Lambie Gorge Walk
Discover Lambie Gorge, a place of profound Ngarigo Aboriginal Dreaming stories and pioneering engineering history, offering scenic walks and diverse w...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid midday heat and crowds.
Lambie Gorge Walk
Best Time
Avoid midday heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Lambie Gorge, a place of profound Ngarigo Aboriginal Dreaming stories and pioneering engineering history, offering scenic walks and diverse wildlife.
"A walk with dual significance: ancient Aboriginal Dreaming and groundbreaking engineering history."
🎯 Use the Right Entrance
Enter via the bowls club or retirement home, not the Showgrounds. :round_pushpin:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The path can be rocky and overgrown; wear good walking shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ngarigo Dreaming Rock Art
Gorge Entrance
Marvel at the ancient Ngarigo Dreaming story of the Turtle and the Snake depicted in the entrance rocks.
Engineering Heritage Site
Near Gorge Entrance
Discover the site where rock bolting methodologies were scientifically improved for the Snowy Hydro Project.
Gorge Viewing Platform
End of Main Path
Reach the viewing platform for panoramic views of the gorge, a rewarding sight after the walk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Gorge Entrance
Respecting Cultural & Natural Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Use the Right Entrance
Enter via the bowls club or retirement home, not the Showgrounds. :round_pushpin:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The path can be rocky and overgrown; wear good walking shoes. :athletic_shoe:
🐍 Watch for Wildlife
Be aware of snakes and other native animals along the overgrown path. :snake:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially on warmer days. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Use the Right Entrance
Enter via the bowls club or retirement home, not the Showgrounds. :round_pushpin:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The path can be rocky and overgrown; wear good walking shoes. :athletic_shoe:
🐍 Watch for Wildlife
Be aware of snakes and other native animals along the overgrown path. :snake:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially on warmer days. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Views
The gorge offers stunning scenery, perfect for photography. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lambie Gorge for its unique blend of natural beauty, significant Ngarigo Aboriginal heritage, and historical engineering importance. The walk to the viewing platform offers rewarding views, though some find the path challenging and overgrown. Wildlife sightings and the ancient rock art are highlights for many.
"A Bush walk to a beautiful Gorge. After a challenging walk to a viewing platform, you can see the whole Gorge from high up. Sign posts describe native plants growing in the reserve.
The Aboriginal name for this gorge is "Coolamatong", which was the name of the whole region around Cooma, including the Golf Club. It means a place where water is plentiful, belonging to a tribe.
At the entrance you will see a huge rock. This is the Ngarigo dreaming story of the Turtle and the snake. The huge rock is the Turtle, to it's left is the snake wriggling down the rock towards the turtle eggs at the bottom. The Turtle is looking the other way. The snake is going to eat the eggs. The Turtle has poison fangs, she will kill the sly brown snake, if she catches him. To the left of this is a rock that looks like a frog, there are plenty of native and rare frogs in this creek, you can hear them croaking.
Platypus have been seen in the ponds along the gorge, as well as native water rats.
There is a Rock drilling site behind the Turtle Rock. This site was used by Snowy Hydro to experiment on Rock strengthening, for the Snowy Hydro Project."
Maureen Fox
"Access not signed. Go in from bowls club or retirement home - not from Showgrounds. Big fences everywhere a pain. This place is of great Ngarigo Aboriginal significance and international engineering significance for the rock bolt designs done here. The path ends at the platform so don’t go following goat paths accidentally past there.
“Coolamatong (Lambie Gorge) (Monaro Tributaries PU)
Coolamatong (Lambie Gorge) Aboriginal Place is a Dreaming place for the Ngarigo Aboriginal people and was a traditional campsite located along the Cooma Back Creek.
Coolamatong is the name given to a Dreaming story about the snake, frog and turtle, which is associated with the local rainmaker spirit ancestor named Dyillagamberra. At Coolamatong Aboriginal Place Bagal (totem) figures can be found in the landscape that are associated with the snake, frog and turtle Dreaming stories. Coolamatong Aboriginal Place is important because of its spiritual link to this Dreaming story. Today Coolamatong Aboriginal Place is visited by local Aboriginal people to maintain their connection to the area and to pass on knowledge of its significance to younger generations (NSW OEH, 2019).”"
B M
"As previously mentioned by other guide,accessible behind footy field. Not that long and not hard to walk up to first platform as there's handrail. Second part is for able bodies over rocks but still not complex. Nice view although at the time river was almost dry. Heritage site at the beginning together with national engineering historical site showing rock bolts."
Goran Selthofer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Many visitors recommend entering from the bowls club or retirement home area, as the Showgrounds entrance can be less clear and have more fencing. Look for signs indicating access points.
Information on public transport to the immediate vicinity of Lambie Gorge is limited. It's generally recommended to travel by private vehicle. Check local Cooma transport schedules for nearby options. :bus:
Lambie Gorge is located near Cooma. Driving is the most convenient option. The walk is situated behind the local footy field and accessible from the town. :car:
Limited parking is usually available near the recommended entrances. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot. :parking:
The access roads leading to the general area are typically paved or well-maintained. However, the walk itself is a bush track. :road_map:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Lambie Gorge Walk is generally free. It's a public reserve managed for its natural and cultural significance. :ticket:
As an outdoor natural reserve, Lambie Gorge is typically accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times. :clock1:
There is no separate fee for the viewing platform; it is part of the free access to the Lambie Gorge Walk. :moneywithwings:
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns, potential wildlife encounters, and the lack of lighting. :flashlight:
No specific permits are generally required for casual day visitors to Lambie Gorge Walk. :scroll:
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The main walk to the viewing platform is not excessively long, but the terrain can be challenging in parts. Allow ample time to enjoy the scenery and cultural sites. :timer:
The initial part of the walk to the first platform has a handrail and is manageable. The second section involves navigating over rocks and can be more challenging for some. :hiking_boot:
Restroom facilities are not typically available directly at the start or along the Lambie Gorge Walk. Plan accordingly before your visit. :toilet:
You might spot rock wallabies, native frogs, water rats, and potentially platypus in the ponds. Keep an eye out for snakes as well. :mammoth:
The initial section is manageable for children, but the rocky parts may be difficult for very young children or those with mobility issues. Parental supervision is advised. :child:
📸 📸 Photography
The viewing platform offers expansive gorge views. The entrance rocks with Aboriginal art and the diverse flora also make for great photographic subjects. :camerawithflash:
Yes, with patience and a good zoom lens, you might capture images of rock wallabies or other native fauna. Be respectful and maintain a safe distance. :camera:
Early morning or late afternoon light can provide beautiful golden hour illumination for the gorge and surrounding landscape. :sunrise:
Drone usage is often restricted in natural reserves and areas of cultural significance. Check local regulations before flying a drone. :drone:
A versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is useful for landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens can capture the expanse of the gorge. :camera_lens:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage them to look for wildlife, such as frogs and potentially rock wallabies. The walk to the viewing platform provides a sense of accomplishment. However, be cautious with very young children on the more rocky and overgrown sections of the path, and ensure they stay close.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers & Hikers
Pay close attention to the overgrown path and be aware of your surroundings, especially regarding wildlife like snakes.
🏛️ History & Culture Enthusiasts
Equally fascinating is the Snowy Hydro rock drilling site, a testament to Australian engineering innovation. Understanding how rock bolting techniques were advanced here adds a unique dimension to the visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cultural Significance of Coolamatong
The landscape here is intrinsically linked to Ngarigo Dreaming stories, particularly those involving the snake, frog, and turtle, and the rainmaker spirit ancestor, Dyillagamberra. The prominent rock formations at the entrance are said to represent these figures, telling an ancient narrative of creation and survival.
It's crucial for visitors to approach this site with respect, recognizing its sacred status. The rock art and the natural formations are not just geological features but living testaments to the enduring culture of the Ngarigo people.
Engineering Innovations at Lambie Gorge
This site was instrumental in the development and scientific improvement of rock bolting methodologies, a crucial technique for large-scale infrastructure projects like the Snowy Hydro Scheme. The innovations tested and refined here had a lasting impact on the engineering industry.
Visitors can learn about this aspect of the gorge through signage, offering a unique blend of natural exploration and a glimpse into Australia's engineering past. It's a reminder that even seemingly natural landscapes can hold stories of human endeavor and technological advancement.
Wildlife Encounters in the Gorge
The ponds and creek within the gorge are known to be home to platypus and native water rats, though sightings can be elusive. The sound of frogs croaking is common, indicating a healthy amphibian population.
Observing wildlife in their natural habitat is a rewarding experience. It's important to maintain a respectful distance, avoid feeding the animals, and leave no trace to help preserve this delicate ecosystem for future generations. :butterfly:
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