Author: Anna Lakshmi

We are a family of four and are nuts about traveling. Our name reflects this! We love sharing the joy and love of traveling and adventure! Let's the fun begin!

Kosciuszko National Park

Snowy River in Kosciuszko National Park

Kosciuszko National Park is the biggest national park in New South Wales.  Home to Australia’s highest mountain, Kosciuszko National Park is a stunning place. It offers opportunities for embracing the best that nature has to offer. Mountains, rivers, caves, ski resorts, scenic lookouts – there is something for everyone, during winter and summer alike. Four rivers rise in the mountains – including the Snowy River. With a few areas within the park, you would need weeks to explore it all. We only explored two sections of it – Tumut and Thredbo-Perisher.

Attractions in Kosciuszko National Park

Most attractions in the park are around the mountains and valleys. In winter it is skiing, whilst in summer it is hiking. Just visiting the beautiful valleys and mountain tops is an attraction in itself.

Snowy Mountains Highway in Kosciuszko National Park

Yarrangobilly caves thermal pool

Yarrangobilly caves is a popular attraction in the northern part of Kosciuszko National Park. It is located between between Tumut and Cooma along Snowy Mountains Hwy. We did not visit the cave itself. Instead we cooled ourselves in the thermal pool at the same location. To get to the thermal pool, we had to go down a steep hill for 700 meters. It was harder going up. But the water was quite refreshing. The pool is fed by spring water and the temperature there stays at a constant 27⁰ Celsius. Just what you need on a warm day when you can’t take a normal bath or shower. And it only cost us $4 (charge per vehicle). There are picnic tables, toilets and change rooms. You can have a nice picnic there after your swim.

Mount Kosciuszko

At 2228 meters, Mount Kosciuszko is Australia’s highest mountain. While the climb to the summit is considered a relatively easy trail, you need to be prepared for the mountain. It was about 11 degrees with piercing cold wind as we climbed. It made us feel like it was much colder and the layers of clothes we had were not enough.

Climbing Mount Kosciuszko
A family of four at the Mount Kosciuszko.

As if to confirm that unwillingness to go further, my knees were hurting. The timing was wrong too. We should have started much earlier during the day. The prospect of a long hike back, in case we miss the chair lift was not appealing. So, we decided that climbing up to the lookout was good enough. It was still impressive 2000 meters plus above sea level. We did climb the mountain, after all, just not all the way 😊. Maybe, next time, when we are more prepared for such an experience, we’ll reach the summit. In my experience, we still did it 😊.

The chairlift from Thredbo to the base of the mountain was fun. It felt like peaceful paragliding, according to our younger son.

Family on a chair lift from Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko in Kos

Campgrounds in Kosciuszko National Park

There are many campgrounds within the national park. They are very similar, in terms of facilities and usually have non-flushing toilets, picnic tables and bbqs. Some have rubbish bins. Sites are usually not marked and you can choose your own site on arrival. They are free but need to be booked in advance. Booking fee of $6 is payable per booking. We stayed at two campgrounds and were pretty impressed with the scenery at both places.

Humes Crossing near Tumut

Humes Crossing campground in in Kosciuszko National Park

Humes Crossing is a very spacious campground on the shores of Blowering Dam in the north of Kosciuszko National Park. The campground is easily accessible via Snowy Mountains Highway. It is 24km south of Tumut Region Visitor Centre.

Humes Crossing campground in Kosciuszko National Park

We spent a couple of nights at Humes Crossing, including the Christmas Day – doing nothing but chilling out. It is a very picturesque place to go for walks. The dam is also a great place for fishing, as well as recreational water activities.

Kangaroos and emus visit Humes Crossing regularly.

Island Bend campground near Thredbo

Island Bend is set among the eucalyptus trees, 1250 meters above sea level, on the banks of Snowy River. It is a true paradise. It was very busy when we camped just before New Year’s Eve. In fact, it was full and we were lucky to book a spot at the last minute. The river zig zags around the campground and you can access it from a few places. Some people go fishing, others kayaking. It is too cold for swimming (for us, at least), with the temperature in the mountains being lower.

Island Bend campground in Kosciuszko National Park

The walks in the mountain forest along the river are amazing.

Snowy River at Humes Crossing campground in in Kosciuszko National Park

Beautiful eucalyptus trees with colourful bark grow in Kosciuszko National Park.

Eucalyptus trees in Kosciuszko National Park

Eucalyptus rubida candlebark and Eucalyptus stellulata black sally (above)

There is lots of birdlife, as well as wallabies to spot.

Crimson Rosella in in Kosciuszko National Park
Flame Robin female in in Kosciuszko National Park
Flame Robin male in in Kosciuszko National Park

Crimson Rosella (above left), Flame Robin female (above middle), Flame Robin male (above right).

To camp in Island Bend, you also need to pay national park entry fee of $17 per vehicle per night. The sites are not clearly marked, and you choose your spot. The campground is easily accessible and hence very popular.

Morning in Kosciuszko National Park

Island Bend campground is in Wilsons Valley, off Guthega Road. It is roughly 1 hour drive from the campground to famous Thredbo – ski resort and base of Mt Kosciuszko. The nearest town Jindabyne is roughly half way to Thredbo.

Fog over Snowy River in in Kosciuszko National Park

Visiting the park

Most of the roads in the national park are sealed and in very good condition. Snowy Mountains Highway connects towns on the eastern side. Alpine Way is on the western side. We visited Kosciuszko National Park in summer and driving was easy. It would be a different story all together in winter.

Driving in Kosciuszko National Park

Snowy Mountains Hwy

Snowy Mountains Hwy is quite pretty. The scenery changes as you drive through the alpine country. From mountain forest, tranquil snow gum woodlands, to grassy high plains. As you drive along, you will see many historic places, magnificent mountain tops and pretty lookouts.  

It is fascinating to keep climbing up and noting the elevation marks along the way.

Even the unusual signs, like those referred to chain fitting or snow plough, were fascinating for us. Of course, it would be like a dreamland in winter but even in summer it looked spectacular to us.

Alpine Way

Alpine Way drive is a scenic section of the Snowy Mountains Hwy. It offers gorgeous mountain views within the Kosciuszko National Park. It connects Jindabyne in the south to Khancoban near the Victorian border. But the drive is not for the faint-hearted or if you are prone to car sickness. The road is narrow, steep and winding (not recommended for towing caravans). The trees are often too close to the road for our comfort. Not once, my heart raced anxiously.

The scenery changes as you drive along 108 km route. You come across mountain forests, rock cliffs and grassy plains. It is not the drive to rush through. In fact, you wouldn’t want to drive fast at those steep and narrow turns. Luckily, there are many rest stops, free campgrounds and beautiful lookouts with magnificent views.

Entry to Kosciuszko National Park

There are several entry points to the park. Depending on the area of the park, as well as the season, the entry fee differs. It was free to enter Tumut region but cost us $17 per vehicle per night in Thredbo-Perisher in summer. It goes up to $29 per vehicle per night during winter season.

Kosciuszko National Park

Taylors Lake

Sunrise over Taylors Lake

Taylors Lake is a popular free camping spot, 20km south of Horsham in Victoria. Locals frequent this place and use it for fishing, especially but not limited to Murray cod.  Various water activities, like jet skiing and speed boating, as well as swimming is another reason for the lake’s popularity.

Camping at Taylors Lake

This man-made off-stream reservoir also supplies water to the region. While other lakes get dry in summer, Taylors Lake often has water to enjoy. It looked quite full when we visited the place end of December 2024.

Aerial view of Taylors Lake

Facilities at Taylors Lake include drop toilets, picnic tables, large skip bin and boat ramp. Dogs, as well as camp fires are permitted. Camping area is quite large, so you will find a spot even during busy times.

We found the place very picturesque. The dead trees, inside the water, dotting the edges of the lake, add an interesting subject. If you are into photography, you will like it. Due to the curves of the lake, you can enjoy both sunset and sunrise there.

Sunset (above left) and sunrise (above right) over Taylors Lake.

You can also see the mountains of the Grampians National Park in the distance (below).

Will we camp at Taylor’s Lake again? Absolutely! And we’ll make sure we fish there too, and hopefully catch something :).

Road leading to Taylors Lake with the Grampians in the distance

Loch lel (Pink Lake)

Child standing on the surface of salt lake Loch lel near Dimboola in Victoria

Loch lel is one of the many pink salt lakes that can be found in Australia. These pink lakes are not permanently pink. The pink colour comes from the algae that secrets red and orange pigments. When the water is hypersaline, the lake gets its beautiful pink colour.

Loch lel is in Victoria, north of Dimboola, on the Western Highway. It is easily accessible and is a nice stop for a lunch or rest break. Facilities include toilets and picnic tables, so you can have your lunch with a nice view.

What pink lakes have you seen? Comment below to share your experiences. We love to see pink lakes as we travel.

Aerial view of Loch lel pink lake in Victoria

The Murray River

People camping at Ulupna Island along the Murray River

The Murray River holds a great significance for the whole of Australia. And understandably so. Murray River is Australia’s longest river. It flows for over 2500km from the Snowy Mountains in NSW to the Southern Ocean in South Australia. It passes through 3 states, spanning New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.   Almost 2000 km is navigable, making it the third longest navigable river on the planet.

The river is a center of water sports, outdoor adventures, social and tourist activities. It is popular indeed. Murray River is a major source of water and food.

Speed boat on the Murray River

It is also a border between New South Wales and Victoria. It took me a while to get my head around it. Have you tried looking for a border between the two states on the map? I couldn’t find it for some time until I learnt that it is the Murray River that is the border.

Above is one of the many bridges across Murray River, connecting twin towns of two different states. Note, that the border is somewhere in the middle of the bridge. Half of the river belongs to one state and half to the other? 😊

Towns along the Murray River

Many towns are built along the river. There are a few twin towns that are located together, split by the river and thus belong to different states. We found this very amusing.

Echuca

Echuca is a vibrant town, full of history and is worth exploring. It is one of the largest towns along the Murray River. We spent a couple of hours there but could have easily stayed a few days. Horse riding, paddlesteam boats, interactive science museum, local produce – the list of attractions goes on. Echuca is in Victoria and its twin town, Moana is on the NSW side. It is smaller than Echuca and has its own unique feel.

You will find a British flag in the old tourist part of Echuca. Make sure you visit the Port of Echuca Museum. It is near the Visitor Centre. There you can learn about the history of the town. As it turns out, Henry Hopwood, a convict from Tasmania established the town of Echuca. He came originally from England.

Camping along the Murray River

There are many free camping spots along the Murray River on both sides. They are very much loved by the locals. You can see many people camping there, fishing or just playing water sports. Speed boating is very popular. The camping spots have no amenities and are not clearly designated but camping is permitted. Of course, you would need to be self-sufficient to leave no trace.

Ulupna Island along the Murray River

Ulupna Island

Ulupna Island is 11km north of Strathmerton, off the Murray Valley Highway. Its Red River Gum forest is known for koalas, although, unfortunately, we haven’t seen any when we camped. There are many camping spots along the river at Ulupna Island. Most of them are around the beaches, which, of course, are very popular. We camped on Victorian side.

Murray River Reserve Richardson Bend

Murray River Reserve Richardson Bend is another nice free bush campground we stayed at. It is near Barnawartha North on the Victorian side and is roughly 30 minutes drive from Albury in NSW. Unlike Ulupna Island, which was a national park, you can take your pet with you to Richardson Bend. There is lots of birds, cicadas and cows there. While the area is grassy along the river, cows leave too many cow pats. You need to look for a clearing without them 😊.

We were very fascinated with the mighty Murray River and that’s why we wrote this blog to share our experiences. Comment below, if you have something to share.

Grand Canyon Track

Children walking under the waterfall along Grand Canyon Track

Grand Canyon track is a popular and very beautiful hiking trail in the Blue Mountains National Park. The track is more than 100 years old. It follows the canyon down through the wet green rain forest, under rock overhangs and waterfalls. You can see many tall and dense trees with twisted roots.

Children among tall dense trees along Grand Canyon Track
Overhanging rocks and waterfall along Grand Canyon Track in the Blue Mountains

The track is well maintained with beautiful stepping steps which in combination with moss and ferns create an appealing picture. There is even a small but completely dark cave that you would need to go through.

Stepping stones at Grand Canyon Track
Cave at Grand Canyon Track

The Grand Canyon track is 6km long loop trail and it takes about 4 hours to finish. It is challenging because you must navigate many steps. You climb down to the floor of the canyon and then back up. It is definitely not for those with knee problems. But many people hike this track. It is definitely a worth while experience and one of the best places in the Blue Mountains.

How to get to Grand Canyon Track

This hiking track is in Blackheath. It is part of the Blue Mountains National Park. The park is roughly 2 hours drive west of Sydney, NSW. You can start the track from the Evans Lookout. This is part of the track. Alternatively, you can start from the Grand Canyon car park.

Evans Lookout at Grand Canyon Track, Blue Mountains National Park, NSW

Evans Lookout (above)

Wind-eroded cave, Blackheath

Wind eroded cave is an interesting and beautiful geological formation in Blackheath area of the Blue Mountains National Park. Not sure why it is called a cave though. It is a massive overhanging cliff with a small cave in front of it. Nevertheless, this wind carved cave would delight children and adults alike. Our kids definitely had a great time exploring it.

Wind-eroded cave in Blackheath, Blue Mountains, NSW

You can easily access the wind-eroded cave by a 2WD. It is a short drive from Blackheath town via Hat Hill Road. It takes only a minutes to walk towards it from the car park.

Nearby is a Perrys Lookdown, which has excellent and very new (in 2024) picnic facilities.

Perrys Lookdown near wind-eroded cave in Blackheath, Blue Mountains

While it was not a wildflower season, we managed to see some of these wildflowers blooming there. Below are some of the examples.

Firstly, it is Lambertia formosa. Common name for Lambertia formosa is mountain devil. It is a pretty plant that is easy to notice due to its bright red coloured petals. Looking closer you can see how the ends of the petals curl. This plant occurs naturally only in NSW.

Lambertia formosa growing near wind-eroded cave in Blackheath

Lambertia formosa (above)

Secondly, it is Flannel flower, Actinotus helianthin. It is a delicate and very pretty flower with soft wool like feel. The flowers are mostly white. But if you look closer, you can see greenish at the end of the petals an middle of the flower. Flannel flower is native to the areas around Sydney. We found a few of these flowers in Blackheath area of the Blue Mountains National Park.

Flannel flower growing near wind-eroded cave in Blackheath

Flannel flower (above)

Thirdly, it is Petrophile pulchella, commonly known as conesticks. It is a shrub with cream-yellow coloured flowers. It is restricted to eastern parts of Australia.

Petrophile pulchella growing near wind-eroded cave in Blackheath

Dunphys campground

Kangaroos at Dunphys campground

Dunphys campground is a remote and scenic campground in Megalong Valley in Southern Blue Mountains area in New South Wales.

During our trip to Sydney over Christmas 2024, we took time to explore a little of NSW. Blue Mountains was one of the items on the list and we actually wanted to camp there. So, we chose to stay at Dunphys campground.

Low lying clouds over Megalong Valley with Dunphys campground

Facilities at Dunphys campground

There are 15 campsites scattered around, none are marked. You would need to carry your camping equipment if you want a nice scenic spot, e.g. with a mountain view. Alternatively, if you have a roof top tent or a trailer, you can camp in the open grass area. This area serves like a car park. We placed our tents just outside this marked parking area. This way, we easily accessed our vehicle. It has a kitchen and everything else we needed.

People camping at Dunphys campground
Open grassed area at Dunphys campground

There are picnic tables, BBQ, and a non-flushing toilet. A water tank with non-treated water is available, but it didn’t really have any water at the time we camped.

People having lunch at Dunphys campground
Two tents and a child sitting at the table at Dunphys camgpround

Access to the campground is via a private property, which has a few gates to go through.

Road to Dunpbys campground

Thing to do

There are a few moderate to hard difficulty walking trails of various length around the campground. Katoomba with its attractions, like The Three Sisters and other lookouts is also not far away.

Nature lovers would delight in this place! There are many eastern grey kangaroos that frequent the campground daily. We’ve seen Lace monitor and many birds, including pretty Superb Fairy-wrens.

Eastern grey kangaroos (above) are different to western grey kangaroos that we have in Western Australia. They were quite friendly too :).

Lace monitor (above) or tree goanna is one of Australia’s largest lizards. It grows up to 2 meters in length and is found in eastern parts of Australia.

Superb Fairy-wren female (above left) and Superb Fairy-wren male (above right) restricted to eastern states of Australia.

Location and access

Dunphys campground is in Megalong Valley, in the Southern Blue Mountains area of Blue Mountains National Park in NSW. It is approximately 40 minutes drive from the nearest town Katoomba. There is a mixture of sealed and unsealed roads to get to campground. The last 5km or so of the road leading to Dunphys campground is very winding, steep, with sharp turns.

The towering eucalyptus trees overhang the road, too close for our comfort. We feared not for nothing. On the first night, travelling back to the campground, we actually got stuck on that road. It turned out that a tree fell and blocked the road. Locals told us it happens a lot. So, even though, the road is considered 2WD accessible, we do not recommend towing a caravan there.

The best thing about this campground (apart from awesome scenery) is that there is no entry fee to the national park and there is no camping fees either. Sites require booking though and there is $6 booking fee. Coming from WA where there are not many places that are free, we found camping in NSW so affordable for us!

The Three Sisters

The Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains

The Three Sisters is an iconic and one of the most popular attractions in the Blue Mountains in New South Wales. It is an interesting geological formation, that has been weather carved over millions of years. The three rock pillars over 900 meters high each stand close together, yet away from the main cliff wall. They stand out in their beauty and uniqueness against the distant mountains of the Jamison Valley.

It is interesting to watch the Three Sisters at different times of the day. You can see their changing colours as the sun moves over them in the sky. They look particularly impressive at sunset.

Location of the Three Sisters

You can see The Three Sisters from a few different locations. However, they are best viewed from Echo Point lookout, near Katoomba. Echo Point is only about 5 minutes drive from Katoomba.

Prince Henry Cliff walk

Echo Point with the Three Sisters is along Prince Henry Cliff walk, which is 7km long, one way. The walk is Level 3, which is moderate difficulty. There are many lookouts along the way. We have only covered part of this walk and viewed the best of what it has to offer.

Katoomba Falls

You can see the falls from Katoomba Falls lookout. The Skyway cable car also passes there. Consequently, it makes an interesting object for your photographs.

Katoomba Falls

Katoomba Cascades

Katoomba Cascades are also along the Prince Henry Cliff walk. They are hidden below. You can spend some time there watching the water cascading down the rock and flowing into the stream.

There is a lot more to see in the Blue Mountains. You need a few days to explore this beautiful region.

How to get to the Three Sisters

The Three Sisters is roughly 100km west of Sydney. It can be reached via motorway or public transport. There is no entry fee to the majority of the park. Although some places, like popular Echo Point, requires parking fees.

In conclusion, I would add that the Three Sisters is a must to see attraction. Firstly, it is so unique and iconic. Secondly, it’s immensely beautiful.

Lane Cove National Park, Sydney

Lane Cove National Park is located 10km north-west of Sydney in NSW, Australia.

Lane Cove National Park, Sydney

We love visiting national parks wherever we go. During our recent trip to eastern states we were lucky to stay at the caravan park (Lane Cove Discovery Park) which has direct entry into Lane Cove NP. This national park offers an escape from city life without having to travel far. Beautiful Lane Cove River passes through the park before flowing into Sydney Harbour.

Lane Cove River in Lane Cove National Park, Sydney

Things to do at Lane Cove National Park

Lane Cove National Park is a great place for a day out with the family. There are easy walks around the park, cycling paths, as well numerous picnic spots with bbq facilities.

Flora and fauna

Both the park and the river are home to a lot of interesting flora and fauna.

Scribbly gum, Eucalyptus haemastoma is a fascinating gum tree. It has distinctive markings on its trunk, as if someone scribbled on them, hence the common name – scribbly gum. Interestingly, the scribbles are caused by the moth as it moves between the old and new bark.

Scribbly gum at Lane Cove National Park, Sydney

Sydney red gum, Angophora costata, is an another pretty gum tree. It is characterized by convoluted branches. It sheds bark, like many gum trees do, to reveal orange colour smooth trunk.

Sydney Red Gum at Lane Cove National Park, Sydney

Eastern water dragon lizard is abundant in the national park, as well as the nearby caravan park.

Eastern Water Dragon Lizard at Lane Cove National Park, Sydney

Australian brush turkey. We found quite a number of them while staying at Lane Cove Discovery park in NSW. They were not shy at all and frequently visited us. Love their bright red head and yellow throat wattle (in males). As they do not occur in WA, we found them very fascinating.

Sulphur-crested cockatoo, native to eastern states of Australia is quite a large and rather common bird. They are intelligent, loud, especially when they are in big flocks, noisy, as well as ‘nosy’. We (especially our younger son) enjoyed meeting them at Lane Cove Discovery park. Although, at the end, we had to tell them off when they became too friendly😊.

Noisy miner – a bird from the honeyeater family – is another pretty bird you can see frequently at Lane Cove National Park.

Noisy miner at Lane Cove National Park, Sydney

Entry to the park

Entry to the park is $8 per vehicle. Although, if you stay at Lane Cove Discovery Park, you can just walk into the national park for free.

Family of 4 at Lane Cove National Park

Snottygobble Loop campground

Camping at Snottygobble Loop campground

What’s in a name?

So, why such an interesting name and what does it mean – Snottygobble? It is actually a tree, also known as Persoonia longifolia, which grows in abundance at Snottygobble Loop campground.

Camping location and facilities

Snottygobble Loop campground is located at the border of D’Entrecasteaux National Park and Greater Hawke National Park in Australia’s Southwest. It is a secluded little campground near Carey Brook and amidst thick jarrah-marri forest. There are 11 campsites, including 1 group site. The sites are suitable for tents and swags only, as the barrier prevents you from reversing in. Entrance to individual campgrounds is narrow in most cases, so putting an awning might not be possible. We couldn’t open ours but luckily we didn’t need it). Some sites have picnic tables, others have fire rings to be used between April and November. Only two sites have both picnic tables and fire rings (2 and #8). There are drop toilets and a communal shelter, which can be considered as a kitchen. The sheltered place has a table and a water tank with non-portable water.

Things to do

The best thing about the campground is that it is quite secluded, if you want privacy. Although, the forest amplifies all the sounds, so there is very good acoustics there 😊. There are nice walking trails along the Carey Brook. You can walk to the next campground (Grasstree Hollow), which is only 2km away. You can also walk in the opposite direction to Goblin Swamp. Or you can drive a few more km to Donnely river and launch your boat there.

It was a relaxing holiday that we spent at Snottygobble Loop campground. We played games (and we don’t often do that 😊), did some walking, visited ice-creamery and chocolate factories.

We also bought a bag of shelled macadamia nuts from Nannup and kids had a good time cracking them (all of them!)

Pemberton and Warren National Park with all their attractions are also nearby.

Goblin Swamp

Goblin Swamp is 2km away from Snottygobble Loop campground. It is an interesting place, with a mixture of mystery and spookiness in it. It was dry when we visited it in January and the roots of the paperbark trees were exposed. They were also burnt a few years ago. Now, still looking black with a contrasting new bright green growth, the trees look quite eerie. Goblins are said to live there too 😊.

Fees and bookings

Technically, Snottygobble camp is in Hawke National Park, so there is no park entry fee. Camping fees are $15 per person per night and you need to book the sites online via Parkstay WA. We camped at Snottygobble during Australia Day long weekend in 2025. The campground was fully booked, although 1 or 2 campgrounds were empty. Our neighbour had to relocate to Warren NP after 1 night, because his site was booked, but no one arrived that night.

In conclusion

We generally prefer camping by the beach where we can see sunrise and sunset, but with everything being fully booked weeks and months ahead, we were happy staying in the forest for a change :). It is a nice campground, if you don’t mind staying in tents/swags and don’t need lots of space around your vehicle (e.g. for an awning).