Waterfall Walking Track in Kosciuszko National Park

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Kosciuszko National Park is a breathtaking expanse of natural beauty, where the alpine environment creates a serene landscape of rolling hills and snow-capped peaks. The park offers a diverse range of hiking trails that take adventurers through lush meadows, ancient forests, and pristine rivers, showcasing the park's stunning vistas and unique flora and fauna. It's a hiker's paradise, where each step on the trail reveals a new facet of its enchanting wilderness, inviting exploration and discovery. The waterfall walking track is located in the Kosciuszko National Park, in the Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains. It is an ideal easy and relatively short hike. The walk starts at Sawpit Creek picnic area, 15 km northwest of the town of Jindabyne.

The Waterfall Walking Track in Kosciuszko National Park is a versatile trail that is suitable for a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. Its path makes it perfect for a leisurely bushwalk, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the surrounding landscape. For those seeking a more active experience, the track's even terrain is also suitable for an easy jog, offering a different way to connect with nature. Along the way, birdwatchers can delight in the diverse array of birdlife, with the park's rich ecosystem providing a habitat for many native species, making each visit a unique and rewarding experience.




Trail Notes

The trail is about a 6km loop, allow 1hr 30min - 2hrs 30min. Kosciusko National Park classifies the hike as Grade 3, which means that the trail is clearly signposted, some bushwalking experience is recommended, formed track, some obstacles and some steps.

To access Kosciusko National Park is necessary to pay an entry fee if you drive inside with the car. For all the information about the entry fee refer to the official page of the Kosciusko National Park .

The waterfall walking track is always open, but it may be closed at times due to poor weather, snow conditions or fire danger.



What to Bring

Drinking water, hat, sunscreen and suitable clothing. Make sure to bring your mobile phone.
The waterfall walking track is a great option for most weather conditions as it's a sheltered walk. The trail of the walk runs parallel to Sawpit Creek, when at about halfway the creek comes tumbling down a cliff forming a pretty waterfall. The distance to the waterfall is about 3 km and then the trail forms a loop and returns back to the Sawpit Picnic Area.



Starting Point

It is possible to start the walk at either Sawpit Creek picnic area or Kosciuszko Education Centre. Embarking on the Waterfall Walking Track from either the Sawpit Creek picnic area or the Kosciuszko Education Centre provides a gateway to the captivating landscapes of the Snowy Mountains. Starting at Sawpit Creek, adventurers are immediately greeted by the inviting path that leads towards the underpass beneath Kosciuszko Road.



As you step onto the trail, prepare to be enchanted by the rugged beauty and remarkable diversity that defines this iconic region. The journey unfolds in the bush with native trees and native bush which are in bloom depending on the season. Pay attention to the whispers of creeks and waterfalls, each element of the bush is evidence of the area's natural splendour and ecological richness.



On this invigorating 6km hike through the Waterfall Walking Track, you find yourself traversing a kaleidoscope of natural settings that showcase the dramatic diversity of Kosciuszko National Park. The journey begins in the embrace of towering eucalypt forests, where the air is filled with the earthy aromas of the bush and the gentle rustle of leaves. As the path winds onward, you encounter striking outcrops of hefty granite boulders, standing as ancient sentinels amidst the landscape, their surfaces etched by time and weather.


As you continue your exploration, be sure to admire the stately, fibrous-barked alpine ash trees that grace the area. Once logged in the late 20th century, these majestic giants can soar to an impressive height of 90 meters, serving as living proof of the resilience and grandeur of the natural world. Each step along this trail is an invitation to connect with the diverse and wondrous elements that define the Snowy Mountains.



This easy track is equally great for an afternoon bushwalk, early morning run, or nature-spotting session in Kosciuszko National Park. Local wildlife includes wallabies, kangaroos and echidnas, along with a range of birdlife in the trees.




Hikes from Sawpit Creek

Beside Waterfall Track there are other interesting trails starting from Sawpit Creek Picnic Area.

Sawpit Walk is a 2.6 km circuit which follows Sawpit Creek downstream through woodland. After about one kilometre, there is a junction in the trail. The Sawpit Track takes a sharp turn to the right while the Pallaibo Track continues following the creek.

Pallaibo Walk is a 5.6 km one-way trail with steep sections; the trail follows Sawpit Creek, crossing the creek several times. If you like, you can organise transport at the Thredbo River picnic area to avoid returning uphill.



Directions

From Jindabyne town follow Kosciusko Road for about 16 minutes, for a length of about 16 kilometres. It is a scenic drive, drive north and west of Jindabyne, practically parallel to the Jindabyne Lake.



Sawpit Creek Picnic Area

Sawpit Creek picnic area is Nestled in the Snowy Mountains, a prime spot for a relaxing day out. Located in the Thredbo-Perisher area of Kosciuszko National Park, it's easily accessible from Jindabyne and close to park entry gates.

This picnic area offers plenty of amenities and is a great starting point for exploring the surrounding nature. After enjoying a meal, choose from three walking tracks: the easy Waterfall walk or Sawpit walk, or the longer Pallaibo track. There are kangaroos among the trees as you explore.



Before you head out, remember to pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. Insect repellent can be handy in the summer months and note that mobile reception is limited in the park.

Sawpit Creek is a perfect blend of convenience and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for both picnicking and adventuring in the great outdoors.

The Old Sawpit

In the 1860s there were bullocks hauling alpine ash logs to a sawpit beside the creek, hence the name Sawpit Creek. This favoured timber was sawn into planks and used in buildings in Cooma and old Jindabyne, which is now under the lake. Alpine ash grows on south-facing slopes on the higher areas between 1450 metres and 1850 metres above sea level.

At this altitude, there are montane forests of woolly tea tree, black sailee and alpine ash. In 2003 a huge bushfire, started by lightning, burnt out much of the area. Many eucalypt trees, quickly regenerated by sprouting clumps of leaves on their trunks and branchers known as epicormic growth. However hot fire can kill alpine ash as they only regenerate from seeds, which take many years.



Learning from the Bush

The natural environment is able to provide food, fibre, medicine, shelter, tools and water. Aboriginal people have lived off the land for thousands of years, and the bush has also spiritual significance.

For generations, Aboriginal people from southeast New South Wales and northern Victoria came to the highest parts of the Snowy Mountain for special ceremonies. The people camped in the lower areas and used the montane forests such as those around the area for hunting and collecting food.

In the higher sub-alpine and alpine areas plants were mainly gathered for medicinal and spiritual reasons.



The Town of Jindabyne

Jindabyne is a charming town located in New South Wales, Australia. It is nestled in the Snowy Mountains region and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is situated on the shores of Lake Jindabyne, offering stunning views and plenty of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking.

In the winter months, Jindabyne becomes a hub for snow sports enthusiasts, as it is located near popular ski resorts such as Thredbo and Perisher. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the surrounding mountains.

Jindabyne also has a vibrant community with local shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. The town hosts events throughout the year, including music festivals, markets, and sporting competitions.



It is a great place to set base for hikes and explorations, since the start of the hikes are nearby, and the cost of the accommodations is more affordable. There are many types of accommodation, and NRMA Parks and Resorts is very recommended.

Jindabyne is a wonderful destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering a mix of outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

Reference

Mount Kosciuszko National Park

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