While it may not snow everywhere, there are still a few places in Australia that snow every wintertime. Heading to the southern regions, snow lovers will find many ways to experience Australia’s snow season, whether snowboarding with friends or skiing solo!
To help you plan ahead, the Australian snow season usually starts in June and runs until October, with the highest snow fall occurring from July to August. These two months are regarded as the best snow and weather conditions to ski and snowboard in Australia.
So, if you’re wondering where you can enjoy the snow, as the temperatures are dropping, the jackets coming out of storage and snow on our mind, we’ve put together a specially curated guide of the best places to see snow in Australia – all for you to enjoy this winter 2024!
The Best Snow Destinations in New South Wales:
Photographed by Litttree. Image via Shutterstock.
Thredbo
If you’re looking for one of the best places to enjoy snow in Australia, Thredbo, one of the golden oldies, should be at the top of your list. Offering skiing and snowboarding for all levels of ability, Thredbo is also home to a vast range of restaurants and bars that can be found on and off the mountain. With luxury accommodation and only a six-hour drive from Sydney (or three hours from Canberra), if you’re going to the snow in New South Wales, Thredbo should be your go-to destination.
Where to Eat in Thredbo: Kareela Hutte is a ski-in ski-out European à la carte restaurant in Thredbo with beautiful views of the valley. Alternatively,Eagles Nest is Australia’s highest restaurant with 270-degree views and a warming yet equally delicious menu.
Where to Stay in Thredbo: Thredbo Alpine Hotel is located in the heart of Thredbo village and exudes charm, warmth and character to make your stay just that bit more cosy.
Photographed by Elisabeth Smet. Image via Shutterstock.
Perisher
In comparison to others, Perisher is a relatively new ski resort that was established in 1995 and is inclusive of all the facilities from Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Mount Blue Cow, Guthega, The Station and the Skitube Alpine Railway. There are 47 lifts, a range of ski runs, extensive cross-country skiing trails and even a snow-tubing park, Tube Town. After one visit you’ll know why it’s one of the best snow destinations in Australia.
Where to Eat in Perisher: The Guthega Alpine Hotel boasts panoramic views of Mount Kosciuszko, Mount Twynam and Guthega Dam, with simple and delicious meals made from regional produce. Or, enjoy cocktails by the fireplace or a tempting snack at this family-owned and operated establishment, Base 1720 Bar & Restaurant.
Where to Stay in Perisher: The Man from Snowy River Hotel is a stunning hotel which offers a warm and cosy place to rest after a day on the slopes, with open fireplaces, two bars and a stunning floor-to-ceiling glass wall in the dining area looking over the Front Valley.
If you’re going to the snow in New South Wales and you need more tips, check out our Ultimate Travel Guide to the Snowy Mountains, Australia.
The Best Snow Destinations in Victoria:
Image via Unsplash.
Mount Hotham
Wondering where to see the snow in Australia? Surprisingly, Victoria’s Mount Hotham, located in the Victorian Alps of the Great Dividing Range, found 357 kilometres from Melbourne, is the perfect destination. The ski resort is made up of the Alpine Village, 320 hectares of snow fields, complete with downhill runs, cross country trails, jumps and terrain parks, plus ski-in, ski-out accommodation and 13 lifts. If you’re looking where to hit the slopes this winter, Victoria’s Mount Hotham should be on your radar.
Where to Eat in Mount Hotham: If you’re looking for craft beer, great food and beautiful coffee, you can’t go wrong with a ski stop at The Bird Cafe and Bar. Here you can start your day with their famous Bird Burger and recharge in the evening with a charcuterie board and some mulled wine.
Where to Stay in Mount Hotham: Zirkys is an Austrian-inspired offering where you can stay in apartments or rooms with a fresh and modern feel.
Photographed by Ashley Whitworth. Image via Shutterstock.
Falls Creek
Falls Creek is an alpine ski resort in the Hume region in north-eastern Victoria, around four-and-a-half hours from Melbourne. Being Victoria’s largest alpine resort, Falls Creek boasts 65 kilometres of cross-country and downhill skiing and boarding and terrain parks. Falls Creek is fondly known as the spiritual home of cross-country skiing, so get your skis ready!
Where to Eat in Falls Creek: Someplace Else is located in the heart of Falls Creek village and is a go-to spot for snow lovers looking for a bite to eat, beers and martinis. Alternatively, Milch Cafe and Bar offers everything you could want including coffee and home-baked cakes, to a sumptuous cocktail list and inclusive share platters.
Where to Stay in Falls Creek: Fjäll is renowned as being Falls Creek’s best boutique luxury apartments with picturesque views over the Kiewa Valley and a convenient ski-in ski-out location.
The Best Snow Destinations in Tasmania:
Photographed by Dale Kelly. Image via Shutterstock.
Ben Lomond
Staying at Ben Lomond, which is 60 minutes out of Launceston, is guaranteed to be a remote but unforgettable holiday. Of course, thanks to its secluded location, Ben Lomond has picturesque views and, at 1453 metres, it is the highest visitable area in Tasmania. For kids there’s snowman building, snow basketball and toboggans, while the runs off the mountain are ideal for beginner to intermediate skiers. Regardless of what you do when you’re here, Ben Lomond has plenty of fun ways for you to experience Australia’s snow.
Where to Eat in Ben Lomond: For the best food options head into Launceston where we recommend Stillwater Restaurant offering brunches and degustation dinners in a historic mill. Alternatively, if you’re into your craft beer, look no further than Saint John Craft Beer Bar in Launceston, with 17 taps of the finest Tasmanian, Australian and international craft beers.
Where to Stay in Ben Lomond: To make the most of your Tasmanian winter escape, we recommend staying at Brickendon Estate with world heritage listed historic cottages to transport you into a whole new realm.
Photographed by Norb D. Image via Shutterstock.
Cradle Mountain
Just a four-hour drive from Hobart will land you in Cradle Mountain in the Lake St Clair National Park. And, for those who are familiar, this is the home to the famous Overland Track and is part of the Wilderness World Heritage Area. While snow does fall here, skiing isn’t allowed – but that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked. Just as beautiful as it is famous, this winter wonderland has plenty of things for you to do including walks, helicopter rides and even canyon exploring.
Where to Eat in Cradle Mountain: Hellyers Road Distillery is deceiving by name. But, this distillery not only offers whisky walks for fans of the tipple, but its cafe boasts a menu of delicious hot food and sophisticated plates at The Distillery Restaurant. Otherwise, Tavern Bar & Bistro is a warm rustic inn offering lunch, dinner and an impressive drinks list for a well-deserved drink after a day of keeping yourself busy with activities.
Explore Cradle Mountain Walking Trails and Activities
Where to Stay in Cradle Mountain: This wildlife-filled hotel, Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge offers accommodation as close to nature as you can get, with stunning views, and a great starting point for walkers.
Planning on driving to one of Australia’s best snow destinations? Check out this Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary from Hobart to Cradle Mountain.
If you’re ready to see some more of Australia’s natural beauty, we’ve got a list of the 18 Most Beautiful Caves around Australia. Or if you prefer the sight of vineyards and wine making, check out our Ultimate Guide to the 13 Best Luxury Winery Stays around Australia.
Chilly winter mornings and crackling fireplaces – experience Australia’s unique snow season at these unique snow places!
When you think of Australia, blue waters, sandy beaches and its iconic red desert come to mind. But believe it or not, Australia receives plenty of snow in the mountainous regions in the south of the country.