The Best Way to Experience the Australian Snowy Mountains
The Australian Snowy Mountains always offer more than what most people believe. The place can leave all visitors and tourists enthralled and captivated with its mesmerizing and appalling scenic beauty. In addition, the broad category and range of activities available here allow for an enjoyable time.
The Snowy Mountains are famous for their modern aspects. However, it does not imply that their rich culture and history passed down for generations fall short in any way. On top of that, the high standard or quality of food and accommodation increases the place’s appeal. It helps attract thousands of people each year.
Experience the Richness of History and Culture
The Australian Snowy Mountains have a dynamic and rich history that goes back thousands of years. The land provided a spiritual home and shelter to two distinct Aboriginal tribes, the Walgal and Ngarigi people, approximately 20,000 years ago. In the early 1800s, the Europeans explored the area, attracted by the rich soil, lush landscape, and mesmerizing seasonal changes. At this time, Edmund Strzelecki climbed Mount Kosciuszko, naming it after the Polish patriot.
Later, high country stockmen began grazing on the land. The cattle graziers of their population left numerous huts scattered across the place. Today, the Wildlife Service, National Parks, and other volunteer organizations maintain them under the Kosciuszko Huts Association.
In 1859, the grazing population discovered gold near Kiandra, leading to a gold rush. It, in turn, resulted in the rise of the ski industry. In 1906, the Kosciuszko National Park got established. The recreational skiing at Kiandra facilitates the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme construction, boosting Australia’s irrigation system.
The Snowy Mountains also hold significant cultural relevance. The place had a spiritual connection for the two indigenous tribes. It provided a home to them and offered various natural wonders, signaling the start of civilization and development in the area.
Revel in the Breathtaking Beauty of Snowy Mountains
1. Mount Kosciuszko
Mount Kosciuszko is the tallest mountain in Australia. It sometimes gets included in the Seven Summits that comprise the highest mountain peaks of each continent.
Mount Kosciuszko is a part of New South Wales’ Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves. The place’s scenic beauty appeals to numerous people yearly with beautiful clouds and breathtaking sunrise and sunset. It features a mesmerizing view of the snow-covered mountain.
Mount Kosciuszko is famous for the Kosciuszko National Park and several ski resorts. In addition to that, the Coast to Kosciuszko, an ultramarathon running race event organized every December, brings enjoyment to all visitors.
2. Round Mountain
Round Mountain, located in Nevada’s Nye County, is an autonomous town renowned for its rich history and natural beauty. The place is best known for its gold mine, featuring a broad, open-pit space owned and managed by the Kinross Gold Corporation.
Round Mountain offers stunning views and picturesque trails to its visitors. Moreover, it allows the tourists to sneak a glance at the striking Texas Hill County landscape, from its star-filled nights to its magnificent sunsets.
Round Mountain has numerous wildlife species and natural wonders. Furthermore, the place combines multiple local traditions and cultural influences, making it unique and appealing.
3. Mount Townsend
Mount Townsend is the second-highest mainland Australian peak. It is comparatively more rugged than Mount Kosciuszko.
Nevertheless, Mount Townsend offers various easy-to-climb and undemanding walking trails. They can get accessed and conquered by people of all ages. The well-maintained path moves along densely-forested and mesmerizing valleys and hills, allowing the hikers to enjoy the scenic beauty.
Mount Townsend offers captivating panoramic views of the city below and the surrounding peaks. The trail remains lined with various local wildlife and rhododendron flowers. The bright yellow, green, purple, and red colors go well with the dark green forest canopy and blue skies.
4. Point Lookout
Point Lookout is a part of the Snowy Range in New South Wales’ New England region. The mountain has an elevation of 1,564 meters.
Point Lookout offers mesmerizing and magnificent views of the World Heritage rainforest it overlooks. Additionally, it allows the visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of the ocean in the distance. The height of the mountain leads to cold spells during which there may be light snow dusting.
Point Lookout is home to multiple wildlife and plant species, including wallabies, kangaroos, lyrebirds, banksias, etc. Furthermore, the mountain features a waling track surrounded by diverse shades of green.
Enjoy the Local Dining
1. Eagle’s Nest Restaurant
The Eagle’s Nest Restaurant lies at an elevation or altitude of 1,937 meters above Thredbo village. It makes it the highest restaurant in the entirety of Australia. Visitors need to avail themselves of the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift to reach the restaurant.
The Eagle’s Nest Restaurant offers panoramic views to its customers. However, the extreme height of the place does not imply that the food options are minimal. Instead, it provides a broad range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices.
Additionally, the customer service of the restaurant is top-tier. Overall, the place is perfect after a challenging hike to the top.
2. Merritts Mountain House
The Merritts Mountain House, lying at 1660 meters, is the best place for riders and skiers to stop for a mountain breakfast or lunch. The restaurant is effortlessly accessible by boarders and foot passengers despite its elevation.
The Merritts Mountain House offers a conventional European market sense or feeling. It provides seating options outside and inside the broad deck of the restaurant. Overall, the place ensures comfort for all customers.
The Merritts Mountain House offers a diverse selection of drinks and dishes prepared in modern and European styles. With warm cuisine and excellent customer service, the restaurant thrives every day.
3. Candlelight Lodge
The Candlelight Lodge is a ski lodge centrally located in Thredbo. It offers effortless access to various resort facilities. In addition, the restaurant cum lodging space provides enthralling views of the surrounding mountain range and ski slopes.
The Candlelight Lodge offers a friendly and warm European atmosphere to its customers. The restaurant has been a part of the renowned Thredbo folklore of the area for many decades.
The Candlelight Lodge features and offers international and traditional Australian cuisine. The most famous dish in the restaurant is the fondue which remains available nightly. It is also the specialty of the lodge.
Some Activities to Try
1. 3-Day Horse Trekking
Horse riding in Kosciuszko National Park’s High Plains area is one of the most exciting activities in the Snowy Australian Mountains. The multi-day tour or trek allows the tourists to enjoy the wild and scenic beauty of the region while supported and guided by horses. Don’t forget to pack appropriately for a hike.
The 3-day horse trekking requires a fundamental fitness level. Nevertheless, it remains open to all, from advanced riders to beginners. The tour does not merely entail horse-riding for the entire day. Instead, it includes roomy tents and delectable mountain food. Also, the participants can sit around the campfire at day end to share hearty stories.
2. Clarke Gorge Walking Track
The Clarke Gorge Walking Track is an exceedingly appealing area to tourists who want to experience challenges between the hard difficulty and medium levels. It entails a walk through seven water crossings to reach the spectacular waterfall. It lies at the end of the path.
The difficulty of the activity enthralls numerous people to come and try it. Nevertheless, the walk is enjoyable with the cold and refreshing water and air. Also, the scenic beauty of the area enhances the overall experience, making it highly pleasant. The diverse shades of blue and the rugged gorge walls leave a lasting impression.
3. Skiing and Hiking
The Snowy Australian Mountains serve as an ideal place for hiking and skiing. The region has a clear and tranquil climate making the two activities possible.
The fixed and well-maintained skiing and hiking routes handled and operated by the various local companies and agencies ensure the safety of the tourists and visitors. Overall, the activities in the Snowy Australian Mountains remain available for people of varying expertise levels.
The hikers and skiers can enjoy the marvelous beauty of the region during the activities. Furthermore, they can access the required public facilities such as restaurants and rest stops along the path.
Best Places to Stay in the Snowy Mountains
1. Full Circle Apartments
Full Circle Apartments provides a luxury retreat just a few minutes away from Lake Jindabyne. It offers self-contained accommodations of 2-3 bedrooms.
Each apartment has a spacious dining space, lounge, and furnished kitchens. Furthermore, the rooms have numerous amenities like a TV, dishwasher, laundry, air conditioning system, Wi-Fi, etc. The other facilities include soundproofing and complimentary toiletries.
Full Circle Apartments’ outside space offers parking spaces for boats, trailers, and cars. A few rooms also have storage sheds and a fireplace. The lodging also allows for refundable cancellations if they get notified with a notice period of more than 60 days.
2. Snow Escape Holidays
Snow Escape Holidays is a renowned family-owned local business. It has offered accommodation in Thredbo, Jindabyne, and Lake Crackenback for more than 12 years in the Snowy Australian Mountains. The place offers more than a roof and bed to its customers. Instead, it provides a comfortable and pleasant experience. It leaves all tourists satisfied.
The rooms have all the necessary facilities, including showers, TVs, beds, a heating system, and other required amenities. The balconies overlook mesmerizing views of the surrounding alpine area.
Snow Escape Holidays remain close to various tourist spots and attractions, comprising rental shops, skiing agencies, and restaurants.
3. 22 at The Gables
22 at The Gables is a centrally located and renovated loft unit in Jindabyne. It remains within walking distance of various famous tourist locations, including a lake, a dining spot, and multiple shops.
22 at The Gables offers accommodation with excellent amenities such as a TV, dishwasher, microwave, hairdryer, high-speed Wi-Fi, toiletries, air conditioning, etc. In addition, it provides free access to private parking spaces and a restaurant. The apartment remains in a place where the visitors can engage in skiing, horse riding, and hiking.
Moreover, 22 at The Gables offers numerous amenities like communal guest laundry, gym, and sauna.
Final Thoughts
Don’t miss out on an opportunity to visit the Australian Snow Mountains for a winter adventure!
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