Nail skiing in Thredbo with our ultimate guide to Thredbo Ski Resort

Whether you’re a total novice or just craving more from your visit, our comprehensive guide to skiing Thredbo Ski Resort will elevate every getaway.

Labelled Australia’s best skiing destination eight years consecutively at the World Ski Awards, Thredbo Ski Resort is the ultimate winter escape.

A five-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney and Melbourne, the adventure playground is filled with wonderful dining experiences, renowned après-ski entertainment, charming accommodation and some of the world’s best slopes. Here, we’ve crafted the ultimate travel companion to help you experience it all (including what’s on offer if you don’t physically ski!).

Thredbo accommodation

a look inside one of the cabins at NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park — Spend cosy winter days at NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park.

From the snow-capped chalets of your dreams to budget-friendly stays right in the action, Thredbo Ski Resort is home to a wide range of accommodation options. If it’s village life you’re keen to soak up, complete with killer bars, shops and excellent eateries, a collection of hotels and resorts within walking distance to the chairlifts provides plenty of safe options.

Thredbo Alpine Hotel is a standout, mere steps away from the foot of the mountains, as is River Inn on the fringe of the village if you’re all about location.

Self-contained apartments and Airbnbs also dot the village, making catering for families a lot easier (and cheaper), and there are extremely lavish chalets and lodges to indulge in with many offering ski-in/ski-out access.

If money’s tight, there are also a few caravan parks to choose from that offer drying rooms and equipment hire. You’ll need to drive a little as they’re located mostly around Jindabyne, a 30-minute trip from Thredbo, but they’re a popular option and set in stunning locations. We love NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park for its countless amenities and Discovery Parks — Jindabyne for its cosy cabins.

 Thredbo skiing and snowboarding

a parent and child snowboarding in Thredbo — Bring your little ones along to learn to ski at Thredbo.

Sure, all the extracurricular activities are epic, but Thredbo Ski Resort is world-renowned for its distinct offering of skiing and snowboarding, with ski season kicking off on the June long weekend every year and wrapping up on the October long weekend.

Experienced snow bunnies will love the country’s longest ski runs including the five-kilometre High Noon trail, renowned for its steep terrain. There’s also the five-kilometre Village Trail that’s incredibly scenic.

On the other end of the spectrum, the gentle slopes of Friday Flat are the perfect spot for beginners and children. Home to a range of skiing and snowboarding lessons including private tutorials, kids’ group lessons and daily adult group lessons, it’s the place to master your craft.

More daring shredders should drop into MOOKi’s Mini Pipe , located at the top of the Cruiser Chairlift. The 13-foot halfpipe is a hit with confident snowboarders who fly through the air like Olympic-grade skateboarders. Kids and kids-at-heart will lose hours to this awesome attraction.

Glide like a pro or shred like an action hero? Leave amateur hour in your rear-view and head straight for the 3.7-kilometre Supertrail, where high-speed turns flow on tap.

Thredbo ski passes and ski hire

skiing at Thredbo Ski Resort — Elevate your skiing and snowboarding experience with a winter pass.

To get to the top of every mountain, you’ll need a winter pass with lift access to Thredbo Ski Resort’s chairlifts and the Merritts Gondola, a European-style, fully enclosed cable car.

Thredbo ski passes should be purchased in advance to save you money and avoid having to queue. You can also purchase an individual Merritts Gondola pass, which takes you to the base of the Cruiser area, but you’ll get more value for money if you package the lot.

One-day adult lift passes start from $154 if you shop now and be warned: prices increase the closer you get to ski season. Adult season passes start from $1850, but it’s worth noting that season passes sell out well before ski season, so forward planning is paramount. Children’s lift passes start from as little as $20 and around $75 for season passes but prices rise steeply depending on the child’s age.

As for your all-important outfit and everything in between, remember you can always hire snow gear when you’re there to help minimise your luggage. Clothing, boots and sporting equipment are all top-quality and ready to be snapped up.

Premium rentals and sports rentals, which both include skis and poles, or a snowboard, helmet and boots, start from $121 per day, per adult. One-day clothing rentals start from $84. There are two spots to collect your gear: the Thredbo Valley Rental Terminal right near Guest Services and Thredbo Rental Friday Flat, right near Friday Flat.

Thredbo snow cams

a person skiing at Thredbo Ski Resort — Die-hard skiers can watch the snow fall online at the Thredbo Snow Cam.

One of the biggest teases ever instigated by the Thredbo Ski Resort team, Thredbo snow cams are cameras that have been set up to stream real-time footage from various trails and hot spots on the official Thredbo website.

If you’re counting down to your trip, or have recently departed, they instil total FOMO thanks to clear-as-day videos showcasing just how much fun is being had without you.

Die-hard skiers can literally watch snow falling virtually at the Cruiser Area, Basin T-Bar, High Noon, Friday Flat, Alpine Coaster, Kosciuszko Walking Track and Central Spur intermediate area, providing an always-on indication of what to expect from Mother Nature when you hit the slopes.

Thredbo wining and dining

food and drinks at Cascades Restaurant, Thredbo — Sample local favourites from the seasonal menu at Cascades Restaurant.

There’s no shortage of variety when it comes to eating out in Thredbo with excellent eateries covering Japanese, Italian, Mexican, European and even more international cuisines. Spanning fine dining feasts like those offered at Cascades Restaurant and Zack’s Grill, upstairs at Berntis Mountain Inn, and good old-fashioned pub feeds like the hearty meals at The Local Pub, there’s an option for every budget and taste bud.

Guests who prefer to stack their accommodation with in-house supplies should note that the tiny supermarket in Thredbo is pretty limited (and quite costly given this captive audience). Fresh fruit runs out regularly, for example. Our advice? Drop into Woolies in Jindabyne ahead of your arrival to grab everything you’ll need for your stay. You’ll also find several bottle shops there, too, to help you secure those holiday vitals.

Thredbo winter events

the Kareela Snowcat Dinner, Thredbo — The Kareela Snowcat Dinner is a spectacular ode to traditional European dining.

You’re in Thredbo, famed for its party atmosphere and go-all-night hijinks, so stay across the Thredbo Ski Resort’s events calendar to make the most of your adventure. There’s a handy events guide on the website where you can sift through dates for a holistic scan of everything, which might even dictate when you schedule your visit. Take a squiz before you go.

Highlights within the 2025 ski season include the Kareela Snowcat Dinners from July 23 to August 27, which shuffles guests via a snowcat up to Kareela Hutte for a spectacular ode to traditional European dining, and the Sunrise Sessions from July 22 to September 2, which stage on-mountain breakfasts ahead of guests relishing in the day’s first tracks down that epic Supertrail.

And if you don’t ski?

Merritts Gondola in Thredbo — Enjoy a scenic ride on the Merritts Gondola.

Visiting for those chic winter vibes and unforgettable ground-level fun? You’re not alone. For the first time ever, Thredbo Ski Resort introduced an access-all-other-areas option for non-skiers in 2025. Dubbed the Winter Adventure Pass , the ticket includes a scenic lift pass on the Merritts Gondola, entry to Thredbo Leisure Centre’s pool and gym, and a ride on the Alpine Coaster. Prices start from $71 if you book early, while booking closer to the date is going to see that figure go up by roughly 30 per cent.

Discover the best things to do in neighbouring Jindabyne

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .