Posts Tagged ‘autumn’
The Snowy Trout Challenge is Back Again in 2021
The 2021-22 Snowy Trout Challenge will start on Friday 1 October after 500 large, tagged rainbow trout were released into 6 impoundments across the Snowy Monaro Region…
Trout have been release into:
- Lake Eucumbene
- Lake Jindabyne
- Lake Crackenback
- Black Lake, Bombala
- Murrumbidgee Pumping Station, Cooma
- Lake Williams, Nimmitabel
Now in its second year, the Snowy Trout Challenge (STC) is open to all anglers and is a region wide event across the Snowy Monaro that encourages visitation to the area and promotes the local waterways for fishing. The Snowy Trout Challenge runs from 1 October 2021 to 31 May 2022.
The rainbow trout were bred at the NSW Department of Primary Industries Gaden Trout Hatchery in Jindabyne…
“The NSW Government is pleased to support the 2021-22 Snowy Trout Challenge,” said an NSW Department of Primary Industries spokesperson. “This is a great initiative which showcases the Snowies region as our premier trout fishing destination and provides fantastic opportunities for families and kids to enjoy quality fishing for spectacular Rainbow Trout bred by the expert team at the DPI Fisheries Gaden Trout Hatchery at Jindabyne.”
The idea of the event is that anyone can catch one of the large rainbow trout, plus then can register their catch and go into the draw for monthly prizes. Additional prizes can be won for just registering for the event.
Each fish has been tagged with its own individual number on a White Tag for this year’s event.
To participate in the 2021-22 Snowy Trout Challenge, please register your details via the link at bottom. In return you will enter the draw to win a ‘Cash Prize’ generously sponsored by the Snowy Mountains Chambers Alliance. This prize will be drawn in June 2022 at the conclusion of the 2021-22 STC.
For every 2021* STC tagged Rainbow Trout you catch from 1 October 2021 to 31 May 2022, you are eligible to enter a monthly cash prize draw**.
To enter, you must register the details of your catch. Details on how to register your catch will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
*2021/22 STC tags are white. Pink 2020 STC tags are not eligible to enter in the monthly cash prize draw.
** Prize draws will commence once NSW is re-opened for regional travel.
The Snowy Trout Challenge is an initiative of local Chambers of Commerce and Snowy Monaro Regional Council and driven by volunteers who are eager to promote fishing in the region.
The participating chambers of commerce are:
- Bombala and District Chamber of Commerce
- Cooma Chamber of Commerce
- Lake Eucumbene Chamber of Commerce
- Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce
https://linktr.ee/snowytroutchallenge to register
To keep up-to-date on all things Snowy Trout Challenge, please follow the Snowy Trout Challenge Facebook page.
Hey Girl…are you a Mountain Biking Scaredy Cat?
The Bungarra Centre is located on the Barry Way in Jindabyne just 2kms past the Sport and Recreation Centre. Please get in touch for further directions if you’re not sure where to go. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before and meet up by the big green shed on the right hand side, past reception.
- A mountain bike in good running order – contact Gravity Sports, Sacred Ride for bike rentals or bike tuning
- An Australian approved bike helmet
- Gloves – preferably full finger
- Socks that cover ankle bones
- Water and a snack – if you don’t have a water bottle cage on your bike, a hydration pack or backpack is a good alternative
- Comfortable clothing suitable for riding and the prevailing weather conditions; bike shorts with a chamois are recommended
- a rain coat if it is a wet day; please do not wear tank tops or sleeveless jerseys
- sunglasses are recommended for eye protection
- Suitable footwear (bike shoes or runners)
When You’re Ready To Thaw Out, We’ve Got Just The Place!
A free outdoor thermal spring that’s open year round? Grab your cozzies and head to Kozzie.
Think of the Snowy Mountains and swimsuits don’t spring to mind. But that’s probably because you’ve never heard of this natural pool in northern Kosciuszko National Park. In winter, it’s like slipping into a toasty bath that never gets cold, thanks to mother nature working her geothermal magic hundreds of metres below. Whether or not you’ve taken a couple of spills on the slopes, the heat will make that tension ooze out of your muscles. We’re not saying it’s like a setting for a winter rom com, but as steam fogs the surface and (if you’re lucky) snow dusts the valley floor, it’s pretty close.
This is one pool where relaxation is the order of the day. The water is dissolved with calcium, sodium and the hero of muscle relaxants, magnesium. A few laps and you’ll be feeling heavy and sedate as those sore muscles are soothed after your high country hikes, creaky joints from the desk job loosen up, and any hint of a headache vanishes.
The big pool is 20m long and 2.5m deep, ie. no shallow end, so if you’re in more of a jacuzzi mood, step into the kiddy pool. It means you can sit and relax, and the rushing water streaming connecting it to the main waterhole will act like a jet-spa massage.
Don’t be grossed-out if you see algae or even springtime tadpoles in the water. Algae and weed provide a breeding site for frogs, and frogs mean the water is clean and healthy. A local platypus has been known to make an appearance, too.
The hilly walk back up to your car may undo the effects of your thermal dip, so a better option is to stroll 1km along the River walk to gently wake up your limbs. From there, it’s a short scramble up to the path that heads back towards the carpark. Or, if you haven’t filled up on natural beauty yet, turn left and head around the corner to Glory Arch and the lofty chambers of South Glory Cave.
Fresh alpine air, mineral-rich waters to soak away everyday aches, and an absence of entry fees (unless you count the low daily parking fee), puts this leagues above the average day spa.
This article first appeared on the National Parks Blog Page and was written by
ELINOR SHEARGOLD
Local Charity Helps Men “Explore. Cast. Discover. Recover.”
~ by Matt Tripet of The Fly Program
‘He had been sitting there with his legs shaking in the cold water, eyes wide open looking blankly through tears into a blue sky but nothing registered internally. His senses were numb.
That moment on that mountain stream turned from minutes into hours as he continued to be attacked with feelings of insecurity, guilt and brokenness; feelings that were once sporadic after ‘those events’ but had now become a part of his everyday life.
Many of those close to him tried to reach out but were only hurt as he continued to shut them out of his life. He hated the idea that something was wrong and any reference to the word ‘depression’ just seemed a total cop-out to his character.’
We have grown up with the idea that Australian men are an open book, and are pretty easily understood. However, even our mainstream health services struggle to understand and know how to engage successfully with our male counterparts. The most telling evidence of this is reflected in male suicide rates, with males accounting for nearly 78% of all suicides in Australia. A very real and staggering statistic that has not declined in the last 20 years.
Like many others, I learnt first-hand the impact mental illness can have on an individual and our community. I was that guy in the opening paragraphs, someone who had recently wrestled with the ‘black dog’ and was now digesting the news that a brother was gone because of suicide.
The heart-break and the pain of losing a family member is always difficult to grasp but losing a family member in these circumstances is impossible to comprehend. The weeks and months would pass and we would slowly learn to deal with the raw nature of the pain but the questions would never end.
Although we couldn’t always find the answers there was an enormous motivation to change the outcome for others, hence The Fly Program was founded.
The Fly Program is a registered Health Awareness Charity endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office entitled to receive income tax deductible gifts and deductible contributions seeking to raise the awareness and combat the impacts of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide in the Australian adult male community.
Our programs are aimed at facilitating environments where Australian men can find a release and increase their quality of life, whether directly, or indirectly touched by the threads of mental illness, instituting a new outlet – participation in the natural world through recreational fishing and mountain biking as a reprieve from the day-to-day challenges too many face in our community.
We are very proud to be located in the Jindabyne region and share our magical backyard with Australian men.
The restorative benefits of walking one of our trout streams, or riding one of the many mountain bike trails has the means to provide respite and support for those impacted by mental illness.
Community donations and fundraising initiatives are essential to help us continue the work we have started, facilitating world-class programs that are saving and improving the lives of Australian men.
For more information on our work in the community, or to make a tax deductible donation please visit our website www.flyprogram.org.au
To sponsor a man into a program, or to host a fund raising event from your outlet please email info@flyprogram.org.au
Matt Tripet – CEO and Founder
The Fly Program
Snowy Mountains is EPIC for biking!
~ by Vanessa Knee of Jindy Girl Riders.
It’s pretty typical to hear the locals of any town raving about how good their bike tracks are. No matter where you go you will always hear the positive banter about the local trails. Sometimes the riding is what it is talked up to be and sometimes the talk is a bit hyped up. Of course that all depends on your riding ability and your expectation of “awesome”. Whether you are an advanced rider, or seeking a ride for the whole family or perhaps a crew of gals looking for some flowy intermediate trails, your demographic impacts on your choice of destination and the maximum trail enjoyment for you and the group’s ability. What is good trail for some might not be all it’s cracked up to be for others. So it’s often hard to find the one place that will be suitable for the ripping riders who also want to ride with their family.
So when we as local Snowy Mountains residents rave about our trail network it is of course because it has something for everyone and I mean for all levels and all ages. So when you hear us raving, it really is true! As a long time local who has biked in the area for over 20 years, it is only in the last few years that the Snowy Mountains really has stepped up and onto the bike destination stage. With big money being injected into the area, creating new and sustainable trails across the Jindabyne to Thredbo corridor and beyond, coupled with more access for bikes further into the Kosciuszko National Park, this area is now arguably the best destination in Australia for mountain and road cycling.
This area caters for all level of rider and is enjoyed by tens of thousands of riders in summer not only because of the massive trail network but because of the raw spectacular beauty of the NSW High Country. More and more bike enthusiasts are flocking to the Snowy Mountains over summer to enjoy riding in this unique part of Australia and it is quickly becoming apparent that our so called ‘sleepy summer towns’ are fast becoming bike destinations.
As an advanced to strong intermediate rider you will want to head to the Gravity trails in Thredbo, taking the chairlift and descending down the mountain via Australia’s best Gravity network. Offering three super fun trails, the Cannonball Downhill, the Flow Track and the stunning All Mountain Trail, these will be some of the best fun you can have on two wheels. Perhaps not the best choice for a rider with limited skills, but this is where the area provides our signature dish, the 10 million dollar Thredbo Valley Track. Known as the TVT, rated to a strong beginner to intermediate level, it caters to riders with some basic mountain bike skills winding 17km down the Thredbo River to Lake Crackenback Resort. This track is simply stunning, flowy and enjoyable for all levels and as an advanced rider its reasonably effortless flow with a few punchy uphill bites through beautiful alpine fauna will put a massive smile on your face.
As a family with some riding ability this is the track for a half days adventure, crossing five spectacular bridges and through two stunning campgrounds, which make for a perfect lunch stop and a dip in the river. The TVT also rides really well up to Thredbo and back from Lake Crackenback for the fitter riders. With easy access from the highway, the campgrounds provide a good start and finish point to break the trail into smaller snippets for those wanting a shorter ride. As the track is dual directional and shared by walkers, be sure to ride with caution. Shuttles from Lake Crackenback to Thredbo are available daily in high season.
The lower TVT has been under construction during the last two summers and the first section opened this April. Start by crossing over the Ski Tube Bridge and continue down river approximately 7kms. This brings you along the most stunning parts of the Thredbo River and by far the most picturesque part of the track so far. At the moment this section is an out and back to the Ski Tube, but upon completion the track will continue another 10kms to Gaden Trout Hatchery. The completion date is yet to be confirmed. This section of track is not for the faint hearted and has been built purposefully harder than the upper TVT to a strong intermediate skill level. There will be no exit points on this portion of trail and is quite remote so a good level of fitness and skill is required.
The TVT will finish at the Trout Hatchery making this entire Thredbo Valley track 35kms. But it doesn’t stop there, the trail network continues (if you still have some legs left) to the recently constructed Hatchery Bay Track extending from Hatchery Bay itself winding 5kms into Snowline Caravan Park, joining the shared bike path another into Jindabyne town centre. The Hatchery link is one of the best additions to the Jindabyne network as it is incredibly scenic, hugging the shores of Lake Jindabyne, is the perfect trail for beginners and families and a great place to start on your first single track ride with great line of sight and tons of places to pull over and pass each other on the track. For the better riders the Hatchery link provides perfect terrain for fun rolling and pumping, working on technique and power training. A super fun blast!
Once the final section of the lower TVT is completed, this track will become the jewel in the crown and considered one of the greatest trails not only in Australia but in the Southern Hemisphere. Riders will have the pleasure of riding from the Top of Thredbo, descend down the spectacular All Mountain Trail, connecting to the TVT in Thredbo Village riding all the way to Jindabyne. This will equal approximately 50kms of single track from top to bottom and become an IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association) EPIC Silver status. For example, Mt Buller in Victoria is EPIC Bronze status and Whistler Bike Park is EPIC Gold status. This will rate this incredible track by world standards and have biking through our spectacular Snowy Mountains corridor rated with some of the best trails in the world.
As if that isn’t exciting enough, we have approximately 50km of single track around the Jindabyne area combing the Tyrolean to Jindabyne network which has a host of super techy lines off the main Mill Creek intermediate trail and Bungarra Alpine Centre which is a private bike park very suitable to all levels of riders, including a skills park and a pump track. All of these trails will keep you occupied for days, combining the shared cycle way along the shores of Jindabyne for an easy connection between trail areas. More trails are set to be constructed by local trail builders over the next 18 months which will lead to further development around the lake towards East Jindabyne.
Lake Crackenback also has about 15kms of tracks designed for beginner to intermediates which becomes maximum fun for the advanced riders as the soil is grippy making the tracks flowy and fast, winding down river like a super luge course. This network has been made famous by hosting the World Off Road Triathlon Championships in November 2016. All the networks in the area have been used for local, National and International events, school camps, social rides, kids and women’s clinics so this makes the versatility of the Snowy Mountains network second to none.
With an array independent operators like Jindabyne Girl Riders offering guiding and skills sessions and businesses like Gravity Sports and Lake Crackenback offering top of the line rental bikes, including downhill bikes, all mountain bikes, kids bikes, commuters and pedal assist bikes, there is nothing to stop you experiencing the most magnificent and fun riding our country has to offer no matter what your level of riding. So come on up to the Snowy Mountains and see what all the hype is about, it is everything we rave about and more!
