Little legs, big adventures! Hiking in the Snowy Mountains is an unforgettable experience, one that the whole family can enjoy! River crossings, twisting snow gum forests, scrambling over granite rock formations and plenty of native wildlife spotting, the Snowy Mountains offer the perfect place for your little explorers to stretch their legs and their imagination. Get out and explore the Snowy Mountains by foot and create some cherished family memories on these short but oh-so sweet family friendly hikes …
Rainbow Lake
We love this family friendly adventure, and so will your littles! Rainbow Lake walk offers a picturesque and easy stroll through snowgrass and snow gums and is a great opportunity to spot the gorgeous Kosciuszko wildflowers. With some gentle climbs and small creek crossings, the kids will love this easy trail. Enjoy a picnic by the lake where you can try your hand at flyfishing for trout or simply sit and enjoy the sounds of the birds. Can you spot a gang gang cockatoo? Distance: 2.5km return
Mount Stillwell Lookout
The kids will enjoy jumping along rock steps on their way to this awesome lookout on this family friendly hike! With unbroken views of Mount Stillwell and the Kosciuszko Main Range, the Mount Stillwell walk follows the mountain ridge through wildflowers and snowgum trees with fantastic views down into Charlotte Pass village. Can you spot Australia’s highest and third highest peaks, Mount Kosciuszko and Mount Twynam? Be sure to check out nearby Snow Gums Boardwalk whilst you are there! Distance: 2km return
Thredbo Valley Track: Gaden Bridge to Thredbo Picnic Area
Whether you choose to explore by foot or bike, the kids will love the newest section of the Thredbo Valley Track. Enjoy a walk through tall eucalyptus trees and snowgum woodlands from the Gaden Bridge to Thredbo Picnic area. This peaceful and shady track offers a 300m section of raised platform along the Thredbo River, with lots of opportunities to stop for a picnic or a fish. You can start from either end of the track – whichever way you choose, this is a great family friendly hike. Distance: 3km return
Illawong Walk
A favourite amongst locals and visitors alike, this gorgeous 5km return walk starts at the charming alpine village of Guthega and is a popular family friendly hike. The kids will love following the mighty Snowy River along raised platforms through towering snow gums and billy button flowers. The turn around point is the suspension bridge which crosses over the Snowy River, an experience the kids surely won’t forget! It’s a great spot to take a swim in the cool waters, so pack your swimmers! Plus, you can stop into Basecamp Cafe in the Guthega Centre for a well deserved post hike milkshake! Distance: 5km Return
Porcupine Walk
The Porcupine Walk is a great introduction to alpine hiking! The climb follows Rock Creek into the alpine zone (1900m) to Porcupine Rocks, which offers stunning views of Thredbo Valley and Kosciuszko Main Range. The trail offers a unique alpine experience with open woodlands, wildflowers, alpine mint, snow grass and gums. There’s plenty of native flora and fauna for the kids to spot as they explore snow gum forests and scramble across rock boulders to reach the top. Be sure to try the free Porcupine track kids quest app, which has 7 challenges that reveal fascinating finds along the track.
Top tip: pack a picnic and enjoy a tasty break at the top. The kids will feel like they are on top of the world overlooking the Thredbo Valley! Distance: 5.7km return
Waterfall Walk
The Waterfall Walking Track is a great family friendly adventure! Enjoy a walk through tall eucalyptus forests and explore outcrops of huge granite boulders. The kids will love this nature-spotting session with native wildlife like wallabies, kangaroos and echidnas, along with a range of birdlife in trees, to be seen. It’s also a great option for most weather conditions as it is sheltered. The waterfall itself is very peaceful with a raised viewing platform to take it all in. Finish the hike where you started with a picnic at the Sawpit Picnic area. Distance: 6km loop
Always check the weather report and NPWS Alerts before setting out on any Snowy Mountains hike. Weather in the alpine region can change quickly, so always be prepared.