Free wi-fi at popular Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool could be game changer for viral location

A new service has been installed at a picturesque location hidden in a national park, after it became an influencer content hot spot.

A picturesque thermal pool nestled in NSW’s Kosciuszko National Park has long enticed influencers hoping to show off the popular site, but a new service could help boost the popularity of the natural pool.

Free wi-fi is now available for those visiting the Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool, a move that will allow influencers and social media users to upload their content in real time.

Mobile coverage at the popular site has previously been prevented by the steep Yarrangobilly River Valley and eucalyptus trees that surround the pools.

But a new wi-fi system using satellite and cellular internet technology will allow sightseers to remain connected throughout their visit to the viral destination.

Free wi-fi has been installed a popular thermal pool at Yarrangobilly in the Kosciuszko National Park. Picture: Dylan Robinson

The hidden gem has long been an ideal spot for influencers to snap the perfect social media post. Picture: Instagram

Free Wi-Fi installed at the popular location will allow influencers to upload content in real time. Picture: Instagram

Visitors no longer need to wait until they have reception to post their content but can upload their photos and videos poolside.

The two pools are only accessible by a steep track descending into the Rules Creek Valley and those wanting to take a dip need to walk about 700m to reach the idyllic location.

The pools are fed by a natural spring about 1km below the surface and stay at a constant 27C all year, with the main pool 20m long and 2.5m deep.

However, the move to provide visitors with around-the-clock connectivity isn’t only about helping promote the scenic destination but ensuring visitors have access to help in case of an emergency.

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Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe said the new technology could make all the difference if a visitor needed to call for help.

“This is a terrific example of a technological solution improving safety and visitor experience in a remote area of Kosciuszko National Park which is popular in both summer and winter,” she said.

“It will benefit not only visitors to the spring-fed natural pool but also rangers and emergency

services personnel when they’re working in the area.

The new feature will help improve safety in the area and boost regional businesses.

“The NSW government is committed to improving infrastructure in our national parks to ensure a wonderful experience for people getting out and about in nature.”

The wi-fi can be accessed by scanning a QR code upon entry and since the trial began in December, about 2,100 unique connections have been made.

Weekends have proved to be the most popular time to visit the pools, with about 90 to 120 connections per day compared with week days of 20 to 40.

Visitors are making the most of the system, with 400GB of data already used since the trial began.

The Wi-Fi service has already been used up to 21,000 times. Picture: Instagram

The service will help promote the already popular destination. Picture: Instagram

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said the free internet would help boost regional business.

“This wi-fi trial helps visitors to the Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool stay connected, which is important over the busy summer period when more people will be making the most of this

picturesque destination,” he said.

“As well as assisting thousands of visitors to the Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool, the trial is boosting a regional business by enabling it to test and showcase its product.”