Snowy Mountains
About a nine hour drive from Sydney is the exhilarating area of the Snowy Mountains. Here you will find the tallest mountain in Australia, Mt Kosciusko at 2,228 meters (7,310 ft) high. The summit area of this mountain has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with over 20 species of plants to be found nowhere else in the world. Hiking to the peak of Mt Kosciusko is far easier than other mountains, with a ride on the year round chairlift from Thredbo, then an easy 6 kilometer (3.7 mi) walk. However, passing glacier lakes with breath-taking views over the scenic valley, enables you to enjoy one of the world’s most unique and dramatic ecosystems. Have a picnic amongst the wildflowers and trickling streams at Blue Lake, or enjoy a champagne breakfast at the summit of the mountain. Take the chairlift up, then mountain bike down the stunning Cannonball Run. Or enjoy one of the many guided hikes in the national park that highlight the natural beauty of the area. These walks are also in keeping with the Aboriginal heritage of the area.
The town of Jindabyne is like the base camp for the area. Set on a gorgeous lake in the high plains, this town provides access to adventure activities like skiing, horse riding, water sports, and fishing. Lake Jindabyne and the nearby Eucumbene Lake, an artificial lake, are teaming with both salmon and trout. Also, of interest, is the amazing size of the Lake Eucumbene Dam Wall and the Snowy River Bridge. Enjoy the scenic drive along the Alpine Way from Jindabyne to Khancoban.
Enjoy downhill skiing, snow-boarding, and snow-shoeing at Thredbo, Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn. Night skiing is prevalent at some of the resorts and it is also possible to toboggan. As well, you can enjoy the many trails through spectacular scenery on a cross country skiing adventure.
The movie, The Man from Snowy River, made horseback riding a very popular activity in this area. A number of companies have trips ranging from one day of horse riding to week long experiences, and this is becoming a must for many international travelers. This is also helping to keep the local stockman’s traditions alive.
Other outdoor adventure activities include kayaking, rafting, cycling or you can even try your hand at caving in the Yarrangobilly Caves near Tumut. You can join the 12 kilometer (7.4 mi) Hume and Hovell Walking Track at Henry Angel Trackhead, which retraces the path of these explorers from 1824 and cuts through a tunnel that was built in the gold-mining days of the 1800’s. Or just wander many of the shorter hikes that are available throughout the region.
You can browse antique stores in the pristine town of Tumbarumba or picnic next to the creek that goes through the town. You can taste cool weather wines from local vineyards which include sparkling wines made from chardonnay and pinot noir. Or try your hand at fossicking for gold and sapphires.
The Snowy Mountains is as popular in the summer as in the winter, and mountain air does not come any purer than this. Fantastic scenery, grazing wallabies, gorgeous plants and flowers, historic country towns and lots of adventure activities make this area desirable for all types of travelers.
