Set off on your high country holiday from the safe base of Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The national park system that includes the alpine national parks covers an area that extends from the ACT to Victoria. The Snowy Mountains are around a three hour drive from Canberra along the Monaro Highway through the town of Cooma and on into Jindabyne which accesses the main alpine areas. On arrival in the Snowy Mountains you will discover wild brumbies, horse riding adventures, ski resorts and magnificent native flora and flora.

This is a region that will change dramatically with the seasons. In winter you can ski at some of Australia’s best ski resorts that include Thredbo and Perisher Blue and the more family orientated Mount Selwyn Resort. During the warmer months the Snowy Mountains are alive with wildflowers and native animals, including wombats, kangaroos and wallabies and beautiful native birds. The melting snow feeds the alpine streams and lakes and provides the ranges with great fishing. The lakes are popular for boating and sailing as well. There are many bush walking tracks and mountain bikers will enjoy the cross country and downhill trails that can be found in this region. For good local maps stop in at a tourist information center, the staff will be able to advise you on suitable tracks and trails for your requirements. Discover the Yarrangobilly Caves and journey into the earth and enter limestone caves with underground pools and an amazing frozen waterfall.

Accommodation varies considerably throughout the region and you will be able to choose from luxury bed and breakfasts, backpacker and hostel accommodation, camping and caravan parks and resorts. Good information on sights and activities can be found at snowymountains.com.au. When looking for car hire in Canberra or in the Australian Capital Territory, use carhirecanberraairport.com.au for ease of comparison of car hire companies, cars and prices.

Try these three attractions when visiting Canberra; the Canberra Railway Museum, the National Dinosaur Museum and Questacon. The Canberra Railway Museum is a great day for families; it is a working museum and is home to Australia’s oldest operational steam driven locomotive. It is the 1210 and was built in 1878; it still runs today at the Canberra Railway Museum. The museum also has many vintage carriages, and rail motors to view. You can even take part in a railway workshop inspection. A visit to the Canberra Railway Museum is very affordable for families, with a family pass costing $15. The museum is open from 1pm to 4pm on Sundays and public holidays.

The National Dinosaur Museum is every kids dream museum, and probably some big kids too. Find reconstructions of dinosaurs including the Muttaburrasaurus. Ten full size dinosaur skeletons are replicated displaying just how huge and small these creatures were. The national Dinosaur Museum also displays dinosaur food; plants from prehistoric times, fish and mammals are also displayed. You will find fossils, minerals, crystals and many other cool gifts in the museum gift shop. For something bit different try a Dinosaurs at Night Torch Light tour, bookings are always a good idea. The National Dinosaur Museum it costs $34 for a family pass.

The National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra is called Questacon, which is much easier to say! Questacon exhibits change regularly and there is a specially designed area for the under six year olds will love; Mini-Q-Exhibition. Its really not just for kids, we might all learn something while having fun at Questacon. When visiting Canberra hire your car from carhirecanberraairport.com.au. Add Child Safety Seats on the booking page, and pay the hire car company direct when you pick up your hire car. No hidden fees, is the carhirecanberraairport.com.au guarantee.

The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex is home to the Canberra Space Centre. The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex has been playing an important role in the exploration of space as a part of NASA’s Deep Space Network. School groups have been coming here to learn about the work being done by the Australian contingent of the Deep Space Network. Find out all about the missions that are revealing to scientists the secrets of our universe. Entry to the Canberra Space Center is free and the center is open 7 days a week, except on Christmas day. The Center is located around 35 kilometers south west of Canberra. This is the largest antenna complex in the southern hemisphere. Some of the exhibits you will discover while visiting the center include, spacecraft models, the latest images from Mars, space hardware that has really been to space. The center has many facilities, including access without assistance for disabled visitors. This is a great chance to learn about how Australia is participating in the exploration of space.

The Canberra Deep Space communication complex is a part of the CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science Business unit and includes radio astronomy, advanced aerospace business development, national and international facilities management and space science co-ordination. This is a wonderful working facility that will be a memorable stop on your Australian Capital Territory holiday. Use carhirecanberraairport.com.au to assist you in finding the right hire car for your needs. Compare prices and vehicles simply and on only one page. Click onto links for other options and to go directly to the hire car company of your choice. All quotes provided by carhirecanberraairport.com.au are guaranteed and any cancellations do not incur a fee. Enjoy your trip to Canberra and to the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, drive carefully.