowfalls. Roads may remain closed until late spring. Temperatures average -1°C to 15°C.