Snowy Mountains Info
Introduction
Australia’s magnificent Snowy Mountains region in southeastern New South Wales is home to a spectacular range of white tufted peaks, crystal clear streams and cool, crisp air. Affectionately called the Snowies by Aussie locals, the Snowy Mountains make up Australia’s highest mountain range; Australia’s tallest mountain Mount Kosciuszko, which is a towering 2,228 meters high, makes up just one of the many mountains in the range. Together, with four other mountains, Mount Kosciuszko composes part of the Australian Alps and the Great Dividing Range. This region is also home to Kosciusko National Park an immense stretch of wooded wilderness extending northward for 160 kilometers, towards the border with Victoria.
The Snowy Mountains are habitually topped off with a white coating of snow during the winter months of June, July and August; however, the peaks are laid bare in spring, by which time, the winter snow has melted away. Vast expanses of Mountain Plum-pine, perhaps one of the world’s oldest trees, cover the mountains in a verdant green embrace.
The Main Range, one chain of the Snowy Mountains, is renowned for its great glacial lakes—Blue Lake, the largest of them all, and Lake Albina, Lake Cootapatamba , Club Lake and Headley Tarn. The fresh, cool waters of these lakes are ideal for a relaxing boat ride or fishing trip.
Visiting
The Snowy Mountains are a stunning alpine wonderland, where many a sports enthusiast has flocked for ages in an attempt to catch air. There are several ski resorts including at Thredbo and Perisher Blue in the southern end of Kosciuszko National Park, and Mount Selwyn to the north. Each slope offers a challenge for professionals and newcomers alike. These resorts can be accessed easily and they offer premium amenities including chairlifts, luxury hotels and lodges, first class restaurants, and lessons from experts in the field.
Snowboarders and skiers will be impressed by the natural beauty of the mountains and the thrill of gliding down the soft, white powder.
Jinabyne, which sits at the base of the Snowy Mountains, is where a majority of Aussies choose to stay, as it is significantly cheaper than at the mountain resorts. The area is filled with shopping centers, boutiques and hotels and motels for every budget. The town surrounds a picture perfect lake, which, in the summer, turns into a hub of activity, with sailing, waterskiing, and fishing as popular pastimes.
For those looking to get away from it all, Khancoban is definitely a must. This small, out of the way township is delightfully charming. If you make the 500 plus kilometer drive from Sydney via Jinabyne, you’ll pass through the breathtaking landscapes of Kosciusko National Park and marvel at the sinuously twisting mountain roads, bordered by magnificent peaks, lakes and valleys. Taking this route, you can easily reach Khancoban, which is a mere 13 kilometers from the Victorian border. This gem of a place is especially spectacular during autumn, when the leaves create a remarkable tapestry of deep reds, golds and burnt orange.
The small town of Berridale makes an excellent stopover as it is located right between Cooma and the snowy slopes of Thredbo and Perisher Valley. The town plays host to an excellent winery, and a shopping center where you can find gifts and artisanal sweets.
Adelong, a quaint town, whose name stems from the Aboriginal language meaning along the way, is home to Adelong Falls, a waterfall famed for its beauty. This former mining town has an old-world charm, with its picturesque row houses, elegant eateries and striking boutiques. There’s an Adelong museum as well, which houses a model of the Reefer Battery at the falls that ran from 1860 to 1914. The town, with its resplendent mountain views, offers a wide range of activities for nature lovers including hiking, fishing, golf and panning for gold along the tranquil creek.
Bredbo, a tiny mountain village in Merino County, is known for its rural charm and long history. The village was once a stagecoach stop en route to the Snowy Mountains and the South Coast. Today, you can shop Bredbo’s specialty Christmas boutiques or enjoy the delicious wood fired pizzas at the eponymous pizzeria.
As you can probably tell by now, the Snowy Mountain region is rife with spectacular alpine landscapes and outdoors activities all year long. It is well worth the trip.