There are ski fields in Tasmania and Victoria, but the largest ski fields are in New South Wales on the boarder with Victoria state and actually the first ski club in the world in 1861 was established in Snowy Mountains in Australia. Who could thought Australia has such long history of skiing?
Two largest downhill ski resorts are located not far from highest peak (Mt Kosciuszko) in Australia.  Thredbo ski resort has longest ski run and Perisher ski resort has largest ski fields – 12 square kilometers (4.6 sq miles) and it calls itself as largest ski resort in Souther hemisphere.

Both resorts are located somewhere in the middle between Sydney and Melbourne and only ~60 kilometers (~40 miles) away from each other, so you can visit both on your trip to snowy mountains.

Here is comparison of these two resorts if you want to choose one of these resorts.

* you can go up to 2034 meters (6673 feet) elevation and then climb 20 meters (66 feet) to the nearest peak. Both picture bellow are done from that highest point.

** all prices are in Australian dollars. The price of lift pass and ski/snowboard rent shows how much you need to pay if you pay at the resort. You can get better deals by buying lift pass and hiring skies/snowboard online in advance. Or buy visiting resorts during low season. Check their websites for the deals.

My choice was Perisher, because by lift you can get up to 2034 meters (6673 feet) elevation and climb another 20 meters (66 feet) to the peak of Mt. Perisher for fantastic view.

I also need to note that you should carry snow chains as you may require to put it on in case of heavy snow in a ‘snow-ice’ risk section within the Kosciuszko National Park. Chains can be hired in Jindabyne and Khancoban or in Cooma if you are coming from Sydney/Canberra.

So enjoy the snow but be careful and don’t underestimate snow in Australia, as it happened to these cross-country skiers.

Save

The post Skiing and snowboarding in Australia appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

Koalas are not so widely populated as kangaroos and it needs more effort to see them. Closest place to Sydney I found was The Jean Shaw Reserve at Hawks Nest. I wasn’t lucky when I was visiting that place in hope to see koalas and locals were smiling asked about were I can find these animals. I understood I can’t expect to see them hanging on any tree in the town.

Next place I hear is good for koalas spotting is in Victoria on Great Ocean Road.  It is called as one of the best places in Australia to see koalas in the wild.

You may be will need turn into Grey River Road in Kennet River in case you won’t be able to spot koala on Great Ocean Road. But first you should check the place on the right in this map:

View Koalas in Australia in a larger map

There is parking on the side of the road (switch to satellite view and you’ll see cars parked there).  Scroll along the road and may be you will see the same koala pictured in the above picture. When I was there I could spot 5-6 koalas eating, sleeping on trees.

For the best chance of seeing some koalas, stay overnight at Bimbi Park. The park is about an hour away from the 12 Apostles, making it the perfect place to sleep after making the drive from Melbourne to see this natural wonder.

At Bimbi Park, the koalas will come right up to your tent or cabin, making it one of the best places to see these animals up close and personal.

Save

The post Where to see koalas in the wild in Australia appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

Here is list of official websites where it is possible to check roads current status:

• ACT road conditions
• New South Wales road reports
• Road Conditions in the Northern Territory
• South Australia Road Reports and Traffic Restrictions
• Road and traffic information in Queensland
• Victoria road conditions
• Western Australia Roadworks & Road Closures

Have a safe trip!

The post Australian road conditions appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.