Main Range Track, Kosciuszko National ParkCREDIT: Destination NSW
Stunning scenic views across Kosciuszko National Park from the Main Range Track.
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Spring and summer transform the Snowy Mountains in southern New South Wales — around five hours southwest of Sydney or two hours south of Canberra — into an adventure playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re into hiking, horse riding or cycling, here’s how to explore this picturesque alpine wonderland — and where to refuel on wine, truffles and trout afterwards.
Walk this way
A great way to experience the spectacular scenery of the Snowy Mountains is on foot. There are dozens of tracks to choose from, whether you want to take in waterfalls or learn about the region’s history or challenge yourself on a heart-starting 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).
The day trek to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko is as inspiring as it is exhilarating. From the ski town of Thredbo, the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift zips you up 560 vertical metres to the start of a walkway to the mountain’s summit. Along the way, you'll walk past the granite outcrops of Ramshead Range, and spot alpine wildflowers across the rooftop of Australia.
Just as scenic but slightly less strenuous is the 2.5km Bullocks track. Starting from the Thredbo Diggings campground or the Bullocks Flat Skitube carpark, this short trail meanders alongside the crystal-clear Thredbo River (look out for platypuses at dusk and dawn) with a dazzling backdrop of the jagged Ramshead Range, often capped in snow. Wallabies and kangaroos are also a common sight en route, as are spring wildflowers.
Put in some pedal power
From mountain biking to road cycling, the Snowy Mountains has plenty of trails for those looking to explore on two wheels. The Cascade Hut trail is a remote path that offers a scenic introduction into the untouched Pilot Wilderness Area, twisting through snow gum woodland and fields of wildflowers. A small part of the 650km Australian Alps Walking Track, the trail is great for both beginners and experienced cyclists — from Dead Horse Gap to Cascades Hut, it’s a 10km ride one-way.
Bikes can be hired in a number of Snowy Mountain towns, including Cooma, Jindabyne and Thredbo, as well as from Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa, where you can buy a day pass to access 25km of mountain bike trails and the Pump and Flow Track, designed by mountain bike world champion Caroline Buchanan and replete with skill-testing berms, bridges, logs and rails.
You can also swap skis for spokes at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park, delivering a mix of cross-country and gravity trails as well as a skills park and flowing single tracks offering spectacular views over Australia’s highest peaks and alpine lakes. There’s something 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.
Another cycling highlight is the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail, 21km of sealed and safe tracks following the region’s onetime rail line. Historic sites, rolling fields, eucalypt forest and historic bridges and cottages are just some of the scenic attractions along your route.
Snowy Mountains Summer Highlights CREDIT: Destination NSW
Highlight footage showcasing summer activities in the Snowy Mountains.
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Snowy Mountains Summer Highlights CREDIT: Destination NSW
Highlight footage showcasing summer activities in the Snowy Mountains.
Kosciuszko National Park, Kosciuszko CREDIT: Tourism Snowy Mountains
Hikers enjoying a scenic walk through Kosciuszko National Park, Kosciuszko.
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Kosciuszko National Park, Kosciuszko CREDIT: Tourism Snowy Mountains
Hikers enjoying a scenic walk through Kosciuszko National Park, Kosciuszko.
Jump in the saddle
Whether it’s your first time in the saddle or you’re looking to go for a gallop, the Snowy Mountains offers all manner of terrain for keen equestrians. South of Jindabyne, Snowy Wilderness resort is set on more than 3,000 hectares of alpine high country. Check in to one of the cottages, then explore ridges and gullies and rivers and forest on guided horse treks lasting from a couple of hours to a week. Just north in Crackenback, Thredbo Valley Horse Riding offers a range of trail rides across its 1,100-hectare estate, 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 pony rides are available for young children.
Enjoy a taste of the region
This part of the state nurtures a surprisingly sophisticated cool-climate wine scene, with a number of vintners growing pinot noir and chardonnay grapes and transforming them into delicious drops — Snowy Mountains sparkling wines regularly take home awards. To enjoy a tasting, stop by cellar doors at Courabyra Wines and Snowy Vineyard & Microbrewery (which is Australia’s coldest cool-climate vineyard), or organise a visit to Mount Tumbarumba Vineyard, open by request.
Not a wine drinker? Linger over gin, vodka or schnapps made from locally sourced fruit at Thredbo’s Wildbrumby, which has a distillery door, organic raspberry farm and restaurant, overlooking a sculpture garden. Meanwhile, Jindabyne Brewing has a restaurant, bar and tasting room with views across Lake Jindabyne. Find a scenic perch and sip everything from a red ale to a pilsner and wheat beer.
Orchards surrounding the town of Batlow are the source of some of Australia’s sweetest, crispest apples — there’s a shrine to this fruit here, in the form of the iconic Big Apple statue, while the upcoming picking season is celebrated at the annual Batlow Apple Blossom Festival, every October. Look out for Batlow Cider Co’s oh-so-drinkable ciders, sold in regional restaurants, bars and bottle shops.
For a hands-on foodie experience, the ecotourism-accredited Eucumbene Trout Farm, between Jindabyne and Cooma, offers a fishing adventure where you cook your catch. And lovers of black truffles can join a truffle hunt at Macenmist Black Truffles and Wines in Cooma during the season (June to September).
Horse Riding, Snowy Wilderness Resort CREDIT: Destination NSW
A scenic horse ride around the Snowy Wilderness property in Ingebirah, Snowy Mountains.
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Horse Riding, Snowy Wilderness Resort CREDIT: Destination NSW
A scenic horse ride around the Snowy Wilderness property in Ingebirah, Snowy Mountains.
Courabyra Wines, Tumbarumba CREDIT: Destination NSW
Scenic views across Courabyra Wines vineyard in Tumbarumba.
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Courabyra Wines, Tumbarumba CREDIT: Destination NSW
Scenic views across Courabyra Wines vineyard in Tumbarumba.
MORE INSPIRATIONAL STORIES
Perisher, Snowy MountainsCREDIT: Destination NSW
Walk out onto the slopes and enjoy a fun day of skiing at Perisher in the Snowy Mountains.
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If you’re planning a winter escape in the Snowy Mountains, stay at a ski-in, ski-out property, with fresh snow waiting right outside your door. Step outside and onto the chairlift, then slide all the way back home at the end of the day.
Ski to your lesson in Thredbo
There’s something for everyone at Thredbo, from kids and beginners to advanced skiers, snowboarders and cross-country adventurers (who will love the Backcountry Adventures). It’s known as a party town, with events, live music and lively bars for the après-ski crowd.
Location, location, location: it’s hard to find a better spot in Thredbo than the one occupied by the modern River Inn, right next to Friday Flat (where ski and snowboard lessons start) and close to the base of the Gunbarrel Express chairlift. Choose from room types to suit groups of all sizes (families will like the self-contained rooms with bunk beds, fold-out couches and kitchenettes). After a day on the slopes, soak in the indoor heated spa, relax by the fire or meet new friends in the Bavarian-themed bar.
Thredbo’s five-star Ski In Ski Out Chalets sit on the edge of the Supertrail, which runs right to the base of the village. There are 25 fully equipped chalets with one to four bedrooms, and some even have extras such as private jacuzzis or steam rooms.
Thredbo, Snowy Mountains CREDIT: Destination NSW
Skiers taking a selfie at Thredbo in the Snowy Mountains.
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Thredbo, Snowy Mountains CREDIT: Destination NSW
Skiers taking a selfie at Thredbo in the Snowy Mountains.
Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel, Charlotte Pass CREDIT: Destination NSW
Enjoy hot chocolates at Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel, Charlotte Pass in the Snowy Mountains.
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Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel, Charlotte Pass CREDIT: Destination NSW
Enjoy hot chocolates at Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel, Charlotte Pass in the Snowy Mountains.
Stay at snowbound Charlotte Pass
Everything’s on snow at Charlotte Pass, so wherever you stay you can put your skis on at the door. Charlotte Pass is snowbound during the winter season and can only be accessed on one of over-snow vehicles that depart from Perisher for a 45-minute scenic trip through the main range and into the village. It’s compact and easily accessible, with just five lifts, making it a great resort for families and kids.
Built by the NSW Government Tourist Bureau in 1930, the Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel was destroyed in a fire in 1938 and was rebuilt the following year. The current building has been hosting avid skiers ever since. The property offers old-world charm and makes things easy for families with the free Frosty’s Chill Out Zone, which entertains children aged three to 13 during the day, and can supervise an early dinner while parents eat separately. On-site bars and restaurants include fine dining at Arches and the Adams Cocktail Lounge.
The Knockshannock Ski Lodge has just six ensuite bedrooms, and offers a quiet, relaxed stay. Curl up by the fireplace with a glass of wine and watch the snow blanket the village outside. Packages include breakfast, lunch and three-course dinners.
The Lucy Lodge has great views out over the village and slopes from its high vantage point, a cosy lounge for après-ski drinks, and the onsite China King restaurant. Other options include the self-catering Burrawong Ski Club and the colourful, boutique Stillwell Hotel.
Take your pick at Perisher
The huge Perisher ski resort covers more than 1,245 hectares across seven peaks and four areas: Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes and Guthega. There are 47 lifts accessing hundreds of runs. The Skitube connects Perisher with Bullocks Flat below the snow line, so many people stay out of the resort, but an on-snow property will give you that magical winter wonderland experience.
Perisher Valley’s stylish Corroboree Lodge offers spacious rooms, a large guest lounge and a bar. At night, the kids will be served an early two-course meal before heading to the games room to watch a movie, so the adults can savour their three-course meal without interruptions.
Just 100m from the base of the Village 8 Express chairlift, the Perisher Valley Hotel has great views over the whole resort. Rooms sleep from two to five and the Mountain View Suites have enclosed balconies. Enjoy après-ski cocktails and fine dining at the Snow Gums Restaurant.
Other options at Perisher Valley include the famous The Man from Snowy River Hotel with its bars, spa and dining room in the heart of the village. The family-owned Perisher Manor is home to the Base 1720 Bar & Restaurant. The Barakee Ski Lodge offers fine dining and a sauna, 50m from the North Perisher T-Bar. And the Marritz Hotel, which has a heated pool with mountain views, is 200m from the Front Valley ski area.
In the Smiggin Holes village, the Smiggins Hotel and Apartments have ski lifts on their doorstep, a kids’ club and daycare, while in Guthega you can stay at the cosy Guthega Inn, with panoramic views to Mt Kosciuszko.
Snow Gums Restaurant, Perisher CREDIT: Destination NSW
Enjoy the warm fireplace at Snow Gums Restaurant, Perisher.
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Snow Gums Restaurant, Perisher CREDIT: Destination NSW
Enjoy the warm fireplace at Snow Gums Restaurant, Perisher.
Charlotte Pass, Snowy Mountains CREDIT: Destination NSW
Guests arriving at Charlotte Pass via oversnow transport.
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Charlotte Pass, Snowy Mountains CREDIT: Destination NSW
Guests arriving at Charlotte Pass via oversnow transport.