The NSW Snowy Mountains are known for our breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventures. Our stunning alpine landscape is unique to Australia and we want to encourage visitors to appreciate and protect the natural wonders, so that we can all continue to enjoy it for generations to come.
From eco-lodges and resorts to guided tours and farm-to-table dining, the Snowy Mountains offer a range of options for environmentally conscious travellers so that you can get out and explore the beauty of the Snowy Mountains while treading lightly on the environment.
Come delve into some of the remarkable eco-friendly businesses offering unforgettable experiences within the Snowy Mountains…
Eco-Friendly Tours & Experiences
K7 Adventures stands as a leader in eco-friendly tours in the Snowy Mountains region. This certified ecotourism business provides visitors with a range of experiences that highlight the region’s natural wonders. From guided hikes to a range of winter experiences including overnight camps and snowshoe adventures. With a strong emphasis on minimal environmental impact and sustainable practices, they aim to inspire a deeper appreciation for the delicate ecosystems found within the Snowy Mountains.
Reynella Kosciusko Rides offer environmentally friendly horseback tours and experiences within Kosciuszko National Park. Owner, John Rudd, received an OAM ( Order of Australia Medal ) in the Australia Day Awards for Eco-Tourism and is passionate about sharing and preserving the beautiful high country for generations to come. Reynella Rides offers a range of horse tour packages, but for those who prefer roaming the breathtaking mountain trails in Kosciuszko National Park, take a look at their guided horseback safaris complete with camp gear, an experienced guide, and hot meals.
Thredbo Resort is Australia’s first snow resort to have its major resort operations powered by renewable electricity and to achieve Gold EarthCheck Certification three years running. This internationally recognised environmental milestone is a first for an Australian snow resort and is awarded by EarthCheck, the world’s leading environmental certification and benchmarking program for the travel and tourism industry. Thredbo is committed to sustainability within the snow industry and protecting our environment into the future. Thredbo guided products such as Backcountry Tours and Hiking, have been granted Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation by Ecotourism Australia. The activities promote consciousness for conservation by conducting all tours under the Leave No Trace ethics and creating an opportunity to open environmental dialogue between visitors, guides and the community.
Keep It Cool is a local not for profit organisation based in Jindabyne helping to combat climate change and create a more sustainable environment for both locals and visitors. Keep It Cool aims to restore and regenerate the land through their tree planting program with every tree planted drawing down carbon from the atmosphere and helping to rewild the Snowy Mountains – pretty cool huh! By donating $10 to Keep It Cool, you can offset your holiday emissions, or better yet, get your hands a little dirty on your next holiday and join in a memorable tree planting experience.
Eco-Friendly Accommodation Providers
Off-grid accommodation providers offer a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in a sustainable lifestyle. Whether you choose a secluded cabin, an eco-friendly tiny house, or a rustic hut, there are a range of accommodation options in the Snowy Mountains that allow you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area while minimising your environmental impact.
Gone are the days that eco-friendly accommodation means scant offerings. Nestled on 13 acres surrounded by alpine bushland, Crafters Cabin offers luxury accommodation for couples. Not only is it downright indulgent, it’s also 100% off-grid. Complete with a wood-fired hot tub, you’ll be treated to romantic getaway for two which treads lighter on our planet. Plus, they are 1% For The Planet certified and partner with local organisation, Keep It Cool, to ensure your stay has a positive impact on the planet.
If you are after a unique farm stay experience, Avonside Alpine Estate offers modern eco accommodation on a purpose built, completely environmentally friendly farm. Enjoy spending time with the beautiful Highland Cattle, sheep and chickens or roam the property’s vast orchard and vegetable garden. It’s a great spot to kick back and unwind away from the urban hustle.
Whether you are after a getaway in an off-grid tiny house or glamping experience under the stars, take a look at some of the unique places to stay in the Snowy Mountains for some more off-grid and eco-friendly accommodation options.
Specific eco-friendly practices may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check with the accommodation providers directly to ensure their current sustainability initiatives.
Eat Local: Farm To Table Experiences
Embracing sustainable travel includes being mindful of the food we consume when out exploring. From farm-to-table experiences, organic cafes and local markets, there are a number of businesses around the region that prioritise local and seasonal produce.
Macenmist Truffle Farm offers a true “paddock to plate” adventure. Based in Bredbo, you can indulge in the unparalleled luxury of fresh black truffles on an exciting and unique truffle hunt. Join truffle dogs Tawdiffu and SongLu as they uncover hand-grown and harvested truffles, then head inside to enjoy a truffle infused produce plate collected straight from the farm. Now that’s fresh!
Nestled in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, Three Blue Ducks Nimbo offers an intimate farm-to-table dining experience surrounded by spectacular landscapes and great local producers. The restaurant collective is known for its dishes packed with locally and ethically sourced produce, with the Tumut location no different. Their menu has been designed around the on-site kitchen garden with special emphasis on trout from local Tumut waterways.
A great way to minimise your travel footprint is to shop locally for local produce, and there’s no better way to do that than to hit the many markets around the region. You will find the finest flavours of the Monaro at the CMR Artisan Markets, held on the second Sunday of every month. With a focus on fresh, local produce and hand-made goods, this is one of the region’s best produce markets. You can find a number of markets around the region including in Cooma, Jindabyne, Adaminaby and Nimmitabel.
It’s not only about eating local, drinking local can also help you to have a more eco-conscious holiday. The Snowy Mountains offers an exceptional range of local breweries, wineries and distilleries that produce their own product in house and prioritise sourcing local ingredients. By opting for local establishments, not only are you supporting the community, you are also reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation of beverages. You can find more local breweries here.