Canberra and the Snowies: a 6-day road trip adventure

The Arboretum is an extraordinary place, with no fewer than 94 forests made up of rare and endangered trees from Australia and more than 100 other nations. Wander freely along the paths or explore the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection, which includes a Yokoso Niwa (Bonsai Welcome Garden), Niwaki pines and a 165-million-year-old fossil in the form of a petrified tree stump.

Now it’s time to take your adventure indoors. Head to the industrial suburb of Fyshwick where you’ll discover BlocHaus Bouldering – think rock climbing, but with shorter walls and a cushy mat below. If you work up a thirst pop next door to Capital Brewing Co. for a refreshing local ale. 

A short drive back into the city for dinner at popular Lazy Su in Braddon is a must. A fusion of Japanese, Korean and American styles, it is a fun, loud and delicious dining experience.

Relax for the evening at Hotel Realm, offering five-star luxury within walking distance to Parliament House and the busy Barton precinct. Packages are available and parking is underground.

If you still have some energy left, on Canberra’s western outskirts and just 15 minutes from the city centre, is Stromlo Forest Park, home to more than 50 kilometres (31 miles) of mountain biking trails, plus the Handlebar Café. If you’re a beginner, get started at Holden’s Creek. For hardcore cyclists, there are black diamond runs available. Hire a mountain bike fit for your skills from Cycle City. For those interested in the natural surroundings, you can take a walk or even ride a horse on the equestrian trails.

Return to Canberra’s city and head to Sage Dining Rooms for a fine-dining experience – try the five-course degustation menu option. But first, how about a pre-dinner drink in the heritage gardens surrounded by fairy lights? Return to your Canberra accommodation for a well-earned night’s sleep. 

Next, drive south from Canberra towards Cooma along the Monaro Highway. On your arrival in Cooma, head up the hill to the headquarters of shopping mecca, Birdsnest.

Finish your time in Cooma with a look through history at Cooma gaol museum in Vale Street – it provides an interesting overview of 200 years of punishment and crime.

On your way to Jindabyne, take a detour via Berridale and Dalgety. Shut the Gate Winery has an extensive wine list and friendly faces, plus a gorgeous grocery offering locally sourced produce. Turn left to Dalgety and take in the stunning Monaro plains before stopping at the Dalgety Microbrewery and Vineyard to say hi to Bart and Liz. Try their onsite-brewed beer, which is mixed with pure Alpine water from the Snowy River.

Now it’s time to head into Jindabyne – the gateway to the Snowies. Enjoy a light dinner of quesadillas and margaritas at Cocina Mexican Grill & Cantina in the Jindabyne Town Centre.

About 15 minutes from the town of Jindabyne is the ultimate country getaway at Moonbah Huts. These little beauties at the foot of the mountains offer the best escape from busy living. Snuggle up by a warm log fire or sit on the veranda to listen to the birds.  

Drive a little further up the mountain to Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa – a great place to stay, centrally located to all the attractions and nestled along the shores of the Thredbo River. You can spend the afternoon being pampered in the day spa or try one of the numerous in resort activities – archery, golf, tennis, or trout fishing, to name a few. Or simply sit back in your luxury chalet and relax. The Resort’s Cuisine Restaurant & Bar looks over Lake Crackenback with stunning views and locally inspired dining.  

Depending on the time of year, the Thredbo Valley Track is great for those up for another mountain bike riding adventure (you can even ride all the way from Jindabyne to Thredbo – and back). Or take the chairlift to the top and walk to Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko.

In winter, you can ski the longest runs in Australia or snowshoe to the ‘roof of Australia’. There are skiing and snowboarding lessons available plus a wide variety of terrain to suit all levels.

Keep some energy in reserve to embrace the nightlife in Thredbo Village. From pubs, bars, live music, as well as many regular events, this place has a lively soul all year round.

Stay at the cosy Thredbo Alpine Hotel, which is central to all of the village’s restaurants, bars and activities. It is often the meeting place for special events and festivals. Head to Cascades Restaurant for a pleasant meal surrounded by that exceptional view. 

Head back into town for a good dose of Thai or bistro food from the Snow Goose Hotel. 

Now drive on to the golden plains of Kiandra, which was home to a huge, yet brief, Gold Rush in the 1860s. You can take a self-guided walk around the Kiandra township beginning at the courthouse, with helpful signs highlighting the history as you go.

Drive another 40 minutes to lovely Talbingo, a country town with incredible mountain scenery. Rug up and head below ground into Yarrangobilly Caves to discover stalagmites, stalactites and other natural cave ‘decorations’. There are six caves to explore. 

Finish your adventure with another friendly stop and a final road trip ale at the quaint Talbingo Country Club.