destination – Snowy Mountains

SNOWY MOUNTAINS
Summer in the Snowy Mountains

“He hails from Snowy River,up by Kosciuszko’s side,Where the hills are twice as steep and twice as rough,And the Snowy River riders on the mountains make their home,Where the river runs those giant hills between”A.B. (Banjo) Paterson.

Most people who live at or travel regularly to the Snowy Mountains agree that the best season to be there is in the summertime. With an enormous variety of activities on offer, stunning alpine scenery and fabulous weather it is easy to see why.

>> Destination Snowy Mountains, Weekends For Two

When you visit the Snowy Mountains you can expect to see some of Australia’s most spectacular and wild scenery. High peaks, clear mountain streams and cool, crisp air – coupled with the abundance of unpolluted freshwater streams, the famous Murray and Snowy Rivers, magnificent valleys and meadows means the region is proudly unique and diverse in its natural attractions. From November to May visitors can enjoy a multitude of sports down on the valley floor, in the lakes and rivers or up in the lofty heights of the mountains.

Walks to Mount Kosciuszko are very popular. Choose from either the Summit Walk commencing at Charlotte Pass or starting from Thredbo or the Kosciuszko Walk, which links up via a chairlift ride from Thredbo. Gorgeous alpine wildflowers burst into colour during the summer months. And with such wonderful names as Alpine Stackhousia and Hoary Sunray, the vibrant colours scatter the rugged landscape like an artist’s pallet, inspirational for photographers and painters alike.

The walk to Mount Kosciuszko is suitable for most ages and levels of fitness. A more strenuous guided walk to experience the power and beauty of Kosciuszko’s deepest glacial lake, the ancient Blue Lake, is highly recommended.

Horse riding in the Snowy Mountains will reward you with the most unrivalled panoramic views in this unspoilt wilderness, and from a very different aspect in the saddle. Try a two hour trail ride, some lessons or a half or full day adventure. Camping under the brightly blazing stars during a horse safari offers a true high country alpine experience where you can follow in the footsteps of The Man From Snowy River.

The Snowy Mountains region is considered to be the premier trout fishery in New South Wales and was host to the 1999 World Fly Fishing Championships. Fancy catching some trout? Well there are four methods used in the Snowy region. Use lures to spin the lakes and rivers, and try flyfishing the streams and rivers at Guthega or Thredbo. Bait fish in the lakes or why not experience the beauty of Lake Jindabyne by trolling on a boat trip? Sit back and relax, soaking up the beautiful scenery as you meander around the lake while waiting for the fish to bite.

Other pursuits you may like to try, and are readily available in the Snowy region, include mountain bike riding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, white water rafting, abseiling, cycling, caving, bird watching, photography, painting and sketching, star gazing, waterskiing and meditating. You are truly spoilt for choice.

The Snowy Mountains is a significant and untameable high country where many Australian myths and traditions of Australian identity were born. Whether from mother nature’s pure beauty or the legends of early settlers, there is a story to be told and history to be learnt here.

Stories that make the Snowy Mountains truly unique include the awesome Mount Kosciuszko, the famous high country huts, the Snowy Hydro Scheme feats of ingenuity, beautiful mountain brumbies and rivers that flow with legends. But the best part about these Australian historical icons, is that they are here in the Snowy Mountains for you to experience, to see, feel, smell, hear and swim in today. There is no better time to enjoy this than in summertime.

When visiting the Snowy Mountains consider making your base the centrally located township of Jindabyne, which is nestled around its magnificent Lake Jindabyne. Or perhaps stay at Thredbo Village, Perisher Valley or in the charming hamlet of Guthega.

The Snowy Mountains boasts a wide range of excellent accommodation, warm hospitality and a smorgasbord of fine dining options, sure to be appreciated after a day’s summer alpine activity.

Travellers from near and far find the Snowy Mountains an incredibly easy place to reach. Situated approximately half way between Sydney and Melbourne, there is a range of transport services second to none. So whether you are driving the scenic route, flying in, or travelling by air conditioned train or coach, the Snowy Mountains is closer than you expect, yet a world away from the everyday. I can’t think of a more perfect place to enjoy a summer’s break.

Carolyn Jamieson