Thread: Tips on Snowy's drive from Ipswich

Beautiful place to go at this time of year

We may be a bit biased though, as we have a property between Tumbarumba and Cabramurra We're heading back down on Saturday

I run 33" muddies and still carry chains when we're down that way. We've done a few interesting tracks in the snow and it is nice piece of mind to have them there just in case - That and a winch

You'll need a parks pass for most areas up above the snowline and it's often more convenient to get one ahead of time (We have an annual all-parks pass which makes it much easier again).

Got to go now, but will try to answer some of your other questions later

G'Day people,

I would like to thank all the posters to this thread as it supplied very useful info that I will certainly use,
Thanks again,
John.

It may seem like a dumb question, but do you need chains on all 4 wheels for a constant 4WD?

I would highly recommend all the ways the guy's have suggested you go very scenic and not all the traffic the Highways have...we will be travelling a similar route again when we go to Tasmania this Dec

Mrs hh

Originally Posted by Tote

I would suggest travelling from Tamworth down via Currabubula, Spring Ridge, Colly Blue, Premer, Coolah, Dunedoo and south to Mudgee that way.....

That is the way we usually go down, except we head through Young etc. for the final bit and then onto Tumut-Tumba

Originally Posted by Tote

When you get to Bathurst from Hill End go south to the snowys via Goulburn, this will take you through Tuena and Trunkey Ck, both interesting Gold Mining centres......

I've done this way when heading to Canberra. It is a great scenic drive and there's some interesting little towns to stop at

Originally Posted by Disco3QLD

It may seem like a dumb question, but do you need chains on all 4 wheels for a constant 4WD?

No you don't, if you only have one set put them on the front. I have 2 sets - ladder style for the back and diamond pattern for the fronts

Also don't forget to fuel up with alpine diesel when you get closer to the mountains. Either that or put some kero in your tank if you still have plenty of diesel when you get there. I usually take a couple of jerry's and just top up on the way down, then fill with winter mix in tumba

There's some great powerlines tracks in the area between Khancoban and Talbingo. Lots of fun to be had

Originally Posted by Disco3QLD

It may seem like a dumb question, but do you need chains on all 4 wheels for a constant 4WD?

no you dont and if your not planning on using them much the 4mm diamond pattern are the go. since your swinging past ipswich way if youd like you can drop round and I'll help you make up a waffle plate to make putting the chains on easier.

If you only by a pair then they go on the front and once you put them on you lock the CDL if you are in ANY doubt as to if you are about to hit ice or hardpack.

Just a small thing.... if you are thinking about fishing the rivers while you're there..... Don't. I think the regs are the same as Vic, rivers closed until 1st w/e in Nov. The penalties are pretty harsh if you get caught.

G'evening all,

Irrespective of the legal requirements I suggest you have chains for fitment to front wheels (4WD, AWD) to aid steerage. If you have some
dunce in an X5 sliding towards you from the other direction they enable
a quick squirt on the throttle and you steer out of his trajectory.

I used to fit chains on the front of the Series 3 and do so now on the Liberty. They are life savers. I normally XC ski about fortnightly all over the Snowy in the season, terrific place. Don't forget your anti-freeze.

Cheers, Rec Mec
Canberra.