Truenorth Helicopters, Snowy MountainsCredit: Destination NSW
Scenic flight over Tumut River and the Talbingo Reservoir in the Snowy Mountains.
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After waking up with an invigorating morning ocean swim in Sydney, you can be happily making snow angels in the magical Snowy Mountains by the afternoon. But what’s the rush? Embrace the journey as part of your holiday, taking the entire day or more to uncover the bounty of attractions and experiences on an alternative route. Cruise down through the Southern Highlands to the South Coast and then inland, or through Goulburn and Yass en route to Tumut and the snowfields.
Discover the delights of the Southern Highlands and South Coast route
Relax into holiday mode as you farewell Sydney, heading south along the Hume Highway towards the revitalising rolling hills of the Southern Highlands. Treat the cricket fans in your company with a short detour to Bowral, where you can relive the iconic moments of the game at the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame before surrendering to the sweet temptations of Gumnut Patisserie on Bong Bong Street, from lemon tartlets to cloud-like lamingtons. Or enjoy the sense of community at The Lodge Restaurant in nearby Berrima Vault House. Step back into the 1880s at this convict-built former inn reimagined as a members’ club, which flings open the doors of its smart restaurant to the public on weekends.
With a contented full belly, make for the coast via the lush Kangaroo Valley. Breathe in the eucalyptus-scented country air en route to the hinterland town of Berry, where delightful cafés proffering homemade cakes, pastries and preserves entice you to pause for afternoon tea.
Be dazzled by the azure blues of Jervis Bay as you continue your journey south on the Princes Highway to the pretty coastal town of Mollymook. Pause to browse its galleries or shops, or to treat yourself to a celebratory fresh seafood meal with a side of ocean views at Rick Stein at Bannisters.
After hitting the road again later that day or the following morning, take the time explore the quaint country towns and rugged national parks of the Eurobodalla region as well as the jewels of the Sapphire Coast on the way to Tathra, perhaps taking a pit stop to enjoy some freshly shucked oysters by the water at The Oyster Farmer’s Daughter in Narooma.
Farewell the sparkling sea at Tathra before heading inland to Bega, before pressing onto Jindabyne via Dalgety on the Snowy River Way. Take a moment in Dalgety to wonder what might have been if this candidate for the nation’s capital was selected. Instead of roundabouts and Parliament House, there’s good food, a historic bridge and a great country pub to discover.
Scenic Drive, Kangaroo Valley Credit: Alexandra Adoncello
Car driving through the leafy Kangaroo Valley.
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Scenic Drive, Kangaroo Valley Credit: Alexandra Adoncello
Car driving through the leafy Kangaroo Valley.
Tathra Oysters, Tathra Credit: Destination NSW
Farmer at Tathra Oysters in the Nelsons Lake estuary where their award-winning Sydney Rock Oysters are grown.
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Tathra Oysters, Tathra Credit: Destination NSW
Farmer at Tathra Oysters in the Nelsons Lake estuary where their award-winning Sydney Rock Oysters are grown.
Connect with the countryside via Gundagai and Tumut
Buckle up for another memorable adventure to the Snowy Mountains, heading south on the Hume Highway again, but this time bound for Goulburn. Take in the history of Australia’s first inland city as you stroll its storied streets and have a giggle getting a selfie with the Big Merino, then follow the signs to Yass, where an abundance of boutique wineries and gourmet restaurants within easy reach will tempt you to stay overnight.
When you’re ready to move on, peel off the Hume Highway to stretch your legs in charming Jugiong. Follow the scent of freshly baked bread to The Sir George Artisan Bakery to pick up some of its renowned sourdough for a picnic by the serene Murrumbidgee River, or leave the cooking in the very capable hands of The Sir George kitchen or the next-door Long Track Pantry café.
Cruise 30 minutes down the road to the handsome pioneering town of Gundagai. After another must-have photo, here with Gundagai’s beloved statue of the Dog on the Tuckerbox, deepen your knowledge of the region’s rich history at the Gundagai Historic Museum. Oozing country character, nine-room boutique hotel Flash Jacks makes the perfect base for an overnight stop.
Push on along the Snowy Mountains Highway to Tumut and on to Yarrangobilly Caves. Pull over to marvel at its six stunning limestone caves that were millions of years in the making, or to take a soothing soak in the natural thermal pool near the caves, which is a balmy 27°C year round.
Revel in the rugged beauty of the mountainous landscape as you navigate the longer route to the heart of the Snowies via the scenic Alpine Way. Connect with the friendly locals who grow your food when you purchase produce directly from the likes of Wilgro Orchards in Batlow. Then visit Khancoban, a small lakeside town only 1.5 hours’ drive from the ski resort at Thredbo, where Picked Parrot Providore offers another delectable taste of the region.
Sunset, Yass River Credit: Destination NSW
Sun sets over the Yass River and the old railway bridge.
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Sunset, Yass River Credit: Destination NSW
Sun sets over the Yass River and the old railway bridge.
Scenic Countryside, Tumut Credit: Destination NSW
Poplar trees lining a country road running through scenic Tumut in the Snowy Valleys.
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Scenic Countryside, Tumut Credit: Destination NSW
Poplar trees lining a country road running through scenic Tumut in the Snowy Valleys.
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Horse Riding, Jindabyne, Snowy MountainsCredit: Destination NSW
Horse riding in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Set course for adventure in Jindabyne, a quaint lakeside town in the foothills of New South Wales’ Snowy Mountains, and a great base camp for an energising, nature-based holiday. Delight in a range of exciting seasonal experiences, from action-packed days on the snow to summertime hikes that will leave you feeling fresh.
Pick your own adventure
There's an array of activities on your doorstep in Jindabyne – a five-hour drive southwest of Sydney. In warm weather, get your blood pumping on a mountain bike ride, or try your hand at rock climbing with K7 Adventures. Travelling when the mercury drops? Relish in the wintry scenery on one of K7’s snow-shoe expeditions. Alternatively, get a natural high on a guided horse trek at Snowy Wilderness Resort, set on more than 6,500 acres of awe-inspiring alpine high country just south of Jindabyne.
There’s also a whole lot of adventure to uncover in Kosciuszko National Park during summer. Revel in the sense of achievement hiking the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest point at 2,228m elevation – it’s an 18.6km return trail from Charlotte Pass, so plan on spending a full day (six to eight hours) out in nature. If you’d prefer a shorter walk, the serene Rainbow Lake walk is a 2.4km-return trail that boasts stunning wildflowers during springtime.
Post-activity, take a deep breath and calm your mind during a hatha yoga session at Jai Yoga. Then further reward your day’s efforts with a celebratory schnapps made at Wildbrumby, which has a distillery door and restaurant overlooking a sculpture garden. Prefer a beer? Jindabyne Brewing bar and tasting room has views across Lake Jindabyne – find a scenic perch and enjoy the ultimate taste of the region as you sip. Another option for a refreshing swig of beer is Kosciuszko Brewery. Located at Jindabyne’s Banjo Patterson Inn, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after an exhilarating day of adventure activities.
Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Hiking in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Hiking in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery, Crackenback Credit: Destination NSW
The Wildbrumby Distillery & Cafe is a unique, boutique schnapps distillery located on the Alpine Way in the picturesque Thredbo Valley,
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Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery, Crackenback Credit: Destination NSW
The Wildbrumby Distillery & Cafe is a unique, boutique schnapps distillery located on the Alpine Way in the picturesque Thredbo Valley,
Try out the local dining scene
Follow your nose to the delectable range of oven-fresh breakfast pastries on offer at Nimmitabel Bakery. The aroma of freshly brewed Axis Roasters coffee is just as difficult to resist at Birchwood, where you can also fill up before a big day in the great outdoors on cheese toasties, muesli bowls, moreish breakfast salads and more.
Self-catering? Head to The Market. At this part café, part market, you can choose between sinking your teeth into wholesome dishes or grabbing organic fruit and veggies and specialty grocery items to take away.
Cosy up at the end of the day at Bacco Italian Restaurant, which has been preparing pizzas and pastas for more than 25 years; kids are well catered for with a dedicated menu of tasty bites. Or take your palate on its own adventure at much-loved Cafe Darya, which dishes up welcoming Persian favourites including dips, pastries and stews. Pair zingy tacos with lip-smacking margaritas at Cucina Grill & Cantina, and treat your travelling companion to an intimate Japanese dinner at Takayama; kick off a memorable meal with a serving of succulent pork gyoza with ponzu dipping sauce.
Stay in quintessential Snowies lodging
Lean into farm life at Avonside Alpine Estate, a dreamy off-grid farm stay with a vegetable garden, chickens, sheep and highland cattle. The two- and three-bedroom cottages unite Scandi style with sustainable design, and boast calming country vistas, too.
Be soothed by the snow gums surrounding Ecocrackenback, just outside of Jindabyne, as you warm up by the fire in one of its 18 self-contained cabins. Or soak up the similarly scenic setting at Moonbah Hut, which offers two charming timber cottages near Jindabyne that sleep four or five guests. With one hut set on a lake and the other by a river, you can begin or end a summer's day with an invigorating dip, while the stone fireplaces, underfloor heating and exposed beams make the cottages feel particularly snug during the winter months.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service manages a number of lodges throughout Kosciuszko National Park, including Creel Lodge. Here you can bask in serene Lake Jindabyne views from the breakfast table. As the moon rises over the lake, indulge in the nostalgic pastime of roasting marshmallows over the outdoor fireplace for dessert.
Lake Crackenback, Thredbo Credit: Destination NSW
Kangaroos at Lake Crackenback, Thredbo.
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Lake Crackenback, Thredbo Credit: Destination NSW
Kangaroos at Lake Crackenback, Thredbo.
Lake Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Lake Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains.
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Lake Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of Lake Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains.