74 (131) Alpine Way, Snowy Mountains, Overnight
trip from Sydney
The Alpine Way is part of a 250k stretch of road that loops its
way towards the NSW / Victorian border from Snowy Mountains Highway.
This trip will require you to overnight somewhere. Cooma in the
south or the more rural Tumut in north are the most logical candidates.
If you like pizza give it a miss if you end up in Tumut.
Australia is old and geography professors around the world have
condemned it into having small mountains. Tallest is Mount Kosciuszko
at approximately 2227.826m :). A mere hill to some. No laws against
substituting Snowy Hills for Snowy Mountains but don't worry, size
isn't everything. Don't expect the Park Rangers to impressed either
by any siziest comments, they have heard it all before.
As you will know if you have every seen an Aussie transfixed by
white stuff, snow is quite rare in Australia. Most aussies come
to the Snowys to ski and party. I'd argue that's not the main attraction.
Swimming kangaroos, strolling emus, bounding wombats, crystal clear
waters against a back drop of snow capped peaks. As you head north
the scenery becomes more rural, hilly and green with a dash of colourful
wildflowers in spring.
Now I can't guarantee you will see anything but you will improve
your chances if you travel spring / autumn and avoid school holidays
and weekends. The less people around the better.
Talk to the Park Rangers, check conditions at Jindabyne as they
will close the road if the weather is bad and bring your camera.
Thredbo is worth a coffee stop if you can find somewhere to park.
Be prepared to pay a few dollars to get into the National Park
Stop at the Thredbo Diggings picnic area for a while as this is
a gorgeous, peaceful area.
Go to Tom Groggin picnic area and drive down to the 4WD road only
sign. You maybe greeted by a friendly mob of kangaroos. Although
remember, these are still wild animals.
Geehi picnic area has a pleasant wheelchair / pram friendly path
along side the Swampy Plains River.
From here you are less than half way to Tumut with much more to
see and little in the way of services along the way. Make sure you
have plenty of petrol and a decent map (not that there are many
other sealed roads you can drive down). The Kosciuszko Recreation
Guide is freely available from visitor centres and may even get
one on your way into the park.
Every bodies experience will be different on a trip like this and
as I've said you can't guarantee anything, particularly the weather.
But if you take your time, go with the idea of enjoying whatever
comes your way you are bound to be rewarded. Plan ahead, avoid the
crowds or you could - just go for it. Good luck.
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One Hundred Things To Do In Sydney, Australia
