Planning an
Adventure Holiday
The Snowy Mountains is a playground for adventure seekers, with stunning scenery and a wide range of activities to choose from. Whether you're looking for a stunning summit hike, a scenic bike ride, or a skiing adventure, you're sure to find it in The Snowies. Here are our tips for planning your holiday.
Getting to the Snowy Mountains
The easiest way to get to the Snowy Mountains is by car. Visitors can also fly into Canberra Airport and then rent a car. If you are planning to catch public transport to the area you will need to do some research about how and when you can do this as well as where you will stay. Below are some links to buses and local shuttle services.
SNOWY MOUNTAINS SHUTTLES
Snowy Mountains Shuttles is a family-owned business that provides snow shuttles, private transfers, airport transfers, and valet service in the Snowy Mountains of Australia. They also offer mountain transport in the summer for activities such as mountain biking. Providing safe and reliable transportation year-round.
UBERS & TAXIS
While these are available [mostly in Winter] they are few and far between. Do not rely on these services and give yourself plenty of time to book them. As we mentioned The Snowy Mountains is best navigated with your own vehicle. You will need a National Parks Pass to access the resorts.
SNOWY MOUNTAINS BUS
The public bus [during winter] is an affordable way to get to the ski resorts. It runs every hour from Jindabyne to Perisher or Thredbo, and there is an enhanced service during peak season. The bus is equipped to carry skis and snowboards, and the fare includes entry to Kosciuszko National Park.
GREYHOUND BUS SERVICE
Greyhound offers direct, daily bus services from Sydney, Canberra, and airports to Thredbo and Perisher snow resorts, with stops at Cooma, Berridale, and Jindabyne. The buses are comfortable and have free WiFi, in-seat USB chargers, and leather reclining seats. This service also only runs in the Winter Season.
Check out Visit NSW for more information on getting to and getting around the region.
Where to stay: Snowy Mountains
The Snowy Mountains has plenty of great options. But choosing the right accommodation can make or break a holiday. We’ve listed the main areas you to choose from on your mountain holiday with their pros and cons. We’ve also compiled a directory of our top adventure stays for each location. Make sure to book in early for Winter!
CHARLOTTES PASS
Charlotte Pass is a small ski resort known for its relaxed atmosphere and its family-friendly environment. It is also on the doorstep to some of the best hikes in NSW during the Summer months. So if you are a keen hiker this is your place. In Winter you will need to arrive via over snow transport so it is more isolated.
KALKITE, AVONSIDE & BERRIDALE
Kalkite, Avonside & Berridale can be great options when things book out in the resorts and town. These offer a more pastural setting but you can still get great views. With plenty of nice properties to choose from you can find a good deal with plenty of space further afield. Keep an eye out for cottages and farms when searching.
SMIGGINS/GUTHEGA
Guthega is the gateway to the backcountry! Plus it’s the starting point for the new snowies alpine walking track. So while it may feel a little off the beaten path it certainly has great access to the main range. We recommend The Guthega Inn for all-inclusive stays or Island Bend Campground for a cheaper option.
COOMA
Cooma is the largest town in the Snowy Mountains. While it is more a pit stop for provisions and equipment en-route to the slopes it also has great dining options. Cooma has plenty of cheaper accommodations available and if you have a look on Airbnb you can find some cute cottages and properties.
THREDBO
Thredbo Village boasts easy access to Thredbo Ski Resort and the mountains beyond, making it a prime choice for sports enthusiasts and families. However, it's important to note that Thredbo Village tends to be pricier compared to some other locations in the Snowy Mountains. It’s got plenty of beautiful options.
CRACKENBACK
Crackenback offers you the best of everything in Winter and Summer! With easy access to Thredbo Village, Thredbo River and world-class biking and hiking tracks it’s the stand out for a place to stay. You have plenty of views, plenty of nature and some of the best food & drink on offer as well. There are also great campgrounds.
PERISHER
Perisher Valley offers seamless access to Perisher Ski Resort, making it ideal for snow sports. However, it's worth noting that Perisher Valley does not have a village and lacks atmosphere as well as services. It is also busy. There are plenty of lodges in Winter which offer the on-snow experience.
JINDABYNE
Jindabyne is the heart & hub during the Winter Season. With all the services and venues on your door, it does make it a convenient place to stay. With loads of accommodation options, there is something for everyone. Many places have great lake views and you have caravan parks and camping too.
Check out this article from Tourism Snowy Mountains for more unique accommodation options.
What to do in Snowy Mountains
The Snowy Mountains has a great balance activities on offer. There are plenty of options that involve going downhill fast, or for those looking to relax there is an array of leisurely activities. Whether it's hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, or exploring a winter wonderland, we've listed the key activities to check out while visiting. Hit the links for more information on each adventure.
CAMPING EXPERIENCES
There is plenty of great camping to be done in The Snowies year-round! Head out with a guide for some snowcamping or grab your mates and check out one of the many stunning campgrounds in the Kosciuszko National Park. There are also tonnes of huts and remote multi-day hiking/camping trips.
BIKING
Mountain biking is a great way to explore the Snowy Mountains, with trails that wind along rivers through the bush or technical gravity trails that will have you pushing your limits. Bikes and E-Bikes are a great way to get further faster, so you can see more of what the park has on offer! This really is a biking paradise.
HIKING
From cruisy strolls along the river to multi-day treks into Australia’s steepest landscapes - you can choose your own adventure. Wildflower Season offers stunning scenery and there are plenty of picnic spots and swimming holes to be discovered. Grab a guide or go self-guided. You won’t be dissappointed!
SWIMMING & WATERSPORTS
The mountains are full of fresh water fun! With plenty of man-made lakes ideal for boating activities as well as tonnes of rivers with waterfalls, swimming holes and rapids for white water rafting just take your pick during summer. In Winter there are also cold-water immersion retreats and groups for those who dapple.
ROCK CLIMBING & ABSEILING
Jindabyne and Thredbo are two popular rock climbing destinations in the Snowy Mountains of Australia, offering a variety of climbing spots for all levels of experience. From the beginner-friendly Jindy Rock to advanced climbing at Blue Lake. This one is a family favourite where everyone can get involved.
FISHING
The Snowy Mountains is a fly fishers haven. Many of the rivers and lakes are stocked with trout and other fish species. Fly fishing is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the mountains and enjoy a unique and challenging fishing experience. Fishing on the lakes is also popular amongst visitors and locals.
REST & RELAXATION
There is nothing like a good massage or stretch after a day of alpine activities. In Thredbo, Crackenback and Jindabyne you’ll find quite a few good options for yoga, massage & spas. There is also plenty of tranquility to be found in the spacious natural space you’ll find on the doorstop. Or just curl up by the fire!
WINING & DINING
While these options change depending on the time of year there are plenty of local businesses offering up the goods - be it savoury or sweet! There are breweries and distilleries, restaurants & cafes. So take your pick and check out this list of the best spots to dine on your mountain holiday.
SKIING & BOARDING
The Snowy Mountains NSW offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Australia, with a variety of terrain to suit all levels of experience. From the beginner-friendly slopes of Charlotte Pass to the challenging runs of Thredbo, there is something for everyone in the Snowy Mountains.
MOUNTAINEERING
The Snowy Mountains make a great training ground for learning mountaineering skills. Join an introductory course or take the more advanced route. You can also head out with one of Australia’s best mountaineers on private guided experiences. There are options for all-levels of experience.
BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURES
Australia's Snowy Mountains offer an accessible backcountry experience for skiers, splitboarders, snowshoers, snow campers, and mountaineers. From summiting Mount Kosciuszko to a leisurely walk amongst the snow gums. Australian Backcountry terrain is great for first-timers and the more experienced.
SNOWKITING
Imagine soaring through the Snowy Mountains, your kite propelling you across the rolling hills. The wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the breathtaking views all around you. This is snowkiting in Kosciuszko National Park, an experience you'll never forget! Skiing or Boarding ability required.
K7 Adventures provides professionally guided wilderness trips in The Snowy Mountains.
Book your next adventure with us today for an unforgettable experience.