The Snowy Mountains is an ideal holiday destination for any adventurous family. Breathe deeply after hiking to the top of Mount Kosciuszko or feel the air rush past while riding mountain bikes through lush alpine landscapes. Help your kids pull their first trout from one of the many rivers or lakes, or explore the high country on horseback with a guide. Take a journey to some of the rural towns and villages, each with their own character (and characters!). Whatever activities you choose, a visit to the Snowy Mountains will make your family feel like anything is possible…
Hit the Trails on Mountain Bikes
Mountain bike riding is a sport every family member will quickly get addicted to. Cruise around Lake Jindabyne, increase your skills at Bungarra or experience the high-adrenaline thrills of Thredbo’s lift accessed gravity trails. Professionally built trails can also be found at Lake Crackenback, Tyrolean Village and Mount Gladstone, plus you can summit Mount Kosciuszko (from Charlotte Pass ), ride the Thredbo Valley Track top to bottom or head out for a real overnight adventure on the Cascade Hut Trail.
Hike Amid Australia’s Highest Peaks
Hiking at high altitude offers many rewards for families who love a challenge. Make a day (or an overnight) of it and catch Thredbo’s Kosciuszko Express Chairlift to the top, then set out on a walk across the magnificent rooftop of Australia.
If you want to walk right across the Main Range, you can get the Kosciuszko Shuttle service from Jindabyne that drops you at Charlotte Pass and picks you up at Thredbo at the end of the day to return you to Jindabyne.
There are plenty of places to explore at lower elevations too, like Rainbow Lake, Pallaibo Trail on the Thredbo River, Waterfall Walk out of Sawpit Creek or Yarrangobilly Caves where you can swim in a natural thermal pool.
Fish the rivers and lakes of the Snowy Mountains
A trip to the Snowies is the perfect opportunity to pass down through generations a passion for fishing. The region is famous for its abundance of fish, especially trout, which thrive in the network of streams, rivers, creeks and lakes. Visit Eucumbene Trout Farm, a thirty-minute drive from Jindabyne, where the fish your family catch can be prepared and cooked on-site.
Explore the High Country on Horseback
Give your family a true Man from Snowy River experience. Choose from a range of horse riding tours based on your family’s ability and how long you wish to ride for. Whether it’s an introductory morning ride or an overnight camping safari, horse riding in Australia’s high country is an adventure no child will ever forget.
Discover Lake Jindabyne
The crystal-clear water and sandy, tree-lined banks of Lake Jindabyne make it a haven for families who enjoy water sports. Set up a base at a secluded beach then swim, paddle board, kayak, windsurf or sail your way around the many islands, coves and rock formations. Boat ramps are easily accessible for wakeboarding, water skiing and fishing. If you need a break from the water, check out Jindabyne’s local skate park, located on the shore of the lake close to shops, cafes and bars.
Set up Camp
Imagine sleeping under the stars, then waking up to the sounds of birdlife and a tranquil river, surrounded by snow gums, kangaroos and not much else. There are many unique camping sites dotted around the Snowy Mountains, for example Thredbo Diggings, Ngarigo Campground and Island Bend (to name a few) or make yourselves more comfortable at a powered campground like NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park, Discovery Parks, Jindabyne, or parks at Dalgety, Delegate, Nimmitabel, Bombala, Lake Eucumbene/Adaminaby and Cooma. There is a range of locations across the Snowies that are great for tents, vans and camper trailers.
Make the Most of Wet Weather Days
Not even bad weather can stop the fun in the Snowy Mountains! If the weather in the mountains looks less than inviting, lower your elevation and take a journey around the Snowy Mountains to villages and towns such as Berridale, Dalgety, Adaminaby or Bombala, all of which have lots to see and do.
The Thredbo Leisure Centre is home to a 50-metre indoor pool along with water slides and a giant floating obstacle course. Also on offer is squash, bouldering, trampolining and a fully equipped gym. Check out Lake Crackenback Resort for golf, archery, tennis, a pump track and more. In Jindabyne you’ll find an 18-hole disc golf course or, if the weather really takes a turn, head to Snowy Mountains or Cooma Cinema for all the latest movies.
