Snowy Drive, NEW SOUTH WALES
Airing Date: Mar 7th, 2005
Whether travelling by car or motorcycle, this Snowy Mountains driving route is an opportunity to explore the region in all its glory. This route has the country's highest mountains, some of the most diverse flora and fauna, towns bursting with historic and cultural stories, and quirky entertainment and picturesque places to put your feet up.
Located 77 km from Tumut is the Yarrangobilly Caves.
They were formed in a belt of limestone 440 million years ago, before the whole area was uplifted 1,200 metres above sea level about 40 million years ago.
This limestone belt is approximately 1.5 kilometres wide and 14 kilometres long, with an estimated 60 caves in the area. Three of these caves are open to the public; the South Glory Hole Cave, for self-guided tours, and Jillabenan Cave and Jersey Cave for guided tours.
A true tongue in cheek outback show 'The Boggy Creek Show', is entertaining for all ages. Run by Petrina Walker and Tim O'Brien, the Boggy Creek Show goes through the gamut of outback entertaining from naughty cattle dogs riding on horseback, to the Boggy Creek Derby.
The town of Batlow and surrounding area, 30 kilometres south of Tumut, is surrounded by orchards. In recent years it's become famous as one of Australia's premier producers of apples, pears, cherries, many varieties of berries and stone fruits.
The boutique Laurel Hill Berry Farm has been serving delicious berry pancakes for many years, and is a local favourite in this area. They grow loganberries, raspberries, blueberries and boysenberries. When in they're in season (December to April) you can pick your own.
Elm Cottages is set in the lush Goobarragandra Valley just south of Tumut. The luxury two and three bedroom, fully self-contained cottages offer 180 views of the Goobarragandra River.
The facts
Blue Gum Cottages: two bedrooms from $242.
River Gum Cottages: three bedrooms from $484.
Includes full kitchen and balcony with barbeque.
This is 50% off the normal price, and available to the first 100 callers only.
Elm Cottages
Tel: 02 6947 5818
A Boggy Creek two hour show starts from $5.50 for adults. Kids under school age get in free. The show runs two to three times a week.
This is 50% off the normal price, and available to the first 100 callers only.
Boggy Creek Show
Tel: 02 6948 8273
Guided tours at Yarrangobilly Caves cost $13 for adults and $8.50 for kids.
Yarrangobilly Caves
Tel: 02 6454 9597
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
For more information on the Snowy Mountains visit:
Snowy Mountains, Australia
Suggested reading material: Lonely Planet
Prices correct at 07/03/05
