Mount Hotham, Victoria © Robert Blackburn
Mount Hotham, Victoria © Robert Blackburn
Australia’s best snow experiences
From sporting adventures to parties in the powder, there’s loads of fun to be had in Australia’s snow season.
An exciting way to see the best of Australia’s spectacular winter landscapes is via snowmobile. At Falls Creek, you can whiz around on a snowmobile to take in the magnificent views of the surrounding ranges. For something a little different, climb aboard one of Thredbo's mountain-grooming snowcats during a Sunrise Session. You'll ride to Australia's highest lifted point for breakfast with a view before taking off down an empty slope.
Feel like you’re on top of the world on a snow-capped tour led by the cutest local guides. The Stumpy Tailed Trail at Mt Hotham offers an unforgettable adventure, with huskies pulling you through various back country trails as you learn about the history of this niche sport. Over at Mt Buller, Australian Sled Dog Tours offer trips which allow you to have a turn at driving the sled with a hands-on introduction to handling a team of huskies.
For more advanced skiers and boarders, heading backcountry is a great way to escape the crowds and take in epic views. Challenge yourself on a half-day skiing adventure through the gum trees of Thredbo's Dead Horse Gap. You can also witness the beautiful off-run areas of the Victorian Alps with a guided tour at Falls Creek. Ride an e-bike to your starting destination before jumping on your skis for an adventure-packed day in the snow.
Winter is a great time to spot some of Australia’s native wildlife. A great place to start is Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. Its snow-capped peaks and snow-frolicking wombats are an impressive sight synonymous with winter in the Aussie south. Those with a taste for adventure can take in the wildlife up-close on a six-day hike on the Overland Track with Tasmanian Expeditions or TAS Walking Co.
Winter in Australia is the perfect time for a relaxing getaway. Think outdoor spas with amazing views and cosy wood-burning fireplaces – upstaged only by spectacular natural surrounds. Snowshoe through the gum trees to Alpine Nature Experience for a secluded glamping escape, or head to the Snowy Mountains for an lakeside retreat at Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa. Meanwhile in Tasmania, you can live in luxury by the lake at the exceptional Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge.
Snowshoeing makes for an epic day out, allowing you to take in the beautiful alpine scenery at a slower pace. Thredbo has Snowshoe Tours that take you to the peak of Mount Kosciusko (Australia's highest mountain). Mt Buller offers Yeti Snowshoe Tours during the day or at twilight.
Australia’s colder destinations come alive in winter, with an array of festivals taking place over the snow season. Peak Festival at Perisher kicks off every June, with four days of music from some of Australia’s best artists. In August, Thredbo hosts their annual Rainbow Mountain, a weekend of fun celebrating LGBTQIA+ pride through vibrant parties, concerts and events. While you’re not guaranteed snow, the extravagant DARK MOFO winter festival in Tasmania is another bucket list event, filled with quirky art, comedy, live music and bizarre activities.
