Caves and Dams
Today we drive via the Kiandra Goldfields to the Tumut 3 Power Station, Australia's largest Hydro Power Station. Drive through Talbingo, the birth place of Miles Franklin and then on to the power station and discover the enormous scale of this engineering marvel. The whole scheme consists of 16 major dams, 7 power stations, 145kms of underground tunnels and 80kms of aqueducts, taking 25 years to complete. With only 2 of the 6 turbines, Tumut 3 is able to generate enough electricity for the whole of the ACT. Spend time in the interpretive centre and learn about other alternate power sources. Drive to the spillway for a spectacular view.
Have lunch at Yarrangobilly Village then head to the Yarragobilly Caves for a guided tour. 400 million years ago, the whole area was under the sea. The limestone through which the water percolates and creates the caves is really the remnants of sea-life all those millions of years ago. You will even see a fossil to prove it. We will one of the spectacular caves with a guide. If time permits, a visit to the thermal pool can be arranged.
Goldseeker
Head via the Kiandra Goldfields to the Tumut 3 Power Station, Australia's largest Hydro Power Station. Drive through Talbingo, the birth place of Miles Franklin and then on to the power station and discover the enormous scale of this engineering marvel.
The whole scheme consists of 16 major dams, 7 power stations, 145kms of underground tunnels and 80kms of aqueducts, taking 25 years to complete. With only 2 of the 6 turbines, Tumut 3 is able to generate enough electricity for the whole of the A.C.T. Spend time in the interpretive centre and learn about other alternate power sources. Drive to the spillway for a spectacular view.
After lunch at the picturesque Yarrangobilly River, travel to Cabramurra, Australia's highest town. Here you will see some of the best panoramic views of the mountains. Time to browse the General Store and see the historical photo display showing many work and domestic scenes. From Cabramurra, head down to Tumut Pond at the bottom of a spectacular gorge. Walk across the spillway and explore the area before heading to Kiandra via Mt Selwyn, Australia's premier family ski resort.
Tribute to the Man From Snowy River
Head out on the highway past Kiandra, site of the 1859 gold rush where 10,000 people spent a very cold winter under canvas. At one point there were over 60 buildings at Kiandra. Within a couple of years, the population was down to 300 with many disappointed miners. Continue along the Elliot Way to Paddy's Falls for morning tea. Head on to Tumbarumba.
The highlight of the day is the "Tribute to the Man From Snowy River" show. Both entertaining and educational, you'll see sheep, dogs, pigs, whip-cracking, cattle mustering and shearing as well as have plenty of laughs. Sample real "billy-tea" during lunch. After the show we head back to Tumbarumba with its old-style charm and a number of beautifully preserved old buildings, which make it an attractive destination. The major attractions are the Court House and Police Residence These two single-storey buildings were constructed in the 1880's.
Turn off on to the Elliot Way for a spectacular drive down a gorge to the Tumut river. As we go back up into the mountains, watch out for wild brumbies. Drive past Cabramurra, Australia's highest town before returning to the Motel.
Alpine Walk
There a number of walks in the Kosciszko National Park. Two of the most popular are the Blue Lake and Mt Kosciszko walks. These are guided walks with natioanla Parks staff.
National Parks and Wildlife Services
This organisation offers many talks, lectures and outings centreing around the history, geography and flora and fauna of the Kosciszko National Park. More information can be found on the NPWS website. www.npws.nsw.gov.au