snowy mountains touring guidebook

Your Year-R

ound Guide

To G

etting H

igh in A

ustralia

’s

Snowy M

ountains

Tourist Brochure.indd 1 4/11/12 7:56 AM

Thredbo Alpine Village


There is nothing quite like Snowy Mountains. Here the Australian

continent reaches its highest in an awesome flourish of nature’s

best. Capped in frosty white for much of the year, soaring crags

and rolling moors fall unexpectedly to verdant valleys in the west

and more gently to prairie-like high plains to the east, pitching two

diverse sides to this spectacular face of the land Down Under.

Ringed by deep, viridian lakes and rushing streams forever

hastening to lower clines, this pristine roof to Australia is the

headwaters of the country’s mightiest rivers.

Since time immemorial, Snowy Mountains has meant inspiration,

adventure and romance. Fine local food, award-winning cool

climate wines and exquisite local brews make this mountain

destination an epicurean delight. The unique landscape,

habitat and culture has become world-renowned as an alpine

playground 365 days a year.

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www.snowymountains.com.au

Across 365 days and four seasons,

Snowy Mountains is Australia’s ultimate alpine

experience. Come play. Come stay. Get high.


Kosciuszko National Park


Snowy Mountains is Australia’s

highest alpine wilderness -

nature at its awesome best.

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Mt Kosciuszko is the continent’s crowning glory. Rising 2,228

metres, or 7,310 feet, it is the nation’s iconic pinnacle. Beneath its

lofty dome lies 690,000 hectares of one of the world’s great national

parks. The backdrop to Australia’s leading ski resorts, Kosciuszko

National Park is the largest in New South Wales welcoming over two

million adoring visitors each year to this magnificent precinct.

As mainland Australia’s only true alpine region, Snowy Mountains

dwarfs its surrounds boasting the five highest peaks on the

continent. This unique and wild place contains mainland Australia’s

five glacial lakes. Lake Cootapatamba, the highest in the land, and

Lake Albina, Club Lake, Blue Lake and Hedley Tarn each dating

themselves to the last ice age. This timeless land is also host to the

Mountain Plum Pine, a conifer believed to be the world’s oldest

living organism.

Precious species such as the tiny Corroboree Frog, Mountain Pygmy

Possum and Dusky Marsupial Mouse are sometimes spied living in

the high altitudes of this ancient wilderness.

However, visitors are more likely to spot the maverick symbol of the

mountains - the wild bush horses of The Man From Snowy River

fame. The Brumbies defiant freedom underscores the Australian

spirit itself.

Across 365 days and four seasons, the Snowy Mountains wilderness

is an awesome adventure experience. From mountain biking, horse

trekking and backcountry skiing to bushwalking, canoeing and

caving, there are more highs here than you can imagine.



Crackenback Range


Come to the leading skiing

destination in the southern hemisphere -

Australia’s snow capital.

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The high terrain of Snowy Mountains conspires with Mother Nature to

create winter unlike anything else.

This is Australia’s most exciting snow sports playground. Snowy

Mountains’ international resorts have the highest lifted points in the

country and offer almost two-thirds of Australia’s resort slopes for your

enjoyment. Here, cross-country skiing seems endless and is, quite

simply, awesome.

Charlotte Pass: The highest resort in Australia, Charlotte Pass offers

some of the most reliable and consistent snowfall in the country.

Perisher: Australia’s most popular snow sports destination,

Perisher offers sensational winter experiences for all levels of

skiers and snowboarders on- and off-piste. With 47 lifts, seven

Snowy Mountains peaks are within easy reach.

Selwyn Snowfields: Known as Australia’s premier family and

learn-to-ski resort, Selwyn Snowfields presents a range of terrain

accessed by 11 lifts.

Thredbo: Sophisticated and stylish with the highest lifted point

and longest ski runs in the country, Thredbo is Australia’s largest

integrated alpine village. Après ski activities provide guests with

indulgences to suit all tastes and styles. In Thredbo, the downhill

runs don’t stop in spring. The resort is a mecca for summer

sports including mountain biking trails to suit all skill levels.



Lake Jindabyne


Mighty lakes and wild rivers abound

with life and bounty in an aquatic paradise

20 times bigger than Sydney Harbour.

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Snowy Mountains is the source of the life-giving waters of Australia’s

iconic rivers – Murray, Snowy and Murrumidgee – the flows that

sustain the food bowl of a nation. Lakes born from the toil of the

nation’s greatest project, the Snowy Hydro scheme, provide energy

to power the homes and industry of Australia.

The placid waters of Lakes Eucumbene, Jindabyne, Blowering,

Talbingo, Tantangara, Tumut and Khancoban Pondages, and many

others, are a freshwater angler’s paradise. Trophy catches regularly

landed include Brown, Brook and Rainbow Trout along

with Atlantic Salmon, providing some of the most surprising

sport fishing in Australia. Sizzling catches cook to perfection

in the cool alpine air on riparian campfires.

The white water of fast flowing streams creates a natural

theme park of slides, twists and thrills. Vast lakes provide

the perfect calm surface for myriad water sports, family fun

and recreation.



Cooma Churches


Quaint and historic, bustling and laid-back,

our towns and villages are packed with character,

events and local produce.

From Cooma to Tumut, Tumbarumba to Jindabyne, and in

numerous hamlets across the breadth of our contrasting

landscapes, you will find a welcome that is beyond compare.

Our eclectic rural villages and bustling market towns have retained

the best of old world charm, culture and the true nature of Australian

country life.

Filled with serendipitous delight, our communities are rich in history

and just waiting for you with experiences out of the ordinary.

Discover our indigenous culture, pioneer heritage and modern

technology. Art and craft, antiques and collectables, festivals and

events – what amazing discoveries will you make?

The aroma of local cooking and fresh harvests linger in the crisp

mountain air whetting even the most resistant appetites.

Our sumptuous local cuisine is sure to have your mouth-watering

in moments. Snowy Mountains is gaining a reputation for all sorts

of taste sensations. Rich soils and yields of paddock and forest,

water and mountains, produces piquant flavours, wholesome

cuisine, fine wines, thirst-quenching brews and pure

mineral waters.

Attractions and activities abound to suit all styles, speeds and

interests. Horse riding or fly-fishing, biking or boating, skiing or

snowboarding, it all starts in our towns and villages.


eleven


Cooma Courthouse


Rich in history, we are

the high plains gateway to

the Australian Alps.

thirteen

The rolling Monaro Plains are without equal. High, often treeless,

this region has produced some of the finest merino wool in history.

Here, villages and towns date their origins back to the 1840s.

Bredbo: Boasting the historic Bredbo Inn, this village was

originally a stagecoach stop.

Cooma: From atop Mount Gladstone, you will find sweeping

views of Cooma, mountains, snow and plains. Visit the Snowy

Hydro Discovery Centre for a fabulous insight into the amazing

story behind the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, the

biggest engineering project ever undertaken in Australia. More than

100,000 people from 30 countries worked on this amazing feat.

Take the Lambie Town Walk to discover Cooma’s National Trust sites.

Jerangle: Dating back to the 1850s, this small hamlet has historic

churches and century old public school.

Michelago: As one of the first places settled, the village features

150-year old, St Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Nimmitabel: Sitting atop the Great Dividing Range at 1,070 metres,

Nimmitabel points of interest include Geldmacher House and Mill,

and St Andrew’s Catholic Church.

Numeralla: This small village is situated on the banks of the

Numeralla River, a popular spot with anglers.



Lake Crackenback Resort


A picture postcard framed

by lakes and alpine peaks, we are

waiting to welcome you.

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Adaminaby: A fantastic trout fishing centre and winter sports

gateway, Adaminaby is over 1,000 metres above sea level. Historic

Bolaro Station and scenic Yaouk Valley are located nearby. Charlie

McKeahnie, said to be the inspiration for Banjo Paterson’s The Man

From Snowy River, lived and died in the district.

Berridale: A photographer’s paradise, each season brings a new

palette of rich Berridale colours. From the surprise of spring green

to the luminous ochre of granite boulders and autumnal Poplars,

Berridale pleases the artist’s eye.

Dalgety: In 1903, a Federal Royal Commission named Dalgety as

the location for Australia’s national capital city. Ultimately, a more

northerly site was chosen to house the nation’s government.

The historic Snowy River Bridge was constructed in 1888 and

is a must-see.

Jindabyne: A modern community built after the inundation of

Old Jindabyne, the town is gently nestled along the southern

shores of its beautiful lake. Jindabyne is a popular jumping off

point for the alpine resorts only 30 minutes away. It is the largest

accommodation venue in Snowy Mountains offering a wide

range of hotels and apartments. Restaurants and cafés provide

fine cuisine for all tastes.

About the size of Sydney Harbour, Lake Jindabyne is an

exciting fishing and summer water sports destination.



Tumbarumba Vineyards


Experience the magic of forests

and peaks, fine wines, good food

and country hospitality.

seventeen

Khancoban: A fabulous base from which to explore Snowy

Mountains and beautiful Upper Murray region, Khancoban is a

holiday destination for all seasons.

Jingellic: Charm comes in a small township on the Murray River,

called Jingellic.

Laurel Hill: The hamlet of Laurel Hill once produced hardwood

timber for boat oars and sulky shafts. Nowadays, lovely picnic

areas, plant nurseries and berry farms pepper the area. The famous

Sugar Pine Walk is located nearby.

Rosewood: The annual Rosewood Country Roundup Music

Festival is just the way to experience friendly country hospitality

with a variety of entertainment while relaxing in front of a campfire.

Nearby is Miss Glenroy Heritage Reserve with the Pioneer

Women’s Hut and Cottage Craft Shop.

Tumbarumba: In the lower ranges of Snowy Mountains,

Tumbarumba is a charming and tranquil retreat with well-

conserved heritage buildings, vineyards, trout streams, sheep

and cattle meadows. Snuggled into the flanks of a vibrant green

valley in the shadow of forested, rugged slopes, Tumbarumba

is a nature lover’s paradise. Bubbling streams, green fields and

a peaceful, gentle ambience is a relaxing balm to city-jangled

nerves.

Each February, Tumbafest - a weekend of local wine and great

music – celebrates the region’s best.



Tumut Valley


Catch your breath and relax, take your

time and enjoy all seasons in this paradise

of valleys, rivers, forests and lakes.

Tumut is a year-round playground and gateway for

bushwalking, mountain biking, waterskiing, trout fishing,

canoeing, sailing, caving, snow sports, golf and tennis.

Adelong: With its quaint buildings and farmhouses, this

historic settlement recalls times gone by. The area is famous

for remnants of its gold mining past, antiques and collectables.

Batlow: Known for its orchards, Batlow is one of the major

fruit-producing areas in New South Wales. Fresh apples,

stonefruit, berries, pears and cherries are some of the true

delights of the region.

Cabramurra: At 1,488 metres above sea level, Cabramurra

is the highest permanently inhabited town in Australia.

Talbingo: A hub for water sports, bushwalking and

exploring Kosciuszko National Park, Talbingo also provides

accommodation for Selwyn Snowfields in the winter.

Tumut: Rich in natural beauty, Tumut offers adventure

experiences and stunning landscapes cloaked in

accentuated seasonal colours. Rolling valleys, mountain

streams and alpine mountain ranges make Tumut popular for

nature lovers and adventure seekers. Tumut River Walk and

Riverglade Wetlands is a favourite with enthusiasts. Historic

buildings and tales of a vibrant past are discovered on the

town’s self-guided heritage trail.


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Thredbo Alpine Hotel


KHANCOBAN

THREDBO

JINDABYNE

SNOWY MOUNTAINS

COOMA

Berridale

Dalgety Mt Kosciuszko

Charlotte Pass

Perisher Valley

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round, boasting snow covered peaks, deep alpine lakes, giant

boulder fields and vibrant displays of blossoming wildflowers.

Wind your way into fascinating country villages and towns, visit

historic homesteads, enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic

Main Range, rest by sparkling rivers, lakes and streams.

Plan your trip to stay at least two nights along the way and really

soak up the scenery, activities and the friendly charm of the locals.

KOSCIUSZKO ALPINE WAYYou’ll be inspired as you travel through some of Australia’s most

beautiful alpine passes and breathtaking high plains. Stop and

enjoy quaint villages and exquisite local cuisine.

Kosciuszko Alpine Way takes you from Canberra through Snowy

Mountains, Khancoban and beyond. Meandering through this

spectacular alpine region, this scenic route has it all – amazing

landscapes, dramatic vistas, history and beauty. It includes the

magnificent Kosciuszko National Park – a place of contrasts year


Sugar Pine Walk


SNOWY MOUNTAINSTUMUT

ADELONG

BATLOWTooma

Rosewood

TUMBARUMBA

Laurel Hill

Gundagai

Towong


twenty-three

The route crosses the mighty Murray River at Towong and heads

through Corryong.

A picturesque slice of Australia, Snowy Valleys Way offers

travellers spectacular outdoor activities, a clutch of colourful

festivals and events, numerous towns to explore and a laid-back

rural charm that distinguishes it from other popular tourist drives.

Snowy Valleys Way is where the journey is as exhilarating as

the destination.

SNOWY VALLEYS WAYTake your time and explore the intriguing history of our alpine

wilderness as it cascades by forested gorges, picturesque lakes

and verdant meadows. Enjoy cool-climate wines, mouth-watering

local dishes and discover colourful festivals and events.

The Snowy Valleys Way touring route winds its way from Gundagai,

south through Tumut, famous for its spectacular autumn colours and

onto Batlow, home of Australia’s most famous apple. Tumbarumba

with its proud township boasting art gallery, Pioneer Women’s Hut

and award-winning wines is a perfect stopover.


Yarrangobilly Caves


TUMUT

ADAMINABY

LAKE EUCUMBENE

COOMA

TALBINGO

KiandraYarrangobillyCaves

SNOWY MOUNTAINS


twenty-five

Yarrangobilly Caves, nearby Selwyn Snowfields and the

historic Kiandra goldfields. In winter, this section is subject to

heavy snowfalls. Skiing in Australia began at Kiandra

around 1861.

Descending the eastern slopes, the route passes close to the

upper reaches of Lake Eucumbene and through Adaminaby to

Cooma. Beyond, the highway continues through Nimmitabel

and descends to Bemboka then on to the south coast of

New South Wales.

SNOWY MOUNTAINS HIGHWAYExperience one of Australia’s truly great drives as you traverse the

roof of Australia. From spectacular lakes, hot springs, awesome

caves and snow capped peaks, to the remnants of our gold rush

past, this is the true spirit of Australia.

Starting at its junction with the Hume Highway, Snowy Mountains

Highway runs south-east, through Tumut, follows the shoreline

of Blowering Dam, and passes Talbingo before ascending the

steep western slopes of Snowy Mountains. Entering Kosciusko

National Park the highway traverses the highland plateau past

Snowy Mountains Highway



For more information on how you can get high in Snowy Mountains visit: snowymountains.com.au

Cooma Visitor Information Centre

Sharp Street

Cooma NSW 2630

1800 636 525 or 02 6450 1742

[email protected]

Khancoban Visitor Centre

Scott Street

Khancoban NSW 2627

02 6076 9373

or 02 6076 9382

Snowy Region Visitor Centre

Kosciuszko Road

Jindabyne NSW 2627

02 6450 5600

[email protected]

Tumbarumba Visitor Information Centre

Bridge Street

Tumbarumba NSW 2653

02 6948 3333

[email protected]

Tumut Region Visitor Information Centre


Tumut NSW 2720

02 6947 7025

[email protected]

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KOSCIUSZKONATIONAL PARK

Kosciuszko Alpine Way


Snowy Valleys WayMELBOURNE

Tumut

Tumbarumba

KhancobanJindabyne

Cooma

CANBERRA

SYDNEY

Special thanks to Destination NSW for assistance in the photography and production of this guide and to all the photographers whose passion for Snowy Mountains shows off the

destination so brilliantly. In particular, Don Fuchs (pages 8, 10, 16 & 24), Steve Cuff (pages 6 & 26), Ali Field, Mandy Lamont, Keith Webb, Jon Armstrong, Mike Newling & others.


snowy mountains touring guidebook

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