Snowy Mountains

Local History of Snowy Mountains in New South Wales, Australia

The Snowy Mountains region is located in the south-east of New South Wales, Australia. It is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning natural beauty and a rich history that dates back thousands of years.

Indigenous History

The Snowy Mountains region was originally occupied by Indigenous Australian tribes, including the Ngarigo and Wiradjuri people. They relied on the area’s natural resources, such as rivers, forests, and wildlife, for food and shelter. The Ngarigo people were particularly skilled in hunting and fishing and were known for their expertise in working with the region’s snow gums and alpine ash trees, which they used to make weapons and other essential tools. The Indigenous history of the region is an essential part of the Snowy Mountains’ identity today, and visitors can learn about this history at the region’s cultural centres and museums.

European Settlement

The first European explorer to visit the Snowy Mountains was chartered surveyor, James Meehan, in 1819. However, it wasn't until the mid-19th century that European settlers arrived in the region, attracted by the abundance of natural resources like pastoral lands and timber. Grazing became a significant industry in the region, with many European settlers establishing large sheep and cattle stations. The discovery of gold in 1859 brought an influx of people to the area, with towns such as Kiandra and Adaminaby experiencing a boom in population.

The Snowy Hydro Scheme

One of the most significant events in the Snowy Mountains’ modern history was the construction of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme in the 1940s and 1950s. The scheme was built to harness the power of the Snowy River for electricity generation, irrigation, and water supply. It was a massive project, employing over 100,000 people from around the country and overseas. The scheme involved the building of sixteen dams, seven power stations, and 145 km of aqueducts and tunnels to divert water from the Snowy River and its tributaries to the power stations. The Snowy Hydro Scheme remains an essential source of renewable energy for Australia today, and a significant part of the Snowy Mountains’ modern identity.

Tourism

Since the 20th century, tourism has become an important industry in the Snowy Mountains region. The area's stunning natural beauty, including the highest peak in Australia, Mount Kosciuszko, attracts visitors from all over the world. Winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding are also popular, with several ski resorts in the region offering world-class facilities and experiences. The towns of Jindabyne, Thredbo, and Perisher, among others, now rely heavily on tourism as a source of income, and visitors to the region can take part in numerous activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.

History of in Snowy Mountains

The Snowy Mountains region has a rich and diverse history that has significantly shaped its identity and contributed to its popularity as a tourist destination. From the Indigenous culture that existed centuries before European settlement to the engineering marvel that is the Snowy Hydro Scheme, the region’s history is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its people. Today, the Snowy Mountains remain an integral part of Australia’s landscape and culture, and a place of natural beauty and adventure.