Snowy Mountains

Rising from the Australian Alps, the Snowy Mountains offer a dramatic alpine escape that feels a world away from the coastal cities. This is Australia’s snow country, where rugged peaks, glacial lakes, and wildflower-strewn meadows create a landscape that shifts with the seasons. In winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to resorts like Thredbo and Perisher; in summer, hikers and mountain bikers take over the trails. The region is steeped in Aboriginal heritage and the legacy of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, a monumental engineering feat that reshaped the nation. Whether you’re chasing powder or seeking solitude above the treeline, the Snowies deliver an unforgettable high-country adventure.

Highlights & What to See

• Kosciuszko National Park – Home to Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko (2228m). Hike the summit trail for panoramic views or take the chairlift from Thredbo for a gentler ascent.
• Thredbo & Perisher – The twin hubs of winter sports. Thredbo offers a lively village with year-round activities; Perisher is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme – Visit the visitor centres at Cooma or Cabramurra to learn about this post-war engineering marvel that diverted rivers through tunnels and power stations.
• Alpine Walking Tracks – The Main Range Walk is a classic day hike through herbfields and past glacial lakes. For a challenge, tackle the multi-day Australian Alps Walking Track.
• Jindabyne – The gateway town, set on a sparkling lake. Perfect for watersports, fishing, or simply soaking up the mountain views from a lakeside café.

Suggested Time to Spend

For a taste of the Snowies, allow at least two to three days. This gives you time for a summit hike, a scenic drive through the national park, and an evening in a mountain village. In winter, skiers should plan for a week to fully enjoy the slopes. Summer visitors can pack more hiking into a long weekend, but the region rewards slower travel – consider a five-day itinerary to explore the hydro scheme, soak in thermal pools at Yarrangobilly Caves, and watch the sunset from Charlotte Pass.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra – The nation’s capital is a 2–3 hour drive north. Combine a Snowies trip with visits to Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and the National Gallery.
• Cooma – A historic town on the way in, with excellent museums on the Snowy Mountains Scheme and the region’s pioneering past.
• Yarrangobilly Caves – Stunning limestone caves with guided tours and a natural thermal pool – a perfect off-mountain day trip.
• Namadgi National Park – Just south of Canberra, this park offers similar alpine scenery with fewer crowds, ideal for a wilderness walk.

Please check official sources for current details.