A Holiday with a View The mountains are beautiful year-round and attract visitors seeking nature-based and adventure holidays. Australia's high country is home to magnificent peaks, flowing water and a plethora of accessible natural attractions for lovers of the outdoors. The Snowies are perfect for a touring holiday with a view, with the option of an adventure or two.

The highest mountain on mainland Australia, Mt Kosciuszko, is here in the Snowy Mountains. Easily viewed from lookouts or to truly experience the highs, the more adventurous can walk to the top of one of the world’s famous ‘seven summits’.

The famous Snowy River flows from the high country, through the Snowies and down to the coast. Follow its course and tour the small towns, pebbled edges primed for a picnic and learn about the legend.

Walking, cycling or horse riding are great ways to explore the alpine landscape in the warmer months. Take in some of the country's most impressive scenery. Visit the amazing Yarrangobilly Caves, explore two million year old limestone formations and swim outdoors in the naturally heated thermal pool.

Another popular outing is a trip to one of the Snowy Hydro power stations. Tumut 3 Power Station offers a vivid insight into the sheer scope of this iconic part of the nation's post-war development.

Famous for trout fishing, it’s worth trying your luck on the many lakes including Lake Eucumbene and Lake Jindabyne, the Murrumbidgee River or any of the streams around Adaminaby, Bombala, Jindabyne, Nimmitabel and Thredbo.

 The physical aspects of the region are complemented by a wealth of culture in the literature, storytelling and folklore of the people of the region.

Whether you're after a rugged back-to-nature experience, want to be cosseted in alpine splendour or simply feel like going somewhere beautiful, diverse and interesting with the whole family, it’s all here in the Snowy Mountains.

The Snowy Mountains Drive is a great touring route when travelling by car or motorcycle to explore the region in all its glory. A drive like no other, it encompasses the country's highest mountains, some of our most diverse flora and fauna, high country huts, towns bursting with historic and cultural significance, feats of engineering ingenuity, cold climate wines and rivers that flow with legends.

From each town, you can visit attractions and settlements and learn the history by being surrounded by it. Breathe in the fresh air and meet the most easy going, friendly lot of people you’ll probably find in Australia.

Take your time enjoying one of Australia’s greatest natural resources at your own pace. For touring itineraries turn to page thirty.