Ready for crisp mountain air, mirror-still lakes, and high-country views that seem to go on forever? This five day campervan adventure links Sydney with the Snowy Mountains via the famed Kosciuszko Alpine Way, serving up a relaxed pace, character-filled towns, and time to explore Australia’s highest peaks. Summer brings long, sunny days for hiking, biking, and lake time. Autumn paints the valleys in gold. Winter transforms the range into a snowy playground, while spring is all about alpine wildflowers and flowing rivers. Expect winding mountain roads, dramatic lookouts, and welcoming alpine villages. Each day keeps the drive time comfortable so you can focus on the fun: great coffee stops, easy strolls, chairlift rides to sweeping views, and campgrounds close to the water. Pick up your camper in Sydney and roll south to the high country, then loop back with a few handpicked stops to break the journey. Always check road conditions before you go, and check the forecast before entering Kosciuszko National Park. 

  

Day 1: Sydney to Bowral   

Distance: 115 kms 
Travel time: ~2 hours 

Ease into the road trip with a short and scenic run into the Southern Highlands. As the city falls away, the road rises into cool-climate country dotted with vineyards, heritage villages, and cafes that take their pastries very seriously. Bowral is an ideal first night in the camper, with leafy streets, historic buildings, and enough eateries to keep everyone happy. If you are visiting in spring, the town bursts into bloom with colourful plantings and tulip displays. Even on a quiet weekday, there is a charming, small-town rhythm to Bowral that makes it perfect for an unhurried start. 

Where to stop between Sydney and Bowral 

Mittagong for an easy coffee break and a stretch before rolling into Bowral. Berrima village if you fancy a short detour for heritage streetscapes and artisan treats. 

Things to do in Bowral 

Stroll the manicured lawns and flower beds of Corbett Gardens and wander the boutique-lined main street for homewares, bookshops, and local produce. Sports fans can step into cricket history at the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame. If you are keen for a short leg-stretcher, the nearby Cherry Tree Walk is a peaceful path along the Wingecarribee River. As evening sets in, settle in for a hearty Highlands dinner and a cool-climate pinot or a hot chocolate, depending on the season. 

Where to stay in Bowral 

 Make camp at Mittagong Caravan Park, around a 15 minute drive from central Bowral. Powered sites and a playground make it an easy, family-friendly base for your first night, with convenient access to Bowral’s cafes and gardens. 

 

Day 2: Bowral to Cooma 

Distance: 280 kms 
Travel time: ~3.5 hours  

Today you leave the Highlands behind and set sights on the Snowy Mountains gateway. The drive runs through rolling farmland and classic country towns, then opens onto the wide Monaro plains with big skies and distant mountain silhouettes. Cooma’s proud alpine identity is felt in its streets and stories. It is the practical launchpad for the mountains, with great bakeries, supply stops, and a relaxed country-town feel that keeps things easy before you climb higher tomorrow. 

Where to stop between Bowral and Cooma 

Goulburn for a quick photo at the Big Merino and a walk around the historic town centre. Weereewa Lookout (Lake George) if you want a leg stretch with wide horizon views as you head south. 

Things to do in Cooma 

 Take a gentle wander through Centennial Park, then explore the murals and sculptures that nod to the region’s multicultural heritage and the Snowy Mountains Scheme. Pop into local galleries or grab a table at a cosy cafe on the main street. If you are curious about the epic hydro story that powers this region, you can save the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre for the return leg or visit this afternoon if time allows. 

Where to stay in Cooma 

 Snowy Mountains Tourist Park offers spacious powered sites, hot showers, and flat, grassy areas that suit campervans. It is a convenient location to stock up on groceries and settle in before the mountain ascents begin. 

  

Day 3: Cooma to Jindabyne 

Distance: 62 kms 
Travel time: ~1 hour  

With the high country ahead, today’s route trades plains for alpine foothills. Lakes, pines, and big dams hint at the engineering feats and adventure playground that make this region special. Before long you will roll into Jindabyne, the lakeside hub of the Snowy Mountains. It is the kind of place where anglers, hikers, cyclists, and snow lovers all cross paths at the bakery. With water all around and peaks on the skyline, Jindabyne is your springboard for alpine fun. 

 Where to stop between Cooma and Jindabyne 

Adaminaby (via a worthwhile detour) to see the 10 metre Big Trout and learn about the area’s storied fishing culture. Lake Eucumbene lookouts for photos of one of the largest lakes in the Snowy Mountains. 

Things to do in Jindabyne 

Walk the shoreline path and watch the light shift over Lake Jindabyne, hire a bike and cruise local trails, or book a guided fishing session for a chance at trout. In summer and autumn, it is all about paddling, picnics, and sunset strolls. In winter, Jindabyne hums with snow traffic heading for the resorts. If you have extra time up your sleeve, there are day trip options to caves and thermal pools deeper in the national park, but the alpine village energy right here is part of the charm. 

Where to stay in Jindabyne 

Discovery Parks Jindabyne is a favourite for its lakeside setting and easy access to the national park. Powered sites, hot showers, and a relaxed waterfront vibe make it a comfortable base whether you plan to hike, ride a chairlift, or simply unwind by the water. 

  

Day 4: Jindabyne to Khancoban via the Kosciuszko Alpine Way

Distance: 110 kms 
Travel time: ~2–2.5 hours  

Today is the crown jewel drive. The Alpine Way climbs from Jindabyne into raw, beautiful high country where gums twist in the wind and valleys drop away into deep folds. This is where you feel the scale of the Main Range. The road is winding and wonderfully scenic, so take it slow, pull into lookouts, and let the mountain air clear your head. You will pass through Thredbo, duck past the Snowy River, and thread the tops before descending toward the western edge of the park and the peaceful village of Khancoban. 

Where to stop between Jindabyne and Khancoban 

Thredbo Village to ride the Kosciuszko Express chairlift to Eagles Nest for big-sky views and alpine walking options. Dead Horse Gap for a quick alpine meadow stroll and photo stop near the treeline. Scammells Ridge Lookout for a panoramic sweep across the Main Range and dramatic valley scenery. 

Things to do in Khancoban 

Swap high passes for a serene mountain lake setting. Walk the foreshore, cast a fishing line, or simply sit by the water and watch afternoon light slide across the hills. If you are interested in the region’s hydro heritage, this is the country of massive power stations tucked into the mountains. There are also short drives to picnic areas and scenic pullouts that showcase the western faces of the range. 

Where to stay in Khancoban 

Khancoban Lakeside Caravan Park sits on the edge of Khancoban Pondage and makes winding down easy. Choose a waterside powered site and enjoy the relaxing end to a day of big views and winding roads. It is a low-key, nature-first spot that fits the feel of the western Snowies. 

 

Day 5: Khancoban to Sydney  

Distance: 560 kms 
Travel time: ~6.5 hours 

The final leg is a scenic return that retraces the edge of the high country before opening into the Monaro and Southern Tablelands. Set out early to keep the day comfortable and build in a couple of meaningful stops that break the journey and add a final chapter to your Snowies story. In winter, check for Alpine Way and Snowy Mountains Highway advisories. 

Where to stop between Khancoban and Sydney 

Cooma for the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre to get hands-on with the story of the Snowy Mountains Scheme and Snowy 2.0. Goulburn for lunch or a quick stretch near the Big Merino before the final run to Sydney. 

Things to do in Sydney 

Roll back into Sydney with mountain memories in the rear-view. If you have time before returning the camper, take a slow coastal drive or celebrate with a meal at a favourite neighbourhood spot. The contrast from alpine peaks to harbour views is part of what makes this loop so satisfying. 

Where to stay in Sydney 

Return your campervan to the Sydney branch today, or if you want one more night, choose a holiday park within the metro area to make the final morning a breeze. A beachside option sets up a sunrise walk as a fitting finale to your Snowy Mountains road trip. 

From tulips and cricket heritage in the Southern Highlands to big alpine views on the Kosciuszko Alpine Way, this five day loop packs in variety without rushing. Travel in summer for warm hikes and lake swims, in winter for snow-capped scenery and village buzz, or hit spring and autumn for quiet trails and cool, crisp days. However you tailor it, the Snowy Mountains reward a slower pace and a curious spirit. Map your own detours, linger where the view demands it, and let the high country work its magic.