Snowy Mountains Travel Guide

Learn all about Snowy Mountains, including the best places to visit, food to eat, things to do, where to stay, and more. Plan your next trip to Snowy Mountains with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Snowy Mountains

Snowy Mountains is a popular tourist destination located in Southeastern New South Wales, Australia. The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, which includes mountains, valleys, lakes, and forests. It is also famous for its winter sports and ski resorts, making it a popular destination for snow sports enthusiasts. The Snowy Mountains is a great place to visit for anyone looking for a unique and exciting outdoor experience.

List of Places to Visit in Snowy Mountains

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Snowy Mountains is home to several culturally significant attractions, including museums and historical places.

Cooma Visitors Centre

The Cooma Visitors Centre is an excellent place to start your journey through the Snowy Mountains. It provides visitors with information about the area’s history and culture.

Yarrangobilly Caves

The Yarrangobilly Caves feature beautiful limestone formations that date back millions of years. Visitors can take a guided tour of the caves and learn about their history.

The Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre

The Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre provides visitors with an interactive experience, allowing them to learn about the construction of the Snowy Hydro Scheme and its impact on the community.

Natural Attractions of Snowy Mountains: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Snowy Mountains is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, which includes mountains, valleys, lakes, and forests.

Kosciuszko National Park

Kosciuszko National Park is the most famous national park in the Snowy Mountains and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia. It is home to the highest peak in Australia, Mount Kosciuszko. The park offers a variety of hiking and cycling trails for visitors to explore.

Thredbo Ski Resort

Thredbo Ski Resort is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. It is located at the foot of Mt Kosciuszko and offers skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports activities. The resort also has accommodation and dining options.

Lake Jindabyne

Lake Jindabyne is a beautiful lake in the Snowy Mountains that offers a variety of water-based activities, such as fishing and kayaking, as well as scenic walking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Snowy Mountains

The Snowy Mountains is home to some of the best hiking and biking routes in Australia, offering visitors a unique and exciting outdoor experience.

Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk

The Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk is a beautiful hiking trail that leads visitors to the top of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Thredbo Valley Track

The Thredbo Valley Track is a popular cycling and hiking trail that passes through the Thredbo Valley. The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, including the Thredbo River and the Snowy Mountains.

Best Things to Do in Snowy Mountains: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of exciting activities and tours to do in the Snowy Mountains, catering to everyone’s interests and preferences.

Snow Sports

The Snowy Mountains are renowned for their winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. Thredbo Ski Resort and Perisher Ski Resort are two of the most popular ski destinations in the Snowy Mountains.

Mountain Biking

The Snowy Mountains offer some of the best mountain biking trails in Australia, suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. The trails feature stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Thredbo River and the Snowy Mountains.

Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity in the Snowy Mountains, with several lakes and rivers providing an ideal location for fishing enthusiasts. Lake Jindabyne and Thredbo River are popular fishing spots.

Week-Long Itinerary for Snowy Mountains

To make the most out of your Snowy Mountains experience, we recommend following this week-long itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Cooma Visitors Centre and the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre
Day 2 Hike the Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk
Day 3 Ski at Thredbo Ski Resort
Day 4 Cycle the Thredbo Valley Track
Day 5 Fish at Lake Jindabyne
Day 6 Explore the Yarrangobilly Caves
Day 7 Relax and take in the views of the Snowy Mountains

Food and Drink Scene of Snowy Mountains

The Snowy Mountains offers a unique culinary experience that features fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Meat Pies

Meat pies are a quintessentially Australian dish and are a perfect snack to take on the go while exploring the Snowy Mountains.

Trout

Trout is a popular local fish found in the Snowy Mountains. It is often served smoked or grilled and makes for a delicious meal.

Local Beverages

Kosciuszko Pale Ale

Kosciuszko Pale Ale is a beer that is brewed locally in the Snowy Mountains. It is a light and refreshing beer that pairs perfectly with any outdoor activity.

Australian Wines

Australia is renowned for its wines, and the Snowy Mountains is no exception. Some of the most famous wine regions in the area include Tumbarumba and Canberra District.

Where to Stay in Snowy Mountains: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options in the Snowy Mountains to suit everyone’s needs and preferences.

Hotels

There are several hotels located in the Snowy Mountains, ranging from budget to luxury options. Most hotels are located near popular tourist destinations, such as Thredbo Ski Resort and Lake Jindabyne.

Hostels

Hostels are a great option for budget-conscious travelers. There are several hostels located throughout the Snowy Mountains, providing visitors with comfortable accommodation at an affordable price.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are a popular accommodation option in the Snowy Mountains, offering visitors a cozy and homely atmosphere. Most guesthouses are located in rural and scenic locations, providing guests with a unique and authentic Snowy Mountains experience.

What to Buy in Snowy Mountains: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The Snowy Mountains is known for its unique souvenirs and local products. Here are some of the best souvenirs to bring home:

Snowy Mountains Honey

Snowy Mountains Honey is produced locally in the area and is renowned for its unique flavor. It makes for a great gift for friends and family back home.

Handmade Ceramics

Handmade ceramics are a popular souvenir in the Snowy Mountains. There are several local artisans who produce unique and beautiful ceramics that make for a great addition to any home.

Local Culture and Customs of Snowy Mountains

The Snowy Mountains is home to a diverse range of cultures and customs. It is important to respect and appreciate the local culture and customs while visiting the area.

Best Time to Visit Snowy Mountains

The best time to visit the Snowy Mountains is during the winter months, between June and September. This is when the snow sports season is in full swing, and the area is bustling with tourists. However, the Snowy Mountains is a beautiful destination year-round, offering visitors a unique experience during each season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Snowy Mountains

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs
  • Dress appropriately for the activity and weather
  • Take care of the environment and wildlife

Don’t:

  • Leave rubbish behind
  • Ignore weather warnings or advice
  • Disrespect local culture or customs

Safety and Health

Safety in Snowy Mountains

The Snowy Mountains is generally a safe area to visit. However, visitors should take precautions when participating in outdoor activities, such as skiing and hiking. It is important to follow safety instructions and dress appropriately for the activity and weather.

Health in Snowy Mountains

The Snowy Mountains has a well-established health system, with several hospitals and medical clinics located throughout the area. Visitors should ensure that they have adequate travel insurance before arriving in the area.

Getting to Snowy Mountains: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Snowy Mountains

The nearest airports to the Snowy Mountains are Canberra Airport and Sydney Airport. Both airports offer several flights from major domestic and international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Snowy Mountains

There are several bus stations located throughout the Snowy Mountains, providing visitors with an affordable and convenient transportation option.

Other Options

Visitors can also choose to drive to the Snowy Mountains, with several major roads leading to the area. Rental cars are available from major cities such as Sydney and Canberra.

How to Get Around in Snowy Mountains

The best way to get around the Snowy Mountains is by car, as it provides visitors with the flexibility and freedom to explore the area at their own pace. Taxis and shuttle buses are also available, providing visitors with an alternative transportation option.

Where to Go Next from Snowy Mountains: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The Snowy Mountains is located near several other popular tourist destinations, including:

  • Canberra
  • Thredbo
  • Sydney

All three destinations offer a unique experience for visitors, with plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy.

Conclusion

The Snowy Mountains is a beautiful destination that offers a unique and memorable outdoor experience. From skiing and snowboarding to hiking and cycling, there is something for everyone to enjoy. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan their trip to the Snowy Mountains with ease, ensuring that they make the most out of their visit.

Talbingo dam, one of the dams created as part of the Snowy Mountains hydro-electric scheme Talbingo dam, one of the dams created as part of the Snowy Mountains hydro-electric scheme Tracks near Perisher Resort Tracks near Perisher Resort Snowboarders and skiers at Mount Blue Cow, part of the Perisher Resort Snowboarders and skiers at Mount Blue Cow, part of the Perisher Resort Mt Tate Backcountry Skiing Mt Tate Backcountry Skiing


    Adaminaby
    Cooma
    Jindabyne
    Kosciuszko National Park