As unique as it is unforgettable, the area’s natural wonders have been a home of spiritual connection for indigenous culture for tens of thousands of years, and the once province of European graziers in the mid-19th century.
The Snowy Mountains is also home to the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme, which was an engineering masterpiece that carried on over 25 years and changed the face of civil engineering on an international scale.
NSW's largest national park makes up much of the Snowy Mountains region with Mount Kosciuszko at 2,228m the highest point on the Australian mainland. To the east, the mountains meet the endless golden landscapes of the Monaro Plains, renowned for its Merino Wool. It’s here that our story continues to unfold as it has done for thousands of years.
Step into the past
See full directory
Our History
The vast, stunning and diverse landscape that makes up the Snowy Mountains was first walked by the Ngarigo and Walgal people. It also saw many others gather together in the warmer months when they pilgrimaged to the region for food and social gatherings.
The original inhabitants of the land relied on the unique environment for seasonal hunting, gathering, and cultural practices, particularly during the summer when they would harvest Bogong moths, a key food source.
During the winter, the Ngarigo people typically moved to lower altitudes, as the Snowy Mountains became too cold and snow-covered for habitation. In these lower regions, they continued hunting, gathering, and maintaining their cultural practices. The harsh winter conditions in the higher elevations made it difficult to access food and resources, so they sought more temperate areas where they could survive and sustain their community until the warmer months returned.
The Ngarigo people's deep connection to the Snowy Mountains is reflected in their rich cultural heritage, stories, and spiritual ties to the land.