Pockets Hut 15 Bikepacking Route

Long Plain Road to Pockets Hut – an easy entry-level Bikepacking overnighter 

Long Plain Road is just one of the gateways to the Northern section of Kosciuszko National Park and it’s possibly the most convenient. Easily reached via the Snowy Mountains Highway from Tumut or Cooma, Long Plain Road is close to Yarrangobilly Caves and only open outside of snow season. 

The road itself is home to two historical huts that you can camp near, and is also a great gravel road that’s worth riding by itself. Searching for a more secluded hut to camp beside, we parked the cars, having driven from Canberra, and set out towards Pockets Hut. 

We were in search for a more secluded hut to camp beside.

Our route was planned to deliver maximum backcountry bikepacking vibes, while covering a fairly short and manageable distance.

Short Route – Big Vibes

Our small group consisted of two first-time-bikepackers, both on borrowed bikes, and two of us that had a little more experience. Our route was planned to deliver maximum backcountry bikepacking vibes, while covering a fairly short and manageable distance. In fact, the hut was barely 15km from the car, meaning we had plenty of time to complete the trip over the weekend, and accommodate two pairs of cycling legs that weren’t used to riding further than the local pub.

Along the route to Pockets Hut, we passed Cooleman Homestead and the Blue Waterholes campground. Both these spots are worth exploring on their own merits and I’d highly recommend taking a dip in the water near the waterholes.

Northern Kosci is home to many wild brumbies, and while people have different opinions on these animals, it’s hard to deny that they bring a rugged beauty to the landscape. I’m never going to forget a moment during the ride out to the hut when I looked to the side and saw a kangaroo bounding through the bush, closely followed by two galloping brumbies. It was quite magical and it felt pretty special to be riding alongside them for a short period.

Camping beside Pockets Hut

After roughly 9km of mixed terrain, the well-maintained dirt roads became grassier, rockier and slower going, and there were a couple of pinchy climbs which were steep enough to have a few of us off the bikes and pushing. Before long we came across a signpost hidden in the bushes, directing us to our destination of Pockets Hut. Painted a deep red, this little hut nestles in the valley, with an inviting veranda and plenty of space to pitch your tent outside. 

We set up camp just before dark and then spent the evening in the hut cooking up some easy camp dinners in front of the fire. The huts are there to be used, but make sure you sweep up and leave them in a perfect state for the next visitors. You can also contribute to the upkeep of these gems by donating to the Kosciuszko Huts Association. Definitely recommended if you plan on visiting the huts again.

It’s no surprise that the first-timers on our trip are now itching to get out on the bikes again and Pockets Hut is definitely one spot we’ll be visiting again. 

The huts are there to be used, but make sure you sweep up and leave them in a perfect state for the next visitors.