Peak experiences on Snowy tour

The Life of Riley Tours runs regular all-inclusive five-night alpine tours based at the Lake Jindabyne Hotel.

Built in the 1960s when the old town was flooded, the hotel is a year-round family destination with 39 ensuite lakefront rooms and a large restaurant.

Led by local guides, there’s plenty packed into the tour, which runs at a relaxed pace.

On day one the coach leaves Sydney’s Central Station for Jindabyne via lunch at Canberra. After checking in to the hotel, there’s a hearty three-course meal.

The next day the tour heads for the mountains – first stop Thredbo – with the choice of riding in a chairlift or taking a leisurely stroll around the alpine village.

Next stop is Bullocks Flat for a look at the famous Skitube Alpine Railway, with time for morning tea beside the Thredbo River.

Then it’s a scenic drive through the mountains via Smiggin Holes and Perisher, stopping for lunch at Charlotte Pass, with views of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko.

Day three begins with a visit to the Snowy Hydro Scheme. At the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre visitors learn about the history of the scheme and how the system works.

Next day the tour takes in attractions including Snowy Region Visitor Centre, Gaden Trout Hatchery and Wildbrumby schnapps distillery. Then it’s back to the hotel for lunch and an afternoon to explore Jindabyne at your own pace.

Day five is one for history buffs, with a journey to 1800s Victorian homestead Burnima, near Bombala.

“This is a new stop on the tour,” said Garth Riley, owner of the Lake Jindabyne Hotel and the man behind Life of Riley Tours.

There are also visits to Dalgety, Nimmitabel and Cooma Gaol. The last day is an early breakfast before setting off on the journey back to Sydney.

The tour has been running for 15 years and Garth said it just gets better every year.

“It’s very popular with Probus groups and the like, so its advisable to book well ahead,” he said.

“The best thing about the Snowy Mountains is it’s such a changing area. In spring you see patches of snow and the flowers coming out, then in autumn it’s about the trout fishing.”

The all-inclusive tour covers entry fees and all meals except for the first day lunch. It leaves the hotel daily between 8.30 and 9am.