Swap the thongs for hiking boots, goggles for binoculars, surf for summits and head to the clean, crisp air of the Snowy Mountains this summer.

From Sydney to Victoria, Tourism New South Wales� Snowy Mountains Drive weaves its way through the curves and peaks of Canberra, Goulburn, Cooma, Jindabyne, Tumut, Tumbarumba, Cabramurra, Thredbo, Dalgety, Khancoban and Albury Wodonga.

Early November until the end of May sees the Snowy Mountains transform into a flora and fauna oasis, creating a rainbow of colour over the rolling hills and mountain peaks, providing a perfect wonderland for the adventure seeker.

Only during summer months can activities such as mountain bike riding and fly fishing in Thredbo, sailing on Lake Jindabyne, camping at Khancoban and horse-riding through the entire Alpine region be enjoyed.

While you�re there be sure to ride the Skitube at Bullock�s Flat, Australia�s highest railway; take a chairlift to Mt Crackenback followed by a 6km hike to Mt Kosciuszko, Australia�s highest mountain; camp at Geehi where you�ll come across the historic cattleman�s hut and maybe ride the Cumberoona paddle steamer at Albury Wodonga.

And whether a history buff or not you�ll be amazed at the enormity of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme. It is famous globally as an engineering feat and nationally for its contribution to the social fabric of New South Wales and Australia.

At the Murray 1 Power Station you�ll learn about the construction and role of the Scheme� it�s here 5,000 gigawatt hours of environmentally clean electricity is generated annually.

Whether you�re daring and adventurous, a historian or ecologist you�ll be sure to find your niche when touring the spectacular natural environment found along the Snowy Mountains Drive during summertime.

To download more about the Snowy Mountains Drive go to www.visitnsw.com.au

For further media information please contact Kelly Mic�, Tourism New South Wales on 02 9931 1416 or visit our new media website www.tourism.nsw.gov.au/media