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Leatherbarrel Creek picnic area

Khancoban area in Kosciuszko National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Leatherbarrel Creek picnic area is a small basic site that offers birdwatching and a good rest stop for car tourists on Alpine Way.

Type
Picnic areas
Accessibility
Medium
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Please note

  • Drinking water is limited or not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
  • We encourage you to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.
  • Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching.
  • There is limited mobile reception in this park.

As the scenic and meandering Alpine Way winds through Kosciuszko National Park, it’s a great idea to take advantage of the many rest stops along the way. One terrific spot can be found at Leatherbarrel Creek picnic area, where steep mountainsides covered in tall forest surround a small grassy flat with plenty of shade.

Pack lunch or afternoon tea (don’t forget the billy), and roll out a picnic blanket so you can lay back and listen to the serene sounds of the beautiful creek. A number of birds call Leatherbarrel home, so if birdwatching is an interest, bring some binoculars too, and keep your eye out for currawongs, kookaburras, rosellas and willy wagtails. Brush-trailed possums like to visit the area at night. 

If you find yourself fatigued on the road, Leatherbarrel Creek picnic area doubles as a small campground. Other camping options can be found in the nearby Thredbo Valley, Tom Groggin, or Geehi.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Nearby

  • Signage at Leatherbarrel Creek campground and picnic area, Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Murray Vanderveer © DPIE

    Leatherbarrel Creek campground

    Leatherbarrel Creek campground is located along Alpine Way scenic drive, between Thredbo and Tom Groggin, in Kosciuszko National Park.

  • A 4WD vehicle drives towards Thredbo on Alpine Way, passing the Thredbo River near Dead horse Gap, Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: Murray Vanderveer/DPIE

    Kosciuszko – Alpine Way drive

    A driving or motorbike tour along Alpine Way scenic drive is a great way to discover the spectacular mountain views, serene campgrounds, magnificent walks, rides, and heritage of southern Kosciuszko National Park.

 

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

Conservation program:

Southern corroboree frog conservation project

An iconic endangered species, the southern corroboree frog, found only in Kosciuszko National Park, faces the grave threat of extinction. Saving Our Species aims to prevent this from happening by battling chytrid fungus, protecting frog habitat from pests, and fostering a captive breeding program. 

Southern corroboree frog (Pseudophryne corroboree), Kosciuszko National Park. Photo: John Spencer

General enquiries

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