How to have a stellar summer in the Snowy Mountains
There's something majestic about the transformation of the New South Wales Snowy Mountains — around five hours southwest of Sydney — into an adventure playground each spring and summer when the warm weather reveals hidden trails, wildflowers and longer days.
Whether you're into hiking, horse riding or mountain biking, here's how to explore the picturesque mountains and where to refuel afterwards as the new season brings fresh adventures.
Step into natural beauty: Immerse yourself in spectacular alpine scenery while exploring the region by foot. Choose from dozens of tracks where you can be wowed by waterfalls, learn about the region's history, or challenge yourself on a hike through Kosciuszko National Park.
This is one of the largest national parks in the state, and is home to Australia's highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko (2,228m). Bask in the achievement of scaling the continent's highest peak as you soak up the views from the summit. From the ski town of Thredbo, the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift zips you up 560 vertical metres to the start of the walkway to the mountain's summit.
Challenge yourself on this day hike, with plenty of uplifting views along the way. Get a buzz traversing Australia's highest suspension bridge (1627m above sea level) on the Guthega to Charlotte Pass Walk, which makes up part of the Snowies Alpine Walk stretching for 56km from Guthega Village to Bullocks Flat. You'll wander through wildflower meadows, wild landscapes and snow gum forests.
Explore on two wheels: Feel invigorated by the cool mountain air on your cheeks as you navigate the Snowy Mountains on a mountain biking adventure.
Enjoy a scenic introduction into the untouched Pilot Wilderness Area on the Cascade Hut Trail, a remote path that twists through snow gum woodland and fields of wildflowers. A small part of the 650km Australian Alps Walking Track, the 10km one-way trail is great for both beginners and experienced mountain bikers.
Hire a mountain bike (or road bike) in a number of Snowy Mountain towns, including Cooma, Jindabyne and Thredbo, as well as from Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa, which has 18km of mountain biking trails on its doorstep. The resort can also arrange a shuttle to Thredbo for bikers keen to tackle the Thredbo Valley Track; it's a scenic 17km ride back to the resort, or 37km if you follow the recent extension of the track to the Thredbo Valley picnic area. Or get your adrenaline pumping in the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park, delivering a mix of cross-country and gravity trails as well as a skills park and flowing single tracks offering superb views over Australia's highest peaks and alpine lakes.
Discover trails for every experience level, from a kids-only area to chairlift-accessed gravity trails, plus two-hour beginner, intermediate and advanced clinics daily, for those looking to fine-tune their skills.
