Snowy National Park
Snowy National Park is a mecca for those looking to experience the diverse Australian outdoors. With stunning forests, rugged gorges, flowing waterfalls and serene rock pools, this destination is ideal for any length of visit or any type of nature adventure. Choose the exhilaration of white water rafting, bushwalking through lush rainforest, canoeing tranquil waters or carving through the snow on a winter skiing trip.
Located 450km east of Melbourne, Snowy River is a remote national park that is best entered through McKillops Bridge (one of the few places standard vehicles can access). Just to the north of the bridge the Snowy and Deddick Rivers converge and here you’ll discover white sandy beaches and shallow rock pools that are ideal for a refreshing swim.
McKillops Bridge is a great spot from which to start your canoeing or river rafting trip. A popular option is the route through to the Buchan River junction at Balley Hooley, a trip of three or four days. For inexperienced canoeists and rafters there are plenty of tour options available.
Experienced guides can also lead you hiking, birdwatching, horseriding, caving, rock climbing, four-wheel driving, and even on fishing trips. Or you might choose to take it easy on a coach trip that will escort you to some of the incredible vistas in this stunning park, all in air-conditioned luxury.
One must-see is Little River Gorge, Victoria's deepest gorge. Head west from McKillops Bridge and downstream from the junction of the Snowy and Little Rivers - from the Bonang-Gelantip Road, it’s an 800 metre drive to the start of the walking track.
This will take you another 400 metres to a cliff-top lookout with sweeping views stretching the length of the gorge.
Another popular trip is the drive along Yalmy Road, through towering forest to Waratah Flat. And don’t miss Raymond Falls, located along Moresford Track from Orbost. This beautiful waterfall makes an ideal photo opportunity with a 20m cascade that plunges into a clear, blue pool surrounded by lush bush.
Finally, four-wheel drive enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the 43 kilometre Deddick Trail. This will take you through the centre of the park and offers some incredible sights along the way.
Snowy River National Park is rich in history. Aboriginal relics have been discovered at Jackson Crossing, once a likely hunting spot for the Kruatungulung group of the Kurnai Aborigines. Miners and cattlemen also journeyed here in the early 19th century.
You can walk in their footsteps along the 18km Silver Mine walking track downstream from McKillops Bridge.
Facilities in the park include picnic areas, public toilets and a Visitor Information Centre, the perfect spot to start your adventure if you are travelling independently. Whatever adventure you choose, the Snowy National Park will be sure to take your breath away. Why not discover for yourself the spectacular rainforest, rapids and rocky outcrops of this amazing part of Victoria?
Go on, your adventure awaits you!
