Keebles Loop

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 Hr

2.6 km Circuit

27 m

Hard track

Starting from the northern end of Geehi Flats Camping area, this walk first visits the Geehi Hut before crossing Swampy Plains Creek and walking along a 4WD trail, part of the Bicentennial National Trail to Keebles Hut. Here the walk loops back via another 4WD trail following the creek most of the way back to the start. The alternate entry described in these notes follows another 4WD trail in and uses a bridge to cross the creek, helpful if you want to keep your feet dry or when the creek's flow is too great to cross safely.

Toilets at northern end of Geehi Flats camping area

Information sign about the area around Geehi Flats

Walking down to Swampy Plains River from Geehi Flats

Gate on the northern side of Swampy Plains River crossing near Geehi

Int of Swampy Plain and Bicentennial Trails

Walking along the 4WD trail at Behrs Flat

Walking along trail beside Swampy Plains Creek

Looking along trail near Swampy Plains Creek

Snow & Ice on walk

This walk leads through an alpine environment and all walkers must be well prepared. During summer, be prepared for both hot and cold weather, high winds, rain, extreme UV levels and some sections of snow or ice on the ground. Before starting this walk, check advice with Snowy Region Visitor Information Centre (02) 6450 5600, the weather forecast and the snow conditions then change your plans as needed. These notes, grades and walking times have been written for use in the summer months only. Between May and the end of October, there is a much higher change of snow, ice and extremely cold conditions.

Geehi Picnic Camping Ground

This is a very large campsite with plenty of space for roaming about and with some interesting things to explore. The campsite sits on the bank of the Swampy Plain River, which offers some opportunities for fishing. There are plenty of toilets scattered around (with access for people in wheelchairs). There are several stone shelters, historic huts, and walking tracks in the area. The individual campsites are not marked out, but there are plenty of spots to choose. There is no charge for camping (although vehicle entry fees apply).

(0km) Geehi Hut car park → Geehi Hut

70 m

1 mins

-3m Easy track

From the car park, this walk heads north[1] away from the face of 'The Western Fall' sign[2] along the paved path. The path soon turns away from the road and crosses a small ditch[3] to find a book-like 'Geehi's recent past' information sign[4]. Here the walk heads across the grass to Geehi Hut a short distance away[5].

Geehi Hut

Geehi Hut, also known as Airstrip or Nankervis Hut, was originally built in 1952 by Jim Nankervis and his brother, to assist with grazing[6]. The 11m x 9m river stone building has three rooms, including a fireplace[7] (not for use). Near the hut is a wheelchair-accessible toilet[8] and plenty of space for camping. The hut was restored in 2004 by the NPWS. The remains of the older Tyrrell's Hut[9] can be seen nearby. More info.

(0km) Geehi Hut car park → Int of Swampy Plain and Bicentennial Trails

190 m

3 mins

-5m Hard track

Turn right: From the car park, this walk heads west along the dirt road[10] away from the toilet whilst initially keeping the hut a short distance to your right. The trail soon leads past a locked gate[11] (on your right) and the down to a few campsites[12] just before Swampy Plain River crossing and a 'To Behrs Flat - 4 Wheel Drive' sign[13].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk crosses the rocky ford Swamp Plain River crossing[14][15]. This river is impassable after rain or snow melt, take care not to cross when the river is too high or too fast. Once on the other bank, this walk heads through the gate[16] (locked to vehicles in wet conditions) and comes to a clear, three-way intersection with another 4WD trail[17] (on your left).

(0km) Geehi Rest Area Entrance → Int of Swampy Plain and Bicentennial Trails

1.2 km

23 mins

37m

-40m Hard track

Turn left: From the entrance to Geehi Rest Area[18], this walk follows the 'Jindabyne' sign[19] along the Alpine Way[20]. The road soon leads across a bridge[21], over Swampy Plains River and comes to an intersection with a 4WD trail[22] (on your right), just on the other side of the bridge.
Turn right: From the western side of Geehi Bridge[23], this walk follows the 4WD trail off the main road, down the short hill[24] and along the side of Swampy Plain River (keeping the river to your right). The walk soon passes a short side trail[25] (on your right, that leads down to the river[26]), continuing instead parallel to the river along the clear trail through the trees[27]. The trail soon passes a 'To Behrs Flat - 4 wheel drive - Dry weather only' sign[28] and continues through the forest for about 400m to a large turning circle[29] (on your right), just before a gate[30] (locked to vehicles in wet conditions). From this turning area, this walk continues along the trail steeply uphill[31], through the gate. As the trail reaches the high point, there are good views down to Swampy Plain River and across Geehi Flats[32]. The trail then leads down the hill to a three-way intersection[33] with the Bicentennial National Trail at Behrs Flat (to your left[34]) and a gate[35] and creek crossing (to your right). Now Veer left to rejoin the main walk .

(0km) Int of Swampy Plain and Bicentennial Trails → Keebles Loop intersection

60 m

1 mins

-1m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the flat trail north-west into Behrs Flat clearing[36] (directly away from Swampy Plain River). After a short distance, the trail comes to a 'Y' intersection[37] with a grassy trail (on your right), just before a couple of trees standing by themselves.

(0km) Keebles Loop intersection → Int south of Keebles Hut

790 m

12 mins

-10m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north further into Behrs Flat clearing[38], initially keeping the grassy trail to your right. The clear trail soon passes two shrubby trees[39] then continues to wind through the open, grassy clearing. The trail crosses a small, culverted creek[40], then about 150m later, comes to a 'Y' intersection[41] (with a trail leading steeply up to the left).

(1km) Int south of Keebles Hut → Keebles Hut

160 m

3 mins

-3m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north towards the hut along the wide trail[42]. The trail soon bends right[43] and leads past the 'Keeble's Hut' information sign[44][45], coming to a large, open area in front of the hut[46].

Keebles Hut

Keebles Hut was built in 1948[47] as a fishing lodge by Arthur Keeble, for Arthur and Flo Nankervis. The hut has been under the management of NPWS since 1970, with upkeep maintained by family members. A renovation was organised in 2002, by Kosciusko Huts Association and the Range Rover Club of NSW. The hut offers a fireplace[49] and a wood-powered stove[50], as well as a large indoor table[51]. Around the hut is a popular camping area, with picnic tables[52], a toilet[53] and a river nearby[54]. More info.

(1km) Keebles Hut → Geehi Hut car park

1.4 km

23 mins

20m

-7m Hard track

Continue straight: From the hut[55], this walk heads north-east across the grassy flat, away from the front of the hut and towards the creek, following the faint grassy trail[56]. The trail soon becomes clearer and then bends right[57] to head upstream, keeping the river through the trees to your left[58]. The trail leads along the edge of the clearing, past a few river-side campsites[59] and about 800m from the hut, the trail bends right at a larger campsite[60] beside the river. The trail leads through the clearing and soon comes to a clear three-way intersection[61] with the Bicentennial National Trail.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads south-east along the clear trail, keeping the tall stand of trees to your right[62][63]. The trail soon leads to a 'Y' intersection[64] just before a (usually unlocked) gate (and creek crossing on the left branch[65]).
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads south, downhill through the gate[66] (locked to vehicles in wet conditions) to the edge of the Swampy Plain River[67]. This walk crosses the rocky ford Swamp Plain River crossing. This river is impassable after rain or snow melt, take care not to cross when the river is too high or too fast. On the other side, the trail leaves the water and comes to the edge of Geehi campground[68][69].
Continue straight: From the south side of this Swampy Plain River crossing, this walk follows the dirt road uphill as it bends left[70]. The walk follows the main trail as it leads past a few campsites and a locked gate[71] (on your left), coming to a turning area, car park[72] and toilet marked with a 'the Western Fall' information sign (with Geehi Hut a short distance to the left[73]).

Maps for the Keebles Loop walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Kalkite Mountain	1:25 000 Map Series	86253N KALKITE MOUNTAIN	NSW-86253N
Tombong	1:50 000 Map Series	8624S TOMBONG	NSW-8624S
Numbla Vale	1:50 000 Map Series	8624N NUMBLA VALE	NSW-8624N
Youngal	1:25 000 Map Series	85253S YOUNGAL	NSW-85253S
Scammells Lookout	1:25 000 Map Series	85253N SCAMMELLS LOOKOUT	NSW-85253N
Berridale	1:100 000 Map Series	8625 BERRIDALE	8625
Kosciuszko	1:100 000 Map Series	8525 KOSCIUSZKO	8525

Cross sectional view of the Keebles Loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Keebles Loop

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	2.6 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 1.6km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 1.1km is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 2.4km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 210m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

1.3km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 1km has minimal directional signs. The remaining (320m) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

2.1km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 320m requires no previous bushwalking experience. The remaining (210m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

2.3km of this walk is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety and another 210m is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety. The remaining (170m) is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

2.1km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 320m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (210m) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Keebles Loop walk.

Old Geehi Hut tour

5.5 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk takes you on a tour of some of the historic huts north of Geehi Flats. Starting from the northern end of Geehi Flats Camping area near Geehi Hut, you will cross Swampy Plains River and walk across the plain to an intersection just before Keebles Hut. Here the walk heads up on the higher se

Total climbing: 82m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Keebles Loop walk.

Guthega River Snowshoe

3.3 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This pleasant snowshoe walk starts from the car park at Guthega. You will wander down the gently hill following a wide trail, then cross Guthega Dam wall. There are great views over the pondage as you continue along the snow covered trail past Guthega Shaft. The flat trail soon ends and the more cha

Total climbing: 115m

Hard track

Guthega Trig

6 km Return, 3 hrs

On this walk, you will visit the old Guthega Trig station and its wide views over the Guthega Dam, the township and surrounding country side. The walk initially leads along management trails and across the dam wall before following a narrow foot pad up the ridge between Guthega River and Falls Cree

Total climbing: 377m

Very experienced only

Guthega to Blue Lake via Little Twynam

17.4 km Return, 8 hrs

This great walk starts at Guthega and explores the area east of Blue Lake. The walk heads to the Illawong Lodge, via the Blue Cow Creek flying fox, and then crosses the famous Snowy River at the suspension bridge. The walk then winds up the long ridge to the top of Little Twynam and down to Blue La

Total climbing: 1120m

Experienced only

Guthega to Thredbo camping overnight at Wilkensons Creek

25.8 km One way, 2 Days

This great overnight walk explores the Kosciusko National Park between Guthega and Thredbo, visiting some fantastic sights along the way like the Snowy River, Blue Lake and Mt Twynam, Lake Albina and Mt Kosiuszko. The Wilkinsons Creek camping area is a nice place to stop and reflect as the sun sets.

Total climbing: 1364m

Experienced only

Guthega to Charlotte Pass

15.2 km One way, 6 hrs 30 mins

This walk explores the wonderful alpine country between Guthega village and Charlotte Pass at the end of Kosciuszko Rd. Starting with views of Guthega Dam, the walk visits Illawong Lodge and crosses the Snowy River suspension bridge before climbing up to Mt Twynam. Once on the Main Range track, you

Total climbing: 908m

Experienced only

Illawong Walk

6.4 km Return, 2 hrs 45 mins

From Guthega village, this walk leads you over Blue Cow Creek and alongside the Snowy River to Illawong Lodge and the suspension bridge. You will be using a narrow, unsignposted but generally clear track. A flying fox is in place over Blue Cow Creek, however a more modern bridge offers a safer path

Total climbing: 343m

Moderate track

Guthega to Mt Twynam

14.8 km Return, 6 hrs 45 mins

This walk starts from Guthega and makes its way along the Snowy River to the Illawong Lodge, via the Blue Cow Creek flying fox. From the lodge, the walk crosses the suspension bridge and begins the climb up the ridge past Pounds Creek Flats to the top of Mt Twynam. From here, there is an optional si

Total climbing: 913m

Experienced only

Guthega to Snowy River Suspension Bridge

6.4 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

This enjoyable walk starts from Guthega and mostly follows the famous Snowy River, to reach the cable suspension bridge. Before reaching the bridge, the walk crosses the Blue Cow Creek at the flying fox, and winds through the snow gums and the open plains.

Total climbing: 343m

Moderate track

Main Range Circuit from Guthega

45 km Circuit, 4 Days

This four day walk explores the Kosciuszko National Park, covering many of the key features of the park between Guthega and Rawson Pass. Some of the more popular sights you will visit are the Snowy River, Blue Lake and Lake Albina, a couple of great alpine huts and the two highest peaks in Australia

Total climbing: 2317m

Experienced only

Main Range Track - Charlotte Pass to Blue Lake

9.3 km Return, 4 hrs

This walk starts from the end of Kosciuszko Road, at Charlotte Pass, and follows the signposted Main Range Track to the Blue Lake lookout. The walk crosses the famous Snowy River along the way. The Blue Lake lookout is located a short walk down sidetrack and provides stunning views of the lake. The

Total climbing: 542m

Hard track

Main Range Track - Charlotte Pass to the Snowy River return

1.6 km Return, 45 mins

This walk starts at the end of Kosciuszko Road, Charlotte Pass, and follows a paved footpath down, between lightly scattered snow gums, to the bottom of the valley, where it comes to the famous Snowy River. The Foremans Hut ruins can be found along the optional side trip described in the notes.

Total climbing: 123m

Hard track

Main Range Walk - Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko

21.9 km Circuit, 9 hrs

This full day walk explores some of the greatest alpine country on offer in NSW. The walk grants views of Blue, Club and Albina Lakes, climbs to the top of Mt Kosciuszko and crosses the famous Snowy River twice. This main range circuit is one of the classic walks in New South Wales, as the views in

Total climbing: 920m

Hard track