Remember those holidays as kids when you roamed from sun up to sun down and dreamed at night of doing it all again tomorrow … and the next day? That, in a nutshell, is Khancoban.
A friendly village in the High Country of southern New South Wales, just 8 kilometers from the Victorian border, tucked into the western side of the Kosciuszko National Park.
Khancoban Pondage – photo courtesy of Visit Snowy Valleys
It’s such a great place for kids, there’s plenty to explore outside – swimming at the pool or at the lake; riding bikes; fishing.. and there’s plenty for couples and families to do as well – day trips into the national parks and state forests are highly recommended … or simply do nothing, read, relax, unwind; spend an afternoon by the lake, have a bbq or picnic; bushwalk, cycle, fish or catch up with the locals, who are always keen for a yarn!
Five hours from Sydney and Melbourne, three and half to Canberra, it’s a beautiful drive into Khancoban whichever way you come.
If you’d prefer to fly, Albury and Canberra airports both offer hire car options and for any keen cyclists, why not fly into Albury with your bike and ride the High Country Rail Trail towards Khancoban, it’s a stunning ride best done over a few days, with countless quality accommodation options on the trail. Call us to discuss your itinerary.
Adventure and exploring is on the doorstep of Khancoban, the last stop on the Alpine Way, 70 odd km’s to Thredbo, a mecca for mountain biking in summer and ski sports in winter.
And there’s plenty of local adventure options available too.
Cycling wise, if you want to stay local there’s ‘cruisey’ trails suitable for everyone to enjoy with ebike hire available. There’s also a stack of more challenging road, gravel and mtb options for the more experienced – contact us for info on local trails or follow our socials to find out more.
Fishing is excellent on the lake and in the Swampy Plain River, we can set you up with a local fly fishing guide who’ll take you to some super spots.
Your host, Andy, with a locally caught trout
Other adventure options close by include rafting, floating and other white water activities; hang gliding and paragliding in some of Australia’s best air just outside of Corryong; cave exploring in the northern sections of the National Park; wilderness & bush walking into one of the countless huts spread across Kosciuszko NP and guided horse treks that take in the ‘Man from Snowy River’ country.
If you’ve got driving or motor bike riding on your mind, you’re in for an absolute treat. The Alpine Way is among one of the best drives around, simply stunning, as is the Great River Road that follows the ‘Mighty Murray’ from Khancoban through several historic local villages, past Lake Hume towards Albury. That road also features a sculpture trail, as does the Snowy Valleys Way that heads north from town through Tumbarumba and Batlow to Adelong, close to Gundagai.
Both sculpture trails offer opportunities to stop and sample local fare at some great historic pubs – if you get a chance add the Koetong and Jingellic Hotels to your ‘to do’ list – and don’t drive past the Tooma Inn without a stop. There’s wineries, breweries and a wealth of amazing cafe’s and restaurants scattered across the region offering everything from fine dining to good ol’ fashioned country grub featuring loads of organic locally grown fruits, nuts, vegetables and meats, yum.
Closer to town you’re well catered for too. The Pickled Parrot Providore serves up fine fare and coffee as well as being stocked with all you’ll need, groceries wise, to whip up a feast yourself, including lots of locally grown and produced gourmet, quality products. They also provide picnic hampers and catering options if you need a break from the kitchen.
Cam in the kitchen at the Pickled Parrot Providore, Khancoban
Lynda’s High Country Pizzeria does great pizza, pasta, ribs and more – dine in (byo) or takeaway. The refurbished Alpine Inn has a revamped menu that hits the spot, as does The Weston at the Khancoban Country Club. The Alpine Cafe at the roadhouse also serves up a range of delicious food. So many quality options!
So what are you waiting for? Come visit Khancoban and soak up all that the Upper Murray and Snowy Valleys have to offer, you won’t be disappointed!
Catch the last of summer in the cool of the high country or take in the change of season as the Autumn colours start to set in.
Khancoban’s a great place to visit all year round, base yourself here in Winter and drive to the snow – your hip pocket will thank you! If it’s a white out up top, spend the day down here exploring, there’s so much to see.
And Spring, wow spring, as the snow melts and the creeks and dams fill up, the trout and local wildlife start to stir.
Book your High Country Accommodation with us at Kosciuszko Base Camp, we look forward to welcoming you.
https://kosciuszkobasecamp.com/book/
Hope to see you soon!
Andy & Mark