Fishing is probably not the first thing that comes to mind after this eventful summer. But as summer moves to autumn and the weather cools, our holiday thoughts usually move from the sea to the mountains.
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And as many people have cut short or cancelled regular summer holidays they are now looking to re-book some reclaimable downtime.
While our NSW South Coast beaches are starting to regain the warm embrace of tourists, it’s also time to look at the cool, clear trout-filled tailwaters of places like Tumut for your next break. This Snowy Valley destination features forest, farmland and fish as well as the town of Tumut itself.
Drifting the Tumut is one of the easiest ways to find trout here and Aussie Fly Fisher offers a custom-made drift-boat which can access almost every part of the river which is constantly fed by the Snowy Hydro scheme.
Guided fly fishing on the cold waters of the river has become a hot destination for keen fly fisherfolk with AFF practising “catch and release” for all stream-caught trout, whether you use drys or nymphs or streamers – don’t worry, your guide will explain.
But it’s not all cold water and fishing flies, though, as comfy accommodation in the area includes the luxurious Nimbo Fork Lodge which sits nestled in the foothills of the Snowys on the fork of Tumut River and Nimbo Creek.
Located at the northern end of Kosciuszko National Park, between Gundagai and Tumut, Nimbo Fork Lodge cottages are the perfect end to a day on the river. If fly fishing is not your thing, then Nimbo Fork Lodge is also an ideal romantic escape, the place for a special celebration or a place to invite the staff out on a corporate getaway. And if the accommodation is good enough for local NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers, who stayed there recently while they battled local blazes, it’s good enough for us.
Nimbo Fork Lodge features five suites in the main lodge as well as six private cottages in surrounding grounds. As the weather cools, there are fireside drinks to enjoy in the lounge before dining in the Lodge’s restaurant where the chef features dishes on the a la carte menu which uses local, seasonal and sustainable produce. Even though some grape growers have been affected by the recent fires, there is not shortage of wines here either. The wine list includes premium local drops including Nick Spencer, Freeman Wines, Nick O’Leary and Calabria Family Wines.
But fishing and local food are not the only adventures on offer around this part of the world, as there are plenty of other “sports” to pursue – if coffee shops, delis, restaurants and homewares stores are your thing. But seriously though, other local attractions and activities include exploring the Yarrangobilly thermal pool and caves, the Sugar Pine Walk at Bago State Forest, mountain biking, horse riding or being eyeballed by the brumby running beside you as you drive down one of the forest roads.
Take me there
Transport: Nimbo Fork Lodge is a four-hour, 20-minute drive from Sydney or a little over two hours from Canberra.
Fishing: One angler $700, two anglers $750, includes 10 hours of guiding and tuition, lunch, snacks and beverages, all flies and equipment.
Stay: Guests can choose either lodge suites ($220 weekdays/$320 weekends) or cabins ($295/$365). No children under 16 years. Breakfast (weekdays continental, weekend cooked) is a la carte, as is dinner. Keep an eye on Instagram @nimboforklodge_ for special packages.
Explore more: aussieflyfisher.com; nimbofork.com.au
