Aussie Snow Adventures To Make You Smile

Updated March 2023

The temperature is dropping and days are getting shorter, but that's no reason to stop having fun!

It can be tempting to spend winter curled up and wishing you were somewhere tropical, but one look at these images should inspire a change of heart.

Every year the Australian Alps come alive; colder temperatures bring thrilling snowfalls and Aussie ski and snowboard enthusiasts make their pilgrimage to the Victorian and New South Wales ski slopes.

If this is you, or if this snow season will be your first, don't miss your chance to experience Aussie ski heaven. Read on to find out which fields to ski, where to stay and what to do when you get there...

Australia's Best Snow Getaways

The best skiing in New South Wales

A part of Australia's Great Dividing Range, the Australian Alps form the southern section of Australia's largest mountain range.

The Snowy Mountains, or "Snowies," are in the southeast section of New South Wales, and are well known to Australians as the home to Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's highest peak.

Across the Bass Strait, parts of Tasmania experience thrilling snowfall, adding a new level of romance to pure Tasmanian wilderness.

Looking to getaway?

To help you plan your winter vacation with confidence, here are some of Australia’s best snowy getaways!

If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, the New South Wales resorts of Thredbo and Perisher need no introduction. 

Perched on the Snowy Mountains, Australia’s highest peak is not far away  - Mount Kosciuszko - which tops out at 2,228m above sea-level!

Browse Discovery Parks - Jindabyne

Perisher

Perisher is easily one of the best ski resorts in Australia and not just because it’s the biggest. This place is an all-singing, all-dancing alpine resort with enough activities and facilities to keep the whole family entertained on and off the slopes. 

Featuring over 1,200 hectares of skiable terrain, there's a run for every level and a great learning school for little ones. Top Tip: Every Tuesday and Saturday night the Front Valley Slope is lit up for night skiing! Don't miss it.

Thredbo

While Thredbo isn’t Australia’s biggest ski resort, it does have the highest and longest ski runs in the country! 

Whether it’s a relaxing burn down the 5km Village Trail or dining at the Eagle’s Nest, there's something for everyone at Thredbo. 

Things to do near Discovery Parks - Jindabyne

Less than an hour away from Thredbo, Perisher Valley, and Charlotte Pass, and overlooking the stunning Lake Jindabyne, Discovery Parks - Jindabyne is an alpine retreat your family will love.

While winter’s the time to get up some of Australia’s best slopes and stay cosy in cabins with their own fireplace, summer brings out the mountain-bikers, white-water rafters and hikers who love nothing more than exploring the lake and nearby Mount Kosciuszko National Park.

Victoria's favourite ski fields 

If you’ve never been skiing before, Victoria’s High Country is a great place to start.

Popular with ‘powder hounds’ who will always rush to black diamond runs at resorts like Mount Buller, Falls Creek and Mount Hotham, there are a number of spots ideal for family-friendly snow play and for those ready to take their first snow-shoed steps.

Browse Discovery Parks - Bright

Mount Buffalo

Less than an hour’s drive away from Bright is the crown jewel of Victoria’s high country, Mount Buffalo National Park.

Known as the premier location for cross-country skiing, tobogganing, and snowshoeing, Mount Buffalo is perfect for a snowy winter experience - especially if it’s your first one.

Declared a national park in 1898, Mount Buffalo covers the entire sub-alpine plateau and offers incredible hikes, views and immersive nature all-year-round. 

Mount Hotham

As a go-to resort for experienced skiers, Mount Hotham (aka the ‘powder’ capital of Australia) attracts the best and most enthusiastic skiers in the country.

Perched on an alpine ridge that’s blanketed with snow every winter, enjoy superb views of the clouds alongside the white slopes below!

With over 20 restaurants and bars to dine and drink in, there’s no shortage of apres ski fun either, not to mention 35 km of cross-country ski trails to explore!

Things to do near Discovery Parks - Bright

Known for its Autumn displays of foliage and nearby national parks, Bright is the unofficial capital of Victoria’s High Country.

Located just 30 minutes from the best slopes in Victoria, the region attracts all manner of adventure seekers all-year-round.

Mountain bikers and cyclists in particular have been making a base in Bright for a number of years. Fishing the nearby Ovens River is also popular and the town of Bright has long had an emerging food and wine scene, alongside a coterie of local artists and artisanal producers.

Where to ski in Tasmania

Although not known for snow sports, the national parks that take in Tasmania’s highest peaks are often blessed with winter snow falls.

There are a couple of ski fields at Mount Mawson and Ben Lomond, but both are quite small and have a limited number of lifts - and staff.

More popular during the Tasmanian winter are activities that embrace nature at its most wild, and when snow falls, its most famous attractions are transformed into winter wonderlands you’ll never forget. 

Browse Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain

Set in the northern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Cradle Mountain, one of Tasmania’s most visited natural attractions. 

Revered for its natural beauty, the Overland Track attracts walkers from all over the world.

With moss-covered ancient rainforests, deep river gorges, glacial-carved lakes, snow-covered mountain peaks, and abundant wildlife, you’ll be forgiven to think you were somewhere else.

Things to do near Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

After you’ve completed one of several half or full-day hikes, you won’t need to do much else other than recover in the comfort of an ensuite cabin nestled amongst the raw Tasmanian wilderness.

However, because Tasmania is small enough to get around easily, there’s no shortage of things to do when you’re not hiking up a storm. There are guided walks, canoe tours, horseback trails and scenic flights to enjoy. Then, once you’re done with all the adventure, there’s always time to explore the island's world class food and wine!

PLAN YOUR SNOW ESCAPE TODAY