21 March to 24 March - Blue Waterholes Camp Kiandra

Walk Coordinators: Lyn Evans, Neil Andersen and Phillip Kendall 
Grade: Moderate Distance: 6-7 km
Car Camping
Meet: 12:00 noon onwards at Magpie Flat campground at Blue Waterholes,
Kosciuszko National Park 
Distance: Two walks 6 km and 7 km
Terrain: Walking trails, fire trails plus a little off track walking Description: This is an extended weekend camp in Kosciuszko National Park based at Blue Waterholes, in the north of the park. It is about 3 1/2 to 4 hours driving time from the coast. Head up the Snowy Mountains Highway through Cooma, Adaminaby and Kiandra and continue on to Rules Point. Turn right on the Long Plain Road (unsealed but generally good condition) to the Blue Waterholes turnoff on the right (well signposted). Blue Waterholes Trail has a gravel surface and is steep in sections but generally negotiable by 2WD. The Magpie Flat campground is near the end of the road, just above Blue Waterholes and is the second campground, the first being Cooleman Mountain camp. Arrival time is flexible from Friday midday on. There are no set walks in the afternoon but we can visit Coolemine Homestead historic site and relax by the creek. It would be possible to drive home late Sunday afternoonfor those who do not have the time to camp out a third night. The Saturday and Sunday walks will start from the campground about 9.00 am, neither of which will take the whole day so there will also be the opportunity for some caving. Neil Anderson, a friend of Jeff Vaughan's, will be leading the caving. He is a very experienced cave guide and knows the Cooleman caves well. One will be an easy cave everyone can do, the other longer and harder.  If you are not into caving, there is a perfect spot to relax by the creek in the gorge. You will need to bring a good head torch and spare batteries, a hard hat or bicycle helmet is recommended, some clothes you don't mind getting dirty and of course boots. 
The walks will be mainly easy to moderate on tracks, with a bit of rock hopping and on one walk there are multiple creek crossings on stepping stones. Carrying sandals or thongs and
a small towel would be an advantage if you want to keep boots dry. There will be a bit of cross country walking where long trousers or gaiters would be an advantage, mainly because of grass seeds. Carry plenty of water in case of a warm day plus lunch. The area has spectacular scenery, interesting limestone formations and historic sites so bring your camera.
The campground is free and has basic facilities (pit toilet and shared fireplaces) and is suitable for camper vans/camper trailers as well as tents. You will need to bring drinking water and maybe some firewood. Being in the mountains, it can get cool some nights even at this time of the year. It can also get quite hot in the day.
If you require further information, please contact Lyn or Phil.

Thanks for the photos Phil - wish we'd been able to come!