Phot

o: T

alib

ingo

Mou

ntai

n (M

.Van

derv

eer/O

EH)

Kosciuszko National ParkTumut area tracks and trails

The Tumut area is your launch pad into northern Kosciuszko National Park. Head off the beaten track along secluded walks to cascading waterfalls and panoramic lookouts. Explore the tracks and trails on foot, by bike or 4WD, and you’ll discover hidden valleys, deep mountain lakes, local heritage and wildlife in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains.

Most attractions are easily accessed along the Snowy Mountains Highway, from Tumut or Talbingo.

BLOWERING FORESHORE WALKS

Climb the heights of Blowering Cliffs or Warogong Sugarloaf for views from the granite cliffs and Bogong Peaks Wilderness to the sparkling Blowering Reservoir, and rolling countryside of the Tumut River valley. This area is a must if you want to see mobs of grey kangaroos and emus, or try your luck fishing for trout or the iconic Murray cod.

Topographic maps • Blowering 1:25 000• Talbingo 1:25.000

01 Warogong Sugarloaf walking track● Grade 4 walk ● Very steep ● Formed track, some obstacles ● Clearly sign posted ● No steps ● Some bushwalking experience recommended

11km return, 4–5 hours

Park 500m south of the park boundary, on the Snowy Mountains Highway, around 16km south of

Tumut. The track starts on the eastern side of the highway. Be prepared for some steep sections.

Follow the track about 2km, through rolling hills being rehabilitated with newly-planted native trees. A sign posted branch to the right takes you 100m to a lookout point on Bald Hill. This side-trip is well worth it for the views of Blowering Mountain and Reservoir.

Back on the main track, the walk passes through a cool, shady valley that follows Log Creek. Dominated by tall peppermint and mountain gum, the forest is a great escape from the summer heat.

As you climb Warogong Sugarloaf, the vegetation changes to scribbly gum with an understorey of large grass trees. Once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to extensive views over the Tumut River valley to the north and Blowering Reservoir to the south-west. Return the same way.

Shorter routes: If you’re after a shorter walk, it’s around 2 hours return walk to the Bald Hill lookout, then return to the highway.

02 Blowering Cliffs walking track● Grade 4 walk ● Short steep hills ● Rough track, many obstacles ● Sign posted ● No steps ● Some bushwalking experience recommended

5km return, 2–3 hours

This walk to Blowering Falls starts from the carpark at the bridge over Snowy Mountains Highway, near Log Bridge Creek picnic area and campground. The track sets off along a management trail, through open montane forest.

It’s quite steep in sections, but you’re rewarded with ever-changing views of Blowering Reservoir.

Kosciuszko National Park: Tumut area tracks and trails 2

Turn right, off the management trail and on to the sign posted walking track, then follow until you reach a bridge over a creek. You’ll have a view of the waterfall trickling down the granite cliffs. Continue walking for more views. This section involves negotiating rock slabs that have fallen from the cliff, so pick your track carefully.

It’s common to see eastern grey kangaroos, emus and wallabies along this track. Birdwatchers will be able to identify native honeyeaters, firetails, parrots and raptors.

Return along the same track, and make use of the Log Bridge Creek campground for a leisurely picnic, or set up camp for the night.

TALBINGO AREA WALKS

Cool mountain creeks and waterfalls make these walks perfect for a hot summer day. Choose from short, easy walks or longer, more challenging options.

Topographic maps • Talbingo 1:25 000 • Courabyra 1:25 000• Yarrangobilly 1:25 000

03 Jounama Creek walking track ● Grade 3 walk ● Gentle hills ● Formed track ● Sign posted ● Occasional steps ● No experience required

6km return, 1–1.5 hours

This walk starts at Jounama Creek campground, 500m off the Snowy Mountains Highway, near Talbingo. From the campground walk 1km to the end of the gravel road, where the walk begins.

Follow the walking track, which runs parallel to Jounama Creek and the valley floor, to the end where you’ll reach a large natural pool. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic, to drop a fishing line in, paddle your feet after the walk, or to simply sit

quietly, listen to nature and watch for wallabies and eastern grey kangaroos.

Return the same way.

04 Old Mountain Road walking track ● Grade 4 walk ● Very steep ● Formed track ● Clearly sign posted ● No steps ● Some bushwalking experience recommended

4km one-way 1.5–2 hours

Set out along the trail from Jounama Creek campground, and you’ll soon meet the track head for the short but heart-pumping Old Mountain Road walking track. This high-energy walk heads uphill above the creek valley, but is well worth the effort for the breathtaking views of Bogong Peaks, Jounama Pondage and Blowering Reservoir.

The track follows Talbingo Mountain’s first road, built in 1860 during the Kiandra gold rush. Today, the only traffic you’re likely to see is a colourful variety of birdlife, including yellow-tailed black cockatoos. In summer, wildflowers including purple kunzea and white-flowered tea tree bloom on the lower slopes.

Return the same way (add 1hr), enjoying the downhill track, and detour to pretty Jounama Creek, near the campground.

Alternative routes: You can also start this track from the RMS stockpile on Snowy Mountains Highway, around 5.5km southbound past the Talbingo turnoff. It involves a steep descent, so organise a car shuffle at the bottom.

05 Buddong Falls walking track ● Grade 4 walk ● Very steep ● Formed track, some obstacles ● Clearly sign posted ● Occasional steps ● Some bushwalking experience recommended

3km return, 1.5 hours

Buddong Falls walking track starts from Buddong Falls campground, around 20km from Talbingo. Located in the remote north-west of Kosciuszko National Park, this walk takes you off the beaten

Photo: Log Bridge Creek and Blowering Cliffs (M.Vanderveer/OEH)

Kosciuszko National Park: Tumut area tracks and trails 3

quietly, listen to nature and watch for wallabies and eastern grey kangaroos.

Return the same way.

04 Old Mountain Road walking track● Grade 4 walk ● Very steep ● Formed track ● Clearly sign posted● No steps ● Some bushwalking experience recommended

4km one-way 1.5–2 hours

Set out along the trail from Jounama Creek campground, and you’ll soon meet the track head for the short but heart-pumping Old Mountain Road walking track. This high-energy walk heads uphill above the creek valley, but is well worth the effort for the breathtaking views of Bogong Peaks, Jounama Pondage and Blowering Reservoir.

The track follows Talbingo Mountain’s first road, built in 1860 during the Kiandra gold rush. Today, the only traffic you’re likely to see is a colourful variety of birdlife, including yellow-tailed black cockatoos. In summer, wildflowers including purple kunzea and white-flowered tea tree bloom on the lower slopes.

Return the same way (add 1hr), enjoying the downhill track, and detour to pretty Jounama Creek, near the campground.

Alternative routes: You can also start this track from the RMS stockpile on Snowy Mountains Highway, around 5.5km southbound past the Talbingo turnoff. It involves a steep descent, so organise a car shuffle at the bottom.

05 Buddong Falls walking track● Grade 4 walk ● Very steep ● Formed track, some obstacles ● Clearly sign posted ● Occasional steps● Some bushwalking experience recommended

3km return, 1.5 hours

Buddong Falls walking track starts from Buddong Falls campground, around 20km from Talbingo. Located in the remote north-west of Kosciuszko National Park, this walk takes you off the beaten

track to 2 pretty, cascading waterfalls in the Buddong Creek valley.

From the campground and picnic area it’s an easy 400m to a view point above the upper falls, which drop 20m. Listen out for lyrebirds amongst the smooth barked ribbon gums, pale yellow blackwood wattles, and white tea tree.

The walk to see the lower Buddong Falls is around 1.5km. Take care, as the lower section is quite steep and can be slippery during wet weather. The impressive lower falls cascade 60m down the granite and shale into a steep valley. Return back up the steep track.

To get to Buddong Falls from Talbingo, follow the sealed road to Tumut 3 Power Station. Drive behind the power station, cross the creek then turn right after 300m on to the gravel powerline easement. Follow the road around 11km, to the Buddong Falls turnoff. Part of this section is through private land so stay on the road. From the turnoff it’s 3km downhill to the Buddong Falls carpark. The roads are winding and narrow so drive carefully. Roads are slippery when wet and best suited to 4WDs. You can also reach the Buddong Falls turnoff via Powerline Road, from Elliott Way.

Extra sections: This walking track forms part of the long-distance Hume and Hovell walking track. If you’re looking for a longer walk continue down Buddong Falls walking track to end up at Jounama Pondage, or continue along Blowering Reservoir to Tumut. The further you go you may need to camp the night or arrange a car pick- up.

HUME AND HOVELL WALKING TRACK

The Hume and Hovell track stretchees 426km from Yass to Albury, passing close to Tumut and Talbingo. Recommended for experienced, self-sufficient hikers only.

The track follows a mix of public roads, fire trails, purpose-built single track and over 100 footbridges, with 17 campgrounds along the way. There are several points near Tumut and Talbingo where you can access the Hume and Hovell walking track, to walk a shorter section. Contact Tumut Visitor Information Centre for more information, including maps and guide books.Visit: humeandhovelltrack.com.au

CUMBERLAND RANGE WALKS AND RIDES

Head into the mountains, high above Talbingo where you’ll find a stunning landscape ideal for walks and rides. Follow shady trails to dramatic viewpoints of Landers Falls, Talbingo and Blowering Reservoirs. Keep your eyes peeled for this area’s native birds and wildlife including kangaroos, swamp and red-necked wallabies.

Cumberland trail is narrow, winding and has blind crests. It’s slippery when wet. Be aware of walkers, riders and 4WD vehicles. There are no facilities in this part of the park, so please come well-prepared.

Topographic maps • Talbingo 1:25 000• Yarrangobilly 1:25 000

06 Landers Falls lookout walk● Grade 3 walk ● Short steep hills ● Formed track, some obstacles ● Sign posted ● Occasional steps ● No experience required

10.6km return, 3.5–4.5 hours

Landers Falls lookout walk takes you to 2 lookouts, which are sure to impress you with dramatic views of Landers Creek waterfall and Talbingo Reservoir in the valley below.

If you’re in a 2WD, you’ll need to park at the Cumberland trail 2WD carpark, 300m from the Snowy Mountains Highway turnoff. From there, it’s a 10.6km return walk to the lookout.

In summer, 4WD vehicles can continue 4.5km along Cumberland trail to the 4WD carpark (vehicle access closed in winter). From here, it’s a 1.6km walk to the lookout. You can also

Photo: Jounama Creek (M.Vanderveer/OEH)

Kosciuszko National Park: Tumut area tracks and trails 4

Photo: Landers Falls lookout (E.Sheargold/OEH)

mountain bike as far as the 4WD carpark, then walk to the lookout.

Once you reach the 4WD carpark, follow the Landers Creek Falls lookout signs downhill, cross the creek, then turn right and head steadily uphill. The steep last few hundred metres bring you to Talbingo lookout, high above the Landers Creek valley. Take in the views of Talbingo Reservoir and the Bago Plateau, then continue another 300m along the final, rocky and uneven section of the track, to Landers Falls lookout.

Perched on the rim of a deep gorge, the lookout greets you with fabulous views of Landers Creek Falls as it emerges from the cliff off to the right. It cascades into a rocky ravine and into Talbingo Reservoir. The tree protruding from the lookout is a Tingiringi Gum, rare in this area of Kosciuszko National Park.

Return the same way.

07 Cumberland ride

28.8km return, 5–7 hours

Breathe in the fresh mountain air, and give your legs a workout, on this longer mountain bike ride on the Cumberland Range.

From Snowy Mountains Highway, ride along the Cumberland trail for 4.8km to the junction with Talbingo Mountain trail and the 4WD carpark. Allow plenty of extra time if you plan to take in the views from Landers Falls lookout (walking track only), or detour to Big Talbingo Mountain.

From the 4WD carpark, continue along Cumberland trail 5.7km where you’ll meet Lickhole trail. Then travel 3.9km east to reach the Snowy Mountains Highway. You can return the way you came, for a 28.8km return ride. Alternatively, you can cycle 5.8km north along the highway, to the Cumberland trail turnoff, for a 20.2km loop.

08 Talbingo Mountain trail

18.8km return, 3–5 hours

This challenging mountain bike ride rewards you with spectacular views over Talbingo and the Tumut River valley to Blowering Reservoir.From Snowy Mountains Highway, ride along the Cumberland trail for 4.8km until you reach the 4WD carpark. Turn right onto Talbingo Mountain trail and follow it for around 4.4km. The track climbs 340m, through forested woodlands that opens into snow gum and grasslands as you approach the summit of Talbingo Mountain. From Big Talbingo trig, at the summit, you’re treated to outstanding views in every direction. To the north, the town of Talbingo sits on the edge of Jounama Pondage, with Blowering Reservoir and cliffs beyond. Westward lies Talbingo Dam, Tumut 3 Power Station and the Bago Plateau. To the south you’ll catch glimpses of the rugged Tumut River gorge. Return the same way.

Kosciuszko National Park: Tumut area tracks and trails 5

09 Jounama Heritage walk ● Grade 3 walk ● Gentle hills ● Formed track, some obstacles ● Sign posted ● No steps ● No experience required

3.2km return, 1-1.5 hours

This short, easy walk takes you to the site of 3 old grazing lease homes in this area.

Take the Lob’s Hole Ravine turnoff from Snowy Mountains Highway, north of Yarrangobilly Caves. Follow around 1.8km past the rustic log gates to the heritage walk’s carpark. It’s a 200m walk to the Old Jounama Homestead site, dating from the late 1800s. Only garden plants now remain.

Continue 1km through an open grassy and shrubby plain to reach Glendella Homestead site. In it’s heyday, Glendella was the 3-bedroom home of Alf Agett, the mailman for the area between Yarrangobilly Caves and Ravine.

The third and final stop along Jounama Heritage walk is Faraway Homestead site, a further 500m along the track after crossing Dip Creek. Cattle and sheep grazed here, and oats were grown on the large site, until it was abandoned in the early 1950s. Return the same way.

WINTER ACCESS

Walking tracks and riding trails may be affected by snow during winter. It’s a good idea to contact:

Tumut Visitor Information Centre Ph: (02) 6947 7025.

ACCOMMODATION AND CAMPGROUNDS

There are plenty of campground in this area of the park, including:

• Buddong Falls campground

• Coonara Point campground (boat access only)

• O’Hares campground

• Humes Crossing campground

• Jounama Creek campground

• Log Bridge Creek campground

• Rock Flat campground

• The Pines campground

• Yachting Point campground

• Yolde campground

You can also stay at historic Yarrangobilly Caves House or Lyrebird cottage.

STAYING SAFE

Many parts of Kosciuszko National Park are remote and rugged places, weather can change quickly and conditions may be unpredictable.

Be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of any children in your care. Remember to plan ahead, choose your walks and activities to match your stamina and fitness level, and tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

Always check the weather before leaving and change your plans if bad weather is approaching.

Visit: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alpine-safety

General enquiries:Tumut Visitor Information Centre. Ph: (02) 6947 7025Snowy Region Visitor Information Centre, Jindabyne. Ph: (02) 6450 5600Yarrangobilly Caves Visitor Centre. Ph: (02) 6947 7025Khancoban Visitor Centre. Ph: (02) 6076 9373Visit: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/kosciuszkoPublished by:NSW National Parks and Wildlife ServiceOffice of Environment and Heritage59 Goulburn St, Sydney, NSW 2000ISBN 978-1-925754-09-4 June 2018/0374

Photo: Snowy Mountains Highway (M.Vanderveer/OEH)

Detailed Map of Tumut area, Kosciuszko National Park

YarrangobillyCaves

YarrangobillyMtn

Mt Nungar

Peppercorn Hill

Big Dubbo Hill

Black Perry Mtn

Gooandra Hill

TantangaraReservoir

Wal

lace

sC

reek

Tr

BlueC

reekTr

Cop permineTr

Tollb

arTr

Mid

dle

Cre

ekTr

LobsH

oleR

avineR

d

Lobs

Ho

leR

avin

eR

d

Go oandra

Tr

Bullo

cks

Hill

Tr

Tant

anga

raR

d

Da

mTr

Por t

Philli p Tr

Spicers CreekTr Lo

ng

Plai

n

Rd

Blue Waterholes Tr

Peppercorn Tr

Horse

sho

eTr

Fein

tsR

ange

Tr

Hor

sesh

oeTr

Bou

ndar

yRd

Goobragandara

Rd

Cotterills

Tr

Bogong Mtn

Warogong

Tr

JounamaTr

¬01

Yarra

ngob

illy

Rive

r

Goob

arragandra

River

Murrum

bidgee

River

P

eakRiver

Riv

er

Coom

a

CanberraTumut

BONDOSTATE FOREST

Mi chelago Tr

Go

bar

raga

ndra

Pow

erli

neR

d

Yarran

gobilly

Broken

Cart

TrTumut®E

WEREBOLDERASTATE

CONSERVATIONAREA

BAGOSTATE

FOREST

BAGOSTATE FOREST

MICALONGSTATE FOREST

Batlow

Adelong

Tumbarumba

Cab

ramurra

®6 ®f®8Log Bridge Creek

®6 ®f®8The Pines

®6 ®f®8Humes Crossing

®6 ®f®8Yachting Point

®6 ®f®8Yolde

®6 ®s®8Jounama Creek

®6®8Rock Flat

CampHudson

®CVenables

Hut

Kells Hut

®C

®CVickerysHut

®sTalbingo

®O

®O

Black PerryLookout

LandersFalls

®b®b®6 ®s®8

BuddongFalls

Big Bogong Mtn

Bogong Peaks

O'HaresHill

Mt Hovell

Blowering Mtn

Big Talbingo Mtn

®CJounamaHomesteadRuin

®6®8

CoonaraPoint

®8Ravine

®6 ®f®8O'Hares

®s

WarogongSugarloaf

®s®1BloweringCliffs

Cooleman CreekTr

Boundary Rd

Boundary Rd

Long

Plai

nRd

Mos

quito Creek Tr

®E®7

Nungar Creek Tr

Bound

aryR

d

Browns Tr

Talbingo Dam

Tr

TalbingoReservoir

BloweringReservoir

Pow

erlin

eR

d

Bo

und

aryR

d

Snubba Rd

Yell owin Access R d

Brow

ns

Rd

Batlow

Rd

Buckley s

Tr

War

ogon

g Tr

Stokes

Hut Tr

Em

u Flat Ck Tr

Cliffords C reek Tr

Cum

berlandTr

Lick

Hol

e

Tr

SN

OW

YM

TN

S

HWY

SN

OW

Y

MTNS

HW

YTumut

Riv

er

Goobarragandra

River

Tran

smis

sion

Tr

¬02

¬03¬04

¬05

¬06¬08

Ellio

ttWay

¬07

®6

®6

Prosser Tr

Ho

neysuckle

Tr

(clo

sed

inw

inte

r)

(Clo

sed

inw

inte

r)

Bridgeout

®8®C®6

YarrangobillyVillage

BarnettsRd

Bramina Rd

Brind abella Rd

¬09

®bOld JounamaHomestead Site

!P

Tumut areaKosciuszko National Park

!

!

!

!

!

!

Jindabyne

Cooma

CanberraTumut

Adaminaby

Khancoban

Campground®8

Highway/Sealed road

NPWS reserves4WD trail - may not be accessiblein wet weather

Unsealed road - may not beaccessible in wet weather

Management trail - no publicvehicular access

Walking track

Tumut area

Campground(no facilities)®8Picnic area(day use only)®1 Walking track®b

Mountain bike trail®b

Featured walking trackor mountain bike trail¬01

Visitor information®EToilets®6

®7 Accomodation Boat ramp®f

Historic hut®C

Lookout®O

0 2 4 6 8 10

Kilometres!IMAP INFORMATION This map does not provide detailedinformation on topography, alerts or opening times and maynot be suitable for some activities. Map published: 24/07/2018

Other reserves/State forest

Tumbarumba