Things to do in Snowy Mountains, New South Wales

In Australia’s land of staggering contrasts and spectacular beauty, one gets to see and experience the best of the world’s awe-inspiring natural wonder. Apart from the Great Barrier Reef, the rugged national parks and red-earthed deserts, if there’s a place that will offer the ultimate adventure travel experience in Australia, it’s the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales (NSW). Informally known as the Snowies, these mountains are a great destination for skiing, with trails that suit walkers of all abilities. If you aren’t a skiing enthusiast, then drive the Snowy Valleys Way, go fishing in the beautiful lakes and rivers or go horseriding along the mountain tracks. 

Australia’s highest peaks are in the Snowy Mountains and they serve as an adventure playground for the skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, especially during the winter months. During summer you can explore this region by bushwalking and hiking. Be it winter or summer, the Snowy Mountains offer spectacular scenery and warm hospitality, throughout the year. 

To all the armchair travellers for whom Australia is a dream destination, this country with beautiful landscapes deserves all the hype. Here’s everything you need to know about the Snowy Mountains in NSW (New South Wales). 

Top 5 things to do in Snowy Mountains

1. Kosciuszko Walk
2. Kosciuszko National Park
3. Lake Jindabyne
4. Alpine Way Scenic Drive
5. Mount Selwyn

Kosciuszko Walk

Here’s a chance to summit the country’s highest mountain. Hike to the top of 2228-meter Mount Kosciuszko and enjoy the spectacular views of the alpine country in all directions. You can reach the trailhead in 15 minutes, with a little help from Thredbo’s Kosciuszko Express Chairlift. This trail or walk is graded as 3 and hence it’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Once you hop off the 15-minute chairlift, start with the 13-kilometre hike through the rugged Ramshead Range and the glacier-carved Lake Cootapatamba. The duration of the Kosciuszko Walk is about 5 hours. The best time to hike is during the summer season.

Kosciuszko National Park

Spanning an area more than 6000 square kilometres, this magnificent national park covers snow-clad peaks, alpine meadows, snow gum forests and limestone gorges. It is truly a magnet for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.

Mount Kosciuszko is the highest mountain in Australia’s mainland. It lies within the Kosciuszko National Park and is a well-known spot for skiing and snowboarding during the winter season. In summer when the snow melts, you can explore the hike and enjoy the beautiful scenery of heathland filled with wildflowers. Other popular things to do in the snowy mountains during summer include rock climbing, mountain biking, camping, fishing and kayaking.

Yarrangobilly Caves, the five limestone caverns with stalagmites and stalactites, is another important attraction in the park.

Lake Jindabyne

This lake is one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in the state. This sparkling blue waterway is the focal point of the resort town of Jindabyne and serves as a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, year-round. Kayaking, Canoeing and Powerboating are some of the water activities available here. You can also walk or cycle around the lake, enjoying the beautiful view. Lake Jindabyne is one of the most scenic and popular picnic spots in New South Wales. It is also a well-known fishing spot. 

If you are planning to visit Australia during your Easter holidays, make sure you visit this lake. It is during the Easter holidays this lake hosts the Light Sculpture exhibition along its foreshore. 

Alpine Way Scenic Drive

Wanting to witness the sweeping mountain views and unending vistas? Head out to the Alpine way, also known as Kosciuszko Alpine Way. This roadway links the town of Jindabyne to Khancoban. The Alpine Way Scenic Drive is an iconic road trip, suitable for all ages.

Drive through a path well-travelled and rich with historic significance, through tall mountain forests, the dramatic western fall and the snow-capped peaks.

There are actually a number of ways in which you can approach this 121-kilometre drive. You can either start from the town of Jindabyne or start from Cooma. But, you can also start the trip from the enchanting town of Khancoban. This will offer the Victorian side of the drive. 

Whilst in the Snowy Mountain region, you can’t miss the opportunity to ski or snowboard. If not for these activities just throw a couple of snowballs and enjoy the mini snow adventure of the Great Alpine Way. This scenic way also hosts ample opportunities for fishing, hiking and mountain biking.

Wadbilliga National Park

The Wadbilliga National Park is located at about 40 kilometres from Cooma. Wadbilliga National Park holds the unspoiled catchment areas of the Brogo and Wadbilliga Rivers. This park is purposely left in a pristine state, so it seems like a natural habitat for the animals that take refuge here. This national park is best suited for experienced bushwalkers.

Do not miss visiting the striking Tuross Falls and Tuross River Gorge in the northwestern part of the park. The Tuross waterfall is located in the northern side and it beautifully tumbles over the rocky cliffs of the sumptuous Tuross River Gorge. The western side of this park holds great expanses of heathland and is adorned by tall eucalyptus trees. The rich wildlife of this park includes endangered species of spotted-tailed quoll, pythons and sooty owls. This park is an excellent place for mountain biking.

Note: Few areas in this park were affected by the Australian fire 2019-2020 and hence will remain closed until further notice.

Tips for Travellers:

• The best time for Skiing is between July and August and for hiking, it is December, January and February.
• Make sure to carry snow chains for your vehicle during winter. 
• Check the road conditions before you depart. Either call the RTA Hotline on 132 701 or check the Live Traffic via NSW website.
• To enjoy your time in Winter, wear thick layers of clothes. If not, you’ll hate your time here. 

The Snowy Mountains in New South Wales is a wonderland and the best place for winter sports. Hope this article was helpful. For more information on the best things to do in Australia and much more travel stuff, keep reading Pickyourtrail Blogs. Also, check-out some cool Australia packages and book your dream vacation with Pickyourtrail. 

Unwrap the world with Pickyourtrail!