As well as being unbeatable for fishing, bushwalking and a good dose of outdoor relaxation, Three Mile Dam campground offers Aussie heritage in spades.

Established during the Kiandra gold-mining era, the dam provided water for sluicing operations via race lines to Kiandra (New Chum Hill). Its eastern side was part of the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme.

There are no marked sites but you’ll find plenty of room for your tent, camper trailer or caravan amidst the grassy sub-alpine woodland. Bask in the shelter of the surrounding snow gums, and make use of the handy facilities including barbecues and picnic tables.

It’s a good spot to visit in warmer weather as a stopover on the Khancoban to Kiandra scenic drive or Snowy Mountains Highway. A carpet of snow daisies and billy buttons enhance a springtime camping trip.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map

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Bookings

• National Parks Contact Centre
• 7am to 7pm daily
• 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
• parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au

Operated by

• Tumut Region Visitor Centre
• 9am to 5pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
• 02 6947 7025
• tumutrvc@environment.nsw.gov.au
• The Old Butter Factory, 5 Adelong Road, Tumut NSW 2720

Park info

• in the Selwyn area of Kosciuszko National Park in the Snowy Mountains region

• The Selwyn area is open all year, but some roads and trails may close due to weather conditions or park management issues. Kings Cross Road and the Khancoban-Cabramurra Road are closed in winter (June to October long weekends). Some campgrounds in the Selwyn area close in winter.

• Park entry fees apply in winter on Link Road

  June to October long weekends: $29 per vehicle per day (24hrs from purchase); motorcycles $12; bus passengers $11.45 per adult, $3.60 per child per day (24hrs). Single and Multi-Day passes available from entry stations, NPWS visitor centres, pay machines or via the Park'nPay app.

  See vehicle entry fees for other areas in Kosciuszko National Park.

  Buy annual pass (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).

Kiandra's claims to fame

The discovery of gold at Kiandra in 1859 attracted up to 10,000 prospectors hoping to strike it rich. Just 18 months later, after harsh winters and falling gold finds, only a few hundred gold miners remained. It's remembered as one of Australia’s shortest gold rushes, not to mention it’s highest (and coldest). In 1861, Kiandra became the birthplace of skiing in Australia, when Norwegian gold miners fashioned skis from fence palings. By the 1870s regular ski carnivals were arranged, and Australia had its first official ski slope here. Mining continued into the 1930s, with grazing and winter skiing also keeping the community alive. Before devastating fires in 2019-2020, four buildings still stood here, including Kiandra Courthouse, which had served as a courthouse, private residence, ski chalet, hotel and bar.

Environments in this area

• NSW alpine environments
• Eucalypt forest environments
• Grassland environments