Kosciuszko National Park is the main NP in NSW suited to snow sports, walks and mountain biking in the Snowy Mountains. There are a number of Heritage huts and old homesteads.
The culling of Brumbies has attracted media attention in the 2020s
Only a few images (Credit: Peter Kneen) at this stage. Huts and mountain streams in the alps.
A few images of the Cascades in the Wadbilliga National Park. There is a nice camping ground nearby.
There has been a Heritage or Historical Study published about the very popular 4WD destination that is Bendethera.
This is a wonderful cleared valley along the Deua River boasting delightful camping. It has become very popular and at peak periods campsite bookings (through National Parks) has become necessary.
For the past decade or so it has been unlawful to bring off road traailers or caravans to the valley from the west, or Cooma Road, side.
In August 2008, Access for All and National Parks held a joint meeting at Bendethera where members brought along old maps, photos and other documents in order to collate the history of the area.
The main camping area near the horse yards was occupied back about the 1860s and several historic bridle tracks enabled the family to take produce out of the valley.
For a number of years now it has been illegal to tow a trailer or caravan into Bendethera from the western approach that goes via the Dampier Trig station.
As at July 2019, both the eastern approach from Moruya via Sugarloaf Road and the Bendethera Fire Trail and the western side of the Dampier Fire Trail have been graded. To the west of the Dampier Trig the trail has not been graded (July 2019).
The current surface is quite level but with the lack of rain there are some steeper sections which have a layer of fine (bull)dust. Also it is noticed that some of the steeper parts are starting to be chewed up - perhaps by vehicles travelling too fast and bouncing.
There is a new gate at the base of the Dampier Fire Trail (where the track enters the valley itself). The new gate is open but it is understood that this gate would be closed for safety reasons such as fire or flood. It is possible to go along from east (Moruya) to west (Cooma Road) which stays outside the gate.
July 28 I had the whole valley to myself and being a clear night I managed a few astro photos of the Horse Yards at the old Bendethera Homestead.
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Mt Waddell Mine is located near the lower end of the Shoebridge Track. The Waddell Family lived nearby and were Founding Members of AFA.
Bendethera is a favourite 4WD destination as a secluded cleared valley along the pristine Deua River. It is visited by a wide range of people mainly with 4WD. They bring trail bikes, offroad trailers and loads of toys. Horse riders also use it as a destination and there are well established horseyards near the old homestead site.
It is extremely popular during the summer and holiday periods and the valley can be quite crowded at times. There is growing pressure on its environment - such as a shortage of firewood. The use of chainsaws in Bendethera is prohibited - please bring your own wood or collect from well away from the area. May need to Book a Campsite
The NPWS have now (2014 onwards) made it illegal to take offroad trailers along the Dampier FT, the Merricumbene FT and the Minmura FT. Access to Bendethera for those with offroad trailers is via the Little Sugarloaf Rd from Moruya.
After rain, the Deua River can rise rapidly and is quite fast flowing in places. The bottom of river crossings can become quite "soft" after heavy rains. Engage 4WD low range and move at about walking speed (or a bit faster). The creek crossing of the Dampier FT near the Cooma Road is often the deepest to cross and often is about 500-700mm deep even without rain.
Several historic bridle tracks start or terminate at Bendethera including the Zig Zag track and the Georges Pack Track. The limestone caves can be accessed by a walking track from the valley.
Winter is great at Bendethera with few people. The following images by Peter Kneen are from June 2015
Brindabella's unique alpine and sub-alpine environment is home to many native animals, including threatened mammals like the spotted-tailed quoll or the yellow-bellied glider. With over 80 different species of birds seen in the park, it's also a birdwatchers haven. More about the Brindabella NP
A few images in or aroud the Brindabella National Park. Note bad bushfires of 2003 that impacted the ACT are thought to have started near the McIntyres Hut pictured above.
