Home to Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, and some of the country’s top ski resorts, including Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte’s Pass, the Snowy Mountains Region is the ultimate destination to embark on a scenic winter drive.
As a leading provider of roadside assistance and vehicle batteries in Australia, Marshall Batteries has journeyed across some of the country’s top tourist spots and experiences. Here’s our review of the best-rated drives through the New South Wales Snowy Mountains.
Table of Contents
1. Snowy Mountain Highway
Caption: The Snowy Mountain highway will take you through spectacular alpine wilderness. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
Where: Stretching between Tumut, a quaint riverside town in the Riverina, to Cooma, a popular base to explore the region’s snowfields, this 129km scenic drive is the gateway to the northern part of Mount Kosciuszko National Park.
Highlights: Reaching a peak of 4,904ft, the route will lead you through natural spring thermal pools, alpine wilderness, glistening waterfalls and, of course, the snow-covered mountains of the Australian Alps.
While the roads are sealed and accessible by 2WD vehicles, the roads can be subject to extreme conditions during winter. Chains are required and a 4WD vehicle is preferred.
Here’s a few sights to see along Snowy Mountain Drive:
- Head south from Tumut along the crystal clear waters of Tumut Lake.
- Stop at Black Perry Lookout to take in the sights of Black Perry Mountain and the Bogong Mountain Range.
- Landers Falls Lookout is a little further south and offers picture-perfect views of Landers Falls and the rocky gorges surrounding Talbingo Reservoir.
- Continuing south, you will soon arrive at Yarrangobilly. Stop here to explore the limestone formations of Yarrangobilly Caves or warm up by taking a dip in the natural spring thermal pools.
- As you continue south through the towering peaks of Mount Kosciuszko National Park, be sure to stop at the historic township of Adaminaby, located on the edge of Lake Eucumbene
- Keep driving until you arrive at the old mining town of Cooma. In winter, the town transforms into a winter wonderland and you can go downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding. Plan your trip here.
Remember to check if your car battery needs a replacement before heading out for your winter adventure because cold weather can slow your battery down. Holler for a Marshall at 1300 627 742, and we’ll replace your car or SUV/4WD battery so you can hit the road quickly.
2. Kosciuszko Alpine Way
Caption: The beautiful town of Jindabyne in Winter. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
Where: The drive begins in Cooma, which is about four hours away from Sydney.
Highlights: Kosciuszko Alpine Way is a popular route for motorcyclists, those keen to hit up the slopes, and those travellers eager to extend the Snowy Mountains Highway drive through the southern parts of Mount Kosciuszko National Park.
With a highest peak of 5,180ft above sea level, this scenic drive offers some of the country’s most breathtaking views of the Australian Alps.
Here’s a few tips on how to tour the Kosciuszko Alpine Way:
- Start your 173km adventure from Cooma to Khancoban on Kosciuszko Road. Take a breather at Berridale, a mountainside village famous for its excellent local food, vineyards, and breweries.
- As you continue west through the Australian Alps, you’ll be met with the view of granite boulders against rocky plains. In no time, you’ll reach Jindabyne, a favoured base for exploring Charlotte’s Pass, Thredbo, and Perisher ski fields. Nestled at the base of Mount Kosciuszko, Jindabyne is truly stunning, and it’s packed with food and drink options on the banks of the famous Snowy River.
- Veering onto Alpine Way towards Thredbo Village, this is one of the most scenic parts of the route, offering spectacular views of the mountain ranges and Perisher Valley.
- From Thredbo Village, strap yourself in – the winding roads get a whole lot windier as you make your descent towards the Murray River, where New South Wales meets Victoria.
- From here, the route veers north through river crossings and lush mountain-side forests before arriving in the lakeside town of Khancoban.
- Be sure to stop at Scammells Ridge Lookout along the way for epic views across the Great Dividing Range and, of course, Mount Kosciuszko in all its winter glory. Plan your road trip here.
3. Drive From the Snowy Mountains to the Sea
Caption: Views from the Snowy River Way bridge in Dalgety, home to one of Australia oldest river crossings. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
Where: Stretching 187km from Jindabyne to the ocean-side village of Merimbula
Highlights: This scenic drive celebrates the true beauty and diversity of Australia’s landscape. From the snow-capped Australian Alps to the glistening waters of the New South Wales Sapphire Coast, this High Country road trip is definitely one for the bucket list!
Don’t miss these stops along the way:
- Head south from Jindabyne on The Snowy River Way to Dalgety, a small town on the banks of the Snowy River and home to one of the country’s oldest river crossings. It was here, along the Travelling Stock route, that cattle would be transported from Gippsland all the way through to the high country.
- Continue driving south for a few kilometres before veering east onto Springfield Way and then south onto the Snowy Mountains Highway.
- As you farewell the rugged plains, the landscape begins to transform into a backdrop of greenery. Be sure to stretch your legs at Pipers Lookout and soak in the surrounding views of South East Forest National Park and Bega Valley.
- Travel east to Stony Creek; you will bypass the rolling hills of Monaro Plains, the timber-clad town of Bemboka and the lush forests of Brown Mountain before arriving in Bega – a visit to the Bega Cheese Factory is a must!
- Cross the Bega River; the route carries south along Princess Highway before arriving at your final destination – Merimbula!
Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for whales – this East Coast destination is a popular sighting spot during the winter season. Plan your drive here.
Keen to explore more? Read our top winter drives in Victoria’s High Country here!
Be Prepared For Your Snowy Mountains Adventure
Carry snow chains: During winter (usually between the Queen’s Birthday and Melbourne Cup long weekends), it is recommended that all vehicles carry snow chains through the alpine areas.
Be aware of road closures: Some roads may be closed due to extreme weather conditions, so be sure to check for seasonal road closures before heading off.
Fuel up with Alpine diesel: If you have a Diesel car or vehicle, make sure you fuel up with Alpine Diesel or purchase a cold weather additive to avoid your diesel turning into wax or gel in temperatures lower than zero degrees.
Check your car battery: A good quality battery is recommended, as they do have a tendency to fail in extreme cold or heat. To make sure your battery is up for the challenge, visit one of our Marshall stores in Jindabyne or Cooma for a FREE winter check on your car battery!
For more information, check out our essential hints and tips before hitting the road.
And remember, if you find yourself in need of roadside assistance on your way up the mountain, you can always holler for a Marshall on 1300 695 717.
Image: “Snowy Mountains Highway” by MDRX is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.