Pilot Wilderness and Lower Snowy River, Kosciuszko National Park (Snowy Mountains and Canberra Trip)

Tuesday 17 December 2019 – 279 603

The day began by preparing Massaman Beef and Sweet Potato Curry and putting it in the slow cooker for the day.  Then we headed off to explore the “Pilot Wilderness and Lower Snowy River” area of Kosciuszko National Park.  This is accessed via Barry Way from Jindabyne.  Once back into the National Park the dirt road becomes extremely windy, as well as narrow and cut into the side of a steep hill. https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/-/media/visitor/files/pdf/brochures/kosciuszko-national-park/pilot-wilderness-and-lower-snowy-river-area.pdf

Wallace Craigie Lookout was our first stop, providing views into the ranges to come.  It is named after the man who was instrumental in having the road from Jindabyne into East Gippsland developed.  

https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/lookouts/wallace-craigie-lookout

We stopped in at all the various campgrounds – a total of two campers – in a variety of peaceful spots along the Snowy River.  The bush here is very different to the “Thredbo-Perisher Area” – much taller trees with little to no undergrowth.  The Snowy is a grand river and must have been much more so before 79% of its flow was diverted.

At No Name picnic ground (yes, that is its official name) we had a swim in water much, much warmer than Thredbo River, with brumbies grazing on the opposite bank.  I saw several wildflower types that I had not previously seen.  Jacks Lookout gave incredible views along and over the Snowy River.  

https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/lookouts/jacks-lookout  At the Victorian Border, we walked across from New South Wales into Victoria and back again.  We then retraced our route back to camp and enjoyed our curry.