If you are looking for somewhere different to spend some time during the summer then why not visit the Snowy Mountains region of NSW. Summertime in the Snowy Mountains is a wonderful time of year to visit. The temperatures are often much cooler in the higher parts and we found that it can be less crowded as well.
KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK
The number one thing to do in the summertime in the Snowy Mountains is to visit the Kosciuszko National Park. Kosciuszko National Park covers 6,900 square kilometres and contains mainland Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, for which it is named. The area is probably best known for its winter ski fields. But come summertime there are loads of things to do including bushwalking, canoeing, horse riding and mountain biking.
Driving into the park you will be amazed at how rapidly the landscape changes. Going from the typical Australian bush to stunted and gnarled snow gums and an abundance of wildflowers. Travelling through the villages of Perisher Valley and Charlottes Pass, you will see that they are basically deserted for the summer months. But get to the end of the Kosciuszko Road at the Charlottes Pass Lookout and the place comes alive again with walkers and mountain bike riders.
Here you will find the Snowgums Boardwalk. A 500-metre walking track to a lookout that offers a magnificent view of Mt Kosciuszko and the valley below. From here you can walk to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko.
If you are planning on walking in this area, even in summertime, you must be prepared for sudden changes in weather. It is advisable to carry water, food, warm, weatherproof clothing and be prepared to seek shelter if caught in bad weather. More information can be found on the National Parks website.
PERISHER VILLAGE
Make sure you stop and check out the little ski villages when you visit the Snowy Mountains. They are so quiet and sleepy in summertime. Both our kids had been on school snow trip’s to Perisher and they couldn’t believe how different the place looked without snow or that the ground they had been tobogganing on was so rocky underneath the snow!
There are several beautiful mountain streams, that had ice-cold clear water running in them and loads of Alpine wildflowers everywhere. It really is a magical part of Australia and an area that everyone should visit once in their lifetime.
THREDBO
Thredbo is a small village about 30 minutes drive southwest of Jindabyne. It is situated within the confines of the Kosciuszko National Park, so you will need to purchase an entry permit if you intend on stopping in the park. This can be done at the entry gates on the way in or at the Visitor Information Centre in the village itself. If you are just driving straight through you don’t have to pay. But you still need to display a permit.
Thredbo village itself has a permanent population of just over 470 people. Wintertime sees visitors in their thousands as they come to ski some of the longest ski runs in Australia. We found the village all but deserted especially in and around the shops. We stopped there for breakfast which was lovely. BUT make sure you have plenty of cash if you are planning to eat out in Thredbo. We found it extremely expensive.
CHAIRLIFT RIDE
There is plenty to do in Thredbo in the summertime. Hiking and mountain biking are the most popular activities. We caught the chairlift up to the Eagles Nest Mountain Hut. The chairlift is open every day of the year and is 1.8 kilometres long with a vertical rise of 560 metres. It is the best place to take in the magical views of the valley below.
Underneath the chairlift is mountain bike tracks. You can bring your own or hire one from the base of the chairlift. If you want a walking adventure several walking tracks lead off from the top of the chairlift with the main one being Mt Kosciuszko.
I loved the chairlift ride and the views from it were spectacular. It was a lovely clear day and you really could see for miles. We didn’t have time to walk all the way to the top of Mt Kosciusko but I can guarantee you that it is on our ‘bucket list‘.
The trip back down allowed us to see the whole of the village spread out below us. Parts of Thredbo are built on the side of a hill. In 1997 a tragic landslide occurred where a ski chalet collapsed into the gully below claiming the lives of 18 people. The site has never been built on again and is now a memorial to those who lost their lives.
At the bottom of the chairlift is a toboggan ride which the kids decided to have a couple of goes on. They thought it was awesome fun and were able to go quite fast.
WHERE TO STAY IN JINDABYNE
We chose to stay at the Jindabyne Discovery Caravan Park. Located right on the edge of Lake Jindabyne, our site was only a few short steps from the water’s edge. Plus there were a couple of trees around for some shade. Even though the park was busy, it didn’t feel overcrowded and we didn’t find it noisy. The kids and I braved the slightly chilly water and went for a swim. There is even a pontoon and diving board just off the beach for the kids to jump off.
Maybe summertime in the Snowy Mountains might be part of your next holiday adventures.
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I love the Snowys in summer – usually less people and the landscape is just gorgeous. We often go trekking in this part of the world (even in winter, in snowshoes!) – summer you just need to be wary of impending thunderstorms! Great post 🙂
I’ve stayed in that very same caravan park – also in 2013!! I have a photo on my blog of me on top of Mt Kosciuszko when I was about 4 or 5, but I don’t really remember that – that was in the days when you could drive nearly to the top!!! One day I’ll explore the whole area a bit more – it’s FAAAABULOUS!
We didn’t attempt a walk to the top but next time I’m there I will for sure. Such a beautiful spot!
I’ve visited Jindabyne and the ski resorts at Perisher and Thredbo on many occasions, but I have never experienced this area in summer. From your photos and description I just might have to put this one on the bucket list. 🙂
We thought it was awesome…..was so lovely to feel the cooler air.
I have not been to that part of Australia yet but hopefully we will get there one day soon! Looks beautiful
It sure is a gorgeous spot. So much to do there summer and winter.