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Lower Snowy River area

Kosciuszko National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about the Lower Snowy River area.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    To get to the Lower Snowy River area in Kosciuszko National Park:

    From Jindabyne:

    • From Snowy Region Visitor Centre, drive 1.5km along Kosciuszko Road
    • Turn left onto Barry Way and drive 37.3km south to the park entrance

    From Victoria:

    • Follow Snowy River Road (C608) via Wulgulmerang to the southern border of Kosciuszko National Park, where it meets Barry Way

    The nearest fuel is available at Jindabyne or about an hour’s drive from Willis picnic area, at Seldom Seen (120km from Jindabyne)

    Park entry points

    Parking Show more

    Road quality

    • For most of its length, Barry Way is unsealed. It’s steep, narrow and winding and is not suitable for caravans.
    • Watch for minor rock falls and potholes – especially after rain.
    • Check weather and road conditions before you set out as the road can become boggy when it rains.

    Best times to visit

    The Lower Snowy River area in Kosciuszko National Park is a great place to visit at any time of year. Here are some of the highlights:

    Autumn

    Autumn is a great time for families and small groups to visit, as the days aren’t too hot for activities and the water is still warm. You may even have the entire campground to yourself.

    Spring

    Mild weather, the first flush of wildflowers, and the rivers flowing with snow melt, make spring a beautiful time to explore the Lower Snowy River area. Just be sure to check river levels before setting out.

    Summer

    Pitch your tent and enjoy a refreshing dip in the Snowy River. As it’s lower than the rest of Kosciuszko National Park, it can get very hot and dry in summer, so come prepared and check alerts for fire restrictions.

    Winter

    During winter, the Lower Snowy River area is the perfect place to escape the cold and crowds of Kosciuszko’s alpine areas. Flowering wattle blooms from the end of winter - a hint that spring is on its way.

    Facilities

    Toilets Show more

    Picnic tables Show more

    Barbecue facilities Show more

    Maps and downloads

    Fees and passes

    No park entry fees apply in the Lower Snowy River area. See vehicle entry fees for other areas in Kosciuszko National Park.

    Safety messages

    All Kosciuszko National Park visitors planning a long hike, off-track or overnight adventure, or visiting a remote part of the park, are recommended to fill in the trip intention form and carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). Find out more about hiring a PLB and completing a trip intention form on the dedicated iPads available at Snowy Region Visitor Centre, Tumut Visitor Centre and the Perisher NSW National Parks office.

    Alpine safety

    Alpine areas present special safety issues. Conditions can be extreme and may change rapidly, particularly in winter. It’s important to be prepared and find out how to stay safe in alpine areas.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    River and lake safety

    Water levels in the Snowy River and its tributaries can rise suddenly due to water releases from dams, and after heavy rainfall. Please take note of these river and lake safety tips.

    Permitted

    Cycling

    Cycling is permitted on public roads, and on some management trails outside wilderness areas. Within the Pilot Wilderness Area you can cycle on Cascade trail, Ingeegoodbee trail, and Nine Mile trail only. Riders please give way to walkers.

    Fishing

    You can go fishing in the Lower Snowy River area in summer season only. Fishing is not permitted between the June and October long weekends. A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

    Horses

    Horse riding is permitted along the Snowy River from Jacobs River to the Victorian border. You can camp with horses at Pinch River campground.

    Prohibited

    Firearms and chainsaws are not permitted in Kosciuszko National Park.

    Drones

    Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.

    This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.

    Commercial filming and photography

    Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas. The alpine resorts of Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass, Ski Rider and Kosciuszko Tourist Park are exempt, though some commercial and outdoor places within these resorts may have no smoking areas.

    Map of Lower Snowy River area in Kosciuszko National Park. Image: OEH

    Contact

    Visitor centre

    Links

    Nearby towns

    Jindabyne (40 km)

    For those heading to the Snowy Mountains snowfields, Jindabyne is a great place to hire or buy all of your skiing and snowboarding essentials from equipment to fashion.

    www.visitnsw.com