There’s something majestic about the transformation of the New South Wales  Snowy Mountains — around five hours southwest of Sydney — into an adventure playground each spring and summer when the warm weather reveals hidden trails, wildflowers and longer days. Whether you’re into hiking, horse riding or mountain biking, here’s how to explore the picturesque mountains and where to refuel afterwards as the new season brings fresh adventures. 

Step into natural beauty

Immerse yourself in spectacular alpine scenery while exploring the region by foot.  Choose from dozens of tracks where you can be wowed by waterfalls, learn about the region’s history, or challenge yourself on a hike through Kosciuszko National Park. This is one of the largest national parks in the state, and is home to Australia’s highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko (2,228m).

Bask in the achievement of scaling the continent’s highest peak as you soak up the views from the summit. From the ski town of Thredbo, the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift zips you up 560 vertical metres to the start of the walkway to the mountain’s summit. Challenge yourself on this day hike, with plenty of uplifting views along the way.

Get a buzz traversing Australia’s highest suspension bridge (1627m above sea level) on the Guthega to Charlotte Pass Walk, which makes up part of the Snowies Alpine Walk stretching for 56km from Guthega Village to Bullocks Flat. You’ll wander through wildflower meadows, wild landscapes and snow gum forests.

Explore on two wheels 

Feel invigorated by the cool mountain air on your cheeks as you navigate the Snowy Mountains on a mountain biking adventure. Enjoy a scenic introduction into the untouched Pilot Wilderness Area on the Cascade Hut Trail, a remote path that twists through snow gum woodland and fields of wildflowers. A small part of the 650km Australian Alps Walking Track, the 10km one-way trail is great for both beginners and experienced mountain bikers.

Hire a mountain bike (or road bike) in a number of Snowy Mountain towns, including Cooma, Jindabyne and Thredbo, as well as from Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa, which has 18km of mountain biking trails on its doorstep. The resort can also arrange a shuttle to Thredbo for bikers keen to tackle the Thredbo Valley Track; it’s a scenic 17km ride back to the resort, or 37km if you follow the recent extension of the track to the Thredbo Valley picnic area.

Or get your adrenaline pumping in the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park, delivering a mix of cross-country and gravity trails as well as a skills park and flowing single tracks offering superb views over Australia’s highest peaks and alpine lakes. Discover trails for every experience level, from a kids-only area to chairlift-accessed gravity trails, plus two-hour beginner, intermediate and advanced clinics daily, for those looking to fine-tune their skills.

Jump in the saddle

Experience the Snowies from an exciting new perspective on horseback. In Crackenback, Thredbo Valley Horse Riding offers a range of trail rides across its 1,100-hectare estate. Admire the scenery from your elevated perch as you clip-clop across alpine streams, up steep forested ridges and through pretty meadows. Experienced guides are on hand to assist kids and non-riders on easy trails, while young children will thrill to a pony ride.

Enjoy a taste of the region

Deepen your knowledge of the Snowy Mountains’ surprisingly sophisticated cool-climate wine scene on visits to its cellar doors. Local sparkling wines regularly take home awards, but the area is also known for excellent pinot noirs and chardonnays. Settle in for a tasting, or perhaps a wine-paired lunch overlooking the vines at Courabyra Wines, or savour the intimacy of the award-winning cellar door experience available by appointment at Mount Tumbarumba Vineyard.

You can also linger over gin, vodka or schnapps made from locally sourced fruit at Crackenback’s Wildbrumby Distillery, which has a distillery door and café overlooking a sculpture garden. Or pair local beer with a hearty meal and serene lake views at Jindabyne Brewing. 

For a memorable meal in the mountains, settle in at Crackenback Farm Restaurant, a charming French-inspired farmhouse eatery tucked into the alpine valley. With cathedral ceilings, a roaring fire in winter and a sun-drenched terrace in warmer months, it’s a cosy yet elegant spot to indulge in seasonal dishes crafted with love.  

In the heart of Jindabyne, Cocina brings a vibrant twist to the Snowy Mountains dining scene with its contemporary Mexican fare. This lively taqueria serves up bold flavours in dishes like smoked trout tortillas, roast pumpkin with chocolate mole, and ceviche tostadas. Pair your meal with a mezcal cocktail or a chilli-spiked hot chocolate, and soak up the relaxed, colourful atmosphere that makes Cocina a favourite among locals. 

Wake up in nature

Wake up to misty mornings, birdsong and sweeping alpine views in one of the Snowy Mountains’ beautifully designed nature stays. 

Nestled in the heart of Crackenback, Crafters Cabins blend architectural elegance with raw natural beauty. Each cabin is uniquely designed to frame the surrounding bushland and mountain vistas, with timber interiors, outdoor baths and fire pits that invite slow evenings under the stars.

Just a short drive away, Mill Cabin offers a secluded escape with minimalist charm. Perched on a hillside with panoramic views of the Thredbo Valley, this off-grid cabin is perfect for couples or solo travellers seeking quietude and inspiration. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, a wood-burning fireplace and a deck made for sunset watching.

For a stay that feels like stepping into a storybook, Tinkersfield delivers a collection of rustic-luxe chalets and barns set among wildflower meadows and snow gums. With names like The Barn and The Post Office, each stay is steeped in character and comfort, offering plush interiors, gourmet hampers and even in-cabin massages for the ultimate alpine indulgence.