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

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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

Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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Your guide to a summer staycation in Sydney

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney
Sleep inside a 151-year-old icon.

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom
Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar
Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of  Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining
Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks
Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby
Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney
Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden
Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

a show at Theatre Royal
Take in a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Daniel Boud)

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.