Snowy River

The Snowy River, immortalised in Banjo Paterson's poem, is a wild and scenic waterway that carves through the high country of New South Wales and Victoria. For travellers, it's a gateway to some of Australia's most dramatic alpine landscapes, with opportunities for white-water rafting, trout fishing, and bushwalking through snow gum forests. The river's headwaters rise in the Snowy Mountains, and its course runs through deep gorges and past historic gold-mining towns, offering a blend of natural beauty and pioneer history.

Highlights & What to See

• Snowy River National Park – a rugged wilderness of river gorges, waterfalls, and eucalypt forests. The park is a haven for experienced hikers and kayakers, with the famous 'Snowy River Descent' being a multi-day white-water adventure.
• Jindabyne – the main township on the lake, a hub for fishing, sailing, and mountain biking. In winter, it's a base for the nearby ski resorts of Thredbo and Perisher.
• Kosciuszko National Park – Australia's highest national park, home to Mount Kosciuszko and the Snowy Mountains Scheme. Walk to the summit or explore the alpine meadows and glacial lakes.
• Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme – a marvel of engineering that diverted the Snowy River westward. Visit the visitor centres at Cooma or Tumut to understand its impact.
• Historic towns – such as Adaminaby (old and new), Dalgety, and Delegate, each with gold-rush heritage and classic country pubs.

Suggested Time to Spend

To properly experience the Snowy River region, allow at least 3–4 days. This gives you time to explore one or two national parks, try a river activity, and soak up the high-country atmosphere. If you're combining with Canberra, a week-long loop is ideal: drive from Canberra to Cooma (1.5 hours), spend a few days in the mountains, then head back via the Monaro Highway.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra – Australia's capital, just 2 hours north, with its museums, galleries, and Parliament House.
• Thredbo & Perisher – premier ski resorts in winter, and excellent hiking and mountain biking in summer.
• Cooma – the gateway town to the Snowy Mountains, with the Snowy Scheme Museum and a charming main street.
• Kosciuszko National Park – for alpine walks, including the summit of Australia's highest peak.
• Bombala – known for its platypus population and historic railway station.

Please check official sources for current details.