Story by Tyson
Snowy River Bushland
Adventure in Moonbah, Snowy Mountains, NSW, AU
It's not often are you're greeted at the gates of your accommodation by meandering cows and an epic sunset that drops any city slickers jaw - as it did ours!
The low sun had sent golden hues bouncing throughout the valley, setting the tone of a blissful weekend away from the daily grind. Affectionately named 'Bushland' our tiny house is one of two newly-built 'Big Yard Escape' cabins. Our cabin overlooked landscape that can only be described as something from a Banjo Patterson poem.
The features of the cabin include off-grid solar power, a compostable toilet, modern kitchen, complete with gas stovetop and a top of the line fridge and oven. From the piping hot water unit to the bathroom fixtures and extraordinarily comfy queen bed, there's been no creature comforts spared in this tiny house.
But, let's face it if we're about to star-gaze and shoot the breeze we're gonna need a Bush Telly (aka the outdoor fireplace). Well, there's one of those too, just 15 paces from your toasty bed.
The stars are gobsmacking out here.
The day time activities we enjoyed, included; a half-day hike up Dead Horse Gap to Kosciuszko Lookout (short drive + 4 hours), a mountain bike ride to Cascade Hut (short drive + 4 hours, return), trout fishing in the Mowamba River. The river runs through the property (2 hours but add more if you want fish & explore downstream).
We also visited Snowy Vineyard & Microbrewery, who put on a feed to match our hunger—serving up a dreamy cheese platter for the Dutchie and Fish Tacos for the Aussie.
The mountain biking trails are world-class in Kosciuszko National Park & throughout the resorts. But if you didn't bring bikes (like us) don't stress, go and see Sacred Ride in Jindabyne. These guys live and breathe bike riding. They decked us out with the most amazing e-mountain bikes for our ride out the Cascade Hut. These guys know their stuff so highly recommend visiting them, whether you're a novice or pro.
While we didn't summit the roof of Australia (Mount Kosciuszko), we teetered at heights of 2000m and greeted by breathless warm weather, so keep an eye out for those fine weather days.
The low sun had sent golden hues bouncing throughout the valley, setting the tone of a blissful weekend away from the daily grind. Affectionately named 'Bushland' our tiny house is one of two newly-built 'Big Yard Escape' cabins. Our cabin overlooked landscape that can only be described as something from a Banjo Patterson poem.
The features of the cabin include off-grid solar power, a compostable toilet, modern kitchen, complete with gas stovetop and a top of the line fridge and oven. From the piping hot water unit to the bathroom fixtures and extraordinarily comfy queen bed, there's been no creature comforts spared in this tiny house.
But, let's face it if we're about to star-gaze and shoot the breeze we're gonna need a Bush Telly (aka the outdoor fireplace). Well, there's one of those too, just 15 paces from your toasty bed.
The stars are gobsmacking out here.
The day time activities we enjoyed, included; a half-day hike up Dead Horse Gap to Kosciuszko Lookout (short drive + 4 hours), a mountain bike ride to Cascade Hut (short drive + 4 hours, return), trout fishing in the Mowamba River. The river runs through the property (2 hours but add more if you want fish & explore downstream).
We also visited Snowy Vineyard & Microbrewery, who put on a feed to match our hunger—serving up a dreamy cheese platter for the Dutchie and Fish Tacos for the Aussie.
The mountain biking trails are world-class in Kosciuszko National Park & throughout the resorts. But if you didn't bring bikes (like us) don't stress, go and see Sacred Ride in Jindabyne. These guys live and breathe bike riding. They decked us out with the most amazing e-mountain bikes for our ride out the Cascade Hut. These guys know their stuff so highly recommend visiting them, whether you're a novice or pro.
While we didn't summit the roof of Australia (Mount Kosciuszko), we teetered at heights of 2000m and greeted by breathless warm weather, so keep an eye out for those fine weather days.
Things We Did
- Bike
- Fish
- Hike
- Winery
Unload your bike (or hire one from Sacred Ride in Jindabyne) and head for the moderately challenging trail of Cascade Hut. You're completely on your own out here so pack some lunch & snacks, and prepare to be mesmerized by the solitude of the mountains. Keep a keen eye out for Wild Brumbies, Wombats and Deer.
New to mountain biking? Grab an e-mountain bike from Sacred Ride. You won't regret it. Leave yourself 4-5 hours (return).
New to mountain biking? Grab an e-mountain bike from Sacred Ride. You won't regret it. Leave yourself 4-5 hours (return).
Slide out of bed early whilst the trout are biting and head down to the Mowamba River. Legend has it that fly fisherman come from near and far to fish this waterway. The river is about a 5-10 minute walk from the tiny house via one of the numerous access points.
When you're all said and done, jump in for a dip.
Rods and tackle are also available for hire in Jindabyne and Cooma.
When you're all said and done, jump in for a dip.
Rods and tackle are also available for hire in Jindabyne and Cooma.
By no means a difficult ascent, this hike takes you up the Western ridge of the Thredbo Valley, from Dead Horse Gap to the resort boundary of Thredbo Resort proper. With about 400-500m vertical gain it'll have you warmed up in no time. If you're down for a real challenge take a head torch (and map) and do it at dusk or dawn. As it's a return track, it's easy to navigate once you've walked up it. The Koscuiszko Lookout (on clear days) offers majestic views over the Main Range and down into the Thredbo Valley/Pilot Wilderness.
Brewed and cultivated on the property, this microbrewery & vineyard is tucked away for good reason. You won't find queues out the door, parking is aplenty and the warm fire is a welcome sight on a chilly day. Whilst it's a good 45 mins drive from the accommodation you won't be left disappointed or empty handed. Try the Fish Tacos, or if you need a palate cleanser, go the cheese platter! Pop in and say G'day to Liz and Bart for a coupla.
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