Where To See Snow In Canberra 2024

During the onset of winter, Canberrans start preparing to head to their nearest snowfield to have some fun. Winter is the best time when you can visit Canberra for snow, as this way you get to enjoy tons of snowy experiences and exciting activities like tobogganing, snowman building, and snowball fights that families and kids can enjoy. Those with enough adrenaline can take their first lesson in skiing and snowboarding. Children who are above the age of four can have child-friendly and safe lessons on snow adventure sports. Visitors can spend beautiful weekends visiting various sites and enjoying excellent dining experiences.

They can also take a walk through the snow-covered trees and hike through the trails, which are available throughout the winter months. Nothing is more refreshing than enjoying winter lying on a carpet made of snow, which makes it fun to spend time outside. There aren’t many places that offer snow in Canberra; the rest of the places are well within a 2.5-hour drive from the capital city. As tourists visiting from other countries often wonder where to see snow near Canberra, we’ve curated a list of the best places to see snow in Canberra in 2024.

Square Rock walk is located in Namadgi National Park. The place near Canberra boasts stunning views of the Brindabella ranges. The visitors can appreciate the snow during winter as they visit the trail leading to Square Rock. The hike is relatively easy, which is about 11 km. The distance includes rock hopping and exploration of side trails that look out to the Orroral Valley. The hike begins from the car park and ends up in the mountain range towards the grasslands. Square Rock, Namadgi Park is undoubtedly the most beautiful snow mountain Canberra can offer. Enjoying the snow doubles when the visitors go for the Orroral Valley lookout. Besides, there is a 500 m diversion which will lead to finding a picturesque view of the valley.

The vegetation becomes dense and visitors have to brush past the branches along the side trip. To reach Square rock, you would need to hike 1 km from the side trip. A metal ladder is placed to help the visitors to climb the Square rock. The visitors can also access Square rock by climbing the boulders. The top of the rock, however, has a flat top and ample room, allowing the people to sit and enjoy the snowy view. However, it is recommended to be cautious while exploring square rock as there are places like cliff edges and crevasses. Families visiting the place especially are requested to take care of the children. They can also enjoy a good open-air lunch with a spectacular view from the flat top as there is a good space.

Square Rock offers visitors the best aspect of what Namadgi reserve forest has to offer. During the winter the vegetation of mixed eucalyptus, granite boulders, and spectacular wilderness adorns in a white coat. It is an experience that will make you appreciate the beauty of mother nature.  The granites are the remains of sedimentary rocks deposited in a place for millions of years. These geographical wonders are a spectacle that the visitors will enjoy throughout the hike.

• Hiking: A magnificent hiking track leads to Square Rock, which gives amazing views of the surrounding countryside. The track is well-marked and very easy, making it appropriate for people of all fitness levels.
• Rock Climbing: For the more daring visitors, Square Rock offers rock climbing and bouldering. Climbers can enjoy ascending the distinctive rock formations and the rush of reaching the summit.
• Mountain Biking: This park has 250 miles of track to enjoy mountain biking. Visitors can get complete information about the accessibility of the trail from the visitor center.
• Photography: Square Rock is a popular destination for photographers due to its breathtaking panoramas and natural settings. Sunrise and sunset photography are especially popular at this location.
• Picnicking: There are designated picnic spots around Square Rock, offering guests a calm and attractive location in which to enjoy a meal.

• Wildlife Observation: The flora and wildlife of Namadgi National Park are diverse, and Square Rock is no exception. During your stay, keep an eye out for numerous bird species, wallabies, kangaroos, and other animals.

There are tons of good hotels which are located near the Namadgi National Park. Here are some of the top hotels where you can stay.

• • Avenue Hotel Canberra
  • East Hotel
  •  Ramada by Wyndham Diplomat Canberra
  •  Garden City Hotel, BW Signature Collection
  • Abode Woden Hotel
  • Alpha Hotel Canberra

There are all types of cuisines available ranging from western, Indian, grill, pizza, etc. Here is a list of restaurants where you can have a good meal with your family.

•  Barbeque Nation
•  Rama Fiji Indian Restaurant
•  Les Bistronomes
• Domino’s Pizza Calwell
• Wokitup! Conder

As you move towards the south from the center of Canberra, you will come across one of the best places to spend a snow holiday in Canberra. The distinct Camel’s Hump peak on the horizon will provide a beautiful view that surrounds the natural reserve. A moderately steep hike takes visitors to Canberra’s highest ridge, the Camels Hump, located at the back of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, which is 45 minutes from the city of Canberra. The hike is one of the toughest trails you will find anywhere in Canberra. The word Tidbinbilla is drawn from the Ngunnawal word Tidbinbilla – which refers to a place where men are forged into boys.

During the winter, the beautiful views that surround the nature reserves become more spectacular. Besides, it provides rare opportunities to come across diverse wildlife spotting opportunities. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is just a 45-minute drive from Canberra and provides a snowy experience. After parking the car in the car park, you will need to sign up for the bushwalking register. It is an adventurous 11.6 km return hike to the Camel’s Hump. It is the best place to visit for adventure lovers. The trail takes a generous 4-5 hours, and hikers need to have a minimum intermediate level.

The famous activity in Camels Hump is the 12.6 km fire trail which is a climb from the trailhead up to the base of Camel’s hump.  The time taken for the trial is around 4.5 hours. It is considered a moderately challenging route. The route will also allow activities like bird watching, hiking, and running. You will come across other people during the exploration of the route. The route is kids friendly but no pets are allowed through the route.

• Hiking: Camels Hump may be reached through hiking paths, the most popular of which is the Camels Hump Track. The walk offers beautiful views of the surrounding scenery and the Tidbinbilla Valley. The trek is moderate to difficult.
• Birdwatching: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is well-known for its varied birds, and Camels Hump is no exception. Birdwatchers may see a variety of bird species.
• Photography: Camels Hump provides a fantastic photographic opportunity because of its spectacular panoramic views and diverse animals. During your stay, take photos of the stunning landscapes, unusual rock formations, and native species.
• Nature Walks: In addition to the trek to Camels Hump, the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve has numerous more nature walks and shorter pathways. Visitors may explore the reserve’s many ecosystems and experience a range of natural features on these hikes.

There are various hotels and lodges to choose from while staying near the Camel Hump. Here are a few of the top reviewed stays near Camel Hump.

•  Mad River Barn
•  Mad River Lodge
•  Bolton Valley Ski resort
• Fairfield inn and Suites by Marriott
• Lotus Mountain Retreat

There are several leading restaurants where you can enjoy good food with your family. These eateries are well within the vicinity of the park.  Here is a list of restaurants near Camel’s Hump State Park. All types of cuisines are available which vary from finger food, western, burgers, etc.

• Blackback Pub
•  Michaels on the Hill
•  Peasant
•  Hen of the Wood
• The Hyde Away Restaurant
• The Reservoir

Mt. Selwyn emerged from its disastrous bushfire impact back in 2020. The snow resort has finally opened for new visitors in 2023 with a bag of new offerings and completely transformed features. The Selwyn Snow Resort is the first snow resort that has purchased a new TT10 snow machine which will enable snowmaking temperatures more than 2 degrees warmer than any previous system. Enjoying Snow at Mt. Selwyn has now become twice the fun.  Though it is located in NSW Australia, it is just a 2.5-hour drive from Canberra. The resort boasts 45 hectares of the ski area with 10 lifts. The resort has terrain parking so that you can safely park your car. The new TT10 snow machine has expanded the snowmaking option to 35 hectares which provides a good space for having fun with the family. The downhill 35 hectares of terrain will offer skiing opportunities for all types of people.

The gentle slopes are placed among the snow gums and the Selwyn Snow Resort is considered among the best places in Australia where you can learn skiing and snowboarding. Even if you want to reintroduce yourself to snow sports despite being middle-aged, Selwyn Resort is the must-visit spot in this respect. Besides the newly opened Selwyn Resort has opened specific tobogganing and snow play which is a fun activity for the kids and family too. The support of the people and investors is turning Selwyn Resort into a perfect snow resort providing safety and fun to all visitors.

Visiting Selwyn Snow resort is the most convenient of all the snow resorts in Australia. You can purchase a season lift pass which varies from AUD 79 for adults a day to AUD 439 for seven days. It will provide access to an uphill lift for the season. There are also exciting offers for various seasons. Private and group lessons on snow sports are available for AUD 165 for 2 people and additional charges for an extra headcount. Taking this package, you will get trained by professionals in skiing and snowboarding. You can indulge in tobogganing which will cost around AUD 25 for a full-day activity.

• Skiing and Snowboarding: Mt. Selwyn is noted for its family-friendly ski slopes, making it a perfect destination for beginning and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The resort has a variety of ski runs for people of all experience levels.
• Snow Play: In addition to skiing and snowboarding, tourists may participate in snow play activities such as snowball battles, snowman building, and sledging in dedicated snow play zones.
• Snowshoeing: Enjoy the peace of the snow-covered scenery by snowshoeing along the mountain pathways. It’s a terrific way to take your time exploring winter beauty.
• Tobogganing: Many ski resorts, like Mt. Selwyn has designated toboggan zones where guests of all ages may ride toboggans down the slopes.
• Ski Lessons: If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, take advantage of Mt. Selwyn’s ski schools, which provide beginning lessons to get you started.

There are tons of accommodation options to stay near the Selwyn Snow resort. Here is a list of popular stays near the venue.

• Barrakee Ski Lodge
• Ski Rider Hotel
• Smiggins Hotel & Apartment
• Tumbarumba Motel and Elms Restaurant
•  Providence Park

The Selwyn Snow resort has limited eating options within a 30-minute drive vicinity. There is a general store and a restaurant which is quite popular in the area.

• Restaurant and Bar 1861
• Cabramurra General Store
• Tumbarumba Motel and Elms Restaurant (This motel has the Elms restaurant where you can find food)

Last but not least, we have Kosciuszko National Park on our list of top places to enjoy snow in 2023. At this location, you can enjoy the finest snow experience near Canberra! This spectacular alpine beauty, just a few hours’ drive from the city, offers a winter paradise for snow lovers of all ages. During the winter, the park becomes a refuge for snow sports with its snow-capped activities and breathtaking scenery. There’s something for everyone, from thrilling skiing and snowboarding at big resorts like Thredbo and Perisher to family-friendly snowshoeing and tobogganing. Take a memorable walk to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest mountain, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Snowy Mountains. Kosciuszko National Park provides a variety of sports and snow-covered splendour.

Visitors may participate in a range of winter sports in the magnificent environment, making memories that will last a lifetime. This national park offers it all, whether you’re a seasoned skier searching for the excitement of the slopes or simply trying to relax in the tranquillity of the snowy environment. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the enchantment of a winter wonderland in Kosciuszko National Park, where spectacular snow activities await only a short drive from Canberra.

Kosciuszko National Park provides an enthralling getaway into the heart of the Snowy Mountains, making it an unrivalled location for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The park provides a magnificent setting begging to be explored, with its rough alpine terrain, rich animals, and the famed Mount Kosciuszko looming over all. Every season adds its own special beauty to this gorgeous national park, whether it’s trekking to the pinnacle of Australia’s highest mountain, skiing down pristine slopes in winter, or viewing the brilliant wildflowers blossom in spring. Visitors may embrace the tranquillity of the wilderness, unwind amidst nature’s beauties, and enjoy the delight of outdoor activities in one of Australia’s most outstanding natural resources.

• Hiking: There are several hiking paths for people of all fitness levels, ranging from short hikes to multi-day expeditions.
• Snow Sports: Kosciuszko National Park transforms into a winter paradise throughout the winter months, drawing skiers, snowboarders, and snow enthusiasts. Thredbo and Perisher are two major ski resorts in the region.
• Fishing: There are chances for recreational fishing in the park’s rivers and lakes, with the possibility of catching trout and other species. Before you cast your line, be sure you have the necessary fishing licences.
• Horseback Riding: It is permitted on selected pathways, allowing a unique opportunity to see the park’s alpine scenery and stunning panoramas.
• Camping: The park has a variety of camping spots, ranging from modest campgrounds to more isolated backcountry camping. Camping at Kosciuszko National Park is a fantastic opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural surroundings.

There are tons of stay options near Kosciuszko National Park. Here is a list of popular stays near the place.

• • Snowgoose Apartment
  •  Pure Chalet Thredbo
  •  Chill-Out Thredbo
  • Squatters Run Apartment
  • Thredbo 31

Just like the restaurants there are lots of eateries that serve the visitors and tourists near Mt. Kosciuszko. Here is the list of the most popular eateries.

• Eagles Nest Restaurant
•  Alfresco Pizzeria
•  Avalanche Café
• Zack’s Grill
• Central Road 2625

The best time to visit Canberra for snow is during the peak condition which occurs in July and August. The resorts provide the most discounts like early bird passes and season discounts during June and October. If you are focused only on winter sports near Canberra like skiing or snowboarding it is between July and August. If you want to make further use of the opportunity to visit, traveling with children during the snowing months will provide special activities for kids. However, remember that these months are the busiest time of the year in the resorts. Hence, you would need to plan and invest in buying the early passes. Besides booking the accommodation beforehand will be the best idea as the prices of the room rent will soar high due to peak season.

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