The craggy mountaintops, slender gums, rocky riverbeds and wide blue skies draw families back to the Snowy Mountains every spring and summer.
Visit the Snowy Mountains after the snow melts to encounter untamed beauty, family-friendly fun, and active adventure. Here are our favourite things to do in the folkloric Snowies during the ‘green season’.
1. Climb to the peak of Mt Kosciuszko
Challenge your family with a trek to Australia’s highest peak, Mt Kosciuszko, in the NSW Snowy Mountains. There are two ways to do it, with one beginning in Thredbo and the other in Charlotte Pass.
In Thredbo, you can take a scenic ride aboard the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift to the start of the Kosciuszko Walk, which is 13km return and takes four to five hours. The track winds above Lake Cootapatamba, Australia’s highest lake.
Or if you have older, more adventurous kids start from Charlotte Pass, which is 18.6km return and takes six to eight hours. The best time to do it is after the snow melts, from December to March, when the alpine wildflowers are blooming.
DISCOVER MORE: Hiking ‘the Sentinel’ from Charlotte Pass with teens
2. Tackle the region's mountain bike trails
As the snow thaws, ski slopes turn into the perfect downhill bike run. Grab a helmet and hit the elaborate network of trails across the region. Brave and experienced riders can shoot down the infamous Thredbo Cannonball Downhill Trail, or you can try the softer Pipeline Trail or Thredbo Valley Track.
There is a whole selection of mountain bike escapades at Cooma’s North Ridge Reserve, at Lake Crackenback Resort or on the wide fire trails at Perisher. You can hire your set of wheels in Cooma, Jindabyne or Thredbo.
3. Explore the Snowies on horseback
Fancy yourself an Akubra-wearing, brumby-chasing hero of poetic proportions? Whether you’re a horse fan, a Banjo Paterson fan or simply up for a kid-friendly caper with a difference, there is no better way to traverse the high country than in the saddle.
Cross icy streams and subalpine terrain on a one or two-hour bush ride with Thredbo Valley Horse Riding. Little drovers can take a lesson or a quick pony ride, and seasoned riders can try a multi-day horseback trek with Snowy River Horse Tours or Cochran Horse Treks.
4. Hike the Snowy Mountains' best trails
There is certainly no shortage of overnight hikes or bushwalking trails in the Snowy Mountains – from the Jagungal wilderness to Kosciuszko National Park. Follow the footsteps of famous explorers and complete a segment of the Hume and Hovell Track, or check out the Cascades walk of Cooma to see Tuross River. Visit tourist centres for maps or inspiration for a walk that suits your family!
5. Kayak, windsurf or waterski on the lakes
When the mountains are blanketed in winter white, going for a swim in the Snowies’ lakes and rivers does seem crazy. But in the summer sun, you’ll love canoeing, windsurfing and waterskiing on Lake Jindabyne and Lake Crackenback.
6. Go fishing and catch your dinner
The waterways are also full of trout, Murray cod and golden perch. Hire some fishing gear, register for an inland angler’s license and throw a line in at Eucumbene, Jindabyne and Khancoban.
7. Follow the fabulous scenic drives
There is a lot of ground to cover if you want to see all the highlights of the Snowies, so pack your picnic basket for a day trip by car. Three awesome routes to consider are the Alpine Way, Snowy Valleys Way or Monaro Highway.
Visit historic townships of the north, like Adelong, Talbingo and Batlow, famous for its apples. Tick off natural wonders like Mt. Kosciuszko and Yarrangobilly Caves. Make sure you have a map!
8. Museums and educational activities
Head to the bigger towns like Cooma, Adaminaby and Jindabyne to learn about regional history. Visit the Kosciuszko Education Centre at Sawpit Creek and stop in at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma to check out the interactive flyover through the mountains.
9. Spot a platypus at Bombala Platypus Reserve
Head to Bombala Platypus Reserve, 1.5 hours’ drive from Jindabyne, to try to spot the unique creatures that reside in the river. There’s a raised platform to spot them from – look for a V shape in the water.
10. Play on the inflatable at Thredbo Leisure Centre
Thredbo has a leisure centre with a pool and waterslide, trampolines and a climbing wall, and the year-round Thredbo Alpine Coaster.
Content contributors: Elisa Elwin, Angela Saurine
