Koscuiszko National Park www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/(Koscuiszko), the largest national park in NSW, includes most of the Snowy Mountains, with the highest point in Australia at its apex. But compared with other continents, Mount Koscuiszko is relatively low at only 2228 metres.The main town in the region is Cooma, with many smaller centres being established after roads were built in the 1950s when the great Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme got under way. Places such as Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass all now have extensive accommodation possiblities and act as ski resorts in the winter and alpine retreats for the rest of the year. Note that a per car fee is payable if you visit these particular resort areas.
The modern resort town of Jindabyne (pictured at top of page) also has good accommodation and eating facilities and is set beside a pretty man-made lake and is a particularly popular destination in the summer months. The original village of Jindabyne was submerged when the Snowy River was dammed as part of the hydro electric scheme.
Although the Snowys contain Australia’s premier ski resorts, we think the area is at its scenic best in the late spring and early summer when touring and hiking opportunities abound, either independently or as part of an organised walking tour - see our NSW High Country Self Guided Walk.