Wild Brumby Schnapps Distillery, Thredbo

Kransky, saurkraut and mustard, Wild Brumby Schnapps Distillery

The style: The Wild Brumby Schnapps Distillery is like a quirky little piece of Bavaria right here in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains. Wild Brumby is part schnapps distillery and restaurant, part art gallery. There are sculptures throughout the gardens which add an interesting side-attraction. It is set in a beautiful valley and sitting outside on a sunny day is heavenly.

The taste: The food here is described as 'continental'. The menu is small and dominated by sausage, schnitzel and  gulasch. The food is nice but the sides are tiny so it can be a little bit difficult to chomp through a giant schnitzel with not much to break it up with. Its a shame because it is delicious but a little bit more generosity with salad and sauce would make the meals a lot more satisfying. There is German beer on tap and the schnapps which is distilled on-site is a must try. 

Wild Brumby Schanpps Distillery

The service: This is one area Wild Brumby really falls flat. I have eaten here a lot and each time, I am shocked by a)how few staff they have, especially at peak tourist times; b) how downright unfriendly some of the staff are (a friend even got hit in the head with a large branch by one who was hell-bent on ignoring us and redecorating around our table right in the middle of a busy lunch period); c) how the staff who are friendly seem to have no idea about the menu. Rant over. Don't be put off, it is still a great place to go, it is just frustrating that somewhere so popular still can't get basic customer service right...

The price: Lunches range from $9 to $20. 

The location: Wild Brumby Schnapps Distillery is located on the Alpine Way between Jindabyne and Thredbo.

Beer with a view, WildBrumby Schnapps Distillery

Useful links:

Wild Brumby website

Aldo's Cafe, Perisher Valley, NSW

The Godfather pizza, Aldo's Cafe, Perisher

Aldo's Cafe looks unassuming from the outside but don't be put off! The food here is delicious, the views are great and the atmosphere is relaxed. Aldo's dishes up a mainly Italian menu but there are a few little surprises in the mix as part of their Aldo's Lights (tapas style) menu.


The pizza at Aldo's is mouth wateringly good with toppings to suit every palate from the simple ham and pineapple through to the Godfather. I have tried a few now and haven't been disappointed yet. As well as the pizza and tapas, there are also pasta, risotto and fish dishes on the menu.

Mussels, Aldo's Cafe, Perisher

Aldo's is licensed with a selection of beer, wine, spirits and cider on offer. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available throughout the winter season but it can get busy during peak times and lunch bookings aren't taken so plan ahead so you aren't left waiting for too long.


Aldo's Cafe is located on the upper level of the Perisher Ski Tube Terminal.


Useful Links:


Aldo's Cafe Website (includes a full menu).
Perisher Resort

The view from Aldo's Cafe, Perisher

Brunelli's, Perisher Valley, NSW

Brunelli's, Perisher Valley

Mocha, Brunelli's, Perisher Valley

Brunelli's Casa del Caffe Bon is a great little cafe tucked away amongst the madness of the Perisher Valley Ski Resort. Actually, it is probably better described as a key contributor to the madness. It is full of people clunking around in ski boots and wearing the manic head-wear that is only acceptable at ski-resorts and costume parties.


Step within 5 meters of the place and you will hear the voice of Bruno hollering coffee orders from beneath his shock of white hair. He churns them out with precision as the queue hobbles forward balancing baskets of sweets and ski poles.

Portugese tart, Brunelli's, Perisher Valley

Biscotti, Brunelli's, Perisher Valley

Hot chocolate, Brunelli's, Perisher Valley

I don't quite understand the baskets but I guess they save washing up and waste. I filled mine with a delicious Portugese tart and a biscotti which more bread-like than the tough crunch I expected. The hot chocolate with frothy marshmallows swimming on top is just what you need to fortify yourself for a trip up the mountain and the coffee is great too.


Whilst Brunelli's is a little pricey, the prime location and seasonal nature of the place probably justify it. If you are at Perisher and you need either caffeine or entertainment, pay Bruno a visit.

Brunelli's Perisher Valley

Seasons in the NSW Snowy Mountains

Snowgum blanketed in snow, Charlotte Pass, Kosciuszko National Park

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be strolling through the mountains as a huge storm slowly crowded out the bright blue summer sky. There was the smell of electricity in the air and the sound of thunder rattling through the peaks rustling up the thick blanket of grass which carpeted the hills.

What a difference a few weeks in the mountains makes! Autumn has arrived with a shiver and as the leaves are blazing red, orange and yellow in town, the fashionable colour in higher altitudes this week is definitely white. 

I had a facial that money can't buy courtesy of the mountain winds blowing sleet into my face (strangely invigorating!) and haven't felt so alive in a long time. The snow gums were doing their best to brighten the view and certainly didn't disappoint in their fluffy blankets of fresh snow. 

What an amazing reminder of how beautiful this little corner of the world I call home is! 

Snowy outlook from Charlotte Pass toward the Snowy River

              

Snow clinging to boulder, Kosciuszko National Park

Charlotte Pass to Blue Lake walk, Koscisuszko National Park

Blue Lake, Kosciuszko National Park

Before doing this walk, I had read a few people's thoughts on it and the consensus seemed to be that it is prettier and less crowded that the Thredbo to Mt Kosciuszko walk.


On the second count, I have to agree - during the few hours walking, we only passed about six other people compared with the Kosciuszko walk where at times it felt like jostling for position on Pitt Street at peak hour. In terms of which walk is prettier, I think that is like comparing apples with oranges - both have some absolutely spectacular scenery, the kind of awe inspiring panoramas that make you feel like a tiny speck in an amazing world!

Storm brewing between Charlotte Pass and Blue Lake, Kosciuszko National Park

Charlotte Pass is now the end of the road beyond Perisher. In times past, you could keep driving but these days you will hit a cul-de-sac come parking lot and this is where your trip begins. A few different walks start from here and there is a public toilet. There is apparently also food available at the nearby resort but I packed a picnic. The start of the Blue Lake walk is STEEP - keep in mind this is also the path out at the end and it is a killer! The start/finish also involves some hop-skip and jumping across the Snowy River on stepping stones which looked more like pebbles to my unconfident eyes. That said, I did make it although a few of them might give a little wobble just to keep you on your toes...


The walk undulates through the hills so it seems like just as your legs are really about to give up, there is a nice downhill run to pep you back up. The criticism I have of this walk is that (unlike the Thredbo to Kosciuszko walk) there is no real information about how far there is to go - there are some boards with information on the area but nothing to let you know where you are in relation to Blue Lake. It took about an hour and 45 minutes to reach the lake and maybe an hour and ten minutes back (more downhill). 

Gnarly snow gum, Kosciuszko National Park

The storm which gradually brewed overhead on the way to Blue Lake meant I only saw a fleeting glimpse of it with the sun making the water glow an amazing aqua colour but that little glimpse has made me want to go back on a clearer day because it was amazing. There is a lookout which lets you see Blue Lake at its best and catch your breath before making the homeward journey.


Important things to remember if hiking from Charlotte Pass to Blue Lake:
 - The road to Charlotte Pass closes in the winter
 - Some parts of the walk including the very end are extremely steep
 - The weather in the mountains can change very quickly so be prepared
 - You will need to buy a National Parks Pass for the drive - there is a booth on the way where you can get one of these and a map

Snowy River, Charlotte Pass

Mossy granite, Kosciuszko National Park

Cuisine on Lake Crackenback

Cuisine on Lake Crackenback

The style: If you are heading to the mountains and want to feel a little bit special, Cuisine on Lake Crackenback is the place to go for dinner. It is all about low lighting, candles on your table and floor to ceiling glass walls on two sides which overlook Lake Crackenback. Tables for two are cleverly turned at an angle so you both get to enjoy the view (and each other's company) in what feels like privacy.

View from Cuisine on Lake Crackenback

The taste: The food at Cuisine on Lake Crackenback is refined and packed full of flavour. The meals are pretty to look at and fantastic to eat. The menu at Cuisine on Lake Crackenback changes with the season - scallops, spatchcock, duck, trout and lamb all feature along with wagyu beef pies and divine desserts. An extra little surprise was the tasty morsels dished up between courses - cured salmon with aioli and house-made plum ice-cream found their way to our table throughout the night. Delicious.
Its a shame that the combination of i-phone camera and really low (romantic) lighting means that the pictures here don't really do the food justice but they should at least give an idea of what was dished up.

Duck terrine, Cuisine on Lake Crackenback

Scallops and black pudding, Cuisine on Lake Crackenback

Lamb rack, Cuisine on Lake Crackenback

Banana tarte tatin, Cuisine on Lake Crackenback

Spatchcock and king brown mushroom, Cuisine on Lake Crackenback

Mango snow egg, Cuisine on Lake Crakcnback

The service: Aaah. How nice it is to be treated like you matter. The staff here were absolutely lovely - they made conversation without being awkward or intrusive and got every part of the order absolutely right (a rare and unusual occurrence!). 

Cured salmon and aioli - free taster at Cuisine on Lake Crackenback

Plum ice cream - free taster at Cuisine on Lake Crackenback

The price: Meals here weren't cheap with entrees and desserts at $18 and mains at $37. There is also a degustation menu available for $70 or $110 with wine. Considering the delicious food, the great view and the spot-on service, the price was well worth it.

Cuisine on Lake Crackenback

The location: Cuisine on Lake Crackenback is tucked on the edge of Lake Crackenback within the Lake Crackenback Resort. Lake Crackenback Resort is located just off the Alpine Way about 15 minutes from  Thredbo (on the Jindabyne side) in New South Wales.


Useful links:


Lake Crackenback Resort

Brioche, Cuisine on Lake Crackenback

Wild Brumby Schnapps Distillery and Cafe, Thredbo, NSW

Wild Brumby Schnapps Distillery and Cafe, Thredbo, NSW

Schnapps, Wild Brumby Schnapps Distillery, Thredbo

The Style: Wild Brumby Schnapps Distillery and Cafe is a one part classy art, one part Alpine Kitsch and a lot of fun! The Distillery is located on a few acres of landscaped grounds. These are scattered with sculptures, polished granite and even the odd fibreglass horse! There are nice touches like the little orchard of pink lady apple trees which are a key ingredient in the schnapps of that flavour as well as potted tulips in the spring time.


Inside, you could be forgiven for thinking you are inside an old style ski lodge but for the huge copper distilling vats which dominate one part of the cafe. And yes, there are even home made pretzels hanging from a deer antler light shade!

Deer antler light shade, Wild Brumby Distillery and Cafe, Thredbo

Wild Brumby Schnapps Distillery, Thredbo

The Taste: Delicious! The menu features a range of European inspired goodies but the pick has to be the German sausages and kraut. They come served with mustard and bread and they are cooked to sizzling, popping perfection. As I cut mine, little beads of fatty flavour oozed out and I can tell you I mopped up every last bit with the bread. (I did make sure to share a little piece with Booza the resident Jack Russell Terrier.) Other continental treats on offer include schnitzel, gulasch and Austrian salad.The Wild Brumby Cafe also offers up sweet treats and has German beer on tap. Breakfast is served from 10am - 12pm and lunch until 5pm.

Sausages and kraut, Wild Brumby Cafe

Icy cold beer on tap, Wild Brumby Cafe

Lemon Cake, Wild Brumby Cafe, Thredbo

Lovely latte, Wild Brumby Cafe, Thredbo

The Service: It was hectic and the staff were clearly rushed off their feet. They weren't bursting with excitement to help but they were efficient and got the job done pretty quickly. When I have visited on quieter days, there has been a lot more help offered so I think they get the benefit of the doubt.

Booza the resident Jack Russell at Wild Brumby

The Location: Wild Brumby is located off the Alpine Way between Thredbo and Jindabyne overlooking the peaks of Kosciuszko National Park's Snowy Mountains. The spectacular views and crisp, fresh mountain air are hard to beat. Take advantage of the outdoor tables in summer and you wont be disappointed!

Wood and stone garden sculptures, Wild Brumby, Thredbo

Coolamine Homestead, Long Plain, Kosciuszko National Park

The Cheese Hut and Coolamine Homestead, Long Plain, Kosciuszko National Park

Coolamine Homestead, Long Plain, Kosciuszko National Park

Alpine Huts are a part of the history of the Australian High Country and many of them can be accessed relatively easily. Coolamine Homestead is located off Long Plain Road in the Kosciuszko National Park between Cooma and Tumut in New South Wales. Coolamine Homestead dates back to the late 1800s and was restored in the 1980s after falling into disrepair. The surrounding buildings including the Cheese Hut give a real glimpse into the hard life of the High Country pioneers. You can access Coolamine Homestead and the Cheese hut but be prepared for a little disappointment - whilst the buildings and surrounds are so picturesque from outside, they have been vandalised and graffitied inside which is such a shame.

Nonetheless, Coolamine Homestead and it's nearby companions provide a great backdrop for some photos or a picnic. Information boards provide some interesting information on the history and biology of the area which adds another element to the experience.

The Cheese Hut, Long Plain, Kosciuszko National Park

Hut, Long Plain, Kosciuszko National Park

The Homestead is located near Blue Water Holes and there are camping and BBQ facilities dotted throughout the area which are free to use. There are also basic toilet facilities at some campgrounds. The dirt road to the homestead and Blue Water Holes is a little rough at times and I would suggest that if you can access a four wheel drive, that would be preferable, particularly if you are planning to explore side trails.

Snow Gum, Kosciuszko National Park

First snow, Long Plain, Kosciuszko National Park

Kosciuszko National Park

While you are exploring Coolamine Homestead, Long Plain Road and the Koscisuszko National Park in general, keep your eyes peeled for another taste of Australia's High Country heritage - think the wild bush horses referred to in Banjo Patterson classic 'The Man from Snowy River.' A glimpse of the brumbies in their natural habitat is a real thrill - they have a self assured beauty and power which can be mesmerising to take in. The brumbies have been the subject of recent controversy with debate on whether they should be culled or cherished. For more information on Australian Brumbies, click here.

Brumby, Kosciuszko National Park

Brumby, Kosciuszko National Park

If you are visiting the Kosciuszko National Park, this trip is a nice side trip, especially if you like camping, four wheel driving or experiencing Autsralia's pioneer history first hand.  Plain Road is accessed via the Snowy Mountains Highway in the Kosciuszko National Park and the road is subject to closure between the June and October long weekends. Long Plain Road may also be closed during adverse weather conditions so if you are travelling a long way to visit the area, it is best to check the conditions ahead.