Destination Snowy Mountains

SNOWY MOUNTAIN HIGH

Summer and winter, New South Wales’ acclaimed Snowy Mountains Area has much to entertain visitors of all ages.

The Snowy Mountains Area of New South Wales provides a wealth of activities and attractions, no matter what the season. In winter, skiers of all ages and levels of expertise flock to the many resorts and ski fields, while in summer it seems there’s an almost unlimited number of things to do and see.

>> hotels Snowy Mountains, Thredbo & Jindabyne

Spring holds the promise of fields of brightly coloured alpine wild flowers, fishing in trout-filled rivers and streams, horse riding, bushwalking and many other activities. Children in particular adore the fresh mountain air and the opportunity to experience something different, such as snowboarding or tobogganing.

The Snowy Mountains Highway crosses through the 690,000 hectare Kosciuszko National Park, from Tumut through Adaminaby to Cooma. From there, well maintained roads lead to such destinations as Nimmitabel, Jindabyne, Smiggin Holes and Thredbo.

The modern development of the New South Wales ski fields came about as a result of the massive post-World War II Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme. Work began on this ambitious 25 year project in 1949 and eventually encompassed seven power stations and 16 major dams. Workers from some 27 nations came to Australia to work on the scheme. The organisational headquarters was established at Cooma.

Roads and work camps established in such places as Perisher, Guthega and Smiggin Holes, formed the basis of the ski resorts of today. Lake Eucumbene, another product of the scheme located 40 kilometres from Cooma, is capable of holding around 4,799,100ML of water.

The scheme also resulted in the relocation of a number of established towns, such as Adaminaby and Jindabyne, which is dominated by an enormous statue of explorer Count Paul Strzelecki. Mount Kosciuszko, at 2,228 metres, is the highest point in Australia and was named by Strzelecki in honour of a Polish military figure.