Issues To See And Do On A Snowy Mountain Drive

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Every time I inform folks that Australia has snow-capped mountains, they’re shocked! Australia is house to so many numerous landscapes, why not add snow-topped ski resorts to that checklist?

The Snowy Mountains, or The Snowies as we name them in Aus, are an adventurer lovers paradise.

They’ve the best peaks within the nation, are lined with adventurous trails for mountain climbing, or snowboarding, and even boast some magnificent caves and sizzling springs. For sure, there are many issues to do in The Snowy Mountains.

Among the best methods to discover the mountains in all their magnificence, is on a Snowy Mountains Drive, ranging from Yarrangobilly and ending in Jindabyne.

This drive encumbers the entire websites that make the Snowy Mountains well-known. So whenever you’re prepared, let’s check out the issues to do on the Snowy Mountains drive…

The place is the Snowy Mountains?

The Snowy Mountains are Australia’s highest mountain vary in Kosciuszko Nationwide Park and a well-liked vacationer vacation spot NSW.

They’re positioned 49km from Sydney and 151km from Canberra.

What’s the finest time to go to Snowy Mountains?

When most individuals plan a visit to the Snowy Mountains they’re often heading straight to Thredbo or Perisher for some snowboarding motion within the winter.

And I don’t blame them, it’s the most effective winter vacation locations in Australia! Whereas June to September is the proper time to go to the Snowy Mountains for ski season, it’s not precisely the most effective time to go driving. In spite of everything, who needs to fret about getting caught in snow?

It’s time to rethink in regards to the Snowy Mountains as solely a winter vacation; it’s a improbable vacation spot within the summertime. From December till February, you’ll be met with clear blue skies, heat climate and brilliant inexperienced crops and flora.

It’s the proper time of 12 months for a Snowy Mountains drive or getaway.

We liked experiencing this area throughout our journey to the Snowies in October. We advocate spending at the least every week to understand the drive totally.

Stops on the Snowy Mountains Drive

Now you recognize slightly bit about when to go to the Snowies, it’s time to start out mapping out the Snowy Mountains Drive itinerary. Under are all of the recommended stops and points of interest to go to, in addition to a listing of issues to do on the Snowy Mountain Drive.

Cease 1: Yarrangobilly Caves

Yarrangobilly is within the northern a part of Mt Kosciusko Nationwide Park and is nicely price exploring. It’s most well-known for its caves, nevertheless it additionally gives a quiet nature retreat with some beautiful river walks and nature trails to discover..

We extremely advocate staying the night time within the Yarrangobilly Caves Home and exploring the close by caves and take a dip within the outside thermal swimming pools.

From right here, you van take a tour of the Jersey Cave, the North and South Glory Gap Caves, and stroll the straightforward 3km Yarrangobilly River Stroll. Should you’re fortunate, you may even see some platypus taking part in within the waters right here.

Press play to see the fantastic thing about the Yarrangobilly Caves:

The Lengthy Plain Drive

From Yarrangobilly take a day journey out to the Lengthy Plain Drive. The Lengthy Plain Drive is solely open after the October Labour Day for the hotter months.

It’s a novel Australian drive that extends for 49.6km and can also be ceaselessly utilized by cyclists and people towing caravans, so watch out whenever you drive alongside right here.

The drive takes you up by way of the mountains, overlooking huge plains and gorges, and is among the finest scenic drives. However don’t simply keep within the automobile, cease off to see…

Cease 2: The Wild Brumbies of the Lengthy Plain Drive

The barren plains of the Lengthy Plain Drive stretch for miles and amongst the small rolling hills you might be virtually assured to see wild brumbies. These are a gaggle of untamed horses who roam the plains of the Snowies.

We noticed mobs of them alongside the drive, however they’re extra seen within the open areas.

Cease 3: Take a look at the Murrumbidgee River

Ensure you cease to go to the common-or-garden beginnings of the Murrumbidgee River, Australia’s third greatest river and second longest river.

Alongside the river, you’ll discover wealthy and numerous environments. The river is just not solely used as a supply of water for a lot of NSW, nevertheless it additionally feeds into the valleys and creates the luxurious panorama you see round you.

There’s solely a small signal indicating the river, so preserve your eyes out for it otherwise you may simply drive previous it. It appears to be like like this…

Cease 4: Coolamine Homestead

Drive slightly additional alongside the Lengthy Plain Drive, by way of small pockets of mountain ash and smoky gum forests, and go to the Coolamine Homestead. 

Coolamine is a heritage homestead, and gives a uncommon glimpse into remoted ranch lifetime of the early 1900’s.

Hop out of your automobile and stroll across the property and previous farm buildings – determine should you suppose this might have been the life for you!

Cease 5: Clarke Gorge stroll

Once more, the Snowy Mountains will shock you with its range and wonder. Clarke Gorge is just not a lot additional on from Coolamine Homestead.

It’s a 2.5km return stroll by way of a slim gorge lower by Cave Creek. Spectacular limestone cliffs and cave formations on both facet lead you to Cave Creek Falls.

The panorama is dotted with snow gums and black sallee, and vibrant yellow billy buttons. There are about six small creek crossings on the stroll, making it a enjoyable journey the youngsters will love.

Alpine Manner Drive

After exploring the Lengthy Plain Drive, head again to Yarrangobilly, and take the Snowy Mountains Freeway to the Kiandra – Khancoban hyperlinks street, and drive by way of breathtaking mountain forests.

That is the start of the Alpine Manner Drive.

You possibly can see reminders of Kozzi’s gold-seeking previous, in addition to dams used within the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electrical Scheme.

We stopped at Khancoban for lunch earlier than taking a few hours to benefit from the Alpine Manner Drive, a spectacular drive that takes you thru tall mountain forests and previous snow-capped peaks all the best way to Jindabyne.

It was the primary time we noticed snow in Australia and have been so excited! We stopped off in Thredbo for 5 nights to get pleasure from some summer season enjoyable.

Cease 6: Thredbo

Calm down on this lovely alpine village and luxuriate in all it has to supply within the hotter months. The village is finest recognized for being the gateway to the Snowies ski resorts, and within the winter, it turns into a part of the Perisher Ski Resort, one of many high ski resorts in Australia.

The resort extends are far as Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega, and Mount Blue Cow, which makes it the biggest ski resort within the Southern Hemisphere.

However in the summertime, skiers and snowboarders can swap their skies for bikes and go mountain biking as a substitute.

We advocate testing the YHA Hostel in Thredbo as a spot to remain. For the reason that village is small, it’s not really easy to search out lodging, particularly on a finances in such a well-liked resort space.

In the course of the winter it has ski in/ski-out amenities however in the summertime it gives bike leases and has a spot to retailer your bikes.

Be sure you wander across the Thredbo Village Sq., seize a cup of espresso and benefit from the mountain views.

Cease 7: Climb Mount Kosciuszko

If the climate is in your favour, a climb to the highest of Australia’s highest peak could be very achievable. Take the Kosciusko specific chairlift to Eagles Nest and observe the board stroll to the rounded peak. It’s a 13km return.

You received’t consider you could have reached one of many highest summits in Australia!

Alternatively, you may stroll the 4km return to The Charlotte Cross Lookout. This was so far as we obtained with the women, because the situations have been unfavourable with robust winds, low temperatures, and snow on the peaks.

Vibrant, wildflowers carpet the world in the course of the summer season, making it that further bit particular.

Cease off on the Eagles Nest restaurant (Australia’s highest restaurant) for a gourmand sizzling chocolate earlier than taking the chair carry again down.

We advocate spending the afternoon bobsledding down the mountain and exploring the world by bike. There are many mountain biking trails (that are slopes within the winter).

In case you are actually adventurous, you may bike down the mountain. We most well-liked the gentler rides alongside the river by way of the bush.

We stayed on the YHA Thredbo, which is a superb finances possibility. You’ve obtained to like the views from the deck.

Cease 8: Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery

Why not toast to the wild brumby you simply noticed on the lengthy plains at this fabulous distillery owned by an Austrian couple.

The meal we had on the Wild Brumby Schnapps Distillery was amazing-hearty mountain meals – and included the most effective sizzling chocolate I feel Craig and I’ve ever had.

The distillery is just not solely a terrific place to see mountain views, nevertheless it additionally has a big number of schnapps, which should you’re not acquainted with, is a flavored alcoholic spirit which is definitely fairly low in alcohol content material.

Our go to was after all, topped with some schnapps – peppermint for me and Butterscotch for Craig – the proper accompaniment to alpine dwelling.

On the checklist of flavors to attempt are peach, butterscotch, Pink Woman apple, or should you’re feeling adventurous, chilli-infused “Satan’s Tongue”. Should you don’t like schnapps, in addition they serve gin and vodka.

Cease 9: Jindabyne

You understand you need the Man from Snowy River horse-riding expertise. I feel it’s in everybody’s secret goals.

There are quite a few horse driving firms to select from that may be discovered on the periphery of the park, close to Jindabyne. We took our daughter for a day pony journey.

It’s no surprise she thought the Snowy Mountains was the most effective a part of our journey round Australia to date.

There are additionally bike trails across the lake and exquisite views to be discovered as you head north on the Kosciuszko Rd.

We additionally advocate the Little Thredbo stroll that begins on the Lake Crackenback.

For an extended stroll mix it with the Bullocks Observe stroll to Thredbo Diggings. It snowed whereas we have been on this stroll – such an thrilling second to share with the women.

Right here is the second we noticed snow:

Jindabyne Brewing

After the fun of driving by way of the mountains, why not cease for some refreshing craft beers?

Not solely are you able to get pleasure from some scrumptious beers from Jindabyne Brewing however you may as well sit out on the balcony and luxuriate in unbelievable views over the mountains.

Cease 10: Dalgety and Snowy Winery and Microbrewery

Head over to the small township of Dalgety for a quiet countryside escape. Stroll across the city and the close by windy plains, or stroll alongside the banks of the Snowy River.

The city is legendary for being surrounded by granite outcrops and grasslands, an identical setting you may discover in Lord of the Rings.

Be sure you cease by the Snowy Winery and Microbrewery for some scrumptious homecooked meals and to get pleasure from drinks from their beer backyard.

Cease 11: Eucumbene Trout Farm

Cease off to attempt you hand at trout fishing at the most effective trout fishing holes within the space. Should you’re fortunate, you may even put together your freshly-cooked catch for lunch.

Cease 12: Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre

Whereas many of the stops on this drive have been nature stops, why not end off with one thing academic?

You possibly can find out about renewable vitality and hydro energy on the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre. See how for the previous 70 years, the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme has operated.

There are numerous totally different excursions and experiences on the Hydro Discovery Centre, so remember to check online to see what’s occurring earlier than you go.

Map of The Snowy Mountain Drive

That will help you navigate your method alongside this drive, here’s a map of the path to take and the stops to go to…

Last Ideas on The Snowy Mountain Drive

So there you could have it, these are the highest issues to do do within the Snowy Mountains and the stops it is best to tackle the Snowy Mountains scenic drive.

As you may see, there’s a lot for to the Snowies than simply snowboarding! We hope this information helped you propose your journey and gave you some inspiration for what to do within the Snowy Mountains.