NSW Top Tourism Town Finalist
Welcome to Khancoban
Tiny Town: population under 1,500 residents
09:00 Weds 13 April - till - 17:00 Weds 27 April.
Members of the public may lodge only one vote for one town in each category. See Terms & Conditions.
There’s a place tucked away past the mountains just before the plains, that still runs to the rhythms of the seasons.
In today’s world, it’s easy to feel apart from life’s natural rhythms– but not here. In Khancoban you can immerse yourself in nature– from a vibrant spring given life by freshly-melted mountain snow, summers cooled by waterfall mist, timeless autumnal hues to crisp alpine winters warmed by a crackling campfire. A place that still runs to the rhythm of the seasons and your gateway to reconnect with the space between moments.
Approaching Khancoban from any direction along the scenic Alpine Way, you’ll be greeted with wide open spaces that defy expectations of instant gratification yet endlessly reward ponderousness and idle wandering and curiosity about fine details. These are the hallmarks of a land that can’t be civilised, that keeps us in check to maintain the clarity of both its crystalline streams and dazzling night sky. But you don’t need to be intimidated by it. You just need to surrender to its own definitions of speed and space. Time to turn off and relax in Khancoban.
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Loving Khancoban?
Vote for this amazing Tiny town in the 2022 Top Tourism Town Awards
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Lying at the southwestern edge of Kosciuszko National Park on the Alpine Way, Khancoban provides an excellent base for exploring the surrounding wilderness areas, snowfields (Thredbo and Perisher to the south, Mt Selwyn to the north), and sensory delights of the nearby Tumbarumba wine region or Upper Murray, produce markets. Whether you seek wine or wild swimming, farmgate foraging or epic hikes, historic trails or some simple country hospitality, here you can unbridle your wanderlust and discover something you might not have known existed. Take your foot off the pedal to wander scenic paths, wade in mountain streams, take in some colourful goldrush tales or simply put your feet up and take in the stillness.
In 1824, explorers Hume and Hovell were the first Europeans to pass through the district and graziers soon followed, impressed by the abundance of potential grazing land and water as well as the area’s rugged beauty. Khancoban remained a sleepy hamlet until construction of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme began in 1949 and the town became a base for workers on the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme and their families.
During this time, the population reached its peak of around 2,000 people.
Although the number of residents in town is now a modest 340, it remains the headquarters of the Murray region of Snowy Hydro Limited, which oversees the nearby engineering wonders of the Murray 1 and 2 power stations and the picturesque Khancoban Pondage.
Although a gateway to some of the greatest wonders in Australia, the town itself has plenty to keep you occupied and your senses tantalized.
There is an abundance of outdoor activities on offer all year round to suit just about everyone such as fishing, hiking, swimming, kayaking, water skiing, horse riding, golf, tennis, mountain biking, cycling or just relaxing by the campfire.
Shop for local products and stay awhile to savour a carefully poured coffee from local foodie heroes Pickled Parrot Providore while you plan your next adventure.
Set to the backdrop of some of Australia’s highest peaks, the jewel in the crown is the turquoise waters of the Khancoban Pondage, a meeting place for locals and a haven for water sports enthusiasts of all kinds.
The picnic and swimming area (complete with BBQs, sheltered picnic tables, toilets and playground) is the ideal place to unwind and relax on a hot day. The lake is accessible to all forms of fishing and boats are well catered for with easy access sealed boat ramp.
Pack as much or as little adventure into your Khancoban trip as you like, with spectacular walking, fishing and mountain biking options all around. For sweeping mountain views and unending vistas that are sure to reconnect you with nature, plan a road trip adventure along the magnificent Alpine Way.
If that’s not enough, take in some epic engineering feats of the Snowy Hydro scheme, cool off under a waterfall, hit the snowfields or take in some fascinating goldrush history at the Kiandra Heritage Precinct. Not far over rolling hills is the award-winning Tumbarumba wine region, with cellar doors waiting to unlock your senses and soothe your soul. You might not strike gold, but day trip in any direction from Khancoban is an unforgettable experience.
There’s a range of accommodation options on offer too, from quaint cottages, a lakeside caravan park (with luxury cabins) to serene riverside camping at nearby Tom Groggin and Geehi Flats. Time to relax in Khancoban- start planning your trip now and find out why the Snowy Valleys are #AlwaysInSeason.
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two days in Khancoban
You might not strike gold, but a day trip in any direction from Khancoban is a priceless experience.
Approach Khancoban from any direction and you’ll get to experience the magic of the Alpine Way. Over the majesty of the mighty Murray River from Victoria, through the timeless wilderness of Kosciuszko NP from the south or over the verdant rolling hills of the Tooma Valley you’ll be greeted by a sense of escape and wonder.
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