A lap around the Snowy Mountains

Photo credit: Bullocks Hut Track, Crackenback, and homepage pic - Destination NSW

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SPRING has sprung, the snow will soon be melting, and a fresh air drive in the mountains beckons.

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But to where?

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Mount Hotham? Mount Buller? Falls Creek? Mount Buffalo? Mount Selwyn?

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Nah. Been there, done that!

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What about the Snowy Mountains?

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Yes! That’s it. The Snowy Mountains - or at least a lap around them.

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Should take at least two or three days . . . maybe four, or even five!

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Who cares!

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With maybe just a few patches of sight-seeing snow still hiding on the lee side of some of the higher peaks, spring is a great time to pencil in a drive across the top of Australia without the need to worry about carrying and fitting snow chains or getting caught in a blizzard – although it has been known to happen, so best be prepared!

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Albury-Wodonga and return via the Hume and Snowy Mountains Highways, Kosciuszko Road, Alpine Way, and Murray Valley Highway, is a 700-kilometre round trip - give or take.

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Located entirely in New South Wales, the Snowy Mountains is home to Australia’s highest peak (Mt Kosciuszko – 2228m) and any time of the year the mountains are an adventure wonderland threaded with natural beauty and thrilling outdoor activities.

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While there’s fun to be had all year round, spring – and summer - brings a magical atmosphere, as Kosciuszko National Park becomes cloaked in alpine wildflowers that paint the landscape in magnificent colours – a stark contrast from the white of winter.

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The wildflowers burst into life and put on a vibrant show, with the peak season between mid-December and mid-January, just as the sun warms the mountain peaks and the bulk of the winter snows have melted.

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Spring and summer transform the mountains into an adventure playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

 

Whether you’re into driving, hiking, horse riding, or cycling, here’s how to explore this picturesque alpine wonderland — and where to refuel on wine, truffles, and trout afterwards. 

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We have divided the loop into five, easy-to-drive sections, the longest being the Albury-Wodonga to Tumut leg at 198-kilometres.

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Tumut to Cooma is 179-kilometres, Cooma to Jindabyne 62 kilometres, Jindabyne to Khancoban 111-kilometres, and Khancoban to Albury-Wodonga 155-kilometres.

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Leaving Albury-Wodonga, follow the Hume Highway northeast, by-passing the submarine town of Holbrook, and the village of Tarcutta, home to the Truck Drivers Memorial, a monument in memory of truck drivers killed on Australian roads.

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The Snowy Mountains Highway (B72), which branches off the Hume Highway 26-kilometres south of Gundagai, is a stunning scenic high-altitude drive through Australia's high country.

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Tucked away in the northern part of the Kosciuszko National Park, the fully sealed, two-lane highway is 332-kilometres long, running north-south east from the Hume Highway and ending at Stony Creek at the Princes Highway between Bermagui and Merimbula.

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Passing through stunning alpine landscapes, this magnificent, winding mountain drive comprises sharp curves, blind corners and hairpin turns, but there are any number of straight stretches where you can capture stunning views, some of the best you will find in the region.

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The highway reaches an altitude of 1498-metres above sea level, is open all year round, but keep an eye on the weather conditions as it can change suddenly and without warning.

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And be aware of native animals.

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A great way to experience the spectacular scenery of the Snowy Mountains is on foot. There are dozens of tracks to choose from, whether you want to take in waterfalls or learn about the region’s history or challenge yourself on a heart-starting hike through Kosciuszko National Park. 

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This is one of the largest national parks in New South Wales.

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To its north are the townships of Adelong and Tumut.

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Nestled on the banks of the Adelong Creek, Adelong is the heritage gateway to the Snowy Mountains.

 

Its veranda-lined main street, classified by the National Trust (NSW), has buildings dating back to the gold rush era of the 1800s.

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The nearby heritage listed industrial site of Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins boasts a remarkable collection of stone ruins, the remains of the Reefer quartz crushing mill, and an impressive lookout and picnic area.

 

The Adelong Falls Walk is a beautiful and peaceful walk along Adelong Creek, linking the town to the falls. It provides an easy walk for locals and visitors alike, and is suitable for strollers.

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Whether you like crisp winter mountain air, the fiery colours of autumn, or immersing yourself in the water in the summertime, Tumut - and surrounds - is a place for all seasons.

 

Sitting snugly at the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, and with a crystal clear river at its heart, you can indulge your active self in pastimes like fishing, hiking, hang gliding, rock climbing, mountain biking and birdwatching, or just indulge generally along a farm gate trail on a scenic drive.

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To the south of Tumut is Blowering Reservoir, while the Yarrangobilly area, located between Tumut and Kiandra, is a highlight of northern Kosciuszko National Park.

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You can explore the jaw-dropping Yarrangobilly Caves on a guided tour and swim in the thermal pool.

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Accommodation is available at historic Caves House from where you can enjoy walks and wildlife.

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From Kiandra the highway wends its way through amazing countryside to Adaminaby, home to The Big Trout sculpture and the Snowy Scheme Museum.

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The largest town on the Snowy Mountains Highway is Cooma, ‘capital’ of the Snowy Monaro region.

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With so much to see, do and enjoy in and around the town, a little local knowledge and touring tips from the Cooma visitor centre team will help you discover plenty of hidden gems.

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Cooma is the perfect place to base yourself as not only is it the eastern gateway to the Snowy Mountains, it is also home to the Snowy Mountains Hydro Discovery Centre where you can explore the fascinating history of hydro-electric power and learn about the famous Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme.

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Built between 1949 and 1974, it's considered one of the engineering wonders of the modern world and a leading example of Australian innovation and ingenuity.

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You can also find out about Snowy 2.0, the next phase of the scheme focusing on renewable energy.

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The town boasts an airport, and excellent accommodation and eateries, but you must backtrack along the Snowy Mountains Highway a few kilometres to head back into the Snowy Mountains, veering left onto the Kosciuszko Road signposted Jindabyne.

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The day trek to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko is as inspiring as it is exhilarating.

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From the ski town of Thredbo, the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift zips you up 560 vertical metres to the start of a walkway to the mountain’s summit. Along the way, you'll walk past the granite outcrops of Ramshead Range, and spot alpine wildflowers across the rooftop of Australia. 

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Just as scenic but slightly less strenuous is the 2.5-kilometre Bullocks track.

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Starting from the Thredbo Diggings campground or the Bullocks Flat Skitube carpark, this short trail meanders alongside the crystal-clear Thredbo River (look out for platypuses at dusk and dawn) with a dazzling backdrop of the jagged Ramshead Range, often capped in snow. Wallabies and kangaroos are also a common sight en route, as are spring wildflowers.  

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From mountain biking to road cycling, the Snowy Mountains has plenty of trails for those looking to explore on two wheels. The Cascade Hut Trail is a remote path that offers a scenic introduction into the untouched Pilot Wilderness Area, twisting through snow gum woodland and fields of wildflowers.

 

A small part of the 650km Australian Alps Walking Track, the trail is great for both beginners and experienced cyclists — from Dead Horse Gap to Cascades Hut, it’s a 10-kilometre ride one-way. 

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Bikes can be hired in several Snowy Mountain towns, including Cooma, Jindabyne, and Thredbo, as well as from Lake Crackenback Resort &Spa, where you can buy a day pass to access 25-kilometres of mountain bike trails and the Pump and Flow Track, designed by mountain bike world champion Caroline Buchanan and replete with skill-testing berms, bridges, logs and rails.  

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You can also swap skis for spokes at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park, delivering a mix of cross-country and gravity trails as well as a skills park and flowing single tracks offering spectacular views over Australia’s highest peaks and alpine lakes.

 

There’s something for every experience level — from a kids-only area to chairlift-accessed gravity trails — plus two-hour beginner, intermediate and advanced clinics daily, for those looking to fine-tune their skills.  

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Another cycling highlight is the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail, 21-kilometres of sealed and safe tracks following the region’s onetime rail line. Historic sites, rolling fields, eucalypt forest and historic bridges and cottages are just some of the scenic attractions along your route.  

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Whether it’s your first time in the saddle or you’re looking to go for a gallop, the Snowy Mountains offers all manner of terrain for keen equestrians. South of Jindabyne, Snowy Wilderness resort is set on more than 3000 hectares of alpine high country.

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Check in to one of the cottages, then explore ridges and gullies and rivers and forest on guided horse treks lasting from a couple of hours to a week.

 

Just north in Crackenback, Thredbo Valley Horse Riding offers a range of trail rides across its 1100-hectare estate, across alpine streams, up steep forested ridges and through pretty meadows.

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Experienced guides are on hand to assist kids and non-riders on easy trails, while pony rides are available for young children. 

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Linger over gin, vodka or schnapps made from locally sourced fruit at Thredbo’s Wildbrumby, which has a distillery door, organic raspberry farm and restaurant overlooking a sculpture garden.

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Meanwhile, Jindabyne Brewing has a restaurant, bar and tasting room with views across Lake Jindabyne. Find a scenic perch and sip everything from a red ale to a pilsner and wheat beer. 

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In the heart of Kosciuszko National Park is Thredbo ski resort, one of Australia’s best.

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With a picturesque alpine village and boasting Australia’s longest ski runs and highest lifted point, Thredbo packs in the outdoor adventure like no other. 

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It's most famous for its snow sports, but Kosciuszko National Park is an adventure playground all year round. Choose from bushwalking, mountain biking, horse riding fishing and kayaking in the warmer months.

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In summer, the ski lifts have a different purpose. Start your adventure with a ride on the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift, enjoying incredible views of the mountains and Thredbo Valley. Once at the landing, hike to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko on the 13km return Kosciuszko Walk.

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Leaving Jindabyne, the Alpine Way is a dramatic stretch of road that’s rich in historic significance and breathtaking scenery. Breathe in crisp alpine air as you wind through the spectacular forests and mountain ranges to the lakeside town of Khancoban, a great base for exploring Kosciuszko National Park.

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If you’d rather a 4WD or mountain bike adventure, there are many trails throughout the park. Nearby, Geehi Flats is a pretty spot for a picnic, alongside a pristine river.

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Khancoban was built to house workers on the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, and you can learn about its rich history at the Visitor Information Centre.

 

The town sits on the shores of a three-kilometre lake, which is perfect for fishing and boating.

 

Leaving Khancoban, you cross the Murray River into Victoria, and the township of Corryong, famous as the final resting place of Jack Riley, considered by many to be the inspiration for the hero in Banjo Paterson's poem The Man from Snowy River.

 

Visit Jack Riley's grave at the Corryong Cemetery or learn more about the legend at The Man from Snowy River Folk Museum.

 

The final town on the return leg is Tallangatta, ‘the town that moved’ eight kilometres downstream in 1956 due to the expansion of the Hume Weir.

 

The village of Bonegilla, which sits on the foreshore of Lake Hume to the east of Wodonga, is home to the Bonegilla Migrant Experience.

 

The Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre was set up for receiving and training migrants to Australia during the post-World War II immigration boom.

 

The camp opened in 1947 and operated until 1971, over which period it received over 300,000 migrants. It is estimated that over 1.5 million Australians are descended from migrants who spent time at Bonegilla. – Darryl Starr and Destination NSW

 

Distance: 705 kilometres

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Towns along the way: Holbrook, Adelong, Tumut, Adaminaby, Cooma, Berridale, Jindabyne, Thredbo, Khancoban, Corryong, Koetong, Tallangatta