16 Amazing Things to Do in the Snowy Mountains!
HERE ARE 16 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS THE NEXT TIME YOU VISIT!
The Snowy Mountains are one of the top getaways from Sydney, not just in winter for skiing and snowboarding, but all year round! With alpine lakes, charming towns, and Australia‘s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, this region offers jaw-dropping natural beauty in every season.
We’ve visited the Snowy Mountains twice now, most recently on a 3-day winter trip with friends. If you’re planning a trip during the colder months, we can’t recommend it enough!
From bouncing through the Thredbo Adventure Park to spotting platypuses in the wild, swimming in crystal-clear rivers, and hiking to the top of Mount Kosciuszko, here are 17 epic things to do in the Snowy Mountains!
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– Best accommodation site: Agoda.com
– Purchase Travel Insurance here: SafetyWing
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🏔️OUR COMPLETE SNOWY MOUNTAINS WINTER GUIDE ➡️How to Get to the Snowy Mountains From Sydney
➡️10 Best Snowy Mountains Accommodation Options (From Cheap to Luxury)
➡️A Perfect 3-Day Snowy Mountains Itinerary From Sydney
Things to Do in the Snowy Mountains in Winter
Here are 17 amazing things to try in the Snowy Mountains:
1. Hike to The Top of Mount Kosciuszko
Apart from being the tallest mountain in Australia, it’s also one of the Seven Summits! But don’t let that scare you, it’s relatively easy to climb to the top. However, if you’re inexperienced in hiking, I’d recommend taking the chairlift from Thredbo, and from there, you can begin the climb.
When we did the hike with our friends, due to time constraints, we had to cut it short and only climbed about halfway, which still had pretty great views! In winter, the trail is completely covered in snow and stretches 18.6 km (return). The full hike usually takes around 4–5 hours, and the perfect way to conclude it would be by sipping hot chocolate (preferably with marshmallows) at Eagle’s Nest, the highest restaurant in Australia!
2. Enjoy the Serenity of Lake Jindabyne
Lake Jindabyne is one of the Snowy Mountains’ key attractions, especially popular once the snow starts to melt. It’s a large, clear lake that’s perfect for everything from fishing to water sports.
It’s particularly peaceful at sunrise and sunset, and there are plenty of great swim spots. You’ll find options like kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, or just floating on a lilo.
3. Ski & Snowboard in Thredbo During Winters
Thredbo is hands-down one of Australia’s best alpine resorts, tucked right in the heart of Kosciuszko National Park. It’s known for having the country’s longest ski runs, and it turns into a full-on winter playground from June to October (depending on snow conditions).
We took an adult group lesson here; it runs for about two hours and is available daily at 9:15 AM, 11:20 AM, and 2 PM during winter. Even though learning to ski wasn’t the easiest thing ever, it was quite a fun experience!
You’ll need a lift pass for any lesson or program, so it’s best to book both your lift pass and lessons together online ahead of time to secure your spot.
4. Watch Fireworks & Flare Run During Winters
As night falls on winter weekends, Thredbo transforms into a glowing alpine playground. Every Saturday evening, skiers and snowboarders light up the Supertrail with twinkling LED flares before racing down under the stars—and when everyone reaches the bottom, a spectacular fireworks display lights up the mountain skyline.
If you’re travelling with kids, don’t miss the Family Flare Run on Thursday nights at Friday Flat. Little rippers (ages 3–17) are whisked up on the Easy Does It Chairlift at 5 pm, each armed with their own flare, before descending the gentle slope at 5 pm. By 5:45 pm, the sky is alive with fireworks!
Both events are free, though you’ll need a MyThredbo card and to register in advance. Flares can be bought at the Friday Flat retail stall, and you’ll want warm gloves and goggles handy. The show is weather dependent, so keep an eye on te official website and weather updates.
5. Sip & Savor at Jindabyne Brewing
Founded in 2025, Jindabyne Brewing, a family-owned brewery, has become a go-to après-ski hangout for locals and visitors alike. Apart from beers, you’ll find great food and limited vegan options. Here are a few of their standout brews:
- Hefe Veiss Bier – A traditional German wheat beer!
- Island Bend Pilsner – Inspired by European travels and brewed with local snowmelt water, this pilsner has a spicy, earthy aroma and a bold finish.
- Alpine Red X – A dark lager-meets-IPA hybrid, this brew is malty, hoppy, and slightly stronger than the rest.
6. Uncover Energy and Espresso at Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre
Drop by the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma to learn about one of Australia’s most iconic engineering feats: the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme. Enjoy a virtual flight over the Snowy Mountains, projected on a 14-metre-wide screen!
You’ll also get to see how Snowy Hydro operates today through real-time energy displays, and explore the future of renewable energy with the Snowy 2.0 mega project, including a working model of a tunnel boring machine. Don’t miss the chance to hear first-hand stories from past and present workers, alongside fascinating archive photos from the construction era.
Grab a barista-made coffee or one of their famous milkshakes, and pair it with a homemade pie, fresh sandwich, or a sweet treat. They also have organic teas and cold drinks, with plenty of lawn space for kids to run around.
7. Saddle Up for Horse Riding in Thredbo
Have you ever tried horse riding? If not, Thredbo is a beautiful place to give it a go! Thredbo Valley Horse Riding is a family-owned business that’s been running since 1993—and they really look after their horses (who also happen to have some hilarious names you’ll definitely remember!).
Every ride begins with a 15-minute safety briefing and a quick 10-minute intro session to help you feel confident. They’re great at pairing you with the right horse based on your experience level.
You can choose from a 1-hour High Country ride or go for the 2-hour session that takes you through alpine streams and Aussie bushland—it’s peaceful, scenic, and a little adventurous too
8. Discover the Majestic Yarrangobilly Caves and Thermal Pool
Located inside Kosciuszko National Park, Yarrangobilly Caves are a stunning natural escape, and if you’re anything like us, the 700m walk to the natural thermal pool at the end is worth every step. The pool stays a consistent 27°C year-round, but not as hot as you’d expect!
There are several caves here to choose from, and you can explore them either with a guide or on your own (South Glory Cave is the self-guided one)!
North Glory Cave
9. Jump, Roll, and Fly in Thredbo!
Thredbo is now home to the Southern Hemisphere’s first-ever year-round Alpine Coaster, a 1.5 km steel track winding through the alpine forest with hair-pin bends, sudden drops, and speeds up to 40 km/h. Whether you ride solo or tandem, this coaster delivers an all-weather, adrenaline-packed experience that’s unlike any toboggan run you’ve tried before.
If you’d rather catch air than coast, check out Thredbo’s Zero Gravity facility at the Leisure Centre—the premier dry-land freestyle training ground in the southern hemisphere. Equipped with Olympic-sized trampolines, a Supertramp, and an airbag “waterfall” jump, it’s the perfect place to practise flips, rolls, and other aerial tricks off-snow, all under professional supervision.
Both attractions run throughout winter and summer, so you can jump, roll, and fly any time of year. The Alpine Coaster and Zero Gravity sessions book out fast—grab your spot online or via the MyThredbo app, and don’t forget to pack sturdy shoes and warm layers for the coaster’s cool mountain breezes.
Things to Do in the Snowy Mountains in Other Seasons
Here are a few more things to try in the Snowy Mountains if you are visiting during other months!
10. Pick Your Own Summer Berries at Jolly Berries Farm
If you’re visiting the Snowy Mountains between mid-December and mid-March, make sure to stop by Jolly Berries in Tumbarumba. This family-owned farm has a delightful pick-your-own experience, allowing you to harvest fresh, intensely flavoured blueberries. The climate of the region contributes to the exceptional quality of the berries.
You’ll be equipped with everything you need and transported to the fields in their charming old picker bus. If the weather isn’t ideal, you can still purchase pre-picked punnets directly from the packing shed. Beyond fresh berries, Jolly Berries also offers a range of blueberry products, including jams, sauces, toppings, port, wine, and sparkling wine.
11. Visit the Snowy River
If you’re looking to cool off amidst breathtaking alpine scenery, the Snowy River has great spots for a refreshing swim. Just 40km south of Jindabyne, the Lower Snowy River area within Kosciuszko National Park provides easy access to the river’s sandy beaches and clear waters, making it perfect for swimming, fishing, and paddling.
For a more adventurous experience, head to McKillops Bridge in the Snowy River National Park. Here, the Deddick River meets the Snowy River, creating wide sandy beaches with shallow rock pools between the rapids. The area is also renowned for canoeing and rafting!
12. Visit the Charlotte Pass Lookout
Credit: Destination NSW
Located at the end of Kosciuszko Road, just above the Charlotte Pass winter resort, Charlotte Pass Lookout offers one of the most accessible and breathtaking vantage points in the Snowy Mountains. From this spot, you can gaze across the Snowy River to Australia’s highest peaks, including Mount Kosciuszko, and soak in the grandeur of the alpine landscape.
The lookout features a wooden platform with step-free access via a stone-paved ramp, making it suitable for visitors with mobility needs. There’s also an accessible toilet located at the southwest side of the Charlotte Pass turning circle.
For those looking to explore further, the Snow Gums Boardwalk offers a short, scenic walk through the alpine environment. Nearby, the Mount Stilwell walk provides another opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty.
NSW National Parks
If you’re up for more of a challenge, the Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk and the Main Range walk are accessible from this area, offering well-equipped and experienced hikers a chance to traverse some of Australia’s most stunning high-country terrain.
13. Trek the Beautiful Clarke Gorge
The Clarke Gorge walking track in Kosciuszko National Park offers a thrilling adventure through a limestone gorge. This 5 km return trail takes you along Cave Creek, where you’ll encounter narrow passages, dramatic cliffs, and multiple creek crossings. The route culminates at Cave Creek Falls, offering panoramic views of the waterfall and the surrounding gorge. Wildlife lovers will also enjoy spotting grey kangaroos and wedge-tailed eagles along the way.
The track is rated as Grade 5, making it a challenging hike. It typically takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours to complete, and it is a return trail, meaning you’ll retrace your steps to the starting point. The access is via Long Plain Road and Blue Waterholes Trail, located 25 km from the Snowy Mountains Highway. The hike is open from October to June but may close in adverse weather conditions.
Before heading out, make sure to check the weather forecast, as conditions in alpine areas can change rapidly. Sturdy footwear, drinking water, and sun protection are essential for this hike. After completing the track, you can explore nearby attractions like Nichols Gorge or the Yarrangobilly Caves, where you can enjoy a swim in the thermal pool.
14. Meet Kangaroos!
Catching a kangaroo hopping through the snow? Now that’s an Aussie winter fairytale! While it’s a rare sight in the colder months, you’re more likely to spot them from October to April, when they’re out enjoying the alpine grasslands.
If you do find them, it is strongly recommended to sit quietly, so that they eventually stick around long enough for you and not run away!
15. Admire the Beauty of Waterfalls Here
These are some of the iconic Snowy Mountains waterfalls:
- Paddy’s River Falls (near Tumbarumba): 18-metre drop, easy access via short walk from the car park, best viewed after rain. Popular for photography and picnics.
- Buddong Falls (near Talbingo): Multi-tiered falls with viewing platforms and a 3.5km return walking track through native bushland.
- Tumbarumba Creek Falls: Close to the town centre, accessible via a short and scenic walk through wetlands and bridges.
- Blowering Falls: Seasonal waterfall, visible from the Blowering Dam area, most active during snowmelt or after heavy rain.
- Tin Mine Falls: Remote and difficult to access; located in the Pilot Wilderness, estimated height of 213 metres—possibly the tallest in Australia.
- Cooleman Falls (Kosciuszko National Park): Located near the Blue Waterholes area, surrounded by limestone gorges and caves, accessed via Clarke Gorge Walk.
16. Hit the Trails: Mountain Biking!
Didn’t find enough adventurous things to do in the Snowy Mountains? Well, they are one of Australia’s top mountain biking playgrounds, with trails ranging from scenic riverside rides to high-adrenaline downhill tracks! Thredbo’s lift-accessed bike park features gravity trails like the All-Mountain Trail and Kosciuszko Flow, while the 35km Thredbo Valley Track offers a more relaxed ride with suspension bridges and alpine scenery. For a family-friendly option, Lake Crackenback Resort has over 18km of gentle trails and direct access to the TVT.
Getting to the Snowy Mountains
Reaching the Snowy Mountains from Sydney takes about 5.5 hours by car, covering roughly 490 km. If you’re driving from Canberra, it’s a much quicker journey,around 2.5 hours and 210 km.
For detailed directions, road trip tips, and advice on snow chains and fuel stops, check out our full guide to getting to the Snowy Mountains from Sydney
Things to Do in the Snowy Mountains: FAQs
I’ve tried answering a few questions about Snowy Mountains below!
What is Special About the Snowy Mountains?
The Snowy Mountains are famous for their beautiful landscapes, including Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak. It’s a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding in winter, and in the warmer months, it’s perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. The area is also home to the Snowy Hydro Scheme, which has played a major role in the region’s history, and you can learn more about it at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre.
What is the Best Month to Visit the Snowy Mountains?
We highly recommend visiting the Snowy Mountains from mid-June to mid-September for the best snow conditions, especially if you’re into skiing or snowboarding. For the most up-to-date info on snow quality and conditions, make sure to check out the live cams for Perisher and the major resorts to plan your trip at the ideal time!
For hiking, mountain biking, or exploring the area’s beauty, the spring and summer months from December to February are fantastic, with milder temperatures and clear skies perfect for outdoor adventures.
Things to Do in the Snowy Mountains: Wrap-Up!
That’s a wrap-up for the best things to do in the Snowy Mountains! If you have any recommendations/ suggestions, or questions, drop a dm to us on Instagram!
