Geehi Flats Campground – Free Snowy Mountains Camping

Geehi Flats is one of Australia’s most iconic and breathtaking campgrounds, offering a truly unforgettable experience in a remote, western corner of the Kosciuszko National Park. This vast, free campground is set on an expansive grassy plain on the banks of the Swampy Plain River, with the majestic western fall of the Snowy Mountains’ main range providing a spectacular, ever-present backdrop. The journey to Geehi along the Alpine Way is a scenic adventure in itself, but arriving in the valley and seeing the historic Geehi Hut, with the mountains soaring behind it, is a moment you won’t forget.

This is a paradise for self-sufficient campers who love wild, open spaces. The campground offers an enormous area to spread out, making it perfect for all setups, from tents to large caravans. It’s a world-renowned destination for trout fishing, with the crystal-clear river holding a healthy population of both brown and rainbow trout. The river’s numerous rock pools and gentle rapids are also perfect for a bracing alpine swim on a summer’s day. This is a classic back-to-basics bush camp with non-flush toilets and fire pits being the main facilities. You must be completely self-reliant, bringing in all your own water and supplies, and taking all rubbish with you. The high altitude and valley location mean nights are cold year-round, making a campfire essential. For a spectacular, adventurous, and free camping experience in the heart of the high country, Geehi Flats is a bucket-list destination.

• Website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
• Phone Number: 1300 072 757 (NPWS Bookings)
• GPS Coordinates: -36.37971, 148.17881

Site Information

• Location: Kosciuszko National Park, on the Alpine Way between Thredbo and Khancoban.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road access: Sealed road (Alpine Way). Easy 2WD access, but check for snow/ice conditions in winter. Not recommended for very large rigs in winter.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, this is a free campground, but bookings are essential via the NSW National Parks website. Park entry fees apply.
• Maximum overnight stays: Check booking details.
• Number of un-powered sites: 100 unmarked sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, wood barbecues/fire pits, picnic tables.
• Picnic tables: Yes.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: None. A PLB or satellite phone is essential.
• TV reception: None.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator use: Not permitted.
• Number of sites available: 100 sites.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water for your entire stay.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own firewood and an axe.
• A personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite phone is essential for this remote area.
• Alpine-rated warm clothing and sleeping gear, regardless of the season.
• Snow chains for your vehicle during the winter months.

Activities

• Pet friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Kosciuszko National Park.
• Fishing: World-class trout fishing in the Swampy Plain River. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: Explore the historic Geehi Hut, the riverbanks, and the Geehi Walls track (4WD).

Local Amenities (Nearest are in Khancoban / Thredbo)

• Local Pubs:
  • Khancoban Alpine Inn, Khancoban (~30 km)
  • The Local Pub & Bistro, Thredbo (~45 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Limited options in Khancoban (~30 km).
  • An extensive range of cafes, restaurants, and bars in Thredbo Alpine Village (~45 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • Geehi Hut (on site)
  • The Alpine Way scenic drive.
  • Murray 1 Power Station, Khancoban (~25 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Khancoban Lakeside Caravan Park (~30 km)
  • NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park (~75 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Other campgrounds along the Alpine Way (fees apply).
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available in Khancoban (~30 km) or Jindabyne (~75 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Khancoban (~30 km) or Thredbo (~45 km). It is essential to arrive with a full tank of fuel.
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Khancoban or Jindabyne. You must arrive at the park fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. The next closest are in Khancoban (~30 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Snowy Mountains High Country (Alpine Valley)

• Summer (December – February): Mild to warm days with cold nights. Weather is very changeable. Average temperatures from 9°C to 23°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Cool, crisp days and very cold nights. The autumn colours are spectacular. Temperatures range from 1°C to 17°C.
• Winter (June – August): Very cold, with severe frosts, ice, and frequent heavy snowfall. The Alpine Way can be closed. Temperatures range from -5°C to 6°C.
• Spring (September – November): Cold to cool days that can be windy and changeable. Snow is still common. Temperatures range from 1°C to 16°C.