Snowy Mountains Highway

Winding through the high country of New South Wales, the Snowy Mountains Highway is one of Australia's great alpine drives. This 350-kilometre route links the historic gold-rush town of Tumut with the coastal city of Cooma, crossing the roof of the Snowy Mountains along the way. The journey takes you past sparkling mountain streams, granite outcrops, and vast eucalypt forests, with the promise of snow in winter and wildflowers in spring. It's a road trip that rewards the driver with ever-changing panoramas and a deep sense of the region's natural and human history.

Highlights & What to See

• Kosciuszko National Park – The highway skirts the park's western edge; stop at Yarrangobilly Caves to explore limestone caverns or soak in the thermal pool.
• Selwyn Snow Resort – A family-friendly ski field in winter; in summer, it's a base for mountain biking and bushwalking.
• Cabramurra – Australia's highest town, perched at 1482 metres, with a fascinating history tied to the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme.
• Kiandra – The ghost town of a once-booming gold rush settlement; its historic cemetery and scattered ruins tell a poignant story.
• Adaminaby – The relocated town (moved when Lake Eucumbene was created) is now a fishing and snow sports hub with a quirky Big Trout.
• Cooma – The southern terminus, home to the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre, which explains the epic engineering project that transformed the region.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate at least two days to drive the Snowy Mountains Highway properly, with an overnight stop in Adaminaby or Jindabyne (a short detour). This allows time to explore the caves, take short walks, and absorb the high-country atmosphere. If you're skiing or hiking in Kosciuszko National Park, budget three to four days. The highway is sealed but can be icy in winter; check conditions and carry chains if needed.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Jindabyne – The gateway to the ski resorts of Thredbo and Perisher, with a beautiful lake for watersports.
• Thredbo – A year-round alpine village with excellent hiking, including the walk to Mount Kosciuszko's summit.
• Yarrangobilly Caves – Easily combined with the highway; spend a half-day exploring the caves and thermal pool.
• Tumut – The northern start point, known for its trout fishing, pine forests, and the Blowering Dam.
• Canberra – A 2-hour drive from Cooma, Australia's capital offers museums, galleries, and culinary experiences.

Please check official sources for current details.