While Australia might be famous for its scorching hot outback and a surfy beach culture, Southeast Australia is home to Australia’s worst-kept secret: Snow!

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With states that are bathed in sunlight most of the year, and sunny coasts that are a surfer’s playground, it might be surprising to learn that it snows in Australia.

The snow season in Australia kicks off every winter, normally after the long weekend in June. The snow season runs up until September for most snow resorts in Australia.

 

When is the snow season in Australia?

It snows in Australia between June and September. For the peak snowfall, visit around July or August.

Beginners should visit earlier in the ski season, or in the spring, when the snow is a bit more forgiving. But even if you do end up going in the peak of winter, there will be beginner slopes and a ski school based at the ski school of whichever resort you visit!

So, where does it snow in Australia? Here’s your ultimate map to snow in Australia. Let’s give some spotlight to the alpine regions of the Southeast, which are cloaked in a pretty coat of snow every winter.

Snow regions in Australia:

  • Australian Alps (Snowy Mountains and Victorian Alps)
  • Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
  • Mount Wellington, Tasmania
  • Blue Mountains, New South Wales
  • Oberon, New South Wales

The most visited snow spots: The Australian Alps

The Australian Alps are Australia’s snow capital. They’re located in the Southeast of Australia, where New South Wales, Victoria and parts of the Australian Capital Territory all intersect.

 

 

Which mountain regions are in the Australian Alps?

  • Snowy Mountains: Home to Thredbo, Perisher
  • Victorian Alps: Mount Buller, Hotham, Falls Creek, Lake Mountain, Mount Donna Buang

 

Snowy Mountains, New South Wales

The Snowy Mountains are home to Thredbo and Perisher! The Snowy Mountains offer dramatic landscapes that come alive in the winter. The Snowy Mountains often attract Sydneysiders who are heading for a retreat into the snow.

The snowy mountains are home to…

  • Thredbo: The longest ski run in Australia
  • Perisher: The largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere
  • Charlotte Pass & Selwyn Snowfields: Smaller and quieter snow resorts that are perfect for families looking for a relaxing ski holiday

 

Thredbo

A bustling resort with the longest ski run in Australia.

Credit: Destination NSW

  • Thredbo is home to the longest ski run in Australia. It’s a well-visited holiday resort that’s only three hours from Canberra and six hours from Sydney. Thredbo is a popular favourite snow tour destination!
  • Thredbo is a great spot to visit all year round! Thredbo pops in the summertime too. In the warmer months, outdoorsy folks can fully explore the Mountain Bike Park track or hike around the Kosciusko National Park.

Perisher

The largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere.

Credit: Destination NSW

  • Not too far from Thredbo, Perisher is also a part of the Kosciusko National Park.
  • With over 100 trails and 3000 acres of skiable terrain, Perisher wins the title of being the biggest snow resort in Australia.

 

Charlotte Pass & Selwyn Snowfields

Smaller resorts that are perfect for families and beginners.

Credit: Destination NSW

  • Selwyn is a cosy, family-run ski resort perched amongst the Snowy Mountains.
  • Not too far is Charlotte Pass, which is the closest resort to Mount Koscuisko itself. Charlotte Adams was the first woman (recorded) to climb up Mount Kosciuszko in 1881, and this village was named after her.

The Victorian Alps, Victoria

Calling all snow-lovers in Melbourne…there are a few different options to visit the snow from Melbourne! 

The different resorts in the Victorian Alps all offer a whole range of different experiences. You can go to places such as:

  • Mount Buller: A popular snow village, well equipped with plenty to do for skiers and non-skiers alike
  • Mount Hotham: Called the ‘powder capital’ of Australia, perfect for those after a steeper terrain
  • Falls Creek: A family-friendly resort perfect for beginners/intermediates
  • Lake Mountain: Great spot for a snow day tour from Melbourne
  • Mount Donna Buang: A relaxed, small spot with panoramic views
  • Mount Baw Baw: The closest resort to Melbourne

 

Mount Buller

Only a three-hour drive away from Melbourne, Mount Buller is a popular snow village that promises a fun, lively atmosphere and plenty of things to do off the snow.

  • Multiple different trails go around the mountain. The Alpine National Park is full to the brim with beautiful waterfalls and high, flat plains which offer platforms of snow.
  • From dog-sledding, tobogganing, and snow hiking, there’s something to do for all ages, whether you’re an avid skier or you’ve just started dabbling with the snow.

Mount Hotham

At 1750m above the ground, Mount Hotham is a highly popular spot for advanced skiers.

  • Mount Hotham is a great spot for those who fancy a bit more of a challenge!
  • It can get busy during the weekends and school holidays – particularly if there’s been a powder dump! Visit on the cusp of the season, and you won’t have to spend too long waiting in lines.

 

 

Falls Creek

Perfect for families, this beginner-friendly resort is home to plenty of different runs.

  • Falls Creek is a great spot for families. It’s very beginner-friendly, with plenty of runs for intermediates too.
  • Falls Creek is the largest ski resort in Victoria
  • Visits to Falls Creek are set with beautiful views of the lake

 

 

Lake Mountain

A small ski resort next to the quaint village of Marysville, Lake Mountain is a slightly smaller resort with gentler runs.

  • Try out cross-country skiing at Lake Mountain
  • There are also heaps of hiking trails around the mountain!

 

Mount Donna Buang

Mount Donna Buang is only three hours to Melbourne’s northeast.

  • Ahead of the Yarra Ranges, this mountain close to Warburton is 1245 metres high. Its summit has a raised lookout area on top, and at 21 metres high, it offers clear panoramic views of the Yarra Ranges.
  • Offering a pretty drive on the way up, expect sweeping mountain views, and you don’t need snow chains – but be careful, black ice is common on the roads up, so take it easy.

 

 

Come and see the snow with us!

Want to see snow in Australia? Sometimes accessing snow resorts in Australia can be tricky if you don’t have snow chains or a vehicle. Luckily, we operate tours that drop you off right at the mountain, so you can whizz around the snow to your heart’s content.

Want to spend a few nights on the mountain? Come back another day if you like! Our buses will be your taxi service after your snow trip. With discounts on gear, lift passes and access to some incredible mountain experiences, we’ve got just the snow tour for you!

 

 

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Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward began with a passion for travel and turned it into a thriving tourism business. He co-founded Sightseeing Tours Australia after starting out as a tour guide in Melbourne. Cameron delights in helping visitors get the most from their trip to Australia. Whether he's leading tours or writing about his favourite places, Cameron loves sharing his local insight with fellow travellers.

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