Kosciusko National Park, New South Wales : Main Article
Kosciusko - the Australian Alps - the high mountain country. Here, on the top of Australia, mountain plateaus and tops overlay each other until with distance, they blur. They are splendid granite highlands studded with tors, rocky domes and ledges on which to perch, encouraging a sense of wonder. Solid granite peaks, thick with snow in winter, or leaf and flower in summer are a magnificent sight.
Down in the valleys, the enclosing peaks transmute from cosy to ominous, depending upon the weather. The streams are clear and clean, with grassy banks. Shrubs and trees provide shade and wind shelters.
These mountains are under snow in winter, and are generally a mass of skiers. Snow lifts and snow tows chug up the mountainsides.
Much of this park is above the tree-line, and low plants bunch together. After snowmelt, they flower quickly, for the season is short in the heights. Whites, and pinks, and reds, with smatterings of yellow colour the landscape. The scent of these alpine herbfields linger long after they are left.
By the creeks way down in the glens, at early morning or when the sun sets, emus stride, surveying the scene. In the higher country, wombats emerge from their barrel-like tunnels to dig and scrape at snow for food.
At the feet of Snowgum trees, but covered by snow, are tussocks of snow grass. Underneath this white weight a community bustles on, through tunnels and pathways among tussocks and under the cushions of mountain heaths. Here, as nowhere else in the world, our small mountain animals do not hibernate through the cold months, but thrive in a sheltered landscape. Magical though it may be, it is also very fragile. Careless stamping can destroy the underworld.
It is mountain country, so be prepared. Weather may change swiftly, and fog may suddenly descend. For all walks in all seasons, sunscreen, sunglasses, warm, woollen clothing, food and drink are a must. If inexperienced, travel with a group. Leave information about your planned route.
The park is 647,097 hectares in size.
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