Photo: Dave Parker from Tracy, CA, USA / CC BY 2.0
Perched high in the Snowy Mountains, Sherman Mountain Overlook delivers one of the most dramatic panoramas in New South Wales. From this exposed granite outcrop, you'll gaze across the wild, folded ridges of Kosciuszko National Park, with the jagged Main Range stretching to the horizon. The air is crisp and thin, and on a clear day the view sweeps from Mount Kosciuszko in the south to the distant Australian Alps. It's a place that feels genuinely remote, yet the lookout is accessible via a well-graded walking track.
Highlights & What to See
- Panoramic Alpine Views: The main draw is the uninterrupted 360-degree vista over the Snowy Mountains, including the Main Range, Jagungal Wilderness, and the headwaters of the Snowy River.
- Sherman Mountain Walking Track: A moderate 2 km return walk (allow 1 hour) that climbs gently through subalpine heath and snow gum woodland to the lookout. In summer, the wildflowers are spectacular.
- Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, and the shy broad-toothed rat. Birdlife includes wedge-tailed eagles and flame robins.
- Stargazing: Far from city lights, the overlook is a designated Dark Sky site. On a moonless night, the Milky Way arches overhead with astonishing clarity.
- Photography: Sunrise and sunset paint the granite and snow gums in golden light, making this a favourite spot for landscape photographers.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan for 1–2 hours to complete the walk and soak up the views. If you're a keen photographer or walker, allow half a day to explore the connecting trails in the area. The lookout is best visited between November and April when the snow has cleared and the walking tracks are fully accessible. Combine it with a morning or afternoon drive along the Snowy Mountains Highway for a fuller alpine experience.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Kosciuszko National Park: The park's vast network of walks, including the Main Range Walk and the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, are within an hour's drive.
- Thredbo: A lively alpine village with chairlift rides, mountain biking, and excellent dining, about 45 minutes south.
- Jindabyne: The main gateway town on Lake Jindabyne, offering water sports, fishing, and a range of accommodation and restaurants.
- Snowy River: Scenic picnic spots and short walks along the upper reaches of this iconic river are easily reached from the lookout.
- Yarrangobilly Caves: Limestone caves with guided tours and a thermal pool, located about 30 minutes north-west.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Kosciuszko National Park — MrActiniuM / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Thredbo — Picturesk / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Jindabyne — Tim J Keegan / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Snowy River — MrActiniuM / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Yarrangobilly Caves — Colin Henein / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Snowy Mountains Highway — Dhx1 / CC0