Grade 1

Clarke Gorge Walking Track (5km)

Kosciuszko National Park

New South Wales

5km

3 hrs

Grade 5

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Hike at a glance

Quick overview: Explore the breathtaking Clarke Gorge walking track, a 5km return hike rated Grade 5 for its challenging terrain. Nestled amidst spectacular limestone cliffs and cave formations, the trail features landmark views of the 15m Cave Creek Falls and scenic Wilkinsons Gorge, attracting photographers and nature lovers alike. Starting and ending at Blue Waterholes campground, this trail promises sightings of grey kangaroos, wedge-tail eagles, and an opportunity for trout fishing. For an adventurous trek amidst ancient geological formations and diverse wildlife, this trail is a must-visit.

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Technical details

Max elevation: 0m
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Total Ascent: 0m

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Grade 5 (difficult) badge

Remote, unmarked, and high consequence
These are the most challenging walks and are only suited to highly experienced and well-prepared hikers.

Expect very rough, steep, and often unmarked terrain, with limited or no signage. Navigation skills are essential, and you must be self-reliant, including emergency preparedness. Distances may exceed 20km, and conditions can quickly become serious if things go wrong.

Safety note: There is little margin for error. Mistakes in navigation, weather judgement, or preparation can have serious consequences.

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Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Interactive Safety Scenarios. Then refer to the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.

Register your plans here →

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

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Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here →

Get there with Google Maps

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

Find Accommodation

Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Adaminaby, Cabramurra, Cooma, Crackenback, Dalgety, Jindabyne, Khancoban, Perisher Valley, Thredbo, Tumbarumba, Tumut

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The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

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Clarke gorge walking track (5km) trail hiking australia

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

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