High Plains area
Kosciuszko National Park
What we're doing
Park management and conservation activities
High Plains area is in Kosciuszko National Park. Kosciuszko National Park has management strategies in place to protect and conserve the values of this park. Visit the detailed park and fire management documents. Here is just some of the work we’re doing to conserve these values:
Understanding landscapes and geology
Geo conservation efforts and research play an important role in protecting the delicate ecosystems of Kosciuszko National Park, such as the Cooleman Karst Plain. Rehabilitation and maintenance works to limit the impact of erosion and degradation, and monitoring the effects of climate change and visitation, are ongoing.
Preserving biodiversity
Kosciuszko National Park plays and important role in conserving NSW’s biodiversity by protecting its vulnerable, threatened and endangered species. Conservation activities are carried out in this park, and include monitoring the habitat, distribution and population of the northern corroboree frog, broad-toothed rat, and Max Muellers burr-daisy.
Managing weeds, pest animals and other threats
Pests and weeds have a significant impact on the ecosystems and habitats within Kosciuszko National Park. Reduction of species such as ox-eye daisy are an important part of the work NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) does to protect the integrity of the High Plains area.
Preserving historic heritage
The historic heritage of Kosciuszko National Park is preserved through a variety of NPWS programs that embrace its past. Heritage revitalisation and adaptive reuse projects are ongoing in this park. NPWS also works with volunteer groups including the Kosciuszko Huts Association, Friends of Currango and 4WD clubs to preserve and maintain historic huts in the High Plains area.
Developing visitor facilities and experiences
NPWS is committed to developing facilities for the enjoyment and safety of visitors to Kosciuszko National Park. Visitor feedback and environmental sustainability are key considerations in park maintenance, and upgrades are ongoing. Heritage cottages, campgrounds, picnic areas, and trails are continually maintained and upgraded, and NPWS regularly reviews the park’s recreational opportunities, identifying areas for improvement or addition. Hazard assessments are also ongoing.
Kosciuszko National Park has achieved Australia’s first Ecotourism Destination Certification, through Ecotourism Australia, recognising best practice sustainable tourism and visitation in protected areas.
Managing fire
NSW is one of the most bushfire prone areas in the world due to our climate, weather systems, vegetation and the rugged terrain. NPWS is committed to maintaining natural and cultural heritage values and minimising the likelihood and impact of bushfires via a strategic program of fire research, fire planning, hazard reduction, highly trained rapid response firefighting crews and community alerts.
Contact
- in Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains region
Long Plain Road and Tantangara Road (beyond the dam wall) are closed in winter from June to October long weekends. This period may be extended so it’s a good idea to contact the Tumut Visitor Centre. Areas may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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No park entry fees apply in the High Plains area. See vehicle entry fees for other areas in Kosciuszko National Park.
Buy annual pass -
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Tumut Region Visitor Centre
02 6947 7025
Contact hours: 9am to 5pm daily. Closed Christmas Day. - The Old Butter Factory, 5 Adelong Road, Tumut NSW 2720
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Email: tumutrvc@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Tumut Region Visitor Centre
Upcoming alerts
For all planned management events such as hazard reduction burns and pest control operations see the alerts page.
Get involved
Historic huts restoration and maintenance
High country huts and sites dotted throughout Kosciuszko National Park are recognised as important NSW heritage structures. Volunteer with Kosciuszko Huts Association if you want to help restore and maintain these huts.
Donate to NSW National Parks
Valuable conservation work is being done in our national parks through the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, a not-for-profit organisation with the mission to care for Australia’s native plants, animals and cultural heritage.