SNOWY MOUNTAINS
Australia's high country is home to spectacular peaks, clear mountain streams and cool, crisp air, which make an interesting setting for any holiday. Natural occuring features in the Snowy Region abound and are for the most part easily accessible by car. More than half of the alpine habitat in Australia falls inside the Snowy Mountains boundaries.
Coupled with the abundance of unpolluted freshwater streams, the famous Murray and Snowy Rivers, magnificent valleys and undulating meadow, the region is proudly unique and abundant in its natural attractions. National Parks cover a fairly large area of the Snowies, including Kosciuszko National Park, the largest National Park in NSW and home to Mount Kosciuszko, Australias highest mountain at 2228metres.
Other parks in the area include, Wadbilliga, Deua, Namadgi and South East Forests National Parks. The Snowy River Area is varied and vast with rolling prairie and mountains. The source of the Snowy River begins in the creeks and rivers of the Main Range and winds down to Lake Jindabyne where it is damned up. The Snowy then winds itself south to Dalgety where there is easy access to the river before it heads back into the National Parks on its journey to Victoria and the coast.
Situated in a beautiful valley at the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, Tumut is one of the prettiest towns in New South Wales. The town’s name is derived from an Aboriginal word, meaning 'a quiet resting place by the river'. Tumut’s rich colonial heritage from the gold rush era remains today and can be seen in magnificent old buildings best explored on a heritage walk.
The pioneer cemetery in Adelong Road includes the grave of Thomas Boyd, member of the Hume and Hovell expedition that passed through Tumut in 1824. The Historical Society Museum has fascinating information about the town’s pioneering history as well as memorabilia belonging to famous local author, Miles Franklin.
Visit the African Violet Farm, the Snowy Mountains Trout Farm, Boonderoo Wines and the Tumut Broom Factory. Enjoy the many walks around town such as the River Walk along the banks of the Tumut River and Elm Drive, best during spring and autumn. Go for a bushwalk along part of the historic Hume and Hovell Walking Track. Don’t miss the Festival of the Falling Leaf, celebrated each April when the autumn leaves are falling.
Situated beside the Thredbo River at an altitude of 1370m, Thredbo is the closest resort to Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest mountain. Thredbo Village is open all year with plenty of adventure activities during summer and winter. With its chalets, narrow winding streets and mountain vistas, the village feels like a true alpine retreat, unique in the Australian Alps.
The Kosciuszko Express Chairlift operates all year round and the top station boasts Australia's highest restaurant, Eagles Nest. Slide down the Thredbo Bobsled, a 700m luge–style track.
Village facilities include fashion shopping, gift stores, great cafes and restaurants serving modern Australian cuisine. There are tennis courts, mountain biking, golf, horse riding and hiking on offer. One of the best walks is the 13km return hike to the top of Mount Kosciuszko – for the less adventurous, the trip by ski lift to the top is a perfect start to the day.
