Just one of eleven reserves and national parks that preserve and conserve vast tracts of the Australian Alps and the largest of the Alps parks, Kosciuszko National Park has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Some three million visitors are drawn to this park for the year round recreation it offers.

Australia’s highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko, and the renowned Snowy River are located inside of Kosciuszko National Park. There is so much to do and see in this spectacular park that you may never want to leave it.

Walking the Bicentennial Trail is just one way to be able to absorb the magnificent beauty of Australia. This trail is for cyclists, walkers and horse so motorized vehicles are not permitted. If you intend to tackle this trail for any distance, you must be prepared as there are no facilities along the way. You must be self-sufficient and pack in what you need.

The Australian Alps Walking Track is much shorter at 650km and will take you over some of the most fantastic terrain that the Australian Alps have to offer. If you were to walk the length of it, you would walk through four national parks and three states. For this walk you will want to take a GPS with you as parts of the trail are not marked and it would be easy to get off track. As with treks on the Bicentennial Trail, make sure that you are well prepared because town are few and far between.

Before you set off on your fishing vacation to Kosciuszko National Park, make sure that you know where you are allowed to fish so that you don’t run afoul of the law. There are some extraordinary fishing opportunities in the park but you must have a fishing licence. Lakes Eucumbene and Jindabyne are open for fishing all through the year but fishing is not permitted in some areas. Yet other areas are closed from June to October. Most of the recreational fishing is for trout and Atlantic salmon.

Exploring the Yarrangobilly Caves is an incredible experience. These limestone caves were created millions of years ago and are open to the public year round. If you are adventurous, the self-guided tours might appeal to you. If you have a thirst for information, guided tours are available. Swimming in the 27°C thermal pool is a unique experience and you can swim here no matter the season. There are change rooms, toilets, and picnic facilities available here.

If you are planning to go on a horseback vacation through the park, you must be aware that horses are not permitted in many areas of the park. The 5330km Bicentennial Trail stretches from Cooktown in the north to Healesville in the south and is very popular with riders. As well, Long, Cooleman, Kiandra, Currango, Tantangara, and Nungar Plains offer terrific recreational riding opportunities.

There are scads of different types cycling opportunities to experience. Mountain biking, extreme mountain biking, and cycling on steep paved and unpaved roads are among them. Cycling is a great way to see the park however there are some rules that apply. Walkers and horses have the right of way on trails and cyclists are not allowed on walking tracks. Walking tracks are usually covered with tarmac, boardwalks, or gravel.

During the winter, there is an abundance of skiing and snowboarding. If you are a cross country skier, you will be thrilled at the amount of country that you can see. There is a network of cross country trails to entice you. Charlotte Pass, Thredbo and Perisher Blue offer amazing snowboarding and downhill skiing.

The alpine environment is fragile so you, as on any exploration into nature, must be respectful and carry out your garbage. Try to leave nothing behind but your footprints. Make sure you have all the applicable permits and a list of the rules that will apply to you. Ending your vacation because of violations would make it memorable but not in the way you intended.