The Snowy Mountains: Australia's Tallest Peaks

Towering over the southern portion of New South Wales are the Snowy Mountains, the highest among Australia's mountain ranges. It is a section of the Great Dividing Range along with the Australian Alps. Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain in mainland Australia, is also situated in the mountain range. The Snowies, as they are fondly referred to, is the venue for Australia's famous snow sports during the months of June until October, which includes snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snow shoeing.

Popular outdoor adventure destinations for tourists and locals, the Snowy Mountains are famous for their beauty even during summer months. Around three million visitors climb its dramatic peaks every year, engaging in various outdoor activities in the mountains including the snow sports, hiking, camping, cycling and boating. The Snowies also house several famous tourist landmarks like Mount Kosciuszko, High Country Huts, the Snowy River and Snowy Hydro.

Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's highest mountain peak, stands 2,228 metres above sea level. In 1840, a Polish explorer named Count Paul Strzelecki named the mountain after a Polish general named Tadeusz Kosciuszko, a patriot and national hero. The mountain provides a spectacular view that greets around 30,000 individuals that climb up to its summit every year. The climb involves walking or skiing, usually walking either from Charlotte Pass or Thredbo. Climbers often bring their cameras with them and take pictures of the scenic views and lovely alpine flowers that adorn the mountain in the months of December to February.

The High Country Huts are used to provide shelter, accommodation and water for skiers, recreational fishermen, stockmen and the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority. Only around 80 huts are still standing today; most of them were destroyed by decay and fire. They are now used as shelter from harsh weather conditions by bikers, anglers and hikers and are under the care of the Kosciuszko Huts Association and the National Parks and Wildlife Services.

The Snowy River, on the other hand, is a famous spot for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. During winter, the river freezes and serves as a path that climbers cross to reach the peak of Mount Kosciuszko. The iconic Snowy River, together with the Snowy Mountains, are celebrated in the famous Australian poem, "The Man from Snowy River" by Andrew Barton "Banjo" Paterson.

The Snowy Hydro's hydroelectric power station is a famous landmark recognized for the grand scale of the construction. Covering 3,200 square kilometers and built over 25 years by a labor force of 100,000, the Snowy Hydro is an engineering feat with seven power stations, two of them are underground with over 140 kilometers of tunnels and 16 major dams.

The Snowy Mountains are also home to the Mountain Brumbies, the inspiration for the Banjo Paterson's verses, and the beloved wild horse of Australia. Considered as wild horses many of these galloping beauties are now being tamed and maintained with their domestic equivalents.

For tourists who are looking for art, lifestyle and culture, the Snowy Mountains also have their own share of music, fine dining, theater and cultural heritage. There are many live bands performing in ski resorts and nightclubs, art galleries (such as the Raglan Gallery and Cultural Centre) and theatrical shows in Olympia Theatre and The Cooma Little Theatre.

The Snowy Mountains are an ideal and prime location for a total outdoor experience, whether you opt for skiing and other snow sports during winter, or hiking, boating and biking during the non-snow months. Learn about the historical landmarks, wildlife and culture unique to the tallest peaks of Australia. A Snowy Mountain adventure is definitely an Australian experience that you shouldn't miss.