Khancoban is a township of some four hundred people. It is located around 20km north west of Mt Kosciusko. Surprising, it is just 300 metres about sea level - on the headwaters of the Murray River. Khancoban Pondage, which lies in the Swampy Plaines River Valley, serves to collect the waters from the two Murray Power Stations and regulate their flow down the river.

Snow rarely falls in Khancoban but a glimpse of the Main Range "Up by Kosciusko" frequently reveals a mantel of snow. Other surrounding ridges are snow covered throughout much of the winter. In summer (and particularly autumn and spring), warm windless days prevail.

Average annual rainfall is just a little under 1000mm - around 40 inches. Average maximum summer time temperature is around 30 degrees celsius, and around 12 degrees celsius in winter - usually at mid afternoon. Average minimum summer time temperature is around 12 degrees celsius, which falls to around 2 degrees celsius in winter - usually at dawn.

Locally, agriculture is primarily grazing - with dairying and beef the main industries but also grass seed, essential oils, sheep and crop production.

Rich in wildlife and natural history, the area has a fascinating local history in which mountain cattlemen play a major part. The immortal lines of the poem, The Man From Snowy River by Banjo Patterson, is believed to have been inspired by one-time local stockman Jack Riley. His grave is located in the nearby township of Corryong (30 minute drive from Khancoban).

In a bygone era gold mining and timber were important to the local industry.

Today, wilderness recreation is of a growing significance. Skiers flock to the snowfields in winter. In spring the melting snow feed wild and raucous streams, down which white water rafters tumble in their flimsy craft.

The balmy days of spring, summer and autumn provider a haven for bushwalkers, water skiers, naturalists and fisher folk.

While visiting Khancoban, some of the things to do include exploring the Kosciusko National Park, enjoying water sports on Khancoban Pondage - such as boating, kayaking and swimming, trout fishing (which Khancoban is renowned for having some of the best trout waters) or you could always spend the day exploring the Snowy Hydro Murray 1 Visitors Centre or the National Parks Visitor Centre in Khancoban - something for the whole family!
 

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