The Snowy Mountains, a breathtaking region nestled in the heart of Australia, is a place of natural wonders and year-round adventures. This guide, penned by a local, will unveil the secrets of this stunning landscape, especially its summer transformation that often goes unnoticed.
'The Snowies' Unveiled: A Summer Paradise
The Snowy Mountains, or 'the Snowies', are a testament to Australia's diverse landscapes. Located on the traditional lands of the Ngarigo, it's a six-hour drive from Sydney and a three-hour journey from Canberra. I, a resident of Jindabyne, the main town, have explored Australia far and wide, but it's here that I found my home, captivated by the mountains, lakes, rivers, and unique alpine vegetation.
Mount Kosciuszko, accessible via the Kosciuszko Express chairlift from Thredbo, stands as Australia's highest peak. The region boasts two main ski resorts, Perisher and Thredbo, both within a half-hour drive from Jindabyne. While many perceive the Snowies as a winter wonderland, summer reveals a different side, transforming it into an adventure hub with world-class activities like mountain biking, horse riding, hiking, lake sports, and whitewater rafting.
Summer's Magic: Adventure and Relaxation
Summer in the Snowies offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. The weather is idyllic, attracting fewer tourists and creating a family-friendly, country-town vibe. It's a time when the region truly comes alive, showcasing its natural beauty and offering a range of activities that cater to all interests and fitness levels.
Culinary Delights: From Scenic Picnics to Cultural Influences
For food enthusiasts, the Snowies offer a delightful mix of scenic picnics and cultural dining experiences. In Berridale, a short drive from Jindabyne, The Little Grocer at Shut the Gate wines provides an excellent selection of regional produce. Imagine filling your basket with fine wines, cheeses, cured meats, and fresh bread, then enjoying a picturesque picnic on the winery grounds, accompanied by live music on the first Friday of every month.
The wood-fired pizza scene is also heating up, with Out of Bounds in Berridale and Stacks Pizza in Jindabyne vying for the title of local favorite. For a unique dining experience, Takayama Restaurant Bar, an izakaya-style Japanese restaurant, offers the best cuisine in Jindabyne. Whether you're dining with a group or solo, you'll find dishes like ramen topped with juicy pork slices, a testament to the Japanese influence brought by seasonal ski workers from Japan.
Perrotta's Italian Restaurant, located at Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa, opened its doors in 2024, offering delicious pasta dishes, including my favorite, rigatoni with vodka sauce. The restaurant often sources seafood from the far south coast of New South Wales, known for its exceptional oysters. With an intimate atmosphere and scenic surroundings, it's the perfect spot for a romantic date, complete with wine pairings.
For a more casual coffee or tea experience, head to ESS Board Store for Allpress coffee or Birchwood Jindabyne for specialty coffees and an all-day menu with Indian and Japanese-inspired lunches. Tea lovers should visit The Market Jindabyne to create their own tea blend and enjoy the private nooks for work or relaxation, while also stocking up on great picnic supplies from the deli.
Nature's Call: Exploring the Outdoors
When it comes to nature, the Snowies offer an abundance of experiences. My top recommendation, often missed by visitors, is a canoeing trip across Lake Jindabyne to Lion Island nature reserve. This secluded beach, with its mountain views, offers a unique experience, especially on a hot summer day when the snow-melt water provides a refreshing dip. You can hire canoes from Sacred Ride, and unless it's windy, the lake remains calm, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful paddle.
Mountain biking is a popular summer sport in the Snowies, with the Thredbo Valley track in Kosciuszko National Park offering a bonanza for bikers of all levels. You can hire bikes from Harro's and explore the experienced, intermediate, and beginner sections of the track.
Floating down Thredbo River on a lilo is a must-do. Start your journey at Gaden trout hatchery and end at the Thredbo River picnic area, passing by big oak trees and enjoying the lush springtime scenery with fresh snowmelt. There's also an easy hike from the hatchery to the picnic area, offering a pleasant walk through nature.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Bullocks track in the national park provides the best chance to spot platypuses in the pools around the Thredbo River. Towards summer, these elusive creatures emerge from their burrows in the late afternoon, offering a unique opportunity for wildlife viewing. Just remember to be quiet, as they are shy creatures.
The Main Range walk in Kosciuszko National Park takes you to five lakes, including my favorite, Lake Albina. The Blue Lake, Australia's largest glacial lake, is a breathtaking sight, offering a Scottish highlands-like experience. From here, you can explore various hikes that branch off, each offering unique views and experiences.
Nightlife and Inspiration: A Cultural Blend
The Snowies offer a vibrant nightlife scene, catering to various tastes. For a lively atmosphere and dancing vibes, the young and hip flock to Holly's, where DJs regularly perform in the beer garden, accompanied by a food truck. For a more intimate setting, Bar Lula serves European-style small plates and hosts acoustic live music, making it a popular spot for first dates.
The Banjo Paterson Inn, located lakeside and known as 'the Banj', caters to all demographics. With accommodation upstairs and a brewery downstairs, it's a popular spot for cyclists and hikers to unwind after their outdoor adventures. The restaurant serves good family meals, including burgers, pizza, and ice cream, and it's also the go-to spot for late-night revelry.
The Snowies' culture is deeply rooted in the outdoors, and this is reflected in the fantastic tour providers that offer unique experiences. Cochran Horse Treks, run by Peter Cochran, a fifth-generation mountain horseman, offers customized treks ranging from three to seven days, catering to guests' horseback abilities. These treks feature packhorses, billy tea, campfires, and camp oven-cooked dinners, providing a true outdoor adventure.
Whitewater rafting on the lower Snowy River is an exhilarating experience, offering the chance to spot wild brumbies running through the landscape. Venture Outdoors Co, the company I guide for, provides excellent guided trips, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Thredbo Resort also offers new moon stargazing hikes, where you can walk under the stars, past rocky outcrops, running rivers, and scenic lakes, with guides setting up a hot chocolate experience at Mount Kosciuszko and pointing out constellations and current astronomical events.
Accommodation: From Farm Stays to Bush Cabins
For accommodation, the Snowies offer a range of options, from dog-friendly farm stays to private bush cabins. The Big Yard Farm, a 25-minute drive from Jindabyne, sleeps up to six people and offers private access to trout fishing along the Mowamba River, home to wombats, kangaroos, and platypuses. With open fireplaces, a well-equipped kitchen, and a cozy atmosphere, it's perfect for home cooks and nature lovers.
For those seeking a more secluded experience, Big Yard Escapes offers tiny houses close to Thredbo and Perisher, with big windows framing the stunning alpine outlook. Crafters cabins, located in the bushland beneath Crackenback Peak, are fully off-grid, utilizing rainwater, solar power, and thermal mass walls for heating. Close to Jindabyne, Common Kosci offers a contemporary take on the Aussie bush shack, with hammocks, comfy sofas, floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor hot tubs, and underfloor heating, providing a unique and luxurious experience.
For car campers, Thredbo Diggings in Kosciuszko National Park is an excellent choice, offering a unique camping experience. Hikers will love Wilkinson's Creek, a beautiful camping spot with stunning natural surroundings. It's important to read the camping restrictions in advance and always inform someone of your plans and expected return time.
The Snowy Mountains, with its summer transformation, offers an array of experiences, from adventure sports to cultural dining and unique accommodation. It's a place where nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those seeking relaxation can all find their perfect haven.
