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 sizeist 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 and Sydney100
Travel Guide 2012!
