Snowy River National Park

Snowy River National Park is a rugged wilderness in far eastern Victoria, where the eponymous river carves through deep gorges and ancient forests. This is a place for serious adventurers: think white-water rafting, multi-day hikes, and camping under star-filled skies. The park's remote beauty rewards those who venture off the main roads with cascading waterfalls, granite peaks, and the haunting silence of the bush.

Highlights & What to See

• Snowy River Gorge – The park's centerpiece; dramatic cliffs plunge into the river, best seen from the Little River Gorge Lookout or on a rafting trip through Class III–IV rapids.
• McKillops Bridge – A historic single-lane bridge spanning the Snowy River, offering access to walking tracks and picnic spots with river views.
• Little River Gorge – Victoria's deepest gorge, with a lookout that reveals sheer sandstone walls and the winding river far below.
• Barney's Canyon – A challenging but rewarding hike through a narrow slot canyon, with rock pools and cascades perfect for a cool dip.
• Wildlife spotting – Keep an eye out for lyrebirds, wallabies, and the elusive platypus in the river's quieter stretches.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least two full days to explore the park properly. Day-trippers can drive the scenic loop from Buchan to McKillops Bridge and take short walks, but to really experience the gorges and river, a weekend is ideal. Overnight campers should allow three days for the 20km Snowy River Trail or a rafting trip. The park is best visited between October and April when roads are open and weather is milder; in winter, snow can close higher tracks.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Buchan Caves – 45 minutes west, these limestone caves offer guided tours through stunning underground chambers.
• Errinundra National Park – A cool-temperate rainforest with giant tree ferns and towering eucalypts, about 1.5 hours north.
• Mallacoota – A coastal town on the Croajingolong National Park, with beaches, lagoons, and excellent fishing (2 hours east).
• Kosciuszko National Park – Cross the border into NSW for Australia's highest peak and alpine walks (3 hours north).
• Metung – A charming lakeside village on the Gippsland Lakes, perfect for a relaxing stop before or after the park (2 hours south).

Please check official sources for current details.