Magic hidden between mountains
In the foothills of rugged peaks halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, the Snowy Valleys offer a memorable food-and-drink trail with a hit of alpine adventure.
Discover
An oasis tucked amid the crags and summits of Kosciuszko National Park, the Yarrangobilly
Caves thermal pool is an unforgettable place to immerse in nature. A short but steep 700-metre-long track will take you from the car park to the spring-fed pool, which soaks out your kinks at a balmy 27ºC temperature all year round. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.
Eat
The arrival of a Three Blue Ducks restaurant – the latest from the acclaimed ethical-food group that began in Sydney’s east – has turned the chalet-like Nimbo Fork Lodge into a bona fide gourmet escape. Expect a menu driven by local flavours, including wood-grilled rainbow trout awash in butter, caper and dill sauce. It’s made even more delicious by the ambience in the cosy dining room or on the verandah with views over the Tumut River.
Escape
Sleep off the grid in eco-luxury style at Kestrel
Nest EcoHut. Sitting pretty above a mountain stream, it’s a vision of splendid isolation that’s perfect for couples or a small family. All the creature comforts await inside but an outdoor bath, hammocks and firepit will keep you stargazing late into the night.
Sip
Take in paradise with a drink in your hand at
Courabyra Wines’ award-winning cellar door and restaurant. Ten minutes drive from Tumbarumba, the family-run winery’s signature sparkling is best enjoyed on the balcony overlooking the vines and valley.
Time travel
Stretch your legs on the Tumbarumba to
Rosewood Rail Trail. Opened last year, the sealed walking and cycling path is actually a sinuous portal to the past, winding 21 easy kilometres between heritage towns along a disused colonial rail line. Photo stops include the historic Wolter Cottages, the four restored timber trestle bridges and endless views of native bush and rolling farmland.