Cooleman Falls, Kosciuszko: Clarke Gorge Walk & Plunge Pool Guide

Cooleman Falls, signposted by NPWS as Cave Creek Falls, is where Cave Creek drops about 15 metres off a limestone ledge at the end of Clarke Gorge, in the remote High Plains of northern Kosciuszko National Park. Below it sits a deep, cold, blue-green pool ringed by boulders.

Find this and dozens more in Swim New South Wales: directions, access notes and safety tips. Printed guides include 12 months of the Explorer app free. Get the guide →

Getting there is the fun part: a 5 km return walk from Blue Waterholes campground that follows the creek downstream between tall limestone cliffs, crossing the water again and again. It's a warmer-months trip only, as the access roads close every winter. It's one of the wildest entries in Swim New South Wales, and a great reason to camp out on the High Plains for a night or two.

Swimming at Cooleman Falls

Cave Creek starts as spring water rising from underground at Blue Waterholes, and the dissolved limestone gives it a clear, blue-green tinge. It stays icy cold all year, so a dip here is short and sharp rather than a lazy swim.

The walk follows the creek through Clarke Gorge, crossing it around 18 times in shin- to knee-deep water over slippery, sometimes wobbly rocks. Reef boots or water shoes make a huge difference. NPWS warns that Cave Creek can run strongly, so if the crossings look pushy, turn around.

You can see the top of the falls easily from the track. Reaching the plunge pool at the bottom means leaving the formed track for a steep, unmarked scramble down the rocky cliffside. NPWS asks walkers to stay on the track and not to stop under rock faces because of rockfall, so only consider it if you're experienced and the rock is dry, and never jump in. Plenty of visitors are just as happy enjoying the gorge and the view over Wilkinsons Gorge from the top.

The Cooleman Plain is karst country, full of caves, underground streams and old gorges, and you may see kangaroos, wedge-tailed eagles and wild horses. Keep the water clean by skipping sunscreen and lotions before swimming, and tread lightly around the plants clinging to the gorge walls.

How to Get to Cooleman Falls

The walk starts at Blue Waterholes campground in the High Plains area of Kosciuszko National Park, reached by the unsealed Long Plain Road and Blue Waterholes Trail. In dry weather they're generally fine in a 2WD driven slowly, but they get corrugated and muddy after rain. NPWS says no park entry fees apply in the High Plains area.

Long Plain Road closes for winter, from the June long weekend to the October long weekend, and closures can be extended for weather or fire danger. Check NSW National Parks alerts or call the Tumut Visitor Centre before you go.

From the campground, drop down to Cave Creek and follow the Clarke Gorge walking track downstream. NPWS lists it as 5 km return, grade 5, and suggests 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Retrace your steps to return.

Know Before You Go

• Seasonal access only: roads close from the June long weekend to the October long weekend, sometimes longer.
• Grade 5 walk with rough, unformed track, limited signage and many creek crossings. Wear water shoes or reef boots.
• Rockfall risk: stay on the track and don't stop under cliffs. Never jump or dive into the plunge pool.
• The water is icy year-round. Limit your time in it, and bring warm layers.
• No mobile reception. Download offline maps and tell someone your plans.
• Weather is extreme and changeable on the High Plains, and creek flows rise after rain.
• Watch for snakes and give wild horses and other wildlife plenty of room.
• No sunscreen or lotions before swimming, pack out all rubbish and stay off fragile karst vegetation.

Cooleman Falls FAQs

How long is the Clarke Gorge walk to Cooleman Falls?

NPWS lists the Clarke Gorge walking track as 5 km return, taking 3.5 to 4.5 hours because of the creek crossings and rough ground.

When can you visit Cooleman Falls?

In the warmer months. Long Plain Road closes over winter, from the June long weekend to the October long weekend.

Is there a park fee at Blue Waterholes?

NPWS says no park entry fees apply in the High Plains area of Kosciuszko National Park. Camping fees apply at the campground.

Can you swim at Cooleman Falls?

There's a deep pool at the base, but reaching it means an unmarked cliff scramble with rockfall risk, and the water is icy. Many people swim in the creek instead.

More Swims Nearby

• Yarrangobilly Thermal Pool: Kosciuszko's warm spring-fed pool, not far south.
• Jenolan River Waterfall: more turquoise karst water, below Jenolan's Blue Lake.
• Devil's Coach House, Jenolan Caves: a giant limestone arch in another of NSW's karst landscapes.