6 places to see snow in Australia
As the driest inhabited continent in the world, Australia isn’t exactly known for being a winter wonderland.
However, there are plenty of places where you can clip on skis and hit the slopes, sit by a fireplace and watch snowflakes fall, or do your best rendition of Fozen’s ‘Do you want to build a snowman’.
Here are six spots in Australia that’ll have you feeling like a ski bunny in no time – snow joke.
Before you leave, be sure to check out these tips for driving in the snow.
1. Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
Located 2.5 hours from Launceston, Cradle Mountain, which forms part of the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, turns into something straight out of a storybook during the winter months. Although Cradle Mountain is stunning all-year round, when the winter snow blankets the ground, mountain peaks and trees, it’s breathtakingly beautiful. There are plenty of hiking trails for different levels of experience, such as the popular Dove Lake, or the Overland Track for the more adventurous among us. For a calmer getaway, there’s plenty of quaint accommodation scattered throughout the park, like the wooden cabins at Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain, and opportunities for snow play. Snowball fight, anyone? Skiing is also available on the mountain, but that’s best left to expert skiers who can tackles the steep sections.
2. The Snowy Mountains, New South Wales
The Snowy Mountains is home to Australia’s most famous ski resorts, Thredbo and Perisher, and our tallest mountain, Mt Kosciuszko. This makes it the ideal destination for those looking to hit the slopes or simply experience the magical wonder that is snow. Perisher is the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere (with more than 1200ha of snowfields). There are four linked resorts and plenty of terrain to explore, accessible by 47 lifts. Thredbo boasts Australia’s longest run – the 5.9km Thredbo Supertrail. It also features an alpine gondola (the only one in Australia), and a packed calendar of events for its visitors. The Snowy Mountains offers plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails, but not all are accessible in winter due to weather conditions.
3. Mt Buller, Victoria
Mt Buller is located 200km from Melbourne and is accessible as a day trip, making this an appealing option. There are more than 300ha of snowfields and slopes, which are suitable for beginners through to the more experienced skiers and snowboarders. For those not keen to take to the slopes, there’s plenty of family fun to be had with tobogganing, sled dog tours, opportunities for snow play, and an educational tour of the resort on offer. Hiking trails will lead to some spectacular spots where walkers can catch their breath and take in stunning panoramic views.
4. Falls Creek, Victoria
Falls Creek, located just over five hours from Melbourne, is the largest ski resort in Victoria with 450ha of terrain and 92 runs, offering something for all levels of skiing experience. Ideal for a family getaway, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy at Falls Creek. Scoot around on a snow mobile, ski or take a lesson, toboggan down the slopes, try snowshoeing, or cross-country on skis. Want to relax? Warm up by the fire while sipping on hot chocolate or mulled wine. Through July and August, Thursday nights are Fireworks Fiesta night and Tuesday afternoons are party central for kids, with fire pits, games and a visit from Pete the Snow Dragon. The fun at Falls is endless.
5. Oberon, New South Wales
If you’re after a winter getaway but don’t necessarily want the ski resort experience, Oberon – or Snowberon as its affectionately called by locals – is worth a visit. Located about 180km west of Sydney within the Greater Blue Mountains region, Oberon sits 1113m above sea level and experiences snowfall in winter due to the high elevation. While on your trip, you can visit the Jenolan Caves, three national parks, or go truffle hunting with a specially trained truffle hunting dog.
6. Corin Forest, ACT
Canberra is known for being chilly, but did you know there’s an alpine recreation park just 45 minutes from the heart of the city. Corin Forest in the Tidbinbilla Mountain Ranges might only experience natural snowfall about six times a year, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a bit of fun in the snow. For the rest of the season the park uses a chemical-free, all-weather snow machine to create a winter wonderland. You can enjoy snow play, book in skiing and snowboarding lessons, go on the 1.2km alpine slide, or master a custom-designed ski slope.
