The Snowy Mountains is definitely one of the most scenic places in Australia. There are 3 different scenic drives in the Snowy Mountains: Kosciuszko Alpine Way, Snowy Valley Way, and the Snow Mountain Highway. Experience some of the great outdoors in any season, welcoming country towns, and plan your trip around one of the many seasonal festivals and events throughout this region.
Gundagai countryside Photo Credit: VisitNSW.com
Snowy Valley Way Photo Credit: SnowValleysWay.com.au
Snowy Mountains Scenic Drives Map Photo Credit: SnowyMountains.com.au
Hiring a Car for the Snow Valley Way Scenic Drive
Photo Credit: VisitTumbashire.com.au
Snowy Mountains Car Hire Map Photo Credit: Budget.com.au
Snowy Mountains Map Photo Credit: Google Maps
Travelling through the foothills will call for particular vehicles depending on the season. Consult with your Budget Rental expert to find the right car for your scenic drive. If you are coming from Sydney, you can always choose your car at one of the many convenient Sydney car hire locations there for the any of the Snowy Mountains scenic drives. You can also hire a car in nearby Canberra, or visit one of our Melbourne car rental locations. If you want to hire a car closer to the Snowy Mountains, you can hire a car in Wagga Wagga or choose a car in Albury. Let our friendly car rental agent know where you are heading so that they can give you tips on your drive from locals and insiders. Also get important safety information about driving in the mountains and local weather.
Highlights on the Scenic Drives of the Snowy Mountains
Jindabyne Photo Credit: AustralianTraveller.com
Perisher Resort Photo Credit: VisitNSW.com
We have covered highlights of nearby Jindabyne in another blog post which also features many of the top ski resorts in the area. While exploring the Snowy Mountains on any of the 3 scenic drives, in addition to world class skiing, you can experience excellent camping, horseback riding, fishing, as well as other mountain activities such as mountain climbing, hiking, biking, etc.
Camping in the Snowy Mountains
Gundagai Photo Credit: SnowyValleysWay.com.au
Jingellic Camping Reserve in Tumbarumba Shire Photo Credit: SnowyValleysWay.com.au
The towns you will pass through on the Snowy Valley Way are camper and camping friendly. Amenities are often provided for travellers that include parking access, access to potable water, free dumping point, and medical facilities. There are plenty of shopping areas with groceries and fresh produce with ample parking for RVs and campers. You can also park your RV or camper at many of these places and then feel free to drive your rental vehicle around to different destinations or excursions throughout the day. The Visitor Information Centres along the way are there to hand out maps, offer internet access, and information on your travels.
Horseback Riding in the Snowy Mountains
Horseback overlooking the Snowy Mountains Photo Credit: SnowyMountains.com.au
Horseback tours in the Snow Mountains Photo Credit: SnowyMountains.com.au
Horse riding is one of those “must do” things while in the Snowy Mountains. The Snow Mountains are home to the Brumby horses and it is almost as common to see locals travelling on horseback as it is to see them travelling by vehicle. You can go on a horse riding tours and guided horseback treks through the mountains. The Snowy Mountains are home to a world class equestrian facility. Local horse riding events and activities are coordinated there throughout the year including Equine Education, lessons clinics, trail rides, and camps for both adults and children. Here is a list of local horse ranches and horse riding tours that you can choose from:
Mountain Ash Trails Horse Riding
Reynella Kosciusko Rides
JE Equestrian Resort
Snowy Wilderness
Thredbo Valley Horseriding
Cherry Tree Equine
Cochran Horse Treks
Snowy River Horseback Adventure
Fishing in the Snowy Mountains
Tumut River Photo Credit: Sydney.com
Fishing in the Snowy Mountains Photo Credit: SnowyMountains.com.au
Flyfishing in the Tumut River below Nimbo Fork Lodge, Snowy Mountains. Image Ross Honeysett Photo Credit: VisitNSW.com
Fishing is another very popular pastime in the mountains, especially in the spring and summer time. The alpine streams and rivers are home to a myriad of fish, with fresh water trout being the most popular. Some of the best fishing spots in the world are here in “The Snowies” including the Tumut River, the Eucumbene River, Lake Jindabyne, and Lake Khancoban Pondage. This is the premier region for trout fishing in New South Wales. Angling, fly fishing, or fishing from a boat is all possible, but anglers must obtain an inland fishing license from one of many service stations or tackle shops. Here are a few of the fishing charters, tours, or self-guided excursions you should look into:
Tumut Fly Fishing
Snow Mountains Fishing
Match the Hatch Fly Fishing
Eucumbene Trout Farm
Steve Williamson’s Trout Fishing Adventures
Mountain Biking in the Snowy Mountains
Mountain Biking in the Snowy Mountains Photo Credit: SnowMOuntains.com.au
In addition to being a hot spot for skiing and fishing, The Snowy Mountains is the Mecca for mountain biking. There are so many different trails; you are bound to find something for any age and any ability. There are hundreds of kilometres of mapped trails, forests, valleys, plains, wilderness, and alpine landscape to discover and explore on bike. Here are some of the trails that you can look to ride while on holiday in the Snow Mountains:
Muzzlewood / Diggings Trail
Cascade to Pinch Trail
Lake Jindabyne Foreshore Trail
Lake Jindabyne Community Trail
Popers Creek / Smiggings Trail
Coooma Trail
Lake Crackenback Trail
Perisher Trail
Bungarra Trail
Tyrolean Trail
Thredbo Valley Trail
Thredbo Trail
Tumut Trail
Khancoban Trail
Attractions in the Snowy Mountains
Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre Photo Credit: SnowyMountains.com.au
There are other things to do in the Snowy Mountains as well. You can enjoy some of the magnificent art galleries and culture there. Learn about the aboriginal land owners and their traditions by seeking out tours and expeditions. Experience the fresh food and wine available, take in some shopping, and visit some of the attractions in the area including:
Dead Horse Gap
Murray 1 Visitor Centre Khancoban
Gaden Trout Hatchery
Lambie Town Walk
Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre
Pallaibo Walking Track
Boggy Creek Shows
Wallace Creek Lookout
Adaminaby Snowy Scheme Museum
Big Trout
Pioneer Women’s Hut Museum
Stay tuned to the Budget Australia Travel Tips blog for more details on the scenic drives of the Snowy Mountains. There is so much to see and do in this beautiful region of the country.