10 things to do in the Snowy Mountains, NSW

Spectacular vistas of rivers, mountains and glacial lakes, exhilarating alpine wilderness, and Australia's highest peak Mt Kosciuszko, The Snowies has something for every kind of adventurer.

A snowboarder in a hoodie on a mountaintop, looking over peaks bathed in orange sunset light.

Photo: Perisher Resort

Home to snow capped mountains, spectacular vistas of rivers, mountains and glacial lakes, exhilarating alpine wilderness, and Australia's highest peak Mt Kosciuszko, The Snowies have something for every kind of adventurer.

1. Skiing Thredbo or Perisher

No matter whether you prefer traditional downhill skiing, cross country ski-touring, snowboarding, night-skiing or just want the thrill of pushing the kids down the hill in a toboggan, you can find something for everyone in NSW’s Snowy Mountains. With Australia’s longest runs, Thredbo offers some of the steepest terrain, here you can find yourself heading up to the highest lifted point in Australia, and get ‘face-shots’ of powder as you ski back down into the village, finishing your afternoon off with an apres-ski beverage in the European styled town.

Perisher similarly offers a wide array of terrain suitable for a mixed level of skiers and snowboarders, if you, or the kids are more of a ‘park-style’ family, you can enjoy the Superpipe; a 95m long, 16m wide, one of a kind, half pipe with walls greater than five meters high.

Three skiers in hats at the top of a white snowy hill framed by blue sky.

Credit: Destination NSW

2. Horse riding

Come snow or shine, get ready to saddle up and discover the Alpine forests and cross mountain streams. Whether you are a novice or an expert rider, these guided treks through the mountains can be organised to last from two hours to two days (or more) and are a must do for horse lovers or those looking to immerse themselves in the Aussie country-side like never before.

Horses of various colours graze in a scrubby paddock among gum trees under blue sky.

Credit: Destination NSW

3. Bushwalking

From high country walks and the forested sub alpine terrain to the abundance of wildlife and wildflowers, bushwalking around the Snow Mountains region offers a wide range of scenic walks for all levels of fitness. The walking season opens in mid October and runs right through the winter ski season. Popular walks include the historic town and river walk through the township of Dalgety, the Main Range Track and the Thredbo Valley Track.

4. Climb Mount Kosciuszko

Get your camera ready for views of Australia’s highest point, discover a wealth of weathered snow gums, rock formations, and valley's of wildflowers. Popular with nature lovers and mountain bikers alike, there are three options to the summit to suit all ages and levels of fitness, whether you are an adrenaline junkie or simply out for a little afternoon meander.

A couple stands together on a pile of rocks at the top of a mountain watching a sunset.

Summit of Mount Kosciuszko. Credit: Destination NSW

5. Wander through Dalgety Township

The historic village of Dalgety is the only town left on the Snowy River that wasn’t flooded by the Snowy Hydro Scheme. The Dalgety Bridge, built in 1888, is a grand structure that was an engineering feat in its day. Being central to both Melbourne and Sydney, in 1904 Dalgety was once considered as a site for the nation’s Capital.

6. Go fishing

Whether you like fishing lakes or mountain streams, casting a fly or spinning a lure, there is fishing for everyone in the Snowy Mountains. If you are after lessons or a guided trip, there are experiences for beginners through to the most experienced angler. Hire a guide and be introduced to some of the region’s best secret fishing holes. Visit one of the local angler stores for fishing reports, the latest local knowledge and find out exactly where the fish are biting and what to use.

A man and child in lifejackets stand fishing off a concrete pier into a lake with buildings on stilts on the opposite shore.

Credit: Destination NSW

7. Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery and Cafe

Halfway between Jindabyne and Thredbo, on the Alpine Way, you'll find a unique boutique schnapps distillery. Wildbrumby produces pure Australian schnapps from locally sourced fruit. The 20ac property features a cellar door and fully licensed cafe and working raspberry farm.

8. Gaden Trout Hatchery

The Gaden Trout Hatchery, located on the Thredbo River near Jindabyne, is one of Australia’s main centres for breeding and rearing cold water sport fish which are stocked in dams and rivers within the Snowy Mountains, southern highlands, the central tablelands and New England areas.

A middle aged blond man holding a trout by a rocky seaside on a cloudy day.

Credit: Destination NSW

9. The Alpine Resorts and the Snowy Hydro Scheme

Whether you're seeking a casual bite or a gourmet dining experience, you can savour differing tastes throughout the region where all budgets are catered for. The Alpine Resorts and the Snowy Hydro Scheme have brought chefs and restaurateurs from across the world to this area. Your tastebuds can be tantalised by cuisines from Lebanese to Thai, Indian, Mexican, Austrian, Chinese or Persian, there is a multicultural plate to please your palate.

Two rectangular hydro station sections with a metal bridge between them over water rushing down into a river valley.

Credit: Destination NSW

10. NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park

Located on the foreshore of Lake Jindabyne, and a short 30 minute from both Perisher and Thredbo, NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park offers charming views of the Snowy Mountains and a range of accommodation options from cosy cabins, to sites for caravan and camping. The park offers a range of facilities, including a shared lounge and TV area, camp kitchen, snow facilities including drying room and ski tuning table, library, games room, children’s playground, as well as tennis and basketball courts.

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