Things to do in the Snowy Mountains in summer
The Snowy Mountains are famous for great winter skiing but there are lots of great things to do when the sun is shining as well.
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In partnership with Tourism Australia
This sunny season, put the Snowy Mountains on your hit list. Here’s but a shortlist of some of the exciting things to do in the Snowy Mountains:
CONQUER MOUNT KOSCIUSZKO
With its summit at 2,228 metres above sea level, Mount Kosciuszko wins the title of Australia’s highest peak. To scale the summit, take the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift at Thredbo to the end of the line, and set off on the relatively easy 13-kilometre round trip.
It takes four to five hours, with wildflowers, the rocky outcrops of Ramshead Range and lookouts dotted along the way. Pass the headwaters of the Snowy River, rise high above Lake Cootapatamba and, from Rawson Pass, embark on the final ascent to the summit where epic views and an unbeatable sense of satisfaction await.
MORE INFORMATION: nationalparksnsw.gov.au
RIDE THE RIVER
Sign up for a whitewater rafting expedition to experience the famed Snowy River in one of the most exhilarating ways possible.
Alpine River Adventures offers the chance to discover pristine wilderness in all its forms, from the placid waters where platypuses play, to fast-flowing rapids, and from the soaring cliff faces to lush valleys.
Alpine River Adventures are committed to providing soft-impact eco tours, so you can rest assured your travel footprint is minimal.
MORE INFORMATION: riverguide.com.au
CHALLENGE GRAVITY
Swap skis for wheels and head to Thredbo Mountain Bike Park for its alpine bike trails. Chairlifts are fitted with bike racks to take you to the top of the gravity trail network with spectacular views on the way up.
There are parks to suit all ages and abilities, cross-country trails, and qualified instructors and guides to help take your riding up a notch. No bike? No worries. Hire is available for all ages and abilities.
MORE INFORMATION: thredbo.com.au/activities/biking
MAKE A SPLASH
While the bushfires mean parts of the Kosciuszko National Park are closed, the Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool remains open.
A balmy 27°C year round and shaded by eucalyptus trees, this turquoise, 20m long pool is fed by a natural spring one kilometre below the surface. There’s also a separate children’s wading pool.
MORE INFORMATION: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
CHEERS TO THAT
Cap off a day of biking, hiking, kayaking or climbing with a craft brew from Jindabyne Brewing. Perched atop a hill with views over Lake Jindabyne, try beers created onsite with fresh local waters and hearty tapas plates.
Jindabyne Brewing doesn’t take bookings, just turn up with your mates (and even your dog), and enjoy the full flavour of an Island Bend Pilsner (PLZEN) or a refreshing Hefe Veissbier, or get experimental with a seasonal brew.
MORE INFORMATION: jindabybebrewing.com.au
START NESTING
A bookshop, cafe and cinema all under one roof, Nest is one of Tumbarumba’s best local secrets. Start the day with pancakes and ice-cream, or lose yourself in a book on the sunny deck over lunch.
On Friday nights, you can indulge in pizza and a glass of wine. The cinema has been closed due to COVID-19, so check their website to see when screenings return.
MORE INFORMATION: cafe-nest.com
IDEAL BASE
With its Scandi styling and stunning lake views, Jindabyne’s Fawn + Fallow Lodge makes for a serene, casual-luxe getaway. The lodge sleeps six with additional beds available and is kitted out with state-of-the-art appliances.
It’s located right next to mountain trails, but if you want to explore closer to this home-away-from-home, a bushwalk down to the lake shore is ideal for spotting the local fauna.
When it’s time to turn in, comfort lies in the finer details – eco-friendly toiletries and luxe linens.
MORE INFORMATION: fawnandfallowlodge.com
RAISE A GLASS
Almost two decades ago, in Tumbarumba, Cathy and Brian Gairn planted the grapes that produce Courabyra Wines’ premium sparkling and table wines. In 2014, they added a restaurant and cellar door, where visitors can sample the winery’s signature chardonnay and pinot noir. A visit to the cellar door also offers an education on the cool-climate wines of the region, and a delectable menu of seasonally focused dishes matched with each drop.