The Currango Experience

The original members of FoC were mainly trout-fishers and bushwalkers.  More importantly, they had (and have) a great love both for the ‘High Country’ and for Currango itself.

So, part of the ‘Currango Experience’ is to stay there, absorb the atmosphere, and renew contact with earlier ways of life.

The site provides one of the few remaining examples of the working and living conditions of an early pastoral property on the high plains. Currango has remained substantially unchanged since the 1940s, and so the cottages and the Homestead all retain the feel of the past.  They all have comfortable beds, and great atmosphere.

Members are also encouraged to take an active role on the Committee.

Fishing

The Murrumbidgee and Eucumbene Rivers, Tantangara Reservoir and Lake Eucumbene, all provide great scope for the flyfisher, and for other forms of trout fishing.

The Murrumbidgee River rises in the hills to the north of Tantangara.  As a narrow stream, it flows under the Port Phillip Fire Trail near Rules Point.  From there, it continues into the lake on its western side.  There is good trout water all through here.

Below Tantangara Reservoir, the ’Bidgee is forced to begin again, its water having been appropriated for the needs of the Snowy Mountains System.  But within a few kilometres, good fishing water reappears for those who are willing to walk for an hour or so to reach it.

It becomes accessible to cars, again, north of Adaminaby.  And from there it begins its long journey north and west into Central NSW.

The Snowy Mountain Highway crosses the Eucumbene River not far from the Old Kiandra Goldfields, on its way into Lake Eucumbene.  Again there are plenty of places for flyfishing.

If you bring a boat, then the waters of the all the lakes are open to you.

Fishing guides operate out of Adaminaby for those who seek some expert tuition or local knowledge, but generally, this is available at Currango.

A fishing licence is needed for all adults in NSW.  This can be obtained in the towns near to Currango, such as Corryong, Tumut, Khancoban, and Adaminaby.

A NSW boating licence is needed for most power boats.

Walking, hiking and camping

There are many interesting walks in the district.  The FoC publication, ‘Currango Bushwalks’, presents the most interesting and accessible day-walks.

Overnight hikes are an excellent way to see many of the features of the Park, especially now that many of the old tracks have been closed to private vehicles.  For most wanderers, summer and autumn are the best seasons, but walkers must always be prepared for the unpredictability of high country weather.

Basic overnight accommodation is avaiable in some of the huts dotted around the Park, and camping is generally permitted.

Cross country skiing

Cross country skiing is a possibility during the winter, and FoC occasionally organises a group ‘Ski-in’, from park-gates (Tantangara Dam or Rules Point) into Currango.  Because the altitude is not optimal, snow is not reliable, and local information is important.

Horse riding

A number of commercial horse-riding organisations operate in the area.  Information can generally be obtained at Currango.

Contemplative pursuits

Currango is wonderful for all types of artistic and contemplative pursuits – such as painting, sketching, photography, reading, and long discussions.

High country scenery has many moods: it can be peaceful, it can be harsh and bleak, it is sometimes dramatic.  Some appeal is immediate, some of it grows on you.  But it all draws you back.

Weather

Currango is 1,300 metres above sea level (over 4,200 feet).  In winter the climate is harsh, with heavy snow cover and frequent blizzards being possible.  Many of the roads in the area are closed from mid-June to October, including both access roads to the Station.  This period may be extended if the weather is bad.

Snow storms can also occur through spring and into summer.  Warm sunny days are also common, but the change back to wintery conditions can be very swift, and visitors are urged to equip themselves appropriately.  In summer, SPF 15 sunscreen is strongly advised.