Best Spots To See Snow Near Sydney In 2024

Australia is well known around the world for its region of tropical finest beaches, rolling wines, aboriginal culture, marine reserves, lush rainforests, red desert, and cuddly koalas. Many people believe that Australia is a summer paradise that never ends, as many parts of this vast and diverse country remain warm all year. But their winter season provides a magnificent experience too. Many parts of the country experience snowy winters and milder seasons. The Australian winter is a glorious time from June to August for travellers looking for less crowded destinations. Visiting a place where you can witness snow during the winter is a wonderful experience, whether you are a resident or a tourist. By visiting these snowy mountains, beautiful valleys, and stunning tropical islands, you can experience the greatest winter holidays in Australia.

Looking for the best spots to watch snowfall and experience a winter wonderland near Sydney in 2024? Many options are available in and around the city, which is located within a reasonable distance. From skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and more to simply enjoying the beauty of snow-covered landscapes, a variety of activities await those eager to explore. Spend your winter break outside Sydney and marvel at this enchanting natural phenomenon of snow.

This is also known as ‘The Snowies’. The beautiful Snowy Mountains is a part of the Great Dividing Range, and comprise Australia’s highest peaks, providing activities and attractions for the whole year. They are located between Sydney and Melbourne, and the best time to visit is between June and October. There are many options for ski resorts to select from in Thredbo and Charlotte Pass. Other outdoor activities for adventure seekers include mountain biking and hiking. This is the most famous place where Australians go when the weather gets cold, and you can be sure it won’t disappoint if you are hoping to see a glimpse of snow in Sydney.

• Winter Season in the Snowy Mountains – June to October
• Best Time To See Snow: The ideal time to see snow in the Snowy Mountains during winter is from July to August.
• The Average Temperature During Winter: The average winter temperature in the Snowy Mountains is 6.4°C at its highest and -3.7°C at its lowest. The Lowest Temperature in the Snowy Mountains was recorded at −23 °c on 28 June 1994.

Why Go To The Snowy Mountains?

The highest mountain in this place is Mount Kosciuszko, at 2,228 metres along with wind-whipped plateaus, alpine heathlands, snow gum forests, meadows, huge rivers, and large mountain lakes. The Snowy Mountains start from the Southwest of Canberra on the boundary with Victoria and also, and it’s a favourite spot for nature and sports lovers all year. You can visit some of the best ski resorts located within Kosciuszko National Park, where there are snow activities like downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding. It is the best thing to do in the Snowy Mountains during the winter season. Winter sports in this location are available from June to October, totally depending on the snowfall.

If you are coming to this place, you can visit Perisher Ski Resort (the top ski resort in Australia) where you can come across Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega, and Mount Blues Cow resorts. Together, they are known as the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere.

There is also a lake on the base of Kosciuszko National Park which is known as Jindabyne. You can visit this place too to watch Snowy Region Visitor Center where you get to know about that spot’s history, aboriginal heritage, and ecology, and their staff also gives maps and information regarding sightseeing and place to stay.

You can also pay a visit to this amazing town “Cooma” which is surrounded by the alpine environment. It is the largest town which is situated at the intersection of the Monaro and Snowy Mountains highways. You can experience the town’s rich history with the Lambie Town Walk, where 19th and 20th-century structures are built alongside art galleries and cafés. You can also come across the Raglan Gallery Cooma to see the works of local artists and later on travel to Mount Gladstone Lookout for the greatest views of the area.

There is one more amazing place for you to visit with your family and friends. Mount Selwyn is located on the Northern end of the Kosciuszko National Park. This place is famous for cross-country skiing, and the resort also offers tobogganing and snowshoeing.

If you are searching for a place with wildlife experience near the Snowy Mountains location, then visit Wadbilliga National Park. It is situated forty kilometres away from Cooma town,  which includes catchment regions of the Brogo and Wadbilliga Rivers. This place includes Brogo and Wadbilliga valleys which are popular for bush camping and trekking, while the park is best for mountain riding with granite cliffs and sloping plateaus. Also, this place’s wildlife includes endangered species like the spotted-tailed quoll, pythons, and sooty owls, as well as sugar gliders at night.

Things To Do:

• The best thing about winter if you are planning for a snowy escape is skiing and snowboarding. You can experience these snow activities in Perisher, Thredbo, and Charlotte Pass, which are parts of the Snowy Mountains.
• In the winter season, you can do snowboarding on the tallest Mountain in Australia which is ‘Mount Kosciuszko’. This place will surprise you with its phenomenal view.
• Perisher is the place to go if you want to be adventurous. You can do tobogganing, snow tubing, and snow play on the slope at Perisher Valley.
• In Thredbo (one of the best ski resorts and famous for hikes and mountain bike trails in Kosciuszko National Park), for enjoyment with family and friends, you can go for a 700m alpine bobsled track. It will be exciting to experience the track’s twists and bends way down the mountain as you control the speed with a sled brake.
• There is a snowshoeing adventure too for you to experience which is available in Wilderness Sports in Perisher and K7 Adventures in Thredbo.
• Winter camp is a perfect option if you love nature. The Lower Snowy River is one of the best attractions where you can camp with your family or friends. It is situated in the south of  Kosciuszko National Park. You can also explore the gorgeous paths on a walk or cycle by the day before kicking up your feet by the campfire at night.

Where To Stay In The Snowy Mountains?

These are a few resorts and hotels in the Snowy Mountains where you can stay:

• • Wentworth Hotel
  • Rydges Horizons Snowy Mountains
  • Marritz Hotel Perisher
  • Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa
  • Cambridge Lodge
  • Shangri-La Sydney
  • Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites

Where To Eat In The Snowy Mountains?

These are a few eating places in the Snowy Mountains where you can have good food and drinks:

• Takayama Restaurant Bar
• Birchwood Cafe
• Bacco Italian Restaurant
• La Famiglia
• Ela Messa
• Parc
• Sundance Bakehouse

Perisher is located about 5.5 hours away from Sydney and in the Southern Hemisphere, combining four mountain areas: Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega, and Blue Cow. It is one of the famous holiday spots for most Australians. This place has approximately 3,076 acres of skiable terrain, with thick natural snowfall augmented by more than 240 artificial snow guns. There are a lot of winter adventures available in this place like snowboarding, skiing, mountain climbing, etc. There is a massive range of resorts and the best cafés, as well as pubs with spectacular valley views.

• Winter Season in Perisher : June to October
• Best Time To See Snow: The ideal time to see snow in Perisher during winter is from July to August.
• The Average Temperature During Winter: The average winter temperature in Perisher is 4°C at its highest and -3.7°C at its lowest. The lowest temperature in Perisher was recorded at −18 °c On 29 June 1994.

Why Go To The Perisher?

Perisher’s largest resort ( the Perisher Ski Resort) in Snowy Mountains has its advantages like a vast range of resources oriented for first-timers and beginners. The ski ticket which you get there is valid across the ski resort, where you can do skiing (there are training classes for beginners too). After that, traverse over or take the Ski Tube between Perisher and Mount Blue Cow, where you will get skiing for beginners.

The first thing you witness when you reach here is Front Valley, and it’s generally suitable for beginners. There are classes for learning snowboarding and skiing held at the Front Valley base on the right side. You can even sit on a novice ski lift and try skiing down from the top.

There is a Perisher Centre in the base of Front Valley which is basically a shopping complex where you can get some snow gear shops, a lot of eating points, lockers, the Perisher ticket, an information office, and a very large and well-stocked ski hire centre. You can get the proper ski hire clothes and equipment, and get loads of assistance and advice as a beginner along the way.

There are award-winning Terrain Parks that are the greatest in the Southern Hemisphere for all abilities of skiers and boarders. To spend some quality time with your loved ones, this park is the best option. The Leichhardt and Front Valley Slopestyle Terrain Parks give top-class facilities to skilled riders.

Things To Do:

• There is a walking trail from Guthega to Charlotte Pass which is located in beautiful Kosciuszko National Park. You can visit this place and experience the phenomenal views and fresh alpine air which will be an amazing experience.
• Perisher is a great place to experience winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. There is nighttime skiing and snowboarding too. So, it’s totally up to you which time suits you best to enjoy winter sports.
• You can also try tobogganing when you visit the Perisher. There is a toboggan slope located in the Perisher Valley where you can slide down the hill and play with the snow.
• There are also cafes and shops in this location which is a perfect place to spend your winter holidays with your family and friends.

Where To Stay In The Perisher?

These are a few resorts and hotels in the Perisher where you can stay:

• Perisher Ski Resort
• Thredbo Alpine Hotel
• Marritz Hotel Perisher
• Pure Chalet Thredbo
• Novotel Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa
• Perisher Valley Hotel
• Sundeck Hotel

Where To Eat In The Perisher?

These are a few eating places in the Perisher where you can have good food and drinks:

• Brunelli’s Cafe
• High Ground Coffee Bar
• Powder Inn
• Eiger Chalet & White Spider Restaurant & Bar
• Snow Gums Restaurant
• Valhalla Perisher

The Corin Forest is situated at 1200m altitude in the Tidbinbilla Mountain Ranges and is about four hours away from Sydney and close to Canberra. This place is a very affordable and easily accessible recreation resort with the southern hemisphere’s longest alpine slide. For the winter experience, it is the best spot to visit if you don’t want to travel too far from the city. In the winter season, they use a cutting-edge snowmaking system that provides snow cover, allowing guests to play in the snow, ride a toboggan, or learn to ski and snowboard.

• Winter Season in Corin Forest – Mid-June To Mid-September
• Best Time To See Snow: The ideal time to see snow in Corin Forest during winter is from July to August.
• The Average Temperature During Winter: The average winter temperature in Corin Forest is 8°C at its highest and -3°C at its lowest. The lowest temperature in Corin Forest was recorded at −10 °c on 11 July 1971.

Why Go To The Corin Forest?

This place is perfect to enjoy with your family and friends in the winter season as it has many snow adventures like skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, frolicking, snowman building, and many more. This place also has a snow play area which is perfect for children to enjoy.

If you are visiting the Corin Forest and love to witness the wildlife, you can come to an amazing place, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve which is nearby. You can come across koalas, emus, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and more.

Also, there is a very popular spot, Gibraltar Falls where you can enjoy an amazing view of the waterfall and click pictures. It is also the best place to have a picnic with your loved ones.

You can also visit the nearby location, Canberra Deep Space Communication Centre which is a perfect stop on a day trip to Brindabellas.

You can also book this place to make your memorable day more special, whether it’s a wedding or a get-together. This is an amazingly phenomenal place to set up any event or occasion.

Things To Do:

• You can take a ride on an alpine slide in the Corin Forest which is 1.2 km long and passes by the majestic Mountain Ash forest. There is a lift to take you to the starting point of the track and while riding down the track, you will look out at the amazing environment of the place.
• The Corin Forest is a family-friendly place where you can enjoy it with them by playing with the snow and riding a toboggan.
• There are other snow mountains adventures too which you can enjoy with your family and friends including skiing, and snowboarding. They also provide training to beginners.

Where To Stay In The Corin Forest?

These are a few resorts and hotels in the Corin Forest where you can stay:

• Abode Woden
• The Statesman Hotel
• Honeysuckle Campground
• Alpha Hotel Canberra
• Caloola Farm
• Abode Tuggeranong

Where To Eat In The Corin Forest?

These are a few eating places in the Corin Forest where you can have good food and drinks:

• BaaMoo Bistro and Grill
• Blossoming Lotus
• Brew and Brew
• Zucchini Bros
• Corin Forest Mountain Resort

Orange is a city, famous for its outstanding local products, beautiful vineyards, and exquisite eating restaurants. It is also well-known for its spectacular fall colours and extremely cold winters. It receives snow regularly during the winter, which is why it’s also called the country’s snowiest city. The winter season of Orange City is from May to September. Winter in this city brings sparkles of light. People visit this place with their family and friends to experience the great quality of wine which is locally produced and spend some quality time in bars and restaurants with the warmth of wood fires.

• Winter Season in Orange – May To September
• Best Time To See Snow: The ideal time to see snow in Orange is during winter in August.
• The Average Temperature During Winter: The average winter temperature in Orange is 10°C at its highest and 2°C at its lowest. The lowest temperature in Orange was recorded at 1.7 °c on 02 January 1972.

Why Go To The Orange?

In the winter season, the city looks magnificent and the beauty of the vineyards are next-level experience. This city is about 250 km away from Sydney. You can easily reach this place in your vehicle or can use public transport too. You can also go far trekking which is in Federal Falls and Ophir near Orange City.

For people who love outdoor activities during the winter season, you can visit nearby trails for mountain biking like Mount Canobolas, Lake Canobolas, and many more.

If you are a nature lover, you can also pay a visit to the city’s local farm where you can pluck fresh apples and seasonal mushrooms too. This is also the best place for an outing with your family and friends.

Things To Do:

• If you are a wine lover, this place is just right for you. This city has more than 80 vineyards. As they are produced locally, you can do their tasting. There are many cellar doors for you to taste like Philip Shaw Wines, Swinging Bridge, and many more.
• This city also offers deliciously cooked food, especially mushrooms which are locally produced. You can enjoy food and wine in the best restaurants which are well-known worldwide.
• You can also visit nearby National Parks with Mount Canobolas.  This is the best place to enjoy with your family and friends for trekking, picnics, and camping.
• The rich history of the city includes gold miners, colonial immigrants, traditional Wiradjuri landowners, and commercial traders. You can come and take an information booklet from the visitor center and use the Orange Heritage Trail to self-guide for a walk in the streets while admiring the city’s stunning architecture.

Where To Stay In Orange?

These are a few resorts and hotels in Orange where you can stay:

• Holiday Inn Express Sydney Macquarie Park, an IHG Hotel
• de Russie Boutique Hotel
• Mercure Orange
• Hilton Sydney
• InterContinental Sydney Double Bay, an IHG Hotel
• The Jensen Potts Point

Where To Eat In The Orange?

These are a few eating places in Orange where you can have good food and drinks:

• Sails on Lavender Bay
• Topikós Bar & Dining Room
• Charred Kitchen & Bar
• Mr Lim Korean & Chinese Diner
• Sweet Sour Salt
• Lolli Redini
• Raku Izakaya

Situated at a mere 2.5-3 hour drive from Sydney comes the rural town of Oberon. The height at which it’s situated is around 1,113 m above sea level and is extensively covered by wilderness and pine forests. Industries that flourish a lot here include forestry, farming, and wood products. The climate here is a true mountain one, and as per the visitors, this town hosts a very photogenic scenery, making everyone go stunned. For sure, you can experience a great scenic snowy stroll when the peak of winter hits.

• Winter Season in the Oberon: June to August
• Best Time To See Snow: The best time to engage in some exciting snow activities is from June to August, as these are the peak winter months here.
• The Average Temperature During Winter: In winter, on average, the temperature remains at around 9 °C, and the lowest it can go is around 0 °C.

Why Go To Oberon?

Nested at such great alleviation, this town receives a reasonable amount of snowfall during its winter months. It is one of those few places that is excellent for a beautiful spot for a winter walk in the winter season when the weather is truly right. On average, it experiences snowfall around 3–4 times a year. It is truly a desired spot for catching some snowflakes and playing in the winter games.

Making it fun for first-timers to see snow, they even have a hill that is perfect for sledding. In reference to other snow destinations near Sydney, Oberon features a number of budget-friendly options for all. All sorts of lift tickets, accommodations, and equipment rentals are quite economical, which makes everyone’s winters more fun to enjoy.

Options to get engaged in for all individuals are numerous, as experienced snowboarders and skiers can go to a chosen snow resort in Oberon. Your kids can opt to build snowmen, take part in snowball fights, or just play in the snow.

The appeal of Oberon extends beyond the snow experience one can have here, as it hosts a number of picturesque shops and cafes. It would definitely be an excellent way of warming yourself after a day spent in the snow. Furthermore, you get the option to explore the nearby historic landmarks as well.

Things To Do:

• You can plan a visit to the Mayfield Garden, which is Australia’s largest privately owned cool climate garden across the world. It is situated on an area of more than hundreds of acres and features a number of worthwhile areas like a croquet lawn, a water garden, and an obelisk as well.
• Lake Oberon is another great place where you can immerse yourself. Imagine yourself taking a walk around the lake, that too in the amazing winter conditions.
• Get ready to discover the mysteriousness of the Jenolan Caves, where your adrenaline levels will reach new heights. You can take help from the friendly guides available who will guide you around every corner of your expedition.
• Located at the Oberon Showground in Ross Street, Oberon, New South Wales, you can visit the Oberon Farmers Markets, which features a number of stallholders that sell meat, eggs, fruit, and vegetables. You can also explore some of the best locally made art, crafts, and specialty goods.

Where To Stay In Oberon?

The following resorts and hotels are available for a staycation in Oberon:

• Motel Titania
• Big Trout Motel
• Jenolan Holiday Park – Oberon
• Royal Hotel
• The Tourist Hotel
• Highlands Motor Inn

Where To Eat In Oberon?

For food options, you can consider the following options:

• Oberon Rainbow Chinese Restaurant
• Thai Restaurant at Oberon Golf Club
• Peter’s Cafe Oberon
• The Cave Pizza Bar
• The Hungry Hare
• The Milbrey Kitchen & Store

These gardens are very renowned for the wonderful snow event, namely “Snow Time in the Gardens,” that they host each year in the month of June. It takes, on average, around two hours to reach this place from the Sydney CBD. For years, it has been one of the most desirable locations to catch some snow and plan the winter frolicking near Sydney. The fun events that this place entails consist of a snow play area, a snow cave, carnival rides, an ice skating rink, an ice toboggan, and much more. This garden also has its own amusement park featuring a whole lot of rides, including a Venetian Carousel, Tea Cups, Ferris Wheel, Swing Chair, and more.

• Winter Season in the Hunter Valley Gardens: June to August
• Best Time To See Snow: From the end of June to the whole of July is the best month to catch snow at the Hunter Valley Gardens.
• The Average Temperature During Winter: The winters in Hunter Valley are mild, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 4°C.

Why Go To The Hunter Valley Gardens?

Despite receiving less snowfall in the winters, guns and all-weather snow-making machines are always there, based on which people are able to fulfil their desire to play in the snow and experience all the fun. The number of activities in which one can immerse themselves at Hunter Valley Gardens is quite extensive. Their Mega Snow Play Zone is a specially distinguished area that kids especially love to visit.

In total, the whole garden features a total of eight kilometres of walking paths, 6,000+ trees, and 600,000+ shrubs. All of the 10 distinctively themed gardens really showcase the true colour of nature, as they feature both exotic and native varieties of plants. Visiting each of these gardens will, for sure, be a one-of-a-kind experience for all visitors, especially nature lovers.

For kids, they have more events scheduled that consist of spectacular Christmas lights and mega-creatures. At present, all the rides offered by these gardens really spellbind the little ones. For those looking to spend a bit of time, opt for any of their accommodation packages that will allow you to stay there for a long while. For your food needs, they feature a number of foods and warm beverages that will allow you to satisfy your hunger.

Things To Do:

• While at the event, you can always catch up with the food trucks serving various winter-appropriate treats.
• Take part in the event called “Burning the Barrel” that is held in the month of June, in which wine barrels are burned to celebrate the arrival of winter.
• Go on a hunt to buy something for yourself at the Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village, as it features a range of things like jewellery, stunning glassware, unique clothing, and various eatables like coffee, wine, and lunchtime treats.
• Stroll around in any of the 10 uniquely themed gardens in the Hunter Valley Gardens itself to see what speciality each one holds for themselves.
• Choose from their great set of dining options available to satisfy your hunger cravings.
• If you are a sports enthusiast, opt for options like Aqua Golf and Putt Putt.

Where To Stay In Hunter Valley Gardens?

Consider the following accommodation options for yourself in the Hunter Valley Gardens:

• Harrigan’s Hunter Valley
• Elysia Wellness Retreat
• Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens
• Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill
• Spicers Guesthouse
• Wine Country Villas
• Peppers Creek Accommodation

Where To Eat In Hunter Valley Gardens?

For eateries, you can either go with their selection of in-house dining options that they host or consider the following options:

• Edan Grounds
• éRemo Restaurant & Bar
• Cypress Lakes Bistro & Bar
• EXP. Restaurant
• Blaxland Inn
• Sebastian at Tower Lodge
• Circa 1876 Restaurant The Convent Hunter Valley
• Restaurant Eighty Eight

Located in the central west of New South Wales, Australia, is the town of Mudgee. In winter, one can experience frosty mornings and, once in a while, sunny days. In the months of December to February, on average, it snows around 4-6 times a month, and these are the times that are the busiest with tourists. In the spring season, which ranges from September to November, it snows moderately, i.e., 2–5 times a month, and thus a very low number of tourists come to this place. Plus, this area is well-known for its wine and artisanal produce.

• Winter Season in Mudgee: June to August
• Best Time To See Snow: The time frame between December and February is considered to be the best time to catch some snow, as on average, it snows around 4-6 times a month.
• The Average Temperature During Winter: The highs in Mudgee range from 14.4°C to 16°C, while the lows can dip as low as 1.3°C.

Why Go To Mudgee?

Winters in Mudgee entail a quite charming experience, allowing everyone to enjoy it in a very delightful way. Don’t just consider the winter-based, snow-filled adventures, as there’s a lot more waiting for you to explore. This town is renowned for the world-class range of wines that it offers. Especially in the winter, the wineries here transform into a cosy haven. Sitting along the fireplace, you would be able to enjoy a mesmerising cellar door experience for yourself.

Winters also sum up as a wonderful time to go on admiring the natural beauty of Mudgee. You can go on hikes through all the different national parks or stroll through different vineyards. Those looking for an added adventure can opt for mountain biking trails. Furthermore, there are a number of events and festivals that Mudgee hosts in the winter season.

By choosing to take part in all these celebrations, you would be able to experience the local culture in its truest sense. Choose your desired goods from the extensive list of all the local produce, arts, and crafts made by locals. While many people don’t see this town as an ideal location for winter activities, there’s a lot more that you can explore and indulge in.

Things To Do:

• One of the most frequently chosen activities to get engaged in is taking a wine tasting tour in Mudgee. There are a number of vineyards open for all to explore.
• The farmer’s market in Mudgee is another great option to consider while choosing a place to visit in Mudgee.
• The Mudgee Observatory is another place worth visiting and exploring. There are a number of celestial bodies that one can see.
• An adventurous activity to become a part of is the hot air balloon ride at the Balloon Aloft Mudgee. This way, you will be able to catch some of the most amazing and beautiful landscape views for yourself from a very long height.
• Those ready to raise their adrenaline levels can go on the Castle Rocks Walk, where they will be trekking through the giant rock formations. For social media fanatics, consider taking some pictures for your Instagram handle.

Where To Stay In Mudgee?

The following locations are deemed to be the best ones when looking for accommodation options in Mudgee.

• Winning Post Motor Inn
• Central Motel
• Paragon Hotel
• The Horatio Motel
• Aden Hotel
• Ningana Motel
• Cobb & Co Court Boutique Hotel
• The Parkview Hotel Mudgee

Where To Eat In Mudgee?

Consider the following restaurant options for yourself when hunger strikes you in Mudgee:

• McDonald’s – Mudgee
• Charnwood Food & Wine
• Golden Dragon Chinese Restaurant
• Dancing Goat Mudgee
• Smokin Bro & Co
• My Thai Mudgee
• Isabella’s Trattoria
• Eltons Bar + Bites

After you have finished exploring the beaches, think about travelling to Australia’s cooler regions to take in the snow, fun, skiing, and exciting locales that have been snatched up there. The list we have created above of the best places for you to visit and experience the snow and enjoy snow mountains adventures. Your holiday experience will be truly magical and amazing after visiting these locations as they provide many amenities, adventures, landscapes, lodging options, accessibility, environments, and much more. These places will not only take you to the snow, but also satisfy your need to stay in the middle of nature, play in the snow, or have to look at the gorgeous sunset and sunrise while having coffee.

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