Snowy Mountains
What to do in the Snowy Mountains
Walking: If you love the outdoors this is the place for you and there are a whole host of activities to keep you amused for days, weeks, even months! There are bushwalking trails to suit all abilities, from a gentle meander to take in the native flowers and birds, to full on hikes that will leave you with that satisfying feeling of muscle ache at the end of a hard day. This is somewhere you can indulge in peace and solitude if that’s your thing, for you’re unlikely to come across too many other hikers in an area this large. Or if you prefer to walk in company, why not sign up for one of the many local guided bushwalks available and learn something about your native surroundings as you walk. Fully catered single and multi-day bushwalks are available in Kosciuszko National Park, where local guides will not only share their in-depth knowledge but they’ll also carry your equipment – this is hiking at its most luxury! And if that’s not enough, the guides will cook up hearty bush tucker while you stretch out under a glorious sunset after a day’s walking, all set to snuggle down in the sleeping bag under a star covered sky. Life doesn’t get much better than this!
Night Tours: Guided night tours are also available. Starting at sunset, you will be out at a time when the Aussie bush well and truly comes alive! Walk to the deafening hum of cicadas, or take a 4WD or quad bike tour under the star-lit sky through the National Park.
Horse Trekking: Also on the menu is a whole host of other activities. It’s no surprise that horse trekking is big in this part of the world, given that it’s the home of ‘The Man from Snowy River’! Saddle up and let your imagination roam freely as you take in the sights and sounds of the high country from the comfort of horseback. The Snowy Mountain region is famed for its wild Brumbies, the native Australian wild horses that run free in this area. They often graze in groups protected by a stallion and not being used to human contact, the best way of seeing and observing them in their natural habitat is from the back of a horse, as the Brumbies are able to relax in the company of other horses. There is a wealth of other wildlife you are more likely to spot from horseback too, such as kangaroo, emu, deer and wombat, while local horse trek leaders regale you with myths and legends of old.
Cycling: If you feel safer on ground rather than horseback, then pedal power could be the answer. Bring your own cycles or hire locally and enjoy a family trip cycling out to one of the lakes for a picnic and a dip, or power up for the legendary Cannonball Run at Thredbo – be sure to test your brakes first though!
Adrenalin Sports: If that isn’t adrenalin enough, you could spend the afternoon abseiling into a gorge, climbing a rock face, or white water rafting – the melting snow creates a surge in the water for rafting, so hang on tightly!
Fishing: For keen fishermen, you’re in for a treat, the Snowies is one of Australia’s first rate regions for trout fishing, so spend the day catching dinner, set up camp and cook the fish over a hot grill in the evening!
Driving & Motor biking: The Snowy Mountains are also stunning to drive through. They can be accessed from Canberra in the north and Albury to the west. Be sure to drive through some of the town settlements that are steeped in legends of early settlers and that provide the gateway to the national parks, bush walks, glacial lakes and streams and everything beyond. For motorcycle fanatics, the Snowies are a must in November, when over 2000 motorcyclists make for the hills from miles around for an annual charity raising motorcycling event. Ear muffs optional!
Whatever you choose to do, the Snowies provide a breath taking backdrop within which to do it and you will come away with renewed energy and vigour and a passion for the high country that builds upon many of Australia’s iconic legends. This is just about as far from city life as you can get.
