The centerpiece of this scenic park in New South Wales, about 150 mi/110 km southwest of Canberra, is 7,308-ft/2,228-m Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's highest peak. One of the country's primary ski destinations, the park is open year-round, though most skiing is done mid-year.
Chairlifts take you to the summit for spectacular views of the Snowy River, the setting for Banjo Patterson's most famous poem, "The Man from Snowy River" (from which a film of the same name was made). You can also hike to the top—it will take four to six hours.
The country's highest glacial lake at 6,719 ft/2,083 m above sea level, Cootapatamba is also visible from Mount Kosciuszko. Along the Snowy Mountain range are gum trees and mountain ash, full of highly vocal cockatoos and crows.
The Yarrangobilly Caves and a nearby thermal pool are a few hours' drive down a winding road (often blocked by sheep) from Thredbo Village, a resort town at the south end of the park that offers luxurious accommodations.
Scattered throughout the park are old summer huts available on a first-come, first-served basis from the Kosciuszko Huts Association—the most desirable huts in the north end of the park must be reserved months in advance through the Tumut park station.
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