Snowy Mountains

• Summer

  Dec—Feb

  25°C Avg. High

  20°C Avg. Low

• Winter

  Jun—Aug

  10°C Avg. High

  5°C Avg. Low

Kosciuszko National Park

Yes, it’s home to Australia’s highest peak, but that’s not all: Kosciuszko National Park offers travellers a whole world of spectacular to explore. Four ski resorts are the centre of human activity here: ski or snowboard the country’s highest runs or test your legs on a cross-country skiing odyssey. Take on big-challenge walks, saddle up and ride the High Plains, explore caves, or just find a people-free lookout and simply breathe in the beauty and tranquillity. When the weather turns cold, Kosciuszko National Park transforms into a winter wonderland, with skiers and snowboarders flocking to the slopes of ski resorts Perisher, Thredbo, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snow Resort. The ski season generally runs between the June and October long weekends, with the best snow in July and August.

Cooma

Think of the Cooma region as the gatekeeper to the wonders of the Snowy Mountains that lie beyond. Stop here and relish the country town flavour that imbues everything from the cafes to the historic train station, from the galleries to the larger-than-life attractions (we’re looking at you, Big Trout). Fishing, ambling, horse riding, hot-air ballooning and plenty of off-leash walking with your favourite four-legged friend all await.

Cooma itself is the largest town in the Snowy Mountains and home to the Snowy Mountains Hydro Discovery Centre. Learn about the extraordinary Snowy Mountains Scheme, as well as its next phase, Snowy Hydro 2.0. Glimpse life behind bars at the NSW Correctional Services Museum, which provides a fascinating insight into the 200-year penal history of NSW prisons from convict times to present day. Visit the Raglan Gallery and Cultural Centre to see amazing works by local artists, and admire the town from above at Nanny Goat Hill Lookout. Include a visit to Mount Gladstone Lookout, which is located out of town in 125 hectares of native bushland and offers lovely panoramas over the Monaro Plains.

Jindabyne

Few high-country towns are as picture-postcard-perfect as Jindabyne, thanks primarily to its position on the shores of Lake Jindabyne, which seems to stretch endlessly to the horizon. You can choose your own adventure here – from sledding down Thredbo River to experiencing Man from Snowy River country on horseback – or opt for gentler pursuits, like trout fishing, country ambles or a long scenic drive.

Gateway to the iconic Kosciuszko National Park, home to Australia’s highest peak, the Jindabyne region has long inspired Australian legends of mountain horsemen, such as Banjo Paterson’s The Man From Snowy River and Elyne Mitchell’s Silver Brumby books. You might even catch a glimpse of real life brumbies on a horse riding tour in the high country, with tour companies like Thredbo Valley Horse Riding. In the wintertime, skiing and snowboarding are par for the course at nearby Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snow Resort. You can also experience backcountry adventures with Alpine Access Australia and K7 Adventures. In the warmer months, switch to hiking and biking the scenic mountain trails around Jindabyne and Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa.

Tumbarumba

In the divinely beautiful Snowy Valleys, the Tumbarumba region is absolutely worth a detour. Mountain peaks, greener-than-green pastureland and crystalline streams form the backdrop for cool-climate vineyards, blueberry farms, a must-do rail trail for both walkers and cyclists, glorious gardens, a divine waterfall and the enchanting hamlets of both Tumbarumba and Khancoban. The towns of Tumbarumba and Khancoban are both delightful, oozing country charm. Tumbarumba was established during the goldrush in the1850s, while Khancoban came about as housing for some of the many people who came here to build the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme.

Tumut

Whether you like crisp winter mountain air, the fiery colours of autumn, or immersing yourself in the water in the summertime, Tumut and surrounds is a place for all seasons. Sitting snugly at the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, and with an eponymous river at its heart, you can indulge your active self in pastimes like fishing, hiking, hang gliding, rock climbing, mountain biking and birdwatching, or just indulge generally along a farm gate trail on a scenic drive.

Nestled in the western foothills of Kosciusko National Park, the towns of Tumut and surrounds are perfect for getting back to nature. Tumut is the largest and a great starting point – with fly fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing and swimming all on offer – as well as guided tours, a number of fantastic cafes, an excellent brewery and accommodation ranging from luxury to glamping. Nearby, the small town of Batlow is famous for its apples. Stop by one of the farm gates and stock up on fresh produce. Meanwhile, Talbingo is popular with those interested in fishing and water sports, located between Blowering and Talbingo dams.

Snowy Valleys

No matter the season, the Snowy Valleys offers spectacular alpine adventures and outdoor beauty. Take in the lush surrounds as you hike, mountain bike or ride on horseback through forested trails, and fish in the valley’s cold flowing streams and lakes. Marvel at the towering limestone cliffs and tumbling waterfalls, camp beside pristine waterholes, and feast on the region’s premium food and wine. Near Tumut in Kosciuszko National Park, follow the 5km Clarke Gorge Walking Track, below dramatic limestone cliffs and cave formations, to the 15m Cave Creek Falls. Try your luck fishing for trout in the pools along Cave Creek, before heading to Blue Waterholes campsite for a night among the snow gums.