Nine Great Things about the Snowy Valleys Way

Hiking, biking, boating and exploring are just some of the great things to do along the Snowy Valleys Way.

Journey through the misty valleys and snowgrass flats from Gundagai to Beechworth and watch the leaves showing off their glorious autumn colours.

Nine Great Things to do along the Snowy Valleys Way

Cycle the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail

It’s 21kms of beautiful vistas, amazing scenery, gentle gradients and sweeping curves. The new trail is all about family fun and you can stroll walk, run, push, pedal, picnic and relax along the way.

Australia’s newest Rail Trail was opened last year and is great for all ages and cycling abilities. See the gnome tree at Rosewood where all good gnomes go to retire.

railtrails.org.au

Tumut Broom Factory

Drop into the historic broom factory where they have been making brooms for the past 75 years. The owners,

Owners Geoff Wortes, 67 and Robert Richards, 63, have been joined by their sons, Andrew Wortes, 25 and Brad Richards, 26, to continue the family business.

They make six types of brooms – a whisk, toy broom, caravan broom, woolshed broom with a cane middle for extra durability, plus brooms for indoor and outdoor use.

They will also ensure the continuation of the historic family business and the preservation of traditional techniques.

Drop-in and have a chat – they are keen to share their secrets about their handmade brooms that last for years.

tumutbroomfactory.com

Tumut River Brewing Company

Drop into the Tumut River Brewery, next door to the broom factory, for an ale or two and a delicious meal. You’ll find pilsner, pale ale, ginger beer, ciders and a few surprises.

There’s a 15,000 litre commercial brewhouse and a newly renovated venue comfortably seating 200 guests and offering 24 beers/ciders on tap including a range of staples, limited release seasonal offerings as well as rotating “guest taps”.

They also offer a selection of locally sourced wines and are developing a strong reputation for the quality of their gourmet pizzas.

Their J.W. Pilsner, Portstar Smoked Porter, Deliverance Red IPA and Harald’s Helper Dunkelweizen have received national awards and patrons have the opportunity to sample these via their taproom and a brewery tour.

Delicious pizzas are available too.

trbc.com.au

Fishing

Throw in a line at one of the rivers and waterways and you may well snag a Murray Cod, Golden Perch, Silver perch, Redfin, Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout.

Fly fishing is very popular in crystal-clear waterways.

Tumut River Walk

Walk or cycle along the river that meanders through Tumut’s parks flower bed and elms, oaks, maple and pine trees.

Gin Tasting at The Pretty Parrot Distilling Tumut

Taste test some great gins and rich liqueurs made in Lavington and Tumut. It’s a small batch distillery and the cosy tasting room is at the back of the historical Oriental Hotel in Tumut. Pretty Parrot Gin comes in a rainbow of colours and flavours including lemon myrtle and Bathtub Gin is also stocked.

Lunch at Courabyra Wines

Book ahead and enjoy a fabulous lunch with spectacular views across the valley and beyond.

Courabyra Wines is a family-owned and operated vineyard nestled in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, producing some of the finest cool-climate wines.

Owners Cathy and Brian Gairn are busier than ever – the gnocchi has a following and there’s plenty of choice on the menu.

Taste their wines, especially the sparkling drops and chardonnay, then sit on the balcony and soak up the autumn sun and those colours.

Apple Bonanza at Batlow

The famed apples of Batlow live up to expectations. Wilgro Orchards sells crisp apples which range from Greenstars to Granny Smiths. You can also pick up cherries in season, handmade cider and small-batch, wild-fermented vinegar to its apple offerings.

Stay at Nimbo Fork Lodge and Dine at the Three Blue Ducks

It’s a star-studded menu at the newest Three Blue Ducks restaurant at the picturesque Nimbo Fork Lodge, near Tumut in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains.

Set on a stunning location on the fork of the Tumut River and Nimbo Creek, the classic-style five-suite lodge which also has six luxury riverside cottages, is surrounded by panoramic views that command attention.

The menu reflects the top-class produce of the area including award-winning Provenir Beef, which is processed on-farm with a mobile abattoir, Snowy Mountain Trout from nearby Tumut and lamb reared on-site.

There’s a flourishing herb garden and vegetables and fruit trees have been planted.

The Low Down