Addison Rogers (arms raised) celebrates the snow fall with her friends (from left) Addison Hosie, Lilly Brauer and Alessia Diver. Photo: Thredbo Media.
The Snowy Mountains’ year-round tourist appeal has been given a boost with the Federal Government coughing up $10 million to complete a world-class walking experience.
The funding will deliver stage four of the Snowies Iconic Walk, helping showcase a spectacular part of the Australian landscape.
Announcing the funding, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the project would complete the Kosciuszko Snowies Iconic Walk, a world-class walking experience through the internationally recognised tourism destination.
“Set in the NSW Snowy Mountains, the Snowies Iconic Walk will showcase the unique alpine ecosystems of the Kosciuszko summit precinct,” Mr McCormack said.
“This is all about attracting visitors to the surrounding region which suffered devastating social, environmental and economic losses in the 2020 bushfires.
“The Australian Government is committed to doing what it takes to back our struggling tourism operators and create economic opportunities for Australia’s regions. This announcement is another example of that.”
A snow storm delivered for Thredbo in the lead-up to the opening weekend. Photo: Thredbo Media.
NSW Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro said the continued development of the region’s hiking and biking trails would ensure the Snowy Mountains remained a must-visit destination, all year round.
“The beauty of the Snowy Mountains is like nowhere else in the world and this additional investment will ensure that the region cements itself as Australia’s premier adventure destination,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The devastating 2019/2020 bushfires and last year’s COVID-19 restrictions saw the region’s tourism industry take a hit but investments like this will ensure our region bounces back stronger.
“The Snowy Mountains is no longer just a winter destination, it is the destination of choice year round.”
Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor Peter Beer said the announcement was welcomed by the community and showed continued investment in the region.
“This is a key part of a long-term project assisting to lift our visitor numbers in the non-winter months which all helps to build on our growing year-round visitor economy in the Snowy Mountains and beyond.”
Snowy Valleys Council Mayor James Hayes OAM welcomed the funding announcement saying any addition to walks in the Snowy Mountains is a fantastic result in encouraging more people to explore and enjoy our region and will perfectly complement our existing trails.
The first three stages (days one to three) of the Snowies Iconic Walk are currently under construction, delivering 44 kilometres of walking trails and related infrastructure from Guthega to Charlotte Pass, the Main Range loop via Mt Kosciuszko, as well as Charlotte Pass to Perisher.
The 11 kilometre trail from Perisher Valley to Bullocks Flat will complete the 55-kilometre multi-day walk experience, linking the walk to premium accommodation options and further transport connections.
The project will build upon the NSW Government’s $17 million investment in this iconic attraction.
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