Blue Waterholes, Clarke Gorge and Nichols Gorge.

Clarke Gorge

If you enjoy the outdoors than heading to Blue Waterholes has to be on your hiking to-do list. Blue Waterholes is nothing short of spectacular.

The campground at Blue Waterholes is excellent. While camping there it’s highly likely that you’ll be visited by wild kangaroo’s and Brumbies. There is plenty of evidence that these animals visit frequently. There are droppings everywhere. Once you get settled in there’s plenty to see. 2 superb walking tracks await you.

One is Clarke Gorge walking track which is absolutely amazing. You travel through the gorge offering massive lime stone cliffs and beautiful blue waterholes. There are a few creek crossing required so it’s highly like you’ll get wet feet on this walk. Clarke Gorge just takes your breathe away as you make your way through this magnificent landscape. At the end of the gorge it appears that the track ends. It’s probably rated at a medium walk getting to this point. And you wont be disappointed if this is as far as you get.

If your a bit of a mountain goat slowly make your way up the side of the cliff. You need

Nichols Gorge

to go about 6 meters. Once up there you’ll spot the track continuing through the gorge. Keep following this track which will involve more creek crossings. It eventually leads to an incredible series of waters. Getting to the bottom of the waterfalls requires more mountain goating. This is rated as one of the best hikes I have done and easily gets a 5 star rating.

The other walking track around Blue Waterholes is Nichols Gorge. This bushwalk is another 5 star adventure. The trail starts off with another magnificent blue waterhole and a cave to explore. Nichols Gorge has quite a few caves so ensure you take a touch with you. This walk is an 8km walk. Most of it would be rated medium. However getting up the mountain along side Murray cave is hard. Nichols Gorge is also fantastic and I recommend seeing both if you make your way to this area.

Directions to Blue Waterholes campground. 

Google Map Link. Drive along the Snowy Mountain Highway until you reach Long Plain Road (about 73km’s from Tumut). Long Plain road is unsealed and is best suited for a 4wd. It’s about a 15-20km drive along Long Plain road. Then you’ll see a sign pointing to the Blue Waterholes campground. It’s about another 3-5km’s along this fire trail.

4WD route via Brindabella Road

For those that want to also have a 4WD adventure, you can go off-road for approximately 100km to get to the Blue Water holes. It involves going via Canberra down Brindabella Road. From memory I’ve sketched my trip on the 4WD map on the maps tab. So I’m not sure if it’s 100% accurate.  Some routes are closed off. For example heading off Brindabella Rd onto Crace Lane is closed. This would be the shortest way. Something to be aware of. Ensure you have good maps as it’s easy to get lost in this part of the world.

Blue Waterholes, Clarke Gorge Photo Gallery.

Blue Waterholes, Nichols Gorge Photo Gallery.

Blue Waterholes, Clarke Gorge Youtube Clip.

Directions to Blue Waterholes campground. 

Google Map Link. Drive along the Snowy Mountain Highway until you reach Long Plain Road (about 73km’s from Tumut). Long Plain road is unsealed and is best suited for a 4wd. It’s about a 15-20km drive along Long Plain road. Then you’ll see a sign pointing to the Blue Waterholes campground. It’s about another 3km’s along this fire trail.

4WD route via Brindabella Road

For those that want to also have a 4WD adventure, you can go off-road for approximately 100km to get to the Blue Water holes. It involves going via Canberra down Brindabella Road. From memory I’ve sketched my trip on the 4WD map on the maps tab. So I’m not sure if it’s 100% accurate.  Some routes are closed off. For example heading off Brindabella Rd onto Crace Lane is closed. This would be the shortest way. Something to be aware of. Ensure you have good maps as it’s easy to get lost in this part of the world.