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 magical land, especially its summer transformation that often goes unnoticed.
Unveiling the Summer Magic of the Snowy Mountains
The Snowy Mountains, affectionately known as "the Snowies," are situated on the traditional lands of the Ngarigo people. Accessible via the Monaro Highway, it's a comfortable drive away from major cities: six hours from Sydney and just three from Canberra.
I, a resident of Jindabyne, the main town, have explored Australia extensively and found my home here a decade ago. The mountains, lakes, rivers, and unique alpine vegetation make it an unparalleled beauty in the country.
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 destination, its summer avatar is an adventure lover's paradise. With world-class mountain biking, horse riding, hiking, lake sports, and whitewater rafting, the season offers a unique charm. The weather is delightful, crowds are fewer, and the atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxed.
A Culinary Journey
For me, a scenic picnic with top-notch provisions is the epitome of culinary delight. Berridale, a 25-minute drive from Jindabyne, houses The Little Grocer at Shut the Gate wines, a treasure trove of regional produce. I often fill my basket with their excellent wine, cheese, cured meats, and bread, enjoying a picnic on the winery grounds. The cellar door also hosts live music on the first Friday of each month, adding to the charm.
The wood-fired pizza scene in Berridale is currently a hot topic. Out of Bounds, operating from a van on a local property, has been a long-time favorite. However, the recent opening of Stacks Pizza in Jindabyne has caused quite a stir. Their pepperoni pizza is a personal favorite.
The Japanese influence in Jindabyne is notable, thanks to the seasonal ski workers who travel from Japan for the Australian winter. Takayama Restaurant Bar, an izakaya-style establishment, serves the best food in town. It's a perfect spot for a fun group night out or a solo diner seeking a delicious ramen topped with juicy pork. Booking in advance is recommended.
Perrotta's Italian restaurant, opened in 2024 at the Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa, about 20 minutes from Jindabyne, offers delicious pasta, with the rigatoni in vodka sauce being a standout. They often source seafood from the far south coast of New South Wales, known for its exceptional oysters. The intimate setting makes it ideal for a romantic date, especially with their wine pairings.
The community often gathers at ESS Board Store, known for its Allpress coffee. Birchwood Jindabyne offers specialty coffees and an all-day menu with Indian and Japanese-inspired lunches. Tea enthusiasts should head to The Market Jindabyne, where they can create their own tea blends and enjoy a private nook for work or relaxation. The deli also offers excellent picnic supplies.
Nature's Call
My top recommendation, often missed by visitors, is a canoeing trip across Lake Jindabyne to Lion Island nature reserve. It's a secluded beach with a stunning mountain view, and the snow-melt water provides a refreshing dip on a hot day. Canoes can be hired from Sacred Ride, and the lake is usually calm unless it's windy.
Mountain biking is the summer sport of choice here. The Thredbo Valley track in Kosciuszko National Park offers a bonanza for bikers, with sections suitable for experienced, intermediate, and beginner riders. Bikes can be hired from Harro's.
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. The river is lined with majestic oak trees, and the springtime scenery, with fresh snowmelt, is especially lush. There's also an easy hike from the hatchery to the picnic area.
For a unique wildlife experience, head to Bullocks track in the national park, where you have a good chance of spotting platypuses in the pools around the Thredbo River. Towards summer, they emerge from their burrows in the late afternoon to playfully frolic in the water. But remember to be quiet, as they are shy creatures.
The Main Range walk in Kosciuszko National Park takes you to five lakes, including the beautiful Lake Albina. The Blue Lake, Australia's largest glacial lake, is a sight to behold, offering a Scottish highlands-like experience. Many hikes branch off from here, providing endless exploration opportunities.
Jindabyne's Nightlife
For a vibrant atmosphere and dancing vibes, the young and hip flock to Holly's, where DJs regularly perform in the beer garden, and a food truck adds to the fun. Bar Lula offers a more intimate setting, serving European-style small plates and hosting acoustic live music. It's often the spot for first dates.
The Banjo Paterson Inn, located lakeside and known as "the Banj," caters to all demographics. It offers accommodation upstairs and a brewery downstairs, perfect 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.
Summer Inspiration
In summer, the Snowies transform into Australia's version of Queenstown, New Zealand. Our culture here revolves around outdoor activities, and we have fantastic tour providers to immerse you in the experience.
Cochran Horse Treks offers customized treks lasting from three to seven days, tailored to guests' horseback abilities. Led by Peter Cochran, a fifth-generation mountain horseman with deep local knowledge, these treks include packhorses, billy tea, campfires, and camp oven-cooked dinners.
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. provides excellent guided rafting trips.
Thredbo Resort organizes new moon stargazing hikes. Starting at dusk, these walks take you past rocky granite outcrops, running rivers, and the scenic Lake Cootapatamba. Guides set up a hot chocolate experience at Mount Kosciuszko, where they point out constellations and current astronomical events.
Accommodation Options
For a dog-friendly stay, Big Yard Farm, a 25-minute drive from Jindabyne, offers private access to trout fishing along the Mowamba River, home to wombats, kangaroos, and platypuses. It sleeps up to six people and features open fireplaces, a well-equipped kitchen, and rates starting from $750 per night.
For a more secluded experience, consider a private cabin in the bush. Big Yard Escapes offers tiny houses near Thredbo and Perisher, with big windows framing the alpine outlook, starting from $179 per night. Crafters cabins, located in the bushland beneath Crackenback Peak, are fully off-grid, utilizing rainwater, solar power, and thermal mass walls for heating, with rates starting from $490 per night.
Closer to Jindabyne, Common Kosci offers a contemporary take on the Aussie bush shack, featuring hammocks, comfy sofas, floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor hot tubs, and underfloor heating, with rates starting from $300 per night.
Car campers will find Thredbo Diggings in Kosciuszko National Park a great option. For hikers, Wilkinson's Creek is a beautiful camping spot. Be sure to read the camping restrictions in advance and always inform someone of your plans and expected return time.
