If you’ve ever thought about trying hiking, the Snowy Mountains are the perfect place to begin. Home to Kosciuszko National Park, the trails are as welcoming as the views are spectacular. Fresh alpine air, sweeping vistas and the quiet satisfaction that comes with reaching your destination. With beginner-friendly tracks right at your fingertips, starting your hiking journey has never been easier.
This guide is designed to help first-time hikers feel prepared and inspired to get out on the tracks, with expert advice from our friends at The Adventure Gene.
Beginner-friendly hikes with The Adventure Gene: Gear, expert guides, meals and safety covered, leaving you to enjoy the Snowy Mountains views.
Find out moreWhy Hike in the Snowy Mountains?
The Snowy Mountains are more than Australia’s highest peaks. In summer, wildflower meadows carpet the high country; in autumn, crisp air and golden light transform the valleys. Cool alpine streams, shady forests and sweeping ridgelines invite you to slow down and take it all in. Hiking here isn’t just exercise, it’s a way to reconnect with nature and experience one of Australia’s most breathtaking regions.
Beginner Friendly Hikes
From easy riverside strolls to Australia’s highest peak, Kosciuszko National Park has hikes for every level. Find your perfect Snowy Mountains hike here.
Find Your MatchSeasonal Considerations
The Snowy Mountains are a year-round destination and each season brings its own personality to the trails:
Summer: The most popular time to hike. Long daylight hours give you plenty of time to explore and alpine wildflowers burst into bloom across the high country. Trails are generally clear and accessible, making summer the easiest season for beginners.
Autumn: A beautiful time to enjoy the mountains with cooler days, crisp air and rich colours as the landscape shifts into autumn tones. Trails are quieter than in summer and the temperatures are perfect for walking without overheating.
Winter: A spectacular season, but one that comes with challenges. Snow covers many tracks and conditions can be unpredictable. Hiking in winter is best left to experienced adventurers with the right gear, or for those willing to try guided snowshoe walks.
Spring: As the snow melts, creeks and waterfalls surge with fresh mountain water. Wildflowers begin to reappear and the cooler weather means fewer crowds. Some higher-altitude trails may still be closed or muddy, so check conditions before you go.
👉 Best for beginners: Summer and autumn offer the most reliable conditions, with clear trails, mild weather and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery without extra challenges.
What to Pack & Wear
One of the biggest barriers for beginners is knowing what to bring. The golden rule? Comfort and preparation. You don’t need to spend a fortune or buy the fanciest gear to get started, just a few thoughtful choices will make your first hike more enjoyable.
👉 The Adventure Gene’s Tip: Keep it light and simple. Start with these essentials, then build up your kit as your adventures grow.
Footwear
Comfortable, supportive shoes are your best friend. Sturdy runners or lightweight hiking boots are perfect for short trails. Avoid brand-new shoes on your first hike, it’s best to break them in beforehand to prevent blisters.
Clothing
Alpine weather can change quickly, so dress in layers. Start with a breathable base layer, add a warm mid-layer (like a fleece), and finish with a windproof or waterproof jacket. This way you can add or remove clothing as conditions change.
Essentials
Bring enough water to stay hydrated (at least 1–2 litres per person for shorter hikes), plus some snacks like fruit, trail mix or muesli bars for energy. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are must-haves, even on cooler days the alpine sun can be strong. A light rain jacket is a good idea year-round.
Safety Items
Always carry a fully charged phone, but remember that reception can be patchy in the mountains. Download an offline map before you leave, or bring a simple paper map of your trail. A small first-aid kit with plasters, antiseptic wipes and any personal medication is worth the space in your pack.
Extra's For Comfort
A small backpack to carry your things, trekking poles if you’d like extra support and a camera to capture the views.
No gear? No problem.
We’ve got everything you need right here in the Snowy Mountains. Local outdoor stores stock a wide range of quality gear if you’re ready to invest, while hire outlets make it easy to get started without the upfront cost.
- Wilderness Sports, Jindabyne - Hire or buy quality gear, plus an epic food section for trail snacks and backcountry supplies.
- Thredbo Rental - Planning to hike around Thredbo? Hire all the essentials with ease, from daypacks to jackets and walking poles.
- Your Outdoor Store, Cooma - A huge range of outdoor gear and expert staff to get you fully kitted before heading into the mountains.
- High Country Outfitters, Jindabyne - A small but specialised store with premium equipment for hikers ready to invest in quality.
- Jindabyne Sports, Jindabyne - Local go-to for hiking shoes, with a wide range and staff who know the mountains inside out.
Safety Tips for First-Time Hikers
Feeling confident before you set out is just as important as what you pack. A few simple habits can make your first hike not only safe but also stress-free and enjoyable.
👉 The Adventure Gene’s tip: A safe hike is a fun hike. Preparation and common sense go a long way in helping beginners feel confident on the trail.
Check the weather
Alpine weather can change in minutes. A sunny morning can turn windy and cool by the afternoon, even in summer. Look up the forecast before you go and be prepared with layers. If storms or strong winds are predicted, it’s best to reschedule.
Stay on marked trails
Sticking to established tracks keeps you safe, reduces the chance of getting lost, and protects the fragile alpine environment. Trail markers are there to guide you — follow them, and you’ll enjoy the views without worry.
Tell someone your plan
Before you head out, let a friend or family member know which trail you’re walking and when you expect to be back. It’s a simple step that gives peace of mind and ensures help can find you if something unexpected happens.
Pace yourself
Hiking isn’t about speed. Go at a pace that feels comfortable, take breaks when you need them and enjoy the scenery along the way. Starting early in the day means you can finish your walk before the weather cools or light fades.
Know your limits
Choose a trail that matches your fitness level and build up gradually. Shorter walks with gentle terrain are the best way to begin — you can always take on longer, more challenging hikes once your confidence grows.
Be wildlife aware
You may spot kangaroos, wombats, snakes or birdlife along the way. Enjoy the experience but keep a respectful distance.
Leave no trace
Carry your rubbish out with you, stick to paths and respect the environment so the mountains stay pristine for everyone.
What's the best hike for you? Learn about the Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS) used by NSW National Parks to help find the right trail for your ability.
Find out more.Make It Fun & Rewarding
Hiking should feel enjoyable, not daunting. The key is to keep it simple and make it enjoyable:
Bring a friend: Hiking is often more fun (and safer) when shared. A walking buddy keeps you motivated and makes the experience social.
Pack a picnic: Stopping at a lookout with a simple picnic or thermos of coffee can turn a walk into a special outing.
Celebrate the finish: Whether it’s treating yourself to a burger at the pub afterwards or just soaking in the view at the end of the track, mark the achievement, no matter how small the hike.
Discover The Adventure Gene: Hiking made simple for first-timers
New to the trails? The Adventure Gene makes hiking simple and stress-free, providing everything beginners need to get started, from lightweight gear to expert guidance. Their small group hikes are designed at a comfortable pace, with knowledgeable guides who know the Snowy Mountains inside out.
With top-quality equipment supplied, nourishing meals prepared and safety always front of mind, you can focus on the experience, not the logistics. Whether it’s your very first trail or you’re building confidence for bigger adventures, The Adventure Gene helps you discover the joy of hiking in a way that’s accessible, rewarding and unforgettable.
Q&A With The Adventure Gene
What makes the Snowy Mountains such a special place for beginners to start hiking?
The best part about hiking in the Snowies is the ease of access and unrivalled effort-to-reward ratio. The Snowies makes it incredibly easy to access world-class hiking trails, without the need to walk long distances or up and down steep hills.
Which beginner-friendly trails would you personally recommend for someone new to hiking?
There are so many awesome hikes for beginners it’s hard to choose! These are some of our favourites for those who are new to hiking, but up for a challenge:
Clarke Gorge Walk, Blue Waterholes (5km): Although the Blue Waterholes region is filled with incredible hikes, this is our favourite. This short walk takes you through Clarke Gorge, all the way down to Cooleman Falls. Expect wet feet and a great swim spot at the end!
Kosciuszko Walk (13km): This walk is the easiest way to summit Australia’s highest peak! It's a well maintained path and shows off the high countries incredible landscapes.
What’s the most common mistake new hikers make and how can they avoid it?
By far the biggest mistake people make is being set on their initial travel plans. It’s important to be flexible and understand that you might need to change or adapt your planned hike to suit the weather conditions. Snow, rain, icy ground and high winds can occur at any time of the year and with little notice. Always check the weather beforehand!
What are the three essential items every beginner should pack before heading out?
It’s essential to be prepared before any trip out in the Snowy Mountains. Before heading out always make sure you have these three items:
- Rain jacket
- Charged phone
- Hat
Additionally, if you are going into a remote area it’s important to carry water, a first aid kit that includes a snake bandage, and an emergency beacon such as a PLB.
What’s your top piece of advice for anyone planning their very first Snowy Mountains hike this season?
We’ve been very fortunate and had a great snow season this year. However, for hikers, it will mean that there is snow up on the hiking trails for longer than you might expect. If you’re planning a hiking trip on the Main Range in October or November, it’s important to be aware that there could be icy patches that are difficult to safely traverse without equipment such as microspikes and trekking poles.
If you’re not confident in these conditions, then it might be best to plan a hike with less snow, such as out to Cascade Hut or in the Blue Waterholes region.
