Snowy Mountains

With almost 700,000 hectares of outstanding beauty, this spectacular national park contains Australia's five highest alps, glacial lakes, limestone caves, grasslands and woodlands. The park is recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and contains plants not found anywhere else on the Earth. The winter skiing is some of the country’s best, and you can explore this vast wonderland year-round.

Whether you’re a family of beginners, expert skiers and snowboarders, or somewhere in the middle, there’s a resort to suit your needs in the Snowy Mountains. Family friendly Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snowfields gently tempt beginner and intermediate skiers and boarders, while Perisher and Thredbo offer plenty of action both on the slopes and après-ski.

Snowy Mountains is the premier trout fishing region in New South Wales, and it takes over as the most popular sporting activity come the spring melt. Brown, rainbow and brook trout, as well as Atlantic salmon, breed and prosper here. It's possible to go fishing in winter, but only on lakes and reservoirs, as most streams are closed from late June until the first weekend of October. You can also fish at Lake Eucumbene, Lake Jindabyne and Khancoban Pondage to enjoy the best fishing in the region. A licence is require, so obtain it online or at one of the many fishing retailers in the area.

Visit the Bombala Platypus Reserve to see one of Australia’s most endearing indigenous species. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to see platypuses. Spot them in the reserve along the Delegate River, platypus walk, and from the viewing platform. The award-winning Paddle with the Platypus program is offered during summer.