snowy mountains tourist attractions

11 Top-Rated Attractions in the Snowy Mountains, NSW

Written by Karen Hastings Oct 7, 2019

Part of the Great Dividing Range, the spectacular Snowy Mountains encompass the highest peaks in Australia , with activities and attractions for every season. At 2,228 meters, Mount Kosciuszko is the granddaddy of them all, presiding over a land of wind-whipped plateaus, alpine heathlands, snow gum forests, meadows, mighty rivers, and vast mountain lakes.

Rising to the southwest of Canberra , near the border with Victoria, the Snowy Mountains are a popular playground for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts year-round. Favorite things to do in winter in the Snowy Mountains include downhill skiing , cross-country skiing, and snowboarding at some of Australia's top ski resorts , including Perisher, Thredbo, and Charlotte Pass. All the winter sports resorts in the Snowy Mountains lie within Kosciuszko National Park and are easily accessible, with top-notch facilities.

You'll also find plenty of things to do in summer in the Snowy Mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts come here to play in the fresh, clean air, and indulge in activities like hiking, climbing, water skiing, rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking . You can also fly fish for trout in the crystalline rivers, lakes, and streams, including Lake Jindabyne , one of Australia's top fishing destinations . Budding mountaineers can even summit the continent's highest peak.

The best time to visit the Snowy Mountains depends on your interests. Winter sports usually run from the end of May/ beginning of June until the middle or end of October, depending on snowfall. Summer activities are best from December through February, but it's also beautiful in the Snowy Mountains in autumn and spring, when you can soak up the scenery without the high-season tourists.

Discover the best places to visit in all four seasons with our list of the top attractions of the Snowy Mountains, NSW.

Kosciuszko National Park

Kosciuszko walk, perisher ski resort, thredbo village, charlotte pass, lake jindabyne, alpine way scenic drive, mount selwyn, wadbilliga national park, tips and tactics, map of attractions in the snowy mountains, nsw.

Magnificent Kosciuszko National Park is a magnet for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. The park covers 6,000 square kilometers of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, limestone gorges, snow gum forests, and the headwaters of the mighty Snowy River .

Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain in Australia at 2,228 meters, also lies within the park, and the park plays host to Snowy Mountains skiing with some of Australia's top ski resorts . The snow lies for months in the winter, luring snowboarders, skiers, and snowshoers.

In summer, when the snow melts, wildflowers speckle the heathlands, and you can explore the beautiful scenery on hiking trails . One of the most popular is the Kosciuszko Walk , which takes you up to the summit of the continent's highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, in less than five hours round trip.Other popular things to do in summer include rock climbing, mountain biking, fishing, camping, and kayaking.

Another top tourist attraction in the park is Yarrangobilly Caves , five limestone caverns with stalagmites, stalactites, and other bizarre formations. After exploring the caves, you can soothe any sore muscles by taking a dip in the thermal pool.

In summer, all roads into this mountainous region are open. During winter, snow chains must be fitted on some roads within the park from June 1st to October 10th, and some roads may be completely closed during this time.

The resort town of Jindabyne is a great base for exploring the park.

Official site: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/Kosciuszko-National-Park

Ever wanted to summit a continent's highest mountain, even though you're not much of a climber? This is your chance. You can hike to the top of 2,228-meter Mount Kosciuszko in a couple of hours, with a little help from Thredbo's Kosciuszko Express Chairlift . Zooming up to the trailhead on the chairlift shaves two to three hours off the journey and makes this summit doable for even beginner hikers. It's a Grade 3 trail, meaning it's suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

Once you hop off the five-minute chairlift, the 13-kilometer hike takes you through the rugged Ramshead Range, through heathlands flecked with wildflowers in the spring, and past glacier-carved Lake Cootapatamba. Your reward? Spectacular views of Australia's alpine country in all directions-and, best of all, no altitude sickness!

One of Australia's top hikes , Kosciuszko Walk takes about five hours round-trip from the top of the chairlift and is best tackled during the summer months. It might not be as high as Everest, but standing on the summit, gazing out across the rippling terrain, you'll still feel as though you're on top of the world, or at least on top Down Under.

In Kosciuszko National Park, Perisher Ski Resort is one of the top ski resorts in Australia, with a total of more than 3,000 acres of interconnecting skiable terrain. The resort encompasses Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega, and Mount Blue Cow resorts, all of which were previously separate. Together, they form the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere .

At 1,720 meters above sea level, Perisher offers a range of Snowy Mountains accommodation, as well as restaurants, cafés, and shops. Visitors here can enjoy both alpine and cross-country skiing, as well as snowboarding.

The Skitube , a Swiss-designed train, runs through a tunnel between Perisher Valley and Mount Blue Cow, and ski trails and chairlifts connect the other resorts.

Official site: http://www.perisher.com.au/

At the foot of the Crackenback Range in Kosciuszko National Park, Thredbo Village exudes a charming European-style ambience. It also offers the best steeps and vertical runs of all the state's ski resorts, including the 3.7-kilometer-long Supertrail, Australia's longest run . In the winter, skiers and boarders can play on more than 1,186 acres, with runs for all levels, including four terrain parks , and the resort also offers a top-notch giant slalom course.

Summer brings even more outdoor activities. Mountain bikers and hikers take advantage of the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift , which runs year-round to the summit of Mount Crackenback. From here, you can hike to the summit of Australia's highest peak on the Kosciuszko Walk .

Another popular hike is the Thredbo River Track, which takes you through the village along the banks of this scenic waterway. Other popular things to do in summer include golf, tennis, swimming, and fly fishing.

Thredbo Village is well equipped with facilities for visitors, including many chic restaurants, lodges, day spas, and entertainment venues, and if you prefer indoor activities, you can head to the Thredbo Leisure center for swimming, trampolining, basketball, squash, and much more.

Snowy Mountains holiday packages with accommodation and lift tickets make visiting Thredbo cheaper, especially during spring.

Official site: https://www.thredbo.com.au/

Perched near the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Charlotte Pass is the highest resort in Australia. At 1,760 meters, it's a great base for ski tours to the highest peaks in the Australian Alps and is often the venue of ski competitions.

The resort was named for Charlotte Adams, the first European woman to climb Mount Kosciuszko in 1881. Today, skiers and snowboarders will find runs to suit all abilities here, from gently rolling beginner slopes to expert chutes. Due to its high altitude, it also offers among the most reliable snowfall of all Australia's ski resorts.

In the summer, hikers come here to ascend the summit of Mount Kosciuszko , an 18-kilometer round-trip, or hike the Main Range Walk , which threads past glacial lakes and offers spectacular views.

Access to the resort in winter is via a snowcat from Perisher Valley. In summer, your can make the 40-minute drive from Jindabyne .

Official site: http://www.charlottepass.com.au/

Jindabyne, a new settlement on the shores of Lake Jindabyne , makes a great base for trips to Kosciuszko National Park . In the 1960s, the damming of the Snowy River under the Snowy Mountains hydro-electric scheme submerged the town's original site, and when lake levels are low, the remains of the old town are sometimes still visible. To get a feel for the lay of the land, head to Waste Point Lookout for panoramic views over the lake and its surroundings.

A great first stop in Jindabyne is the Snowy Region Visitor Center . Here, you can learn more about the area's history, aboriginal heritage, and ecology, and the staff also provide maps, information on where to stay, and sightseeing tips. If you're planning on visiting Kosciuszko National Park , this is a great place to purchase a pass.

Jindabyne's accommodation tends to be more affordable than other Snowy Mountain destinations-especially during winter. When the snow falls, hordes of skiers and snowboarders make Jindabyne their base and catch a shuttle bus to the slopes of Perisher Valley and Smiggin Holes .

In summer, kayaking, bush walking, mountain biking, white water rafting, and horseback riding are popular wilderness adventures. Anglers can cast a line for trout in the lake and visit the Gaden Trout Hatchery to learn about the fish stocking of local waterways.

After the snow melts, it's possible to drive to Charlotte Pass , a great base for climbing Mount Kosciuszko.

Lake Jindabyne is one of the state's largest freshwater reservoirs and a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts. This sparkling blue waterway is the focal point of the resort town of Jindabyne, which was relocated here when the Snowy River was dammed in the 1960s.

Walking and cycling tracks ring the lake, creating a scenic way to keep fit, and the open green spaces are prime picnicking spots. For those who prefer to be on the water, kayaking, canoeing, and power boating are popular things to do.

The lake is also one of the best fishing spots in Australia , with opportunities to catch Atlantic salmon, brown trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout.

During the Easter holidays, a Lake Light Sculpture exhibition takes place here along the foreshore.

Snuggled at the junction of the Monaro and Snowy Mountains highways, Cooma is the largest town in the region and a gateway to the surrounding alpine wilderness.

Cooma was established in 1849, but it was the discovery of gold in 1859 at Kiandra, 90 kilometers west, that spurred the development of the town. When the Snowy Mountains hydro-electric scheme was under construction in the 1950s and 1960s, the town's population swelled with the influx of workers. The Avenue of Flags in Centennial Park displays the flags of the 27 nationalities of the workers.

Today, visitors can explore the town's rich heritage along the Lambie Town Walk , where 19th- and 20th-century buildings sit side by side with art galleries and cafés. Stop by the Raglan Gallery Cooma to see the works of local artists, and for the best views of the surroundings, head to Mount Gladstone Lookout .

Another must-see in Cooma is the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre, where you can learn about one of Australia's most important infrastructure projects through interactive exhibits and movies. The center is also home to a great little café.

Cooma Visitor Centre is also worth a stop for helpful tips on things to see and do, and the Corrective Services NSW Museum traces the surprisingly interesting history of Australia's prison system, for a small donation.

Anglers will enjoy a visit to Eucumbene Trout Farm , where you can fish for trout in the ponds and enjoy your freshly-cooked catch for lunch. South of Cooma, on the Monaro Highway, Bombala offers excellent trout fishing.

Want to see the highlights of Australia's only alpine region? Head out on the Alpine Way . This 108-kilometer one-way scenic drive twists and climbs on narrow mountain roads between Khancoban and Thredbo, through southern Kosciuszko National Park .

Along the way, you'll see alpine lakes and rivers, flower-flecked meadows, and magnificent mountain scenery. Fly fish for trout in the vast mountain lakes, horseback ride among the heathlands, hike scenic trails, and browse the shops and galleries at Thredbo Village.

Official site: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/driving-routes/kosciuszko-alpine-way-drive

About an hour drive from the town of Tumut, this skiing area at the northern end of Kosciuszko National Park is best suited to beginners and families. Mount Selwyn is also a popular place for cross-country skiing, and the resort also offers tobogganing and snowshoeing.

This is a family-run resort with limited amenities, so you won't find chic restaurants and shops here, but it offers good value for families looking for an affordable first-time ski experience.

If you're looking for a place to stay nearby, Adaminiby, Old Adaminaby, and Anglers Reach are the closest options.

About 40 kilometers from Cooma, Wadbilliga National Park takes in the unspoiled catchment areas of the Brogo and Wadbilliga Rivers. In the northwest of the park, waterfalls tumble over the rocky cliffs into the impressive Tuross River Gorge .

The western part of the park is a region of tall eucalyptus forest and great expanses of heathland. Bush camping and hiking are popular in the Brogo and Wadbilliga valleys, and the park is excellent for mountain biking, with granite cliffs and rolling plateaus.

The abundant wildlife includes species such as the endangered spotted-tailed quoll, pythons, and sooty owls, and you also have a chance to spot sugar gliders at night.

Official site: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/Wadbilliga-National-Park

• During winter, chains are required to be carried at all times for 2WDs.
• Always check road conditions before departure by calling the RTA Hotline on 132 701 or check the Live Traffic NSW website .
• If you want to minimize driving time, you can fly into Canberra airport, and from here it's a 2.5-hour drive to the Snowy Mountains.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

See More of New South Wales : The Snowy Mountains in New South Wales are a wonderland for winter sports. For information on the best places to hit the slopes, see our article on the Top-Rated Ski Resorts in Australia . Looking for a dose of culture after your wilderness adventures? Drive 2.5 hours to Canberra , the nation's capital, set on beautiful Lake Burley Griffin. Here, you can explore some of the country's best museums, memorials, and galleries, as well as Old and New Parliament House. And if you want to see more of this diverse Aussie state, check out the best places to visit in our article on the Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New South Wales (NSW) .

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Snowy Mountains region

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Charlotte Pass Village to Perisher Valley walk

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Kosciuszko walk - Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko

Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk

Main Range walk

Thredbo Valley track adventure rides

Thredbo Valley track easy rides

Cascade trail

Blue Lake lookout

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Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk

Kiandra heritage precinct

Selwyn Snow Resort

Thredbo Resort

Charlotte Pass Ski Resort and Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel

Perisher Range cross-country ski trails

Rock Creek snowshoe track

• Snowy Region Visitor Centre

Thredbo River track

Kosciuszko lookout

Mount Kosciuszko summit lookout

Seamans Hut

Bundilla accessible track

National trail: Tom Groggin to Geehi

Bullocks Hut

Cascades walking track and viewing platform

Kiandra heritage track

Kosciuszko – Alpine Way drive

• Tumut Visitor Centre

Tuross Falls walking track

Wadbilliga Road drive

White Rock River picnic area

Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool

• Yarrangobilly Caves Visitor Centre

Clarke Gorge walking track

Goldseekers track

• Khancoban Visitor Centre

Lower Snowy drive (Barry Way)

Nichols Gorge walking track

Pallaibo walking track

Sawpit walking track

Schlink Hut walking track

Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool walk

Dead Horse Gap walking track

Geehi Reservoir ride via Schlink Pass

Yarrangobilly River walk

South Glory Cave

Jersey Cave

Jillabenan Cave

North Glory Cave

10 peaks challenge in the Snowy Mountains

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Australian Alps novice ski touring course

Avalanche safety training in Kosciuszko

Buddong Falls walking track

Cross-country mountain bike tours

Cross-country skiing activities in Perisher

Guided Mount Kosciuszko Summit hike

Kosciuszko avalanche and mountain safety tours

Kosciuszko backcountry tours and avalanche training

Kosciuszko introductory mountaineering courses

Kosciuszko laser biathlon sessions

Mount Kosciuszko guided day walk experience

Mount Kosciuszko guided sunset hikes

Mountain bike adventures for schools

Snowy Mountains 5-day walking tour

Snowy Mountains adventures with Cochran Horse Treks

Snowy Mountains Backcountry winter sports tours

Snowy Mountains fly fishing tours

Snowy Mountains guided alpine hiking tour

Snowy Mountains Main Range guided hiking tours

Snowy Mountains mental fitness and fishing tours

Snowy Mountains multi-day horse ride treks

Snowy Mountains retreats with the Wim Hof Method

Snowy River paddling and camping tours

Snowy River wilderness experience

Thredbo River fly fishing tour

Wallace Craigie lookout

Wild mountain trout fly fishing in Kosciuszko

Black Perry lookout

Coolamine Homestead

Cootapatamba lookout

Nunnock Swamp and Grasslands walking tracks

Rainbow Lake walking track

Scammells Ridge lookout

Waterfall walking track

Bullocks track

Castle Cave walk

Charlotte Pass lookout

Illawong walk

Kosciuszko Education Centre

Landers Falls lookout walk

Mount Stilwell walk

Olsens lookout

Pilot Wilderness mountain bike ride (Alpine Way to Barry Way)

Porcupine walk

Sawpit Creek picnic area

Snow Gums boardwalk

Snowy Mountains Highway

Blowering Cliffs walking track

Bluff lookout walk

Glory Farm walk

Jacks lookout

Old Mountain Road walking track

Rennix walking track

Willis picnic area

Geehi huts walking track

Muzzlewood track

Major Clews Hut trail

Pheasants Peak walking track

Snowy Mountains Cinema

Thredbo River picnic area

Four Mile Hut walk

Leatherbarrel Creek picnic area

Ogilvies Creek picnic area

Perisher Valley Office

Khancoban to Kiandra drive

Patons Hut walking track

Round Mountain Hut walking track

Accredited avalanche training in Kosciuszko

Guided fly fishing adventures in Kosciuszko

Historic huts restoration and maintenance

See more volunteering opportunities

Hunting hawkweed

Hunting mouse-ear hawkweed

Woomargama National Park volunteer group

Camping and accommodation.

Creel Lodge

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Numbananga Lodge

Yarrangobilly Caves House: East and West wings

Yarrangobilly Caves House: Guest rooms

Currango Homestead

Daffodil Cottage

Lyrebird Cottage

Ngarigo campground

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Thredbo Diggings campground

Island Bend campground

Geehi Flats campground

The Pines Cottage

Tom Groggin campground

Yarrangobilly Village campground

Long Plain Hut campground

Blue Waterholes campground

Halfway Flat campground

Humes Crossing campground

Jounama Creek campground

Rock Flat campground

Tom Groggin horse camp

Bullocks Hill campground

Behrs Flat campground

Cascades campground

Cooinbil Hut campground

Cooleman Mountain campground

Ghost Gully campground

Jacobs River – Tongaroo campground

O'Hares campground

Old Geehi campground

Pinch River – Moyangul campground

The Pines campground

Three Mile Dam campground

Waratah Gully campground

Wares Yards campground

Buddong Falls campground

Running Waters campground

Gungarlin River campground

Yachting Point campground

Broken cart campground, tumut ponds campground.

Creel Bay cottages

Denison campground

Dubbo flats campground.

Geehi horse camp

Leatherbarrel Creek campground

Log bridge creek campground, magpie flat campground, nine mile campground, perkins flat campground, rocky plain campground, willis campground.

Old Snowy campground

Clover Flat campground

Four mile trail campground - eucumbene river, alpine adventures.

From Spring, the Snowy Mountains swaps snow for a glorious blanket of alpine wildflowers, bucket list walking tracks and epic mountain bike trails. Explore limestone caves or wet your line - there's tasty trout to be caught to fuel your alpine adventure at the top of Australia.

Visitor centres

Nearby towns.

The Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre is a state-of-the-art visitor facility showcasing the story of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme from the early construction days to the role the scheme plays today in the development of Australia.

www.visitnsw.com

For those heading to the Snowy Mountains snowfields,  Jindabyne is a great place to hire or buy all of your skiing and snowboarding essentials from equipment to fashion.

Tumut is a country town on the northern foothills of the Snowy Mountains . The Rolling valleys, mountain streams and alpine mountain ranges make it popular for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

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Suggested Itineraries

Travel across the Snowy Mountains and experience the region's stunning landscapes, historic towns and renowned food and wine.

The Snowy Mountains is a big place to visit. Hit the road on a touring route, make your own way around, or follow an itinerary to see the wonders of the Snowy Mountains for yourself.

The Snowy Mountains region is well served by a network of quality sealed roads, perfect for driving, riding and cycling, boasting spectacular scenery. The Snowy Mountains Drive can be accessed from Canberra in the north, Bega on the south coast and Albury to the southwest. Take your time enjoying one of Australia’s greatest natural resources at your own pace.

The Snowy Mountains contains the nation’s highest peak, Mt Kosciuszko, the inspiring civil engineering feat of the Snowy Hydro Electric Scheme, and the state’s largest preserved natural area in Kosciuszko National Park . This physical face is given its cultural heart by the heritage preserved in the park, in the people’s literature, storytelling and folklore.

Day One – Cooma, Berridale and Dalgety

Visit the new Snowy Hydro Visitor and Education Centre and unravel the design and technology of the Snowy Scheme. Walk along Cooma’s Lambie Street to the Raglan Regional Art Gallery, past historic architecture of stone and timber. Visit Cooma’s railhead, a functioning attraction with trains running to a regular timetable.

Take Tourist Drive 1 south of Cooma. Drive to the top of Mt Gladstone (three kilometres south of Cooma). Heidi’s Tea House at the top, provides great gluhwein and 360° views over Cooma, the Monaro, the Snowy Mountains and Mt Kosciusko.

"Good food, a great country pub, an historic bridge and amazing walk, is there to enjoy."

Beyond the Snowy Mountains airport lies Berridale, a cross-roads village that features a local winery and cafés. From here, drive to historic Dalgety, the town on the Snowy River that almost became the nation’s capital. Good food, an historic bridge, a great country pub and an amazing walk is there to enjoy. A 20 minute drive from Dalgety, brings you to Lake Jindabyne. Visit the Snowy Region Visitor Centre for information, park passes and maps, and to view an interpretive display of the towns history.

Day Two – Jindabyne, Kosciuszko National Park and Perisher Valley/Charlotte Pass

Cycle along the lake’s edge or hire a runabout or catamaran for time on the water. Take a scenic or fishing boat charter, or  take to the air in a scenic flight. Visit the monument to Count Paul Edmund Strzelecki and learn why he was significant to the region. Check out at the Jindabyne Dam wall and take a mountain bike ride from there to Tyrollean Village. Go fishing in the lake or in one of the many surrounding streams, and catch Rainbow or Brown Trout and the occasional Brookie or Atlantic salmon. Fishing licences are required in NSW, and short stay licences are available from a number of outlets including many service stations.

Leave Jindabyne via the Kosciusko Road and venture into the Kosciusko National Park. Passes are sold at the gate or at the regional Visitors Centres. Stop at the Waste Point lookout for great views of the lake and Jindabyne. A little further on, the Kosciuszko Education Centre (open seasonally) gives some understanding of the features, flora and fauna of the mountains, including the illusive pygmy possum and corroboree frog. There are lovely mountain forest walks commencing from here.

Enter the alpine region, where the trees thin and become restricted to the warmer locations along ridgelines towards Perisher Valley. This ski village is a quiet haven for walkers in summer. A half-day trip walk to the Porcupine Rocks is a must. 

Drive on to Charlotte Pass, Australia’s highest ski village (along the way stop at Alpine Eyre kiosk for a snack or lunch). Witness magnificent views of Australia’s alpine zone. On the horizon, across what is called the “Main Range”, is Mt Kosciusko. A return walk to the top of Kosciusko is a full day’s trek. Below, witness the first flows of the iconic Snowy River.

Day Three – The Kosciuszko Alpine Way and Thredbo Valley

Just three kilometres from Jindabyne, are two valley crossings; the first through folkloric grazing land, and the second through the longest geological fault in NSW. Crackenback Farm gives an idea of the local building styles from two centuries ago and offers a café, guesthouse and maze. Visit Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery & Cafe .

Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa is a magnificent property featuring award winning apartments overlooking Lake Crackenback. The resort offers great dining options in both Lake Crackenback Restaurant and the Alpine Larder Café, as well as a number of fun activities (swimming, Segway tours, mountain biking, golf, tennis to name a few) and is only a short walk to the Skittle.

The Skitube is Australia’s only alpine underground rack and rail railway. Parking the car at Skitube gives access to river walks, and the first purpose built fishing lodge at Bullocks Hut. There is some good fly fishing here as well in the nearby Thredbo River.

Drive into Thredbo and view modern mountain architecture in a genuine alpine village. A variety of accommodation and dining is available. Take part in a mountain walk, via the Kosciusko Express Chairlift to the top (for many an exciting trip in itself). Popular walks include the Mt Kosciusko summit walk and the Dead Horse Gap walk. When in the village, try tennis, golf or bobsledding. Or if incredible mountain biking takes your fancy, it is available for all ages and abilities.

Day Four – Kosciuszko Alpine Way and Khancoban

This stretch of Tourist Drive 1 takes you across the natural watershed of the Australian Alps. Below Deadhorse Gap the rivers flow east into the Snowy. Wild brumbies gather here to exploit the sub-alpine pasture. They are best seen in mornings and late afternoons, and there are more good walking trails here to explore.

Continue along the Alpine Way past Tom Groggin Station, once claimed to be home of the “Man from Snowy River”, to Geehi. Grey kangaroos, wombats and emus live here and can be seen at almost any time of the day. Geehi, on the Swampy Plains river, is a beautiful spot for lunch or camping and has good facilities. Scammers Spur lookout (a stop further along) is a must. Observe Mt Kosciusko as it rises 1900m from the valley floor. Constructed for a visit by Queen Elizabeth in 1950s, it gives the best view of the western faces of the Australian Alps. 

Plan a stop at the Murray 1 Power Station and Information Centre, which features an excellent display on the Snowy Scheme’s history and the people who built it. The Tourist Drive 1 concludes in Khancoban where good food and accommodation is on offer. In the pondage below Murray 2 Power Station, trout fishing is popular or take up a relaxed game of golf with the kangaroos at the Khancoban Country Club.

Days Five to Seven  –  Tumbarumba, Batlow, Tumult,  Adaminaby,  Nimmitabel and Bombala

Follow the signposted Tourist Drive 5, which briefly crosses the Murray River and into Victoria passing through Towong, Tintaldra and back into New South Wales.

Tumbarumba is the next stop. Visit the spectacular Paddy’s River Falls, and the location of the mid section of the Hume and Hovell Walking Track. Taste Tumbarumba’s increasingly popular cold climate wines. Experience one of many adventure activities, such as mountain biking, or visit a berry farm. The main street displays fine examples of country Australian architecture. Accommodation available includes motel, hotel and B&B. For a great Australiana experience visit the Boggy Creek Shows , it's a must!

Tourist Drive 5 continues to Batlow, the home of cool climate apples and stone fruits. This beautiful town is a great stopover, before travelling on to Tumut, which sits at the crossroads of Tourist Drive 5 and the Snowy Mountains Highway.

Once in Tumut, visit the Old Butter Factory, now the Tumut Region Visitors Centre. You can take the River Walk, visit the historic millet Broom Factory, Tumut Valley Violets, catch a guided tour of the state-of- the art paper mill, and visit the Adelong falls and gold mine ruins.

Turn south onto the Snowy Mountains Highway. Make a stop at Blowering Reservoir Dam wall, or just a short drive further at Tumult 3, visit the largest power station in the Snowy Hydro Scheme.

On this diversion, you will pass the birthplace of author Miles Franklin in picturesque Talbingo.

Visit Yarrangobilly Caves and Thermal Pool, or the more adventurous can turn at Rules Point, to visit the preserved and maintained family homestead at Currango (featured in many high country photo shoots).

Visit Kiandra, a historic gold mining town, and the birthplace of skiing in Australia, and the second oldest ski club in the world. Observe the interesting original buildings and cemetery.

Take the turn to Cabramurra, the highest town in Australia. Many of this area’s waterways and dams, such as Eucumbene River and Three Mile Dam make great fishing locations, especially for brown trout.

Adaminaby’s “Big Trout” welcomes the visitor to this popular centre for trout fishing, although horse riding in summer and skiing in winter (at nearby Selwyn Snowfields) are big draw-cards as well.

Drive to Lake Eucumbene where a variety of fishing lodges and caravan parks at Old Adaminaby and Anglers Reach are to be found. The Lake’s Dam Wall is testament to the awe- inspiring vision of the architects of the Snowy Hydro Scheme.

From Cooma a trip through Nimmitabel across the Monaro Plain provides a good introduction to these prairie-like grasslands. On the road to Bombala, these grasslands and cold winters create the conditions for some of the finest woollen fleeces in the world.

"Bombala is fast becoming known for its production of lavender oils as the soils, climate and altitude match the lavender plants’ needs perfectly."

Bombala is fast becoming known for its production of lavender oils as the soils, climate and altitude match the lavender plants’ needs perfectly. Visit the Bombala Lavender House for visitor information. Drive through town to the platypus reserve on the Bombala River, and catch a glimpse of these timid but interesting creatures from the specially constructed viewing platform.

Bombala is a great base for mountain biking, bushwalking and 4WD adventures. Twenty minutes south of Bombala, Bondi State Forest has over 85km of trails winding through pine and stately native forests. Visit the South East Forest National Park to witness lush old-growth forests, spectacular granite formations and the Myanba Gorge. Take a drive to Delegate and visit the Early Settlers Hut, believed to be the first European dwelling on the Monaro.

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Jindabyne is a popular alpine town that sits on the shores of the picturesque Lake Jindabyne at the edge of the Snowy Mountains. A bustling hub in winter for skiers and snowboarders heading for the slopes, in summer Jindabyne attracts plenty of people for hiking, mountain biking, fishing and water sports.

Into the great outdoors

There’s something for everyone to do all year round in this thriving mountain town. In winter, it’s all about the snow. Perisher and Thredbo are just 30 minutes' drive from Jindabyne or you can park the car at Bullocks Flat and catch the Swiss-designed  Skitube  to the resorts. Spend a day on the slopes at Charlotte Pass via the snowcat transfer from Perisher. There are also guided backcountry ski and snowboarding adventures with  Alpine Access Australia  and  K7 Adventures .

K7 Adventures , Thredbo

For a bird's-eye view, take a scenic helicopter flight with  Snowy Mountains Helicopters  and soar high above Kosciuszko National Park , flying past the peaks of Mount Kosciuszko and Mount Townsend. Keep an eye out for wild brumbies below. You can even book a remote wilderness picnic, which includes a helicopter flight to a secluded cabin in the national park and a gourmet lunch for two.

Snowy Mountains Helicopters , Perisher

In the summer months, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Jindabyne are ideal for fishing and water sports. Horse riding tours are popular throughout the Snowy Mountains and  Thredbo Valley Horse Riding  in nearby Crackenback offers short trail rides and longer treks through beautiful wilderness areas. At nearby  Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa , you can try a Segway tour or enjoy canoeing and fishing. 

Hiking and walking trails wind throughout the surrounding bushland. Try the picturesque trail around the edge of the lake, follow the easy  Waterfall Walking Track  through fields of wildflowers or venture further into the Kosciuszko National Park. The area is also known for mountain biking .  Bungarra Alpine Centre  just outside of town has 20km of trails for all skill levels, there are 18km of trails around Lake Crackenback and the Thredbo Valley has a number of world-class trails, including the legendary  Cannonball Downhill Trail  that follows a long ski run. Post-activity, take a deep breath and calm your mind during a hatha yoga session at  Jai Yoga . 

Kayaking on Lake Jindabyne, Jindabyne

The local dining scene

Jindabyne has plenty of top eateries and brewpubs on offer. Try Australian schnapps from locally-sourced fruit at the  Wildbrumby Distillery , and enjoy strolling around the beautiful grounds and sculpture gardens. Pinot’s wine bar is a hot favourite with the locals. For craft brews made with pure mountain water, head to Jindabyne Brewing or  Kosciuszko Brewing  at the  Banjo Paterson Inn .

Wildbrumby Distillery , Jindabyne

Follow your nose to the delectable range of oven-fresh breakfast pastries on offer at  Nimmitabel Bakery . The aroma of freshly brewed coffee is just as difficult to resist at  Birchwood , where you can also fill up before a big day in the great outdoors on cheese toasties, muesli bowls, moreish breakfast salads and more. Cosy up at the end of the day at  Bacco Italian Restaurant , which has been preparing pizzas and pastas for more than 25 years; kids are well catered for with a dedicated menu of tasty bites. 

Bacco Italian Restaurant, Jindabyne - Credit: Bacco Italian Restaurant

Exciting events

Mountain bikers will love the  Snowies MTB Festival , a three-day mountain biking extravaganza held in Jindabyne each February. The  Snowy Classic  cycling event, which starts and finishes at Lake Jindabyne, is a great new addition to the event calendar. Don’t miss the thrills and spills of Jindabyne’s  Man from Snowy River Rodeo  in December.

Man From Snowy River Rodeo , Jindabyne - Credit: Jenny Solomon

Where to stay

Jindabyne has a huge range of accommodation options including holiday parks, chalets, hotels, luxury homes, cottages and B&Bs. The sprawling  Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa  is on the edge of the Kosciuszko National Park and ideal for both winter and summer stays.  Avonside Alpine Estate  is a postcard-perfect working farm hosting two- and three-bedroom eco-friendly cottages. Or soak up the similarly scenic setting at  Ecocrackenback , as you warm up by the fire in one of its 18 self-contained cabins.

Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa , Crackenback

Getting there

Jindabyne is a five-hour drive from Sydney , seven hours from Melbourne and just two hours from Canberra. The slopes of Thredbo and Perisher are only a 30-minute drive from Jindabyne in good conditions and the Bullocks Flat Skitube station is 20 minutes away, with plenty of parking. From 8 June to 6 October 2024, the  Snowy Mountains Bus Service  is a public transport option for customers travelling from Jindabyne to Perisher and Thredbo resorts seven days a week during ski season, with extra services during school holidays and peak periods. 

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