How to Go to the Snowy Mountains From Sydney!
PLANNING A TRIP TO THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS FROM SYDNEY? THIS GUIDE WILL HELP YOU NAVIGATE THE ROADS!
When most people picture Australia, they imagine golden beaches, dry outback plains, and year-round sunshine. But hidden in the southeast corner of the country lies the Snowy Mountains, home to Australia’s tallest peak, alpine lakes, and incredible beauty!
We have done this road trip twice now, the most recent one with friends in a rented 4WD. That choice gave us the flexibility and made it the road trip of a lifetime!
If you’re wondering how to go to the Snowy Mountains from Sydney or what to expect on the drive, this guide covers everything: from the route and essential pit stops to road safety tips, snow chain info, and personal recommendations. As you read, you’ll also find a map of the entire road trip for easier understanding!
Want a preview of the drive? Watch this reel highlighting the 5 things you need to know before renting a car in the Snowy Mountains, and this one for a glimpse of the scenic ride!
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH MY FAVORITE RESOURCES
– Best accommodation site: Agoda.com
– Purchase Travel Insurance here: SafetyWing
– Cheapest Car Rental: DiscoverCars
Snowy Mountains from Sydney Map
I’ve mapped out all the pit stops we passed on our road trip from Sydney to the Snowy Mountains.
The Snowy Mountains are located within Kosciuszko National Park, and the drive takes around five hours, covering approximately 491 km to reach Thredbo, which is a charming alpine village in the heart of the park. Once you arrive, you’ll see why this resort consistently wins Australia’s Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards!
When to Go Skiing in Australia
The best time to ski in Australia is usually between July and August, when it’s winter here. However, ski resorts like Perisher Valley, Thredbo, and Jindabyne typically remain open until late September.
But did I mention that the Snowy Mountains is a year-round destination? If you can’t make it during winter, there’s still plenty to do! From horse riding and hiking to canoeing, sailing, and mountain biking, there’s no shortage of adventure in the warmer months.
How to Go to the Snowy Mountains from Sydney
There are several ways to reach the Snowy Mountains from Sydney: you can drive, take a bus, join a group tour, or even fly and rent a car or cab from the airport.
As I mentioned earlier, we rented a 4WD through Sixt, and I highly recommend this option for the flexibility it offers.
Here’s a brief overview of the transport options:
🚘Driving from Sydney:
If you enjoy driving, this can be a legendary road trip, especially if you’ve got a few friends riding along. I’ll cover the full road trip itinerary and our pit stops in the next section.
🚎Group Tours to the Snowy Mountains:
Prefer to leave the planning to someone else? Group tours are a great option for a stress-free Snowy Mountains experience. You can find several group tours here. They usually depart from Sydney and Canberra, but it’s best to stay updated with information.
🚌By Bus:
If you are wondering how to go to the Snowy Mountains from Sydney by bus, this section is for you. Greyhound’s direct bus services are a great option. For the 2025 season, services begin on June 6, and I strongly recommend booking early as seats fill up fast. You can even bring your snow gear with you without any extra cost.
✈️Flying to the Snowy Mountains:
You can fly out to Canberra and rent a car to drive out to Cooma. Flying is definitely the fastest but also the most expensive option!
Tips for the Road Trip During Winter
Driving in snow can be tricky, so here are a few essentials for a smooth and safe road trip:
1. 4WD Car: It’s preferable to travel to the snowy region in a four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle. These provide better traction, making the winding and potentially icy roads much safer. While it’s not mandatory to carry snow chains in a 4WD or AWD, it’s still recommended.
We hired our Sixt from DiscoverCars, but there are plenty of other rental companies to choose from based on your location or any corporate discounts your employer might offer. If you’re a member of NRMA (around $30–$60/year), you can also get 10–20% off car rentals. Make sure to purchase rental insurance for alpine driving, since weather and road conditions can change quickly in this region.
2. Snow Pass: Most rental companies will ask whether you’re driving into the snowy region. If you are, they’ll add a “Snow Pass” to your booking, which is usually $20–$30 per day. This is crucial. If your vehicle gets damaged above the snow line and you didn’t opt for the snow pass, your insurance becomes void. Always make sure the snow pass is added to your rental if you’re heading into alpine areas.
3. Snow Chains: For non-4WD/AWD vehicles, it is legally mandatory to carry snow chains when driving in the snowy region. The fine for not carrying them is $330. Even for 4WD/AWD vehicles, it’s strongly recommended, as sudden weather changes can happen, and chains offer that extra grip when you need it most.
You can hire chains from towns like Jindabyne or Cooma. The staff will usually guide you on how to fit them. Only put them on when road signs instruct you to, or if traction is clearly reduced. Always use designated “Chain Bay” spots to fit and remove them, driving with chains on normal roads can damage the car, tyres, and the chains. If you’re driving a non-4WD or AWD vehicle, carrying snow chains in the Snowy Mountains is a legal requirement, with fines of up to $330 for non-compliance. Even if you have a 4WD or AWD, chains are strongly recommended as conditions can change quickly, and they provide essential traction when roads get icy.
You can rent chains in towns like Cooma or Jindabyne, and the staff will usually give you a quick demo on how to fit them. We hired ours from The Ski Co in Cooma, which had great prices. Boss Outdoor Sports in Jindabyne is another reliable option. Only use chains when road signs advise, or when traction is noticeably reduced. Always pull over at a designated “Chain Bay” to fit or remove them, as using chains on dry roads can damage your vehicle and the chains themselves.
4. Offline Navigation: You’ll pass through long stretches with little to no mobile coverage, so it’s smart to download your route maps in advance. We also suggest downloading your music playlists offline; network blackouts can happen, and the drive is much better with your favourite road trip tracks!
5. Early Start: The Snowy Mountains from Sydney are about a 5–6 hour drive, so starting early makes all the difference. We left at 5 AM, which gave us time to make a few scenic stops, grab food, and still reach the mountains by afternoon without feeling rushed.
Snowy Mountains From Sydney By Car
A good road trip to the Snowy Mountains starts with a very early start and a few planned stops that turn the drive into an adventure of its own.
5.00 AM, Leaving Sydney CBD
We’ve done this drive twice, once leaving at 5 AM, and the other time at 7 AM, and let me tell you, those two hours make a huge difference. From traffic to how much you can squeeze into your day, the earlier you leave, the smoother your trip.
Once you’re packed and ready to go, start your journey from Sydney CBD by getting onto the M5 Motorway (via the Eastern Distributor or Cross City Tunnel, depending on your location) and continue your journey towards Marulan.
📍Stop 1: Long Point Lookout
The lookout is located just outside Tallong, around 7 km east of Marulan. The area is known for two stunning lookouts: Badgery’s and Long Point! Find more information about the Long Point Lookout on the official NSW site.
To get there, head west from Tallong for just over 2 km back toward Marulan, then turn left onto Long Point Road and follow it for about 5 km until you reach the end. There’s a small car park near the entrance, and the walking track is short and manageable.
The lookout opens up to sweeping views over the Shoalhaven River Gorge, and if you’re early enough, you’ll catch a breathtaking golden sunrise lighting up the entire valley. Absolutely worth the stop if you’re leaving Sydney at dawn!
📍Stop 2: Mount Ainslie Lookout (Canberra)
As you continue your journey to reach Canberra, I recommend making a stop at Mount Ainslie lookout! From here, you’ll get one of the beautiful views of the city, with Anzac Parade stretching perfectly in line toward Parliament House. It’s a stunning sight, with mountains framing the city, making it an ideal spot for photos and a break from the road.
11.30 AM: Lunch at Cooma!
The drive from Canberra to Cooma is around 117 km, and usually takes around 1.5 hours to reach. It’s the largest town in the Snowy Mountains and acts as the official gateway into the region. It also makes a great lunch stop! You can refer to the Cooma dining guide for a summary of all the options!
Fill up your fuel tank here and grab any last-minute essentials.
1.30 PM: Explore Yarrangobilly Caves & Thermal Pool
Yes, this is a bit of a detour, but so worth it! Located inside Kosciuszko National Park, these limestone caves are a natural wonder and come with a natural thermal pool at the end of a 700m walk.
The caves themselves can be explored via guided or self-guided tours, and the mineral-rich pool stays a toasty 27°C all year round, which feels amazing in the middle of crisp alpine air.
Make sure to leave by 3:30 PM at the latest so you’re not driving into the mountains after dark.
If you’re making good time and leave Yarrangobilly earlier, pull over at Black Perry Lookout for a final breath of alpine air. It’s a peaceful stop with gorgeous views over the rugged Snowy River valley. While there are limited facilities, you’ll find a small parking space by the roadside.
~6:00 PM: Arrive at Thredbo!⛷️
You’ll get there just in time to settle into your accommodation, explore the snowy village, and maybe even grab an early dinner before a full day on the slopes or trails tomorrow.
How to Get to Snowy Mountains from Sydney: FAQs
I’ve answered a few questions often asked about the Snowy Mountains below!
1. What to Do in the Snowy Mountains?
While there are so many things you can do in the Snowy Mountains, here are the top five of my recommendations, apart from Skiing and snowboarding during winter:
- Hike to the Top of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s Tallest Mountain!
- Relax at Yarrangobilly Pool & Explore the Caves
- Hike Clarke Gorge
- Relax at Lake Jindabyne
- A Dip in the Snowy River
2. Do I Need Snow Chains For My Vehicle?
Yes, 2WD vehicles must carry snow chains between the June and October long weekends on key roads like Kosciuszko Road, Alpine Way (Thredbo to Tom Groggin), and Guthega Road. They’re recommended for 4WD/AWD vehicles too, especially in snowy or icy conditions. Check the official website here.
Snowy Mountains From Sydney: Wrap-Up
So, if you’ve ever wondered how to get to the Snowy Mountains from Sydney, now you know! Got questions or any recommendations for us? Feel free to reach out to us on Instagram!
