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Drives and road trips

Kosciuszko Alpine Way

Kangaroos at Tom Groggins, Kosciuszko National Park

Must do

Highlights

Kosciuszko Alpine Way

This drive threads its way through picturesque mountain valleys, through Thredbo village and Dead Horse Gap to Khancoban. From here you'll see dramatic views of both the mountains and power stations tucked away into the gorges. Make sure you see all the highlights along the Kosciuszko Alpine Way by using this three-day itinerary.

Spectacular touring along Kosciuszko Alpine Way

There's no better way to get out and explore Australia's alpine terrain than on this leisurely drive. It's a short, 175 kms with more guaranteed dramatic scenery than any other drive in Australia.

You can start at either end - Jindabyne or Khancoban - but you'll always have Australia's tallest peak in your sights. The majority of the drive is through Kosciuszko National Park, recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. There are nine wilderness areas in the park and some plant species that are found nowhere else in the world.

Itinerary

Day 1: Canberra to Cooma

This great drive is easily accessible from the nation's capital. Head south out of the city and follow the Monaro Highway until you reach historic Cooma, the gateway to the Snowy Mountains.

Cooma: First on the agenda is a trip to the Snowy Hydro Information and Education Centre, which documents Australia's biggest engineering project, the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electricity Scheme, from its 1949 beginnings to today. Next stop is lunch - the Lott Food Store is well worth a visit - then drive to Mount Gladstone, 3km west of Cooma, where you'll be rewarded with sensational views across the Monaro and Snowy Mountains ranges.

Finally, head back to Centennial Park for the Lambie Town Walk, which winds through 10km of historic township and picturesque bushland. Once you've had enough of walking, drop your luggage at your accommodation. There is plenty to choose from in this popular town - from chalets and hotels through to B&Bs, cabins and campsites. A bistro meal at one of the town's historic pubs or the Ex-Services Club is the perfect way to conclude the evening.

Day 2: Depart Cooma / Arrive Jindabyne

Start with breakfast at a cafe on Sharp Street, before driving west through stunning lake and mountain scenery to Jindabyne, a haven for nature-lovers all year round.

Take your pick of the countless outdoor activities on offer in this beautiful part of the state. Try your hand at trout fishing in what is arguably one of New South Wales' best locations, go horse riding and re-enact a scene from The Man from Snowy River or get on your bike and check one of the scenic cycle tracks.

You might chose to have lunch at one of the restaurants or cafes in Thredbo Village, take the chairlift ride from Thredbo to climb Mt Kosciuszko, or take a break and sample traditional locally-brewed schnapps at WildBrumby Distillery. If you're not too tired after your day outdoors, sample some of the nightlife in Jindabyne or Thredbo before returning to your choice of accommodation for the night.

Day 3: Depart Jindabyne / Arrive Sydney

Jindabyne to Khancoban: After breakfast, take a beautiful drive over the mountains and through the Kosciuszko National Park. Check out charming Khancoban near the Victorian border for coffee at an alpine cafe. You can even tour of one of Snowy Hydro's seven Power Stations.

Khancoban to Geehi Flats: After pausing to admire the area's natural beauty, head back to Geehi Flats for amazing views and a photo opportunity at Geehi Hut. Constructed from river stones and concrete in 1952, the hut was once used by mountain cattlemen.

Geehi Flats to Cooma: Return to the road and drive back to Cooma for lunch and perhaps a browse through some of the town's craft stores.

Cooma to Sydney: Continue north through Canberra, and take the Federal Highway past Goulburn - stopping for a look at the famous Big Merino if desired - and then join the Hume Highway which will lead you back to Sydney in time for dinner.

Kosciuszko National Park, Snowy Mountains
Valley in Kosciuszko National Park, Snowy Mountains. Image Jeffrey Drewitz
fishing, Alpine Way, Snowy Mountains
Fishing along the touring route, Kosciuszk Alpine Way, Snowy Mountains. Image Don Fuchs
Blue Lake, Kosciuszko NP
Blue Lake, Kosciuszko NP, Snowy Mountains. Image Paul Sinclair
Snow Gums, Snowy Mountains
Snow Gums in Mt Kosciuszko National Park. Image Sally Mayman
Kangaroos at Tom Groggins, Kosciuszko National Park
Kangaroos at Tom Groggins, Kosciuszko National Park (summer), Snowy Mountains. Image Sally Mayman
Kosciuszko National Park in Summer
Historic stone hut, Kosciusko National Park, Snowy Mountains in Summer.

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