Known for its skiing in winter, but the region is popular the year round as it also has great fishing, hiking and watersports. The crisp high country air, spectacular mountain peaks and the crystal clear streams all add to its attraction as a holiday destination.
To the southwest of Canberra ACT, the highest mountains in Australia are situated here but it also has wild forests with beautiful lakes, rivers and streams including the Snowy River. See more on Canberra ACT.
Winter Season
The winter season here can begin in mid May and can last up to the middle of October.
At the Thredbo Village Resort, there is a world class giant slalom course. You can hire skis, other skiing equipment, sleds and also get instruction. The ski lift that operates all year round will take you to the top of Mt. Crackenback.
Perisher Valley Resort
Perisher Valley is also popular as a ski resort, they also hire skis and offer instruction, with reliable snow cover in winter.
Mt Kosciuszko National Park
Mt Kosciuzko, the highest mountain in Australia, is at the Kosciuszko National Park at 2228 metres above sea level. The park offers great hiking and climbing.
One needs to be aware of the requirements of Alpine hiking and climbing by not hiking alone. Check the weather before hand - do not go hiking or trekking in bad weather. Phone the Snowy Region Visitor Centre at 6450 5600 for more information. See Weather Snowy Mountains NSW
History
Inhabited by aboriginals for thousands of years and later by farmers and ranchers in the 1800s. The discovery of Gold at Kiama led to a boom of settlers and gold diggers, with the popularity of skiing here soon to follow.
In 1949, as part of the post war rebuilding of Australia, the Hydro-Electricity Scheme was launched to provide power to the states of Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.
Fishing
The lakes of Eucumbene, Jindabyne and Khancoban Pondage as well as the Snowy River and the streams leading up to it provide excellent fishing, especially trout.
Outdoor Adventure
Another great way to explore this region is to take a white water raft ride through the stunning areas of Kosciuszko National Park. There is horse riding available and hiking through the mountains is something you will never forget.
You can find and book Adventure Tours and Activities directly from GoDo.com.au Snowy Mountains Activities.
The fresh mountain air and views can make food taste better! There are plenty of eateries and restaurants to accommodate even the most discerning palate.
Accommodation
There are plenty of camping spots and some caravan parks along the major roads. Cooma, some 416 kms from Sydney is at the beginning of the region and a popular tourist centre with a wide variety of accommodation and places to stay.
At Thredbo and Perisher Valley, there is world class accommodation as they are resort areas. Jindabyne has self contained apartments, hotels and motels. Needless to say, in winter time be sure to book ahead.
Note: Popular misspellings of the name Kosciuszko National Park include Kosciusko, Kosciuzko, Koziusko, Kosiosko, Koscusko, Kociosko and Kociusko - go figger. Explorer, scientist and humanist, Sir Paul Edmund de Strzelecki, gave it the original and correctly spelt name.
Locals have been known to call it ‘ Kossie ’ and refer to the region as the Snowies.
Working Australian holiday
For a different kind of holiday, The Australian Government has made it easier for people to work in Australia. See Work in Australia.
Map
The map shows National Parks, towns and places of interest, including Perisher Village, Thredbo village, Mount Kosciuszko and the Selwyn snowfields.