Kosciuszko Alpine Way

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.

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.

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.