Snowy Mountains

Majestic peaks echo with crystal alpine silence

The Snowy Mountains stretch across southeastern Australia, where cool alpine air meets rugged peaks covered in snow each winter. This region is home to tall eucalyptus forests and wide open plains dotted with small towns that serve as bases for hikers exploring the high country. Ski resorts provide slopes for all skill levels while quiet valleys offer peaceful walks amid wildflowers during summer months. The landscape supports rare wildlife such as wallabies and birds found nowhere else, making this place both a sports hub and a refuge for natural beauty.

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Mountain in Australia

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$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 8.2

General Safety:	9
Health & medical:	7
Accessibility:	6
Tap water:	9

Read details

5/5

In the Snowy Mountains, English is widely spoken by locals and service staff. Tourists will find it easy to ask for directions, book accommodations and enjoy local attractions without language barriers.

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Last update: 16 Oct 2026

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Snowy Mountains Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
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Read how our scores work

Great at rugged alpine adventures and crisp winter vistas, the Snowy Mountains offer world‑class ski trails, serene backcountry hikes and unforgettable stargazing nights in pristine wilderness.

Place score

8.9

Best at:

Spotless

Fishing

Lakes

Natural sites

Hiking

Personal score

Suited for

👶 9

Families

🧓 6

Seniors

🛡️ 8

Travel Beginners

❤️ 8

Couples

Australia – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type I Type I: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Australian Dollar (AUD) £1 ≈ A$1.89
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payment is widely accepted, even in rural areas. Digital wallets are commonly used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is not mandatory in Australia. Rounding up or 10% is appreciated in high-end restaurants.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is regulated and often prohibited, except in designated areas.
Public smoking:	Smoking is banned in public indoor spaces and most outdoor public areas.

Australia Day (January)	Public events and celebrations occur nationwide.
ANZAC Day (April)	Commemorations and closures happen.
Christmas (December)	Festive events and closures occur.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 000 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, 13cabs, Ola
Other:	Australia's vast size requires careful planning for travel between regions. Be aware of wildlife and sun exposure.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Snowy Mountains, Australia

⛅

Jan

⛅

Feb

🌦️

Mar

🌦️

Apr

🌦️

May

⛈️

Jun

⛈️

Jul

⛈️

Aug

⛈️

Sep

⛈️

Oct

⛈️

Nov

🌦️

Dec

High season:	Jan., July - Sep.
Shoulder season:	Feb. - April, June, Dec.
Crowdedness:	5 (Moderate tourist numbers)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Ski season runs from the Queen's Birthday weekend in June to early October, best snow July to August

Snow chains must be carried in Kosciuszko National Park roads from June to early October

Many lodges, shops and lifts close between seasons, mainly May and November

Don't miss

🌨️ Ski down Thredbo's longest runs, feel powder thrill
🏞️ Explore Kosciuszko National Park's alpine trails
🚗 Ride the Snowy Mountains Highway scenic drive
📸 Visit historic Mount Kosciuszko summit viewpoint
🍂 Stay overnight in cozy mountain lodge

You've been here?

Why travel to Snowy Mountains?

The Snowy Mountains in New South Wales offer a quiet escape for those who appreciate natural beauty and outdoor adventure without the crowds of more famous destinations. Stretching over 1,000 kilometres, this range is home to Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, which provides panoramic views that are both striking and serene. The area’s alpine environment supports a variety of wildlife, including wombats, kangaroos and native birds, making it an excellent spot for nature observation. For hikers, the region offers well-maintained trails such as the Three Passes Walk and the Kosciuszko National Park circuit, which range from moderate walks to more demanding climbs. In winter, the Snowy Mountains host a modest ski field at Thredbo that caters to beginners and intermediate skiers, while the surrounding valleys offer cross‑country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. The local towns of Cooma and Jindabyne provide comfortable accommodation options, ranging from cozy cabins to modern hotels and serve as gateways for exploring nearby attractions like the historic Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme. With its combination of accessible trails, seasonal sports and tranquil alpine scenery, the Snowy Mountains present a balanced destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and active exploration.

🏙️Cities & Regions

1 Perisher
A ski resort in New South Wales’ Snowy Mountains offers year‑round alpine sports, modern facilities and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The town’s compact layout, family-friendly amenities and proximity to major cities make it a popular destination for winter travelers.
2 Thredbo
This Australian ski resort lies in New South Wales' Snowy Mountains. It features diverse runs, world-class terrain parks and reliable snowfall. The village offers cozy accommodation and dining options for visitors seeking an alpine adventure away from city life.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Mount Kosciuszko
2 Snowy River

🎡Places for activities

1 Snowy River

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk
2 Thredbo River
3 Tumut River

🍽️Eat & Drink

1 Bacco Italian Restaurant
Italian and modern Australian food on Snowy River Avenue in Jindabyne. The menu lists gourmet pizzas, fresh pasta and daily blackboard specials. The restaurant also has a fully licensed bar and a children's menu for families.
2 Jindabyne Emporium
Burgers and tacos with share-style plates on the first floor of the Jindabyne town centre. The bar pours craft beer, wine and spirits from independent Australian breweries, distilleries and winemakers. Guests can order a local brew with the food.
3 Takayama
Japanese izakaya, or pub-style, food at Nuggets Crossing on Snowy River Avenue in Jindabyne. The menu lists share plates, Hokkaido-style ramen and other Japanese pub dishes, with Sapporo beer on tap. The restaurant serves dinner only.
4 Mooses Taphouse
Taphouse food in Jindabyne from the owners of Dalgety Brewing. The menu lists crispy pork belly bahn mi, pulled brisket with gravy and karaage tofu. Steaks and bowls from the grill are available along with locally brewed beer on tap.
5 Gotchi
Korean fusion food on Kosciuszko Road in Jindabyne. The menu lists bulgogi, a marinated barbecue beef, plus bibimbap, a vegetable and rice bowl. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch every day, with dinner added in winter.

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Pack layered clothing; temperatures drop sharply after sunset.
Reserve a local guide for snow safety tips and trail navigation, especially during early mornings.
Check weather forecasts weekly; sudden storms can close trails and affect lift operations.
Explore the nearby alpine villages in late afternoon to experience authentic bush cuisine and seasonal festivals.

How to travel to Snowy Mountains

The Snowy Mountains in Australia are accessible primarily by road, with major routes connecting to nearby towns such as Cooma and Jindabyne. The region is served by small regional airports, including Canberra Airport, which offers limited domestic flights during peak seasons. Public transport options include buses operating from Sydney to the mountain areas, particularly during winter for skiing activities. Car rentals are recommended due to the remote nature of many alpine locations. During summer, some roads may be closed due to weather conditions, so checking seasonal accessibility is advised. The area is best visited with a vehicle, as public transport schedules can be infrequent outside peak tourist periods.

Access summary

From Canberra (CBR): Drive 3.5–4h to Thredbo.
From Albury (ABR): Drive 1.5–2h to Thredbo.
From Sydney (SYD): Drive 6h to Thredbo.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Snowy Mountains

The Snowy Mountains offer a wide range of lodging from rustic cabins and self‑contained holiday homes to luxury lodges overlooking alpine scenery. In the main resort towns such as Thredbo and Charlotte Pass, you’ll find boutique hotels that blend contemporary design with traditional timber construction, often featuring heated pools and spa facilities for post‑hike relaxation. The area is renowned for its ski chalets – cozy, stone‑walled retreats equipped with fireplaces and panoramic windows to watch the snow drift. For budget travelers, hostels and campgrounds provide basic but comfortable accommodation, while private rentals cater to families seeking spacious rooms and kitchenettes. Overall, the region balances affordability with high‑quality, mountain‑themed experiences.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

We couldn't find any nearby hotels for now.

How to get around Snowy Mountains

The Snowy Mountains in Australia offer diverse transportation options for exploring its alpine terrain. The primary method is driving, with well-maintained highways like the Snowy Highway connecting major towns such as Cooma and Jindabyong. Scenic drives provide access to ski resorts like Thredbo and Mount Selkirk during winter. For public transport, regional buses operated by Transport for NSW link key areas, though schedules may be limited outside peak seasons. Cycling is feasible on designated trails like the Snowy River Trail, but hikers should note rugged terrain requires 4WD vehicles or hiking boots. Winter brings snow-covered roads, so chains are essential. Trains do not reach the region directly; nearest stations are in Sydney or Canberra, requiring transfers to local services. Always check road conditions via Transport for NSW before traveling.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-3 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 3% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-2 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to AUD) is 2% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs (Data for Canberra, Australia - 152 km away)

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£76	£152	£383
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£38	£75	£150
🍝 Food per day	£28	£67	£206
🚕 Transportation per day	£10	£9	£27

Notable additional fees: Perisher and Thredbo charge about A$190 – 230 (£100.40 – 121.54) for an adult day pass, well down if booked ahead. Ski, boot and pole hire runs roughly A$70 – 90 (£36.99 – 47.56) a day.

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£26
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£11.50
🍟 Fast food combo	£8
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£10
☕ Cappuccino	£2.80
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£5.50

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£2.60
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£15
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£1

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£10.50
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£40
🤧 Cold medication	£3.70
💇 Basic haircut	£14

Safety information overview

General safety

Australia’s Snowy Mountains are generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and well‑maintained tourist infrastructure. Visitors should stay on marked trails, carry a first aid kit, avoid isolated areas after dark and respect local wildlife to ensure a secure experience.

Health & Medical

Australia’s Snowy Mountains offer excellent medical care, with well‑equipped regional hospitals and specialist clinics nearby. The clean alpine air reduces respiratory risks, though altitude can cause mild hypoxia for some travelers. Keep hydrated, use sunscreen and carry a basic first‑aid kit.

Accessibility

Snowy Mountains offer mixed accessibility: well‑maintained ski lifts and wheelchair‑friendly gondolas provide easy access to many peaks, yet many trails remain steep and uneven. Visitors should check lift schedules, carry mobility aids and plan for limited public transport in remote areas.

Tap water

In the Snowy Mountains, tap water is safe and reliable, meeting Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Municipal supplies are plentiful, with many public fountains and well‑maintained pipelines ensuring clean, fresh water for hikers and residents alike.