Snowy Mountains are the highest part of the Australian Alps, in southeastern New South Wales and northeastern Victoria. The Snowy Mountains are home to Kosciuszko National Park. Australia’s two highest mountains—Mount Kosciuszko (7,310 feet, or 2,228 meters, above sea level) and Mount Townsend (7,250 feet, or 2,210 meters)—are in the park.
During the winter, much of the upper area of the Snowy Mountains is covered with snow. The region is a popular destination for skiing and other snow sports. Snowmelt from the Snowy Mountains feeds the Murray River to the west and the Snowy River to the east. These rivers are popular fishing destinations. The Snowy Mountains are the center of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, a major hydroelectric and irrigation project.
The Polish explorer and scientist Sir Paul de Strzelecki explored the Snowy Mountains in 1840. During his expedition, he climbed Mount Kosciuszko and named it in honor of Polish patriot Tadeusz Kosciuszko.
