Snowy Mountains

Rising abruptly from the Monaro plains, the Snowy Mountains are Australia’s highest alpine playground and a land of dramatic contrasts. In winter, the main towns of Jindabyne, Thredbo and Perisher buzz with skiers and snowboarders carving up the slopes. Come summer, the same peaks reveal a network of world-class hiking trails, wildflower-strewn meadows, and trout-filled rivers. The region’s Aboriginal heritage runs deep – the Ngarigo people have lived here for tens of thousands of years – while the Snowy Mountains Scheme, a monumental post-war hydro-electric project, reshaped the landscape and brought a multicultural workforce that left a lasting imprint on local food and culture. Whether you’re chasing powder or a scenic summit, this is a place to breathe deep and go slow.

Highlights & What to See

• Kosciuszko National Park – Home to Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko (2228 m). The easy 13 km return walk from Thredbo to the summit offers panoramic views and a true alpine experience.
• Thredbo & Perisher – The twin hearts of Australian skiing. Thredbo boasts the longest runs and a lively village; Perisher is the largest resort with terrain for all levels.
• Jindabyne – The gateway town, set on Lake Jindabyne. In summer, it’s a hub for mountain biking, kayaking and trout fishing; in winter, it’s the most affordable base for the ski fields.
• Snowy Mountains Scheme – Visit the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma to understand the engineering marvel that diverted rivers through tunnels and powered the nation.
• Wild brumbies – The legendary ‘Man from Snowy River’ horses still roam the high country. Best spotted on a guided tour or along the Barry Way.
• Alpine huts & history – Scattered across the park are historic cattlemen’s huts, remnants of a summer grazing tradition that ended in the 1960s.

Suggested Time to Spend

Three to four days allows you to experience the highlights without rushing. In winter, dedicate two days to skiing (choose one resort or split between Thredbo and Perisher) and one day to explore Jindabyne or Cooma. In summer, two days for hiking Kosciuszko and a day for mountain biking or water sports on Lake Jindabyne is ideal. If you’re passing through on a road trip, one night gives you a taste – aim for a sunset walk and a pub meal in Jindabyne.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra – Just 2 hours north, Australia’s capital offers world-class museums, galleries and a vibrant food scene. Perfect for a city break before or after the mountains.
• Kosciuszko National Park – Yarrangobilly Caves – A 45-minute drive from Jindabyne, these limestone caves feature guided tours and a thermal pool (year-round 27°C).
• Cooma – The historic town on the way in, with the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre and excellent bakeries. Worth a stop for a pie and a dose of engineering history.
• Blue Mountains – Head northeast for dramatic sandstone cliffs, bushwalks and the Three Sisters. Combine for an epic high-country road trip.

Please check official sources for current details.