Home to Mount Kosciusko, the highest mountain in Australia, the Snowy Mountains form part of the Great Dividing Range in New South Wales. It’s a hub for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, with glacial lakes and magnificent snow gum forests that attract bushwalkers, anglers and mountain bikers throughout the year.
Much of the region is protected within Kosciusko National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that is a popular destination for trout fly fishing, white water rafting and horse riding. The historic town of Cooma serves as its southern gateway and is home to the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre. Learn about the history of the Snowy Hydro Scheme (one of the modern world’s engineering marvels) in this state-of-the-art facility, with a range of interactive exhibits.
There are plenty of bush walking trails winding through Kosciuszko National Park for visitors to explore its spectacular limestone gorges and waterfalls. Or enjoy a scenic drive between the surrounding towns and villages, with a scattering of wineries and craft breweries to discover.
Skiers can base themselves at Perisher Blue Ski Resort, which includes the Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega and Mount Blue Cow. Or stay at Thredbo Village that nestles at the base of the Crackenback Range and features a year-round chairlift offering bird’s eye views of the Snowy Mountains. Want to tackle the highest peaks of the Australian Alps? Then head to Charlotte Pass which is the country's oldest ski resort and the only snowbound village in the Snowy Mountains, with ski runs for all experience levels and a freestyle terrain park.