When you are behind the wheel of a car hire near Sydney Airport, make sure you take the time to explore some of the more out-of-the-way locations.
One such adventure to include on your Sydney bucket list is the spectacular scenic route known as Snowy Valley Way.
This will take you on a 300 km drive from Gundagai to Beechworth.
Gundagai
Gundagai is one of the state’s best known pioneer towns. If you’re familiar with the old tunes ‘Where the dog sits in the tuckerbox’ and ‘Along the road to Gundagai’ a trip to this town will provide you with a place to match up with the name.
Only 82 km south of Wagga Wagga, you can spot many monuments to the early pioneers of Australia and view some of the old buildings that were around in their time.
The Gundagai Heritage railway and flour mill in Sheridan Way are must-see locations, too.
Alternatively, you can get back to nature with a fishing trip where you can search for trout or Murray Cod, or with a visit to the Galore Hill Nature Reserve or Kindra State Forest.
The Mt Albert Bridge is also not to be missed. It is the longest wooden viaduct in the Southern Hemisphere and can be viewed from either the northern platform or one of the lookouts.
Tumut
Another beautiful spot you’ll want to stop for a breather in is the town of Tumut.
Located on the northern foothills, this town is the northern gateway to the Australian Alps. It is chock full of mountain streams and rolling hills that make it the perfect location to get some fresh air. It is cradled by the Kosciuszko National Park and Bago State Forests, allowing for easy access to many streams, waterfalls and caves.
If you’ve planned your trip during the summer and autumn months, you can make the most of the town’s plentiful apple harvest grown in rich volcanic soil.
The Riverglade Wetlands are a perfect location for viewing local birdlife, so make sure you pack your binoculars if you’re an amateur ornithologist.
Alternatively, if you’re after a great place to pitch your tent or cast your fishing rod, Lake Blowering could be right up your alley.
Tumbarumba
If you’re after a tranquil break away from the big smoke, you may want to allow a few extra days in this piece of paradise.
You will definitely not run out of things to do in this charming and picturesque town that has been left virtually untouched by the spoils of modern city life,
Enjoy walks along bubbling streams, see if you can catch some trout or visit a sheep station. Since this town is located with the rugged peaks of the Kosciuszko Main range on its doorstep, there is no excuse not to get outdoors!
While you’re there, make sure you also take time to walk down the Hume and Hovell Track, taking in local gold mining sites and waterfalls.
The Glenroy Pioneer Women’s Hut is another landmark location, so ensure you include time to visit it in your itinerary as there is a great selection of historical artefacts you can view.
Tumbarumba Wine Escapes
It’s not every day you have the opportunity to sample cool climate wines at your backdoor. Here, you can match your choice of wine with a sensational Italian-styled platter.
Or, if you are driving, you could instead head to this location during the day to make the most of the venue’s homemade blueberry muffins. Enjoy one of these treats while you gaze across trout filled waterways.