Great Eastern Ranges

Region: Snowy Mountains

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Including Australian Alps and Surrounds

Traditionally known as a winter playground, the summer activities and events held in the Snowy Mountains region make it a destination always in season! The Snowy Mountains are where many Australian icons were born – the wild brumbies and famous huts of the high country, the engineering and social marvel of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme, The Man from Snowy River and the Snowy River itself.

The Snowy Mountains region extend from Canberra to the Snowy Mountains and south across the Monaro Plains.

Towns in the Region

• Adaminaby
• Berridale
• Cabrumurra
• Cooma
• Dalgety
• Jindabyne
• Khancoban
• Nimmitabel
• Perisher Valley
• Thredbo
• Tumbarumba
• Tumut

Natural Highlights

Kosciuszko National Park

One of the world's great National Parks, Kosciuszko National Park is the largest in New South Wales. Covering 690,000 hectares, the park contains the highest mountain on mainland Australia, the famous Snowy River and all NSW ski fields. Its many and varied attractions include: walks through alpine herbfields; spectacular caves and limestone gorges; scenic drives; and historic huts and homesteads. The park is recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It contains 9 wilderness areas, and its alpine and sub-alpine areas contain plant species found nowhere else in the world. The park is also home to the rare Mountain Pygmy-possum (Burramys parvus) and Corroboree frogs.

Woomargama National Park

Woomargama National Park is the largest protected area west of the Great Dividing Range in south-eastern NSW. It contains the largest remnant community of Box woodlands on the South Western Slopes of NSW. Norths Lookout on the Tin Mine Trail provides extensive views over the Riverina and the Great Dividing Range's western slopes.

Brindabella National Park

Brindabella National Park is 30 km west of Canberra along the Brindabella Road and can only be reached by 4WD. There are no facilities, but you'll find plenty to do in the park, including bushwalking, orienteering, birdwatching or exploring the excellent system of 4WD trails. From the summit of Mount Coree you'll see excellent views of the surrounding area, and the Bag Range Hut lookout is an interesting historical landmark.

Iconic Walks

The Hume and Hovell Walking Track is a 440 km track between Yass and Albury, following the route taken by Hamilton Hume and William Hovell on their 1824 exploration expedition.

Australia's National Landscapes

Tourism Australia and Parks Australia have formed a partnership to identify landscapes capturing the essence of Australia and offering distinctive natural and cultural experiences. Australia's National Landscapes identifies inspirational destinations transcending borders and boundaries, promoting destinations and encouraging visitors to leave the breaten track and immerse themselves in local culture. Australian Alps National Parks are part of the National Landscapes Program.

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The Australian Alps movie unveils Australia's alpine region

We Love...

• Winter Resorts – Kosciuszko National Park contains all the NSW ski resorts. Try your hand at cross-country or downhill skiing, snow shoeing, snowboarding or tobogganing.
• Summer Pleasures – an extensive network of walking trails provides spectacular summer bushwalking. Thrillseekers should try out the Thredbo Bobsled or the Thredbo Downhill mountain bike trail.
• Summer Events – take in the Thredbo Blues Festival held over 3 days in January, the Thedbo Jazz Festival held over 3 days in May or the colourful Tumbafest, Tumbarumba’s annual celebration of food wine and music in the last weekend of February. The Snowy Ride motorcycle event is run annually in the Alpine region.
• Adventure activities, from all snow sports to cycling, mountain biking, caving, rafting, kayaking, abseiling, rockclimbing, quad biking, fishing, horseriding, and day and overnight bushwalks.
• Driving in the Snowies – there are scenic roads exploring our highest peaks, historic villages displaying pioneering history and heritage from the goldrush days, and stories of the power of water encapsulated in the Snowy Mountain Hydro-eclectric Scheme.
• The challenge of fly fishing in pristine mountain streams for trout.
• On top of Australia – walk from a choice of 2 starting points to Australia’s highest summit on Mount Kosciuszko. Take in glacial lakes and beautiful views as you walk through one of the world's great ecosystems.
• Horseriding in the Snowies – where horseback legends were born, creating a cultural identity unique to this part of the world. Take a day ride or a multiday trek through the high country, combining thrilling adventure with country hospitality around a campfire.

Local Knowledge

For more detailed information speak to a friendly local expert or visit a helpful website.

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Further Information

Further information can be found at the websites for:

• Snowy Mountains: Australia's High Country…
• Tourism New South Wales…