Mount Kosciuszko, New South Wales

At 2228 metres, Mount Kosciuszko is the highest mountain on mainland Australia. It may not be the highest mountain in the world but it is one of the oldest. The Aboriginals called the mountain Tar-Gan-Gil. They visited the area for ceremony, socialising, sharing and trading. The mountain received its present name in 1840 when Polish geologist and explorer Count Paul de Strzelecki named it in honour of General Tadeusz Kosciuszko, a Polish patriot and freedom fighter.

Depending on the weather, the gorgeous alpine wildflowers burst into colour in December, January and February. With wonderful names such as: Alpine Stackhousia, Hoary Sunray and Snow Beard Heath the delicate shades of white, yellow, purple and orange scatter the rugged landscape.