The small town with a big meal: say hello to The Khancoban Long Lunch

Posted on 29 August, 2022

Nestled in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, it wouldn’t be surprising if you had never heard of Khancoban.

But this small town of less than 4000 residents is about to change all that with the launch of their inaugural Khancoban Long Lunch!

If you’re anything like us, the opportunity to explore a new area that promises a foodie experience has you itching to grab your keys and hit the road. And with Khancoban less than four hours away, it’s time to tick another place off your bucket list.

Set in a picturesque outdoor venue, settle in for a three-course meal, with accompanying drinks (of course!) to help you shake off the winter blues and soak in the warmer spring weather.

“Our place is just beyond the mountains but just before the plains and guests will experience this tranquil little town by indulging in a menu crafted by the Pickled Parrot Providore and sourced from within 100km. The kind of produce that doesn’t endure bitter winters but thrives on them – creating tastes that simply can’t be mass-produced,” event organiser Karly Fynn said.

The Khancoban Long Lunch will be striking that perfect balance between being an elegant affair, but not a stifling one. You will feel free to relax and laugh loudly with guests, loosen your tie and pop off your heels, as you sip on locally produced beverages from the region, including cool climate wines, cider, beer and gin.

A lot has gone on in the past couple of years, and it is hard to forget the summer that had most of the east coast engulfed in flames, but Khancoban has risen from the ashes—and there is no better time to get out there and see what the area has to offer.

They haven’t done this alone. The Snowy Valleys Council received some much-needed funding from the Commonwealth of Australia’s Australian Trade and Investment Commission to help give this small town the big long lunch it deserves.

“Any excuse to escape the daily grind is a great one. So, give it a try. Get off the clock and find out what’s in season,” Karly said.

Perfectly timed on a Saturday lunchtime, make the most of your weekend and hit up a few stops along the way. One brilliant bonus to Khancoban is that it lies perfectly in the middle of a loop to get there from Canberra, so you can enjoy unique views the whole journey!

After feasting on a three-course meal, hit the trial on one of the numerous quick and easy hikes in the region which will help you digest that food baby you will have inevitably grown throughout the afternoon.

Want to sample all the drinks on offer but don’t want to be stressed about driving? The event organisers have thought of it all. Either stay in some of the accommodation in Khancoban itself or buses will be running from nearby towns, Tumbarumba, Tooma and Corryong, solving all your transport woes.

“Khancoban lies at the southwestern edge of Kosciuszko National Park, on the Alpine Way, and provides an excellent base for enjoying a wide range of nature-based activities. You can explore other nearby areas including the picturesque Tumbarumba, Batlow, and Tumut,” Karly said.

As the name implies, the Snowy Mountains offer the chance to get some of that winter magic. Whilst you won’t find any snow in Khancoban itself come September; you should still be able to spot some white dusting the mountains around the area adding to the magic of the area as you explore it around your lunch.

Tickets are on sale now—but hurry as they won’t be there for long.