Snowy Wilderness

Located in the southern region of New South Wales, Snowy Wilderness is a subregion of the Snowy Mountains, the highest mountain range in mainland Australia. The Snowy Mountains are part of the Great Dividing Range cordillera system and make up the northeastern half of the Australian Alps. This area boasts of Australia's five tallest peaks, all of which exceed 2,100m (6,890 ft), including Mount Kosciuszko, the tallest mountain in mainland Australia, standing at an impressive height of 2,228 m (7,

The Tasmanian highlands are the only other significant alpine region in the country.

The Snowy Mountains have a long Aboriginal history, with the area being occupied for over 20,000 years. European exploration of the region began in 1835, and the area was used for grazing by high country stockmen. The presence of cattle graziers has left a legacy of mountain huts scattered across the area. Gold mining also took place in the late 19th century near Kiandra, which is now a ghost town. The Kosciuszko National Park was established in 1906 and became the Kosciuszko National Park in 1967.

The Snowy Mountains region is known for its large natural snowfalls during the late autumn and winter months, making it a center for the Australian ski industry. The region is home to all four New South Wales snow resorts, and the Snowy Mountains Highway and Alpine Way are the main roads that traverse the area.

Snowy Wilderness covers various climatic regions and supports several distinct ecosystems, making it a unique and diverse environment. The alpine area above the tree line is one of the most fragile