. Dozens of walking tracks to explore in Australia’s Snowy Mountains

from 300 MARCH 2023

Tongariro River Lookout Track

Be dazzled by the transformation of the New South Wales Snowy Mountains — around five hours southwest of Sydney — into an adventure playground each spring and summer when the snowmelt reveals hidden trails and other pleasant surprises.

Whether you’re into hiking, horse riding or mountain biking, here’s how to explore this picturesque alpine wonderland, and where to refuel on wine and comfort food afterwards

Step into natural beauty

Immerse yourself in spectacular alpine scenery while exploring the region on two feet. Choose from dozens of tracks where you can be wowed by waterfalls, learn about the region’s history, or challenge yourself on a hike through Kosciuszko National Park.

This is one of the largest national parks in the state, and is home to Australia’s highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko (2,228m).

Bask in the achievement of scaling the continent’s highest peak as you soak up the views from the summit of Mount Kosciuszko.

From the ski town of Thredbo, the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift zips you up 560 vertical metres to the start of the walkway to the mountain’s summit. Challenge yourself on this day hike, with plenty of uplifting views along the way.

Get a buzz traversing Australia’s highest suspension bridge (1627m above sea level) on the Guthega to Charlotte Pass Walk, which opened in 2022. The first stage of the multi-day Snowies Alpine Walk, which will stretch for 55km when completed, is a 9km day walk linking the alpine villages of Guthega and Charlotte Pass. Feel soothed by your surroundings as you follow the trail along the upper Snowy River, winding through a surreal sub-alpine landscape dotted with gnarled snow gums and bursts of wildflowers.

Or tackle the less strenuous but similarly scenic Bullocks Track. Starting from the Thredbo Diggings campground or the Bullocks Flat

Skitube carpark, this 2.5km trail meanders alongside the crystalclear Thredbo River (look out for platypuses at dusk and dawn) with a dazzling backdrop of the jagged Ramshead Range, often capped in snow. Look out for adorable grazing wallabies en route.

Put in some pedal power

Feel enlivened by the cool mountain air on your cheeks as you navigate the Snowy Mountains on a mountain biking adventure. Enjoy a scenic introduction into the untouched Pilot Wilderness Area on the Cascade Hut Trail, a remote path that twists through snow gum woodland and fields of wildflowers. A small part of the 650km Australian Alps Walking Track, the 10km oneway trail is great for both beginners and experienced mountain bikers.

Hire a mountain bike (or road bike) in a number of Snowy Mountain towns, including Cooma, Jindabyne and Thredbo, as well as from Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa, which has 18km of mountain biking trails on its doorstep. The resort can also arrange a shuttle to Thredbo for bikers keen to tackle the Thredbo Valley Track; it’s a scenic 17km ride back to the resort, or 37km if you follow the recent extension of the track to the Thredbo Valley picnic area.

Or get your adrenaline pumping in the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park, delivering a mix of crosscountry and gravity trails as well as a skills park and flowing single tracks offering superb views over Australia’s highest peaks and alpine lakes. Discover trails for every experience level, from a kids-only area to chairlift-accessed gravity trails, plus two-hour beginner, intermediate and advanced clinics daily, for those looking to fine-tune their skills.

Slow your pace to take in the historic sites, rolling fields, eucalypt forest and historic bridges and cottages lining the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail, 21km of sealed and safe tracks following the region’s one-time rail line. With its gentle gradient and sweeping curves, you’ll find it’s perfect for families.