Your Warm Weather Adventure Guide to Kosciuszko National Park
If you only visit the Snowy Mountains in winter then you're missing half the fun.
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Looking for a new kind of adventure getaway? Kosciuszko National Park might not be the first place that springs to mind in the spring and summer months, but if you're looking to avoid the crowds during peak holiday season, it's the place to go. Think swimming in wild mountain streams, hiking through remote highlands, feasting in old-school country kitchens and wine tasting at cool climate vineyards.
From coastal getaways to outback adventures, Australia is home to a wealth of places to explore. Every trip away offers the chance to not only reconnect and recharge, but also to support the communities that have been affected by bushfires. Your visit plays an important role in Australia's recovery, which is why we've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your next Holiday Here This Year.
Some of the places mentioned below may still be closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check websites before making any plans.
Destination NSW
CANOE OR SAIL ON LAKE JINDABYNE
Unless your name is Lewis Pugh, it's highly unlikely that you'd risk capsizing a canoe in Lake Jindabyne during winter. But come summer, it's a different story. The crystal clear waters aren't exactly toasty, but they're warm enough for swimming — and certainly conducive to paddling. Stick to the shoreline or venture out into the deep to visit the Lake's islands. There are watercraft of all kinds for hire at Sacred Ride, from canoes, kayaks and SUPs to catamarans. Looking for company — or a sailing lesson? Drop the Lake Jindabyne Sailing Club a line.
K7
GO BOULDERING
Bouldering is rock climbing — but with more thrills. Because you don't get any ropes. Your ability to climb comes down to your strength and skill in clambering across, well, boulders. Needless to say, this is something you probably shouldn't try on your own, unless you're experienced. The good news is the good folks at K7 will happily take you on a fully guided adventure. At 1800 metres, you'll be challenging your fear of heights, while taking in some incredible scenery and getting plenty of fresh, fresh mountain air. Make sure you pack grippy shoes.
Murray Vanderveer/DPIE
VISIT LANDERS FALLS
Landers Falls isn't easy to get to, which makes it all the more special. If you're travelling by 2WD, prepare for a five-kilometre walk to the waterfall — if you're in a 4WD, it's just 800 metres on foot. As you near the falls, the path grows steeper before reaching Talbingo Lookout, then, 300 metres later, you'll get to Landers Falls. It's not just the falls themselves that are spectacular, but also the surrounding gorge, which holds Talbingo Reservoir and seemingly endless wilderness. Landers Falls are in the northern corner of Mount Kosciuszko National Park, around 50 minutes' drive from the pretty country town of Tumut. As parts of Kosciuszko National Park were affected by recent bushfires, check the website for any travel alerts before you venture out.
Elinor Sheargold/DPIE
DRIVE KHANCOBAN TO KIANDRA
With miles and miles of empty roads, Kosciuszko National Park is made for road tripping. One of the best routes is undoubtedly the 90-minute drive from Khancoban to Kiandra, which cuts through the park's central section. Expect all the elements that make the area so beautiful, from remote campsites to mountain huts built in the 19th century. You'll also pass through Cabramurra, which was the third highest town in Australia, until January 2018, when the last remaining permanent residents moved out. As with walking through the National Park, check the website in advance for any alerts and closures.
Creel Lodge by Murray Vanderveer/DPIE
STAY AT CREEL LODGE
To make the most of your adventures, you'll need a warm, comfy place to rest your head — and, ideally, one with a cracking view. You can find just that at Creel Lodge. Located at Waste Point, overlooking Lake Jindabyne, this spot has epic views with mountain chalet comforts, like an outdoor fireplace and a large dining table for red wine and card games in the evenings. It's located within the National Park, so you're right in the heart of the action for walking trails, bike rides and water-based fun. After a day of exploring, fire up the barbecue on the deck and see if you can spot any of the resident kangaroos. The Lodge has four bedrooms and sleeps up to eight people, and in the summer months you can book in from $345 per night.
Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions.
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Top image: Tourism Snowy Mountains.
