Snowy Mountains

Straddling the border of New South Wales and Victoria, the Snowy Mountains are Australia's alpine playground. This is where you'll find the continent's highest peaks, including Mount Kosciuszko, and a landscape that transforms from snow-blanketed slopes in winter to wildflower-carpeted meadows in summer. Whether you're carving turns at Thredbo or Perisher, hiking through glacial lakes, or learning about the region's hydroelectric history, the Snowies deliver a refreshingly cool escape from the outback heat.

Highlights & What to See

• Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk – Australia's highest peak is accessible via a well-graded trail from Thredbo or a longer route from Charlotte Pass; the 360-degree views are worth every step.
• Thredbo & Perisher Ski Resorts – The country's premier winter sports destinations, offering skiing, snowboarding, and après-ski vibes from June to October.
• Kosciuszko National Park – A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with alpine herbfields, snow gum forests, and the chance to spot wild brumbies and echidnas.
• Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre – Dive into the engineering marvel of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, a post-war project that transformed the region.
• Charlotte Pass – Australia's highest resort village, a serene base for backcountry skiing and summer walks to Blue Lake.
• Yarrangobilly Caves – Limestone caves with guided tours and a natural thermal pool for a soak after exploring.

Suggested Time to Spend

Three to five days is ideal to experience the Snowy Mountains' diversity. In winter, base yourself at Jindabyne or Thredbo for two days of skiing, then dedicate a day to the Yarrangobilly Caves and a scenic drive. In summer, tackle the Kosciuszko summit on one day, explore the caves on another, and enjoy a leisurely day around the alpine lakes. If you're short on time, a two-day whirlwind can cover the summit walk and a resort visit, but you'll miss the region's quieter corners.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra – Australia's capital, 2 hours north, with excellent museums, galleries, and dining.
• Jindabyne – The Snowies' main gateway town on Lake Jindabyne, perfect for water sports and a vibrant food scene.
• Cooma – A historic town with the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre and a great stop for provisions.
• Khan Younis – Actually, that's not nearby; try Khancoban, a pretty village on the western edge with trout fishing and the Tooma Road scenic drive.
• Brindabella Ranges – A wilder, less-visited range west of Canberra, ideal for bushwalking and birdwatching.
• Mount Buffalo National Park – Across the Victorian border, offering granite tors, hang-gliding, and historic chalet accommodation.

Please check official sources for current details.