Marvel at the wintertime magic of the Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales, 450km south of Sydney, even if you don’t ski or snowboard. From thermal soaks that will soothe you to cosy wining and dining that will linger in your memory long after your journey, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the rugged region. 

Get in touch with your adventurous side and try a new winter activity 

Slow down and savour the wintery landscapes of Thredbo ski resort on a snow-shoe tour with K7 Adventures. You can also have fun mastering this alpine pastime in Perisher Valley, home to Perisher ski resort, where Wilderness Sports leads you on snow-shoe tours across spectacular landscapes from one hour to a full day. 

Unleash your inner child at the Thredbo Leisure Centre, a five-minute walk from Thredbo Village Square, where you can zip down a waterslide, take on Mission Inflatable (a blow-up obstacle course) challenges, and test your skills on the bouldering wall.   

Gaze up in wonder at ancient limestone stalactites and stalagmites on a guided tour of the Yarrangobilly Caves, a two-hour drive from Jindabyne, the nearest major town to the ski resorts. Close to the caves is a natural thermal pool that’s 27°C year round — prepare to be utterly enchanted as steam rises from the warm water while you float around in the outdoor oasis, surrounded by snow. 

Tap into your sense of adventure with a winter camping trip in the Lower Snowy River area, or step outside your comfort zone by signing up for a mountaineering course, including exhilarating ice-climbing sessions, hosted by Allie Pepper Adventures. 

Chairlifts aren’t just for skiing — feel enlivened by the superb mountain views on a ride high up into the alpine on Merritts Gondola. At the top you’ll find Merritts Mountain House, a European-style dining and entertainment venue, where you can relax with a steaming mug of delicious hot chocolate or join the party at its weekend afternoon après sessions backed by DJ beats.  

Embrace the thrill of tobogganing and snow tubing on the designated slope beside Perisher Valley Car Park on Pipers Ridge. Or take a deep breath and relax with a session at Jindabyne Yoga Shala, which offers classes in vinyasa, yin and hatha yoga in Jindabyne and Thredbo to reset body, mind and soul.  

Marvel at the wintertime scenery on a mountain drive 

Fall under the soothing spell of the mountains when they’re draped in snow on the 170km Kosciuszko Alpine Way, which traverses the Monaro Plain from Cooma, through Jindabyne and past Thredbo, then down a steep and winding section to pretty Khancoban. 

Feel the Snowy Valleys Way inspire as you cruise some 300km through the beautiful valleys and plains that birthed some of Australia’s most iconic legends. Starting in Gundagai, it winds south through Tumut and the apple town of Batlow, and on to Tumbarumba. 

Be intrigued by the artworks of the 150km-long Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, which features more than 20 sculptures by Australian and international artists, in and around the towns of Adelong, Batlow, Talbingo, Tumbarumba and Tooma. Then admire the changes in the landscape as the Snowy Valleys Way drive unfolds towards the famous Murray River. 

Even the main highways will take your breath away in the Snowy Mountains. The 129km Snowy Mountains Highway takes you from Tumut along high country valleys and peaks, past the Yarrangobilly Caves and Selwyn Snowfields, and on to Adaminaby, known for its trout fishing. Take in the splendour of Australia’s high country from the comfort of your car, with a number of lookout points along the way offering stirring views. 

Indulge in mountain cuisine 

Warm your bones by the fire as you tuck into a flavourful dish at The Lott in Cooma, a cosy café housed in a century-old wool store. Grab a coffee here , too, or head to Kettle & Seed, also in Cooma, which uses beans roasted by local Snowy Mountains Coffee; best paired with a daily baked cake, quiche or a bulging fresh sandwich.

Dive into an array of dining options in the mountain hub of Jindabyne. Part café, part grocer, The Market serves wholesome dishes and great coffee for a welcome pick-me-up. Then grab organic fruit and veggies and specialty grocery items to take away. 

Taste the freshness of the produce as you start your day with a wholesome breakfast such as truffle mushrooms on sourdough at Birchwood. After a busy day in the Snowys, you’ll welcome the warmth of longstanding local favourite Café Darya, also in Jindabyne, and its delicious Persian dishes, including dips, pastries and stews. Indulge your cravings for pizza and pasta at long-standing Bacco Italian Restaurant; or take a spicy detour to Mexico at Cocina Taqueria for traditional tacos and share dishes.  

Cure cravings for French farmhouse-style cuisine at Crackenback Farm, just 15 minutes from Thredbo, where you can enjoy a hearty meal at the restaurant before cosying up in one of the six stylish guestrooms. Or settle in by the huge stone fireplace at Alpine Larder at Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa and graze on pizza, burgers and salads made using local produce. 

You can also pair fine food with premium accommodation at Nimbo Fork Lodge, near Tumut. Taste the region on a plate at its Three Blue Ducks restaurant before nodding off in an elegantly styled cottage or lodge suite so comfortable you won’t want to check out. 

Treat yourself to cool-climate tipples 

Get a feel for the region’s craft brewing scene at Jindabyne Brewing, which pours a tasty range of beers, paired with a seasonal menu of snacks and meals. Sample a fresh brew at Kosciuszko Brewery, located on-site at Jindabyne’s Banjo Patterson Inn, where beers including a refreshingly fruity pale ale make a seamless transition from vat to tap. Or enjoy the scenic drive to Dalgety Brewing Co. to sip a craft brew or two over a relaxing brunch or lunch.  

Appreciate the friendly service just as much as the boutique wines you sample at Shut the Gate, a boutique wine producer in Berridale, just a 25-minute drive from Jindabyne. Or linger over gin, vodka or schnapps made from locally sourced fruit at Thredbo’s Wildbrumby, which has a distillery door, organic raspberry farm and a restaurant overlooking a sculpture garden designed to engage you more deeply with the ruggedly beautiful landscape. 

Retreat to a cosy winter lodge 

Harness the restorative benefits of nature by bedding down at one of the lodges managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service throughout Kosciuszko National Park. Gaze out over Lake Jindabyne from the dinner table at Creel Lodge, or truly switch off from the world at Yarrangobilly Caves House, as there’s no mobile phone service here. Feel at one with the alpine landscape at The Eastern’s boutique apartment or cabin, close to Thredbo Village, which both offer design-driven interiors and incredible mountain views. 

Relish the serenity and seclusion of Tinkersfield, which has transformed six high-country buildings into rustic-chic accommodations that sleep from two to 11 guests in the Crackenback Valley. Or feel closer to nature than ever at Stay Crackenback’s pair of cosy hideaways for two: The Nest, a modern apartment, and The Crest tiny house are both nestled in 40 hectares of wildlife-rich bushland.

Step back into the region’s pioneer days at Moonbah Hut, which offers two charming timber cottages near Jindabyne that sleep four or five guests and feature stone fireplaces, granite walls and exposed beams. Or admire how state-of-the-art Mill Cabin in Crackenback, which sleeps two, honours the region’s past with its stockman hut-style design and beautiful local granite stonework. Warm up by the wood stove and enjoy long soaks in the Japanese-inspired wood-fired outdoor bath.