Khancoban, Victoria. Gateway to the Kosciusko National Park

Khancoban. Gateway to Kosciusko and Snowy Mountains Scheme

The picturesque township of Khancoban is nestled in the foothills of the spectacular western face of the Snowy Mountains. Originally a squatters outstation known as Swampy Plains, downstream from the present township, was established in the early 1840s.

Bringenbrong is sited near the junction of the Swampy Plain and Murray rivers. The run was first leased in 1848 by William and Richard Guise. It had a series of owners through the 1850s and 1860s, was made freehold in 1875 and taken up by Thomas Mitchell. A B 'Banjo' Patterson was a frequent visitor. The original homestead buildings are 1.5 km east of the bridge. Private property, no access.

Khancoban is a beautifully landscaped town of trees and parks featuring a superb rose garden - one of the few remaining dedicated rose gardens in Australia.

The Wolgal Aboriginal tribe made their annual pilgrimage into the alpine area to feast on Bogong moths from the Khancoban Valley.

Grazing in the valley commenced in the 1830s and soon names such as Sheather, Scammell became synonymous with the area.

By 1960 the Snowy Mountains Authority had purchased land and was establishing the township of Khancoban to house construction workers and their families with the population peaking at around 7,000. Khancoban was constructed for the workers employed on the massive Snowy Mountains Scheme. Today, Khancoban remains a maintenance and service township for the Snowy Scheme and is fast becoming a tourist mecca and offers a wide variety of accommodation to suit all tastes for a relaxing holiday in nature’s paradise.

The township overlooks Khancoban Lake and is the western gateway to the Kosciusko National Park and the Snowy Mountains snowfields. It is central to many popular trout streams, it provides the ideal location for fishing, boating and waterskiing or a relaxed game of golf with the kangaroos at the Country Club, which has a nine hole grass green course and bowling greens.

Excellent picnicking and playground facilities are provided at the easily accessible boat ramp. Meals are available seven days a week and a small shopping centre provides most travellers needs.

Four distinct seasons provide a changing panorama of scenery and activities. In winter there is access to the NSW ski fields via the Alpine Way to Thredbo and via the Elliot Way to Mt Selwyn ski resort.

With balmy days and cool nights a summer holiday at Khancoban is perfect for water sports. With a spectacular variety of established trees throughout the town, Autumn provides a splendour of colour and Spring celebrates with lush greens.

Khancoban makes a practical base to explore the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, the Man from Snowy River Country, Kosciuszko National Park and the "Magic in the Mountains" of Tumbarumba Shire.

The Khancoban National Parks and Wildlife Information Centre in Scott Street features free historic and nature displays and shows films on request of the Kosciuszko National Park and the Snowy Scheme.

The helpful staff at the centre will advise you on roads, bushwalks, Yarrangobilly Caves, climbing Mt Kosciuszko, fishing licences, skiing and local facilities and attractions.

With thanks to the Corryong Courier