Snowy Mountains loop

A mountain drive from Cooma through Adaminaby and Kosciuszko National Park to the Alpine Way, Thredbo and Khancoban, with a return via the Snowy Mountains Highway to Tumut. You pass lakes, alpine villages and big views. Snow chains matter in winter.

The stops

1. Start

   Cooma

2. Town

   Adaminaby

   Big Trout and old Adaminaby

3. Town

   Jindabyne

   Lake town and base for Thredbo

4. Town

   Thredbo

   Ski village; chairlift to Kosciuszko in summer

5. Viewpoint

   Alpine Way viewpoints

   High-country drive towards Khancoban

6. Town

   Khancoban

   Snowy Hydro village

7. Park

   Yarrangobilly Caves

   Limestone caves and a thermal pool

8. Town

   Tumut

   River town on the western slopes

9. Finish

   Tumut

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Jindabyne

  Lakeside caravan parks

• Night 2

  Khancoban

  Motel and caravan park

When to go

Summer for hiking and views; winter for snow sports; autumn for colour

On the road

Carry snow chains in winter inside Kosciuszko National Park. No park entry gates on the Snowy Mountains Highway, but park fees apply elsewhere. High-altitude sections have yellow lane markings.