Khancoban

Khancoban combines water-based activities with the history of the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme and a distinctive route through the surrounding area. At Khancoban Pondage, you can fish or launch boats; the three-kilometre-long lake is part of the Hydro Scheme. The Lady Hudson Rose Garden also tells the story of the people who lost their lives during the construction of the Snowy Scheme. The town therefore offers various starting points for planning a trip—from spending time by the water to exploring the region’s history.

Khancoban Pondage and swimming

Khancoban Pondage is a picturesque, three-kilometre-long lake. A concrete boat ramp provides easy access for boats of all kinds; the lake also offers opportunities for fishing. So if you want to spend time by the water, you’ll find two different activities here: taking a boat out or fishing at the Pondage. The ramp is specifically described as suitable for boats of all kinds.

Swimming is another option in Khancoban. Khancoban Community Swimming Pool has a 25-metre swimming pool. Snowy Valleys Council owns and operates a public swimming pool in Khancoban. If you’d like to combine time at the lake with swimming during your trip, you can take these options into consideration without tying them to a particular accommodation or day itinerary.

A rose garden with a story

The Lady Hudson Rose Garden was originally established over several years from 1959, when Khancoban was recognised as a permanent settlement. Len McInnes, who worked for the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Authority at the time, was commissioned to design the garden. Its 121 white roses commemorate the people who lost their lives during construction of the Snowy Scheme. The garden brings part of the project’s history to life in a tangible way: its design and the number of roses are linked to the remembrance of those who died.

Visitor information and discoveries

The Khancoban Visitor Display is located inside Pickled Parrot Providore. At the Snowy Hydro Khancoban Visitor Display, visitors can learn about the Snowy Scheme project and the ongoing Snowy 2.0 expansion project. If you’re interested in the development of the Hydro Scheme and its expansion, you can pair this visit with a stop at the Lady Hudson Rose Garden; the two attractions highlight different aspects of the area’s history.

Khancoban Visitor Centre is on the Alpine Way, at the western entrance to Kosciuszko National Park. Maps and information are available there, and park passes for visiting the Snowy Mountains are also sold there. The Visitor Centre is also the starting point for the scenic drive from Khancoban to Kiandra. This route is partially closed in winter—a key difference from the main Alpine Way, which is open year-round through the area around Khancoban.

Alpine Way and active outings

Along the 108 kilometres between Khancoban and Jindabyne are lookouts, campgrounds, picnic areas, walking tracks and cycling paths. This gives you different ways to experience the route: you can visit lookouts, plan a break at a picnic area or choose an activity on foot or by bicycle. The Geehi huts walking track is near Khancoban and can be explored on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

When looking for a holiday rental in Khancoban, your preferred focus can help guide your choice: a trip centred on the Pondage and water-based activities offers different experiences from one focused on the history of the Snowy Scheme or outings along the Alpine Way. This way, you can factor Khancoban into your trip plans based on your specific interests, rather than choosing solely by type of accommodation.

More destinations: Marks Point, Moss Vale, Hillvue, Kellyville, Smiggin Holes, Malabar, High Range, Belbora.

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.