Driving Canberra to Melbourne via Snowy Mt - Which way?

Submitted: Sunday, Jan 04, 2009 at 10:59
ThreadID: 64798 Views:4126 Replies:3 FollowUps:5
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Hi,

We will be in Canberra for a wedding on 19 Sep this year and would like to then 4WD and camp our way through Kosciuszko, Snowy River Nat Pk and the Alpine Nat Pk.

First of all what can we expect the weather and conditions to be like? Will this be a suitable time of the year? We don't mind staying in accommodation if we can't camp.

Secondly we should we go? I would like to travel 4WD tracks where we can and see places like Craig's Hut and other scenic places.

We have travelled all over Australia but this will be our first 4WD trip in the high country. We are travelling down from Darwin and will drive through the Simpson on the way.

Cheers,
Topend
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Reply By: Member - AJB (VIC) - Sunday, Jan 04, 2009 at 11:44

Sunday, Jan 04, 2009 at 11:44
The forecast for Saturday September 19 is fine and sunny but with a chance of rain. Top temperature is expected to be around 18.

The problem with travelling the high country at that time of the year is that most of the tracks do not open until Melbourne cup weekend, first Tuesday in November. Also you will need to have snow chains with you, but you may not need to fit them, and you can hire or buy these at many places.

This year there was still a bit of snow around at that time of the year and the snow resorts were still in full swing. The next week, the week before the grand final, there was a sunny period and significant snow melt and I think Grand Final weekend was basically the end of the snow season.

It is a great time to visit the popular areas of the high country, Thredbo, Perisher, Omeo, Hotham, Falls, Bright, Dargo, Buller, Mansfield etc (nearly a route in that) but the access to the many remote areas is restricted with the possible road closures.
AnswerID: 342549

Follow Up By: Topend - Sunday, Jan 04, 2009 at 12:52

Sunday, Jan 04, 2009 at 12:52
Thanks for your reply. I will add the popular areas you suggested to our plans. It sounds like we will just have to plan each day as it comes.

Will accommodation be hard to come by at that time of year?
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FollowupID: 610231

Reply By: Rangiephil - Sunday, Jan 04, 2009 at 11:48

Sunday, Jan 04, 2009 at 11:48
Could you please advise the winning lotto numbers for September 19 2009?
Your predictive skills are simply fantastic.
Regards Philip A
AnswerID: 342550

Follow Up By: Gramps (NSW) - Sunday, Jan 04, 2009 at 14:51

Sunday, Jan 04, 2009 at 14:51
Phil,

LoL you beat me to it. If the weather bureau can't get it right a week in advance how are they going to go 8 months out :)))
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FollowupID: 610252

Follow Up By: Brian (Montrose, Vic.) - Sunday, Jan 04, 2009 at 22:03

Sunday, Jan 04, 2009 at 22:03
It will be right we will just have forgotten by then, so will they and will then issue a revised forcast 1 wek out that will be completely out.
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FollowupID: 610322

Reply By: Topend - Monday, Jan 05, 2009 at 06:40

Monday, Jan 05, 2009 at 06:40
After some research using advice from here, our preliminary plan is Canberra - Jindabyne - Omeo - Bright - Falls Creek - Bright - Mount Buller - Mansfield - Matlock - Melbourne.

We have allowed 13 days for this. Is this sufficient time?

Cheers.
AnswerID: 342656

Follow Up By: Wazza - (Vic) - Monday, Jan 05, 2009 at 20:31

Monday, Jan 05, 2009 at 20:31
See if you can stay at the Woods Point Hotel is my tip. About $35 a night each with mega cooked breakfast included. Great little spot to spend a freezing night in front of the open fire. Also, I would go from Mansfield to Woods Point to Walhalla. All wide, easy dirt road that is suitable for 2wd, or plenty of good 4wd and camping options if you veer off the main track. A lot of tracks in this area are not closed so you can explore off the beaten track and plenty or camping beside the rivers, but will be freezing (sub zero at night and probably below 10 degrees during the day). Book early if staying at Woods Point pub on the weekends as it will be full of 4wders. Midweek will be fine.

Cheers,

Wazza
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Follow Up By: Topend - Tuesday, Jan 06, 2009 at 03:38

Tuesday, Jan 06, 2009 at 03:38
Thanks for the tip. I have added Woods Pt and Walhalla to our itinery.
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