9 Best Ways To Experience Snow In Australia

Show your kids how fun winter can be with these snowy activities at Australia’s best ski resorts.

Watching your child fall in love with nature has to be one of the most treasured experiences of parenthood. When it comes to snow in Australia, seeing them poke out their tongues to catch fat flakes, put eyes on their first snowman or laugh hysterically during a snowball fight is nothing short of magical.

Whether you’re new to snow or searching for new activities, there are plenty of special moments to be made at Australia’s favourite ski resorts.

1. Winter festivals

When it comes to winter festivals that cater to the whole family, Thredbo has a mug full of activities. The resort’s July Kids Snow Festival includes plenty of on- and off-snow fun, with movie nights, giant games and Thredboland animal parades.

a family skiing at Thredboland — Learn to ski at Thredboland. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

At Falls Creek, Victoria’s largest alpine resort, families will have a hoot during Twilight Tuesdays , when the village is abuzz with music, games and marshmallow roasting. Tiny tots will also love meeting resort mascot Pete the Snowdragon.

Kids gathering around Pete The Snowdragon mascot during Twilight Tuesdays — Pete The Snowdragon does meet and greet with the kids during Twilight Tuesdays.

2. Kids’ skiing and snowboarding

Whether your kids have never been on snow before or they’re clocking up their seventh season, one of the most exciting things about the snow is simply hitting the slopes.

If they’re new to winter sports or need to finesse their turns, ski and snowboard lessons are the way to go, and all resorts offer either private or group (or both) sessions.

Kids skiing down the slopes at Thredbo — Ski and snowboard lessons are easy to find at all resorts. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

When it comes to riding as a family, one of the best experiences is night skiing , as the trails and resorts are that little more magical under the stars. Some of the best night skiing can be found at Australia’s largest resort, Perisher in NSW.

sunrise views at Perisher Valley and Blue Cow — Admire panoramic views across Perisher Valley. (Image: Perisher Resort)

Front Valley is lit up for skiing from 6pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays (tickets required), while you can also head to the family-friendly area of Smiggin Holes for free skiing off the magic carpet on Wednesdays.

During the day, one of the best family mountain trails can be found at Falls Creek. Wombat’s Ramble is Australia’s longest beginner run and is also where night skiing is held.

ski lifts at Falls Creek — Wombat’s Ramble is Australia’s longest beginner run.

3. Kids’ ski camps

If your kids are ready to up their skills on the slopes, Thredbo’s new Project Shred program is ideal. In partnership with the Chumpy Pullin Foundation , the day sessions are all about supporting the next generation of Aussie shredders.

a person skiing at Thredbo Parks — Thredbo’s new Project Shred program in partnership with the Chumpy Pullin Foundation is all about supporting the next generation. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

Kids under 17 will learn new tricks and how to land old ones better at Cruiser Terrain Park, before joining a workshop with athletes. They then get to enjoy a sausage sizzle and live music with new mates, and there are giveaways up for grabs too.

kids enjoying at Cruiser Terrain Park — Kids will join a workshop with athletes at Cruiser Terrain Park. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

4. Sled dog tours

Another great way to get the adrenaline pumping is on an exciting sled dog tour under snow gums. Be pulled by an energetic team of Siberian huskies with Australian Sled Dog Tours in Mt Buller, Victoria. Along with a ride, you’ll get to have a meet-and-greet and time for husky selfies. There are discounted rates for families; the minimum age is five.

energetic huskies pulling a sled, Australian Sled Dog Tours — Meet adorable huskies at Australian Sled Dog Tours.

Also in Victoria, join Howling Husky Sled Dog Tours in Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain. There are a few tours to choose from, including one specifically for families where you’ll learn all about the dogs and enjoy plenty of cuddles.

Huskies pulling sled at Howling Husky Sled Dog Tours in Mount Hotham — Enjoy plenty of cuddles at Howling Husky Sled Dog Tours.

5. Tobogganing

One of the best places to go for tobogganing and other snow play is Selwyn Snow Resort in NSW, which is reopening after being destroyed by bushfires in 2020. Completely rebuilt, the resort now claims to have the biggest toboggan park in Australia, with a 150-metre snow carpet, and you can buy day or family passes.

kids sliding down the snow at Toboggan Parks, Mt Buller — Kids can enjoy tobogganing down the icy slopes.

Mt Buller also has two dedicated toboggan parks , which make snow play fun and safe. Buy a full-day pass, which includes a toboggan that you can leave at the parks, coming and going as often as you like without having to carry it around. The littlest snow bunnies (under one metre tall) get to slide free with a paying adult, while tobogganing is free with a valid lift pass.

a woman sliding down the snow at Toboggan Parks — Slide down snow-covered slopes on a toboggan at Mt Buller.

6. Kids’ snowmobiling

With Australia’s ski resorts in national parks, snowmobiling isn’t widespread here, but at Mt Hotham, you’ll find Kids’ Snowmobile Rides , where they get to zip around on mini machines. You’ll find them at Hotham Snowstuff Park; rides are for kids aged five to 13 years.

7. Chocolates and marshmallows

During the school holidays at Thredbo, little ones can get their sugar fix at free Lindt Chocolate S’mores making at Friday Flat Fire Pits, while resort institution Candlelight Lodge does a seriously delicious chocolate fondue.

kids making Lindt Chocolate S'mores at Friday Flat Fire Pits — Enjoy Lindt Chocolate S’mores making at Friday Flat Fire Pits. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

At neighbouring Perisher, hop off the Perisher Quad Express Chair at Mid Station and grab an overloaded hot chocolate, complete with marshmallow snowman, from Mid Perisher Centre.

In Mt Buller, families can find a chocolate fondue at The Villager, and after indulging you can take the kids on an adventure through the pedestrian-only village on the popular Gnome Roam . There are several frosty gnomes to meet along the way; download the free Mt Buller Walks app (with audio tour) to find them or pick up a gnome booklet at Alpine Central or the Clock Tower.

two little girls playing with a gnome — Enter the mystical Gnome Roam in Mt Buller.

8. Kids’-only flare runs

If your kids have been to Thredbo on a weekend in winter, it’s likely they’ve watched skiers and boarders light up the mountain as they snake down the snow while holding flares.

kids flare run in Thredbo — Be part of the iconic Thredbo flare run. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

Well, now they can take part too, with the resort hosting special school holiday LED runs , no adults allowed. Held on Thursday nights, children are welcome to ski or board down gentle Friday Flat while holding a twinkling LED flare.

Don’t worry parents, snow sports instructors will be taking your precious ones up the Easy Does It chairlift, while you can take videos from below. It’s open for kids aged three to 14 years and is free with a valid day lift pass.

Fireworks and flare path at Kids Flare Run in Thredbo — On the Kids Flare Run, children are welcome to ski or board down with an LED flare.

9. Stay in a “glamtainer"

Ski resort accommodation doesn’t have to be expensive, as long as you get creative with where you stay, and one of the most impressive accommodation choices for families this season is at NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park.

Located on Lake Jindabyne and opposite the town’s shops and restaurants, this park offers more than your typical campsites and cabins. Cool “glamtainers" (converted shipping containers) can now be booked and are a novel option for families of four.

The “glamping" accommodation includes a queen bed and bunks, a kitchenette, a living area, a bathroom, outdoor dining, contemporary furnishings and heating to keep everyone toasty.

If you’re looking for more budget-friendly accommodation and ski trip tips, we’ve got you covered.

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

9 exciting ways to experience the snow in Australia