From thrilling to delicious, Jindabyne is a perfect escape at any time of the year in the NSW Snowy Mountains.  The 62km drive west from Cooma along the historic Kosciuszko Road takes you to the edge of beautiful Lake Jindabyne, where this scenic town offers outdoor adventure, gourmet delights and vibrant nightlife, and is a great base near the snowfields in colder months.

In warmer months Lake Jindabyne is popular for water sports. The waterway is teeming with fish and is part of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, Australia’s greatest engineering project that creates hydro-electricity. The town was relocated before the old township was flooded in 1967 to create the lake.

You can hire all kinds of equipment in Jindabyne for your adventure holiday. There are shops selling all the essentials too, from kit to fashion. You’ll find plenty of accommodation options in and around Jindabyne, from camping and caravanning to cottages, chalets, apartments, motels and eco-resorts.

Check out the exciting events calendar for festivals and shows such as the Snowtunes Music Festival in September and the Man from Snowy River Rodeo in December. Your tastebuds are in for a treat too, with casual cafes, chic restaurants and brew pubs. Just outside town is the Wildbrumby Distillery.

A short drive southwest is Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa, which offers a day pass for activities including golf, archery, mountain biking, fishing and canoeing. There are 25km of mountain bike tracks and a pump and flow track designed by mountain bike world champion Caroline Buchanan.

Winding through the spectacular forests and mountain ranges of Kosciuszko National Park, the dramatic Kosciuszko Alpine Way links Jindabyne to Khancoban, a 112km or two hour route historically used by the aboriginal people of the area.

Alpine Way takes you to the heart of the high country. As the snow melts in spring and pristine waters flow into mountain streams, the winter wonderland changes into alpine trails for bushwalking, mountain biking and horseriding. The crystal-clear rivers are perfect for fly fishing and kayaking.

One of the many memorable experiences is to walk to Australia’s highest point - an elevation of 2,228 metres - for a stunning panorama of the beautiful Australian Alps and beyond. The quickest way is Thredbo’s Kosciuszko Express Chairlift to the Kosciuszko walk, which is 13km return or four to five hours.

Thredbo’s exciting events calendar includes delightful summer festivals, such as the Thredbo Craft Beer Festival and Thredbo Blues Festival. Treat yourself to delicious experiences as well, including vibrant bars and tasty restaurants.

76km from Thredbo, Khancoban was established to house workers on the heritage-listed Snowy Mountains Scheme. On the way you can marvel at Western Fall’s wondrous peaks or picnic at Geehi Flats or at the Old Geehi Campground. Explore the mountain ranges on various walking trails, such as Major Clews Hut.

Explore further on the picturesque Khancoban to Kiandra drive, which connects Alpine Way with Snowy Mountains Highway and the Yarrangobilly Caves, or head back to Thredbo.  There are many great accommodation options in the area to explore.

Just south of Kiama is Gerroa, a delightful seaside escape at the northern end of beautiful Seven Mile Beach. Set amongst 40 hectares of landscaped gardens and parkland, the nearby Jamberoo Action Park has awesome waterslides and attractions to thrill the kids.

In the Shoalhaven region, Jervis Bay is 79km from Kiama. A natural wonderland, Jervis Bay is a perfect seaside escape. From the crystal-blue waters and resident dolphins to splendid beaches and fun water sports, this coastal paradise will delight you with many memorable experiences.

Explore two national parks bordering the Jervis Bay Marine Park, a haven for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, little penguins, sea dragons and migrating whales. Discover spectacular views from Point Perpendicular Lighthouse on the northern tip and from Cape St George Lighthouse on the southern side.

Booderee National Park is a place of outstanding natural beauty located in Jervis Bay. Explore and enjoy a wide range of walks, surf at Cave Beach or swim amongst the fish in the tranquil waters of Green Patch Beach.

Explore scenic detours by following one of the inspiring hinterland drives to beautiful towns, enticing shops and cafes, and rejuvenating day spas. Explore the hinterland favourites of Berry, Kangaroo Valley and Milton, near Cupitt’s Winery and Brewery.

The Shoalhaven River, which flows through Nowra, and the Kangaroo River in Kangaroo Valley are popular areas for kayaking and other adventure activities.

Drive through gorgeous scenery, olive groves and orchards and vineyards to Canowindra, on the banks of the beautiful Belubula River. There are vineyards to explore in this area as well, including Wallington Wines and Rosnay Organic Farm and Vineyard.

Cowra is a reached by a pleasant drive along Canowindra Road.  With rich alluvial soils, the region produces abundant fresh produce. The Cowra wine region is celebrated for its premium grapes for award-winning wines. You’ll love the food and wine experiences, including tours, cellar doors, wine bars and the Cowra Wine Show Public Tasting held in the winter.  

A great way to experience the heritage buildings in the town’s centre is on the self-guided Cowra Heritage Walk. Many of the buildings were constructed after gold fever swept the Cowra region in the 19th century. Cowra was also the site of Japanese prison camp during World War II. Cowra has since forged a remarkable friendship with Japan, and you can see many tributes to this special relationship around town.

Visit the Japanese and Australian War Cemeteries and Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre. The multi award-winning Cowra Japanese Garden is a 'must see' at any time of the year. Sakura Matsuri, the annual cherry blossom festival in Cowra, celebrates the arrival of spring with traditional Japanese cultural performances.

There are delicious dining options. Enjoy wonderful local produce in the cosy courtyard of The Quarry Restaurant. Visit Windowrie Estate, a family owned and operated vineyard that produces delicious traditional and non-traditional wines, and enjoy fresh local cuisine in the impressive Mill, a beautifully restored building on the estate. 

You can also enjoy a cellar door experience with views over the Lachlan Valley and River at Kalari boutique vineyard.

The drive from Cowra to Parkes is about 123km. Nicknamed The Dish, the CSIRO Parkes Observatory in Parkes helped broadcast the 1969 Apollo 11 Moon landing, when Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the Moon. Learn more about astronomy at the observatory’s visitor centre - and savour lunch in The Dish Cafe.

Continue 123km north from Parkes on the Newell Highway to Dubbo. The Great Western Plains is breathtaking in its wonder. This diverse region is between the Great Dividing Range and Outback NSW. At the heart of this beautiful region in the Macquarie Valley is Dubbo.

Dubbo is also an excellent base for adventure and home to the open-range Taronga Western Plains Zoo. The award-winning sanctuary houses hundreds of animals from around the world. The Zoo features a new immersive visitor experience, Lion Pride Lands, consisting of 3.8 hectares of savannah habitat for eight African lions.

Enjoy paddock to plate experiences, farmer’s markets and cellar doors around this are. You can visit Tombstone Estate and Red Earth Estatefor free wine tasting, morning and afternoon tea, cheese platters with regional produce.

Taste table wines and fortified wines at the gorgeous Bell River Estate and discuss the winemaking process with viticulturalist. Match your meal with an extensive list of regional wines at the popular Grange Restaurant in Wellington, set at lovely Hermitage Hill.

Travel along Dunedoo Road and the Golden Highway to discover beautiful 19th century heritage in Gulgong, a colonial goldmining town in the Mudgee wine region of NSW. Winemaking in the region dates back to the 1850s. The temperate climate allows for the slow ripening of grapes, producing wines of intensity, depth and flavour.

Some of the premium brands include Lowe Wines, Robert Stein Winery, Huntington Estate, Logan and Robert Oatley Vineyards. You can visit cellar doors directly or join tours. Another delectable experience is the Mudgee Wine and Food Festival in spring, the main celebration in a marvellous events calendar.

The drive from Gulgong to Mudgee takes you through wonderful countryside, rich with vineyards and World Heritage wilderness. Dining options in the region are casual and sophisticated, with moreish cafes, classic pubs and acclaimed restaurants.

Take a seat at a farmhouse table for a leisurely organic lunch or dinner, matched with local wine, at The Zin House. Mudgee Brewing Company is another constant favourite specialising in handcrafted beers. It also has a great restaurant for lunch, dinner or a quick snack.

If you're there on the third Sunday of the month, try a Mudgee Farm Walk through local working farms highlighting Mudgee's free-range, organic and home-grown produce.