Fast facts
- Alpine wonderland boasting the highest mountain in Australia
- Famous for skiing in winter, adventure sports in summer
- Six hours’ drive south-west of Sydney
Why go there
Kosciuszko is the king of national parks in Australia. Crowned by the majestic peak of Mt Kosciuszko, the country’s highest mountain, the park covers almost 700,000 hectares.
The famous Snowy River runs as free as the wild horses in the surrounding mountains, lending a special character to the region. Guided tours and walks help in keeping both the area’s Aboriginal heritage and the stockmen’s traditions alive.
Camping, fishing, cycling, rafting, caving and kayaking are popular. In winter, it’s all about the snow. The hot spots for skiing, boarding and other snow sports include Thredbo, Perisher Blue, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn snowfields.
Things to do
- Cross-country ski along the extensive network of trails around the snow resorts; snowboarding and snowshoeing are also popular here.
- Picnic at Blue Lake among wildflowers and trickling streams.
- Catch the chairlift, then ride a mountain bike down the famous Cannonball Run.
- Take a scenic drive along the Alpine Way, from Jindabyne to Khancoban.
- Climb Mt Kosciuszko – at 2,228 m, the highest mountain in Australia.
Don’t miss
- A champagne breakfast on the summit of Mt Kosciuszko, during the Kosciuszko Sunrise Tour from Thredbo.
- Rare alpine plants, found nowhere else in the world, on a guided walk in the national park.
- Yarrangobilly Caves, between Tumut and Cooma on the Snowy Mountain Highway.
Events
- Legends of Blues Festival, in Thredbo, in January.
- Legends of Jazz Festival, in Thredbo, in May.
- Opening of the Ski Season, in June.
