Main Range Track, Kosciuszko National ParkCREDIT: Destination NSW
Stunning scenic views across Kosciuszko National Park from the Main Range Track.
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Summer in the
Snowy Mountains
Main Range Track, Kosciuszko National Park CREDIT: Destination NSW
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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
Khancoban Pondage, Snowy MountainsCREDIT: Snowy Valleys Council; Matt Beaver
Motorcyclist stopping for a scenic break besides Khancoban Pondage in the Snowy Mountains.
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Savour the Snowys
beyond the ski slopes
Khancoban Pondage, Snowy Mountains CREDIT: Snowy Valleys Council; Matt Beaver
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You can delight in the 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 wining and dining that will linger in your memory long after your journey, you’ll find plenty to do across the region.
Seek out your favourite alternative winter activity
Slow down and savour the wintery landscapes of Thredbo ski resort on a snow-shoe tour with K7 Adventures, which offers a number of different routes. You can also have fun mastering this alpine pastime in Perisher Valley, home to the Perisher ski resort, where Wilderness Sports conducts snow-shoe tours leading you across snowy 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 bounce away in the trampoline centre.
Gaze up in wonder at limestone stalactites and stalagmites that are thousands of years old on a guided tour of the Yarrangobilly Caves, a two-hour drive from Jindabyne. 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 – soak up 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 hot chocolate or join the party at its weekend afternoon après sessions.
Embrace the thrill of tobogganing and snow tubing on the designated slope beside Perisher Valley Car Park on Pipers Ridge. Here, Tube Town – accessed via the Skitube at Bullocks Flat below the snow line – has specially groomed lanes for you to tackle on an adrenalin-pumping high-speed ride, plus a lift back to the top.
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, the nearest major town to the ski resorts.
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 180km 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.
Over 300km, the Snowy Valleys Way will inspire as you cruise 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 and challenged by the artworks of the new Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail, which features more than 20 sculptures by Australian and international artists, in and around the towns of Adelong, Batlow, Tumbarumba and Tooma. Then admire the changes in the landscape as the Snowy Valleys Way drive unfolds towards the 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 memorable views.
Yarrangobilly River Walk, Kosciuszko National Park CREDIT: Destination NSW
Enjoying a soak in natural thermal springs around the Yarrangobilly Caves, Kosciuszko National Park.
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Yarrangobilly River Walk, Kosciuszko National Park CREDIT: Destination NSW
Enjoying a soak in natural thermal springs around the Yarrangobilly Caves, Kosciuszko National Park.
Charlotte Pass Snowy Mountains CREDIT: Destination NSW
Charlotte Pass, Snowy Mountains. This is the high res copy of the image.
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Charlotte Pass Snowy Mountains CREDIT: Destination NSW
Charlotte Pass, Snowy Mountains. This is the high res copy of the image.
Indulge in mountain cuisine
Warm your bones by the fire in winter 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. Kettle & Seed uses beans roasted by local Snowy Mountains Coffee; you’ll get the most of its quality brews by pairing them with daily baked cakes, quiche and bulging sandwiches.
If you’re planning to self-cater, your taste buds will thank you for stocking up on organic fruit and vegetables (some from the owners’ garden), eggs and freshly baked sourdough at Moontree Health Foods in Cooma.
The mountain hub of Jindabyne has plenty of dining options to whet your appetite. Part café, part grocer, The Market serves wholesome dishes and great coffee for a welcome pick-me-up. Then pick up organic fruit and veggies and specialty grocery items to take away.
Or taste the freshness of the produce as you start your day with a wholesome breakfast such as baked eggs and greens at Birchwood. After a busy day in the Snowys, you’ll welcome the warmth of much-loved 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; kids are well catered for with a dedicated menu of tasty bites.
Further afield, Crackenback Farm, just 15 minutes from Thredbo, transports you to the European Alps with its French farmhouse-style meals served in a country setting. It’s also a guesthouse with six stylish rooms. 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 independent operator Jindabyne Brewing, which pours a tasty range of beers, including a pilsner and wheat beer, paired with a seasonal menu of snacks and meals. Or taste the freshness at Kosciuszko Brewery, located on-site at Jindabyne’s Banjo Patterson Inn, where the beers make a seamless transition from vat to tap. Savour the pleasant maltiness of the pale ale, which has a refreshing fruity hop finish.
At Shut the Gate, a 25-minute drive from Jindabyne, you’ll appreciate the friendly service just as much as the boutique wines you sample, from chardonnay to shiraz. And when you can’t choose between beer and wine, combine both at Snowy Vineyard & Microbrewery, a regional pioneer in brewing and bottling located 40-minutes from Jindabyne. Families, including your dog, are welcome at the cellar door, with light meals also available.
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 immersing yourself in 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 landscape close to Thredbo Village at The Eastern’s boutique apartment or cabin, which both offer design-driven interiors and incredible views of the mountains.
Soak up the serenity and seclusion of Tinkersfield, which has six well-appointed, rustic-chic cabins that sleep from two to 11 guests in the Crackenback Valley between Jindabyne and Thredbo. Among the newer additions to Crackenback’s accommodation options is Stay Crackenback’s pair of cosy hideaways for two. You’ll feel closer to nature than ever at The Nest, a modern apartment, or The Crest tiny house; both are nestled in 40 hectares of wildlife-rich bushland.
Boasting a similarly scenic setting is Moonbah Hut, the cosy mountain hideaway of your dreams. It offers two charming timber cottages near Jindabyne that sleep four or five guests and feature stone fireplaces, granite walls and exposed beams.
Lake Crackenback, Thredbo CREDIT: Destination NSW
Kangaroos at Lake Crackenback, Thredbo. This is the high res copy of this image.
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Lake Crackenback, Thredbo CREDIT: Destination NSW
Kangaroos at Lake Crackenback, Thredbo. This is the high res copy of this image.
Thredbo, Snowy Mountains CREDIT: Alexandra Adoncello
Scenic road trip along Alpine Way, Thredbo in the Snowy Mountains.
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Thredbo, Snowy Mountains CREDIT: Alexandra Adoncello
Scenic road trip along Alpine Way, Thredbo in the Snowy Mountains.