A guide to the best things to do in Thredbo

It’s activity central all year round, so use our guide to get amongst the best things to do in Thredbo.

The Snowy Mountains village is home to Australia’s longest ski runs, but there’s plenty more going for Thredbo than its famed snow-dusted slopes. A question we often hear is ‘Can you go to Thredbo and not ski?’ and the short answer is heck yes. A mecca for adventure seekers, offering mountain biking, fly-fishing and everything in between, plus incredible dining experiences and serene camping, Thredbo thrives no matter what the weather report’s doing. Check out our ultimate list of things to do in Thredbo.

1. Go skiing and snowboarding

People skiing down a slope in Thredbo. — Hit the slopes. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Thredbo’s number one calling card, hands down. Keen skiers and snowboarders have long been drawn to New South Wales’ alpine village and its world-class slopes.

Home to more than 50 ski runs suitable for beginners, intermediates, and the advanced, plus a terrain park complete with jumps and rails, and various flare runs and fireworks displays, there’s plenty to keep you occupied.

But activity isn’t just relegated to groomed pistes. There are plenty of things to do in Thredbo’s backcountry too, with several local operators offering specialised tours.

2. Make tracks on the Thredbo Alpine Coaster

vertical heights on the Thredbo Alpine Coaster, Thredbo, Snowy Mountains — Feel the adrenaline rush on the Thredbo Alpine Coaster. (Image: Destination NSW)

Open all year round, the Thredbo Alpine Coaster is the first continuously running operation of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Flying down a hill for 1.5 kilometres and dropping guests off at Alpine Way, the ride swishes and swerves at a speed of up to 40km/h, with every passenger able to control their own pace. Zoom through tunnels, cross bridges and cop non-stop streaming wind gust as you sit back and let the rails do your heavy lifting. Kids must be over the age of eight to ride solo but if they’re age three, they can slide in tow with mum or dad.

3. Cycle Thredbo Mountain Bike Park

cycling at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park,Snowy Mountains — Explore Thredbo’s rugged terrain on two wheels. (Image: Destination NSW)

Thredbo’s rugged terrain transforms into the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park during the warmer months, where dirt ribbons weave down the mountainside among the rocky scrub and everything’s accessible by chairlift.

The linked network of cross-country trails has something to suit every skill level, from absolute beginner to consummate bikeaholic. There’s even a skills park, clinics available for all ages, and MTB programs for little ones when the sunny season ramps up.

4. Explore after dark on a Snowshoe Night Tour

During the winter months, Thredbo invites safe night exploration through its seasonal Snowshoe Night Tour . In 2025, it’s on from July 4 until August 22, but check the website each ski season for up-to-date scheduling. Sign up to jump aboard a ski gondola at sunset before an after-dark hike charts the region’s history and cultural significance. Each tour lasts about 2.5 hours in total and is led by an experienced guide with groups capped at just six people.

5. Go hiking in Kosciuszko National Park

frost over the vegetation along the Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk — Kosciuszko National Park is overflowing with scenic hiking trails. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Kosciuszko National Park is littered with scenic hiking trails, best accessed in late spring and summer when wildflowers speckle the mountainside, local wildlife surfaces to feast on the scrub, and glacial lakes emerge from their icy winter forms. The most beautiful Thredbo camping spots, riddled with walking trails, are worth consideration in summer, too.

Trace the contours of the Snowy Mountains on the Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk, which leads to the top of Australia’s highest peak. Wander leisurely through a forest with a mossy creek on the Meadows Nature Track or pack a picnic and take to the Pallaibo walking track, shaded by dry eucalypt forests where you’ll spy waterfalls and maybe even chance upon platypuses, wedge-tailed eagles and crimson rosellas.

6. Abseil and rock climb indoors and outdoors

rock climbing and abseiling in Thredbo — Explore Thredbo from a different perspective.

Explore the so-called ‘rooftop of Australia’ from a different perspective: by scaling and rappelling down the granite tors above Thredbo. Everyone from kids aged four years old and upward, through to skilled climbers and abseilers, can take to the region’s rock walls with local operators Integral Climbing Adventures , who offer full- and half-day adventures. Those who’ve never abseiled before and prefer a guaranteed soft landing can try their hand at Thredbo Leisure Centre ’s indoor Bouldering Wall, positioned atop squishy mats for safe daredevil manoeuvring.

7. Snowshoe during peak snow season

Those in the market for a little ‘soft’ adventure should try a Snowshoe Tour during the daylight hours. You’ll soak up the serenity of the Australian Main Range’s winter wonderland yet still work up a sweat. Three-hour tours typically run with experienced guides from June to October, and they explore powder right throughout the region with a maximum group size of six.

8. Tee off at the Thredbo Golf Club

two people playing golf at Thredbo Golf Club — Practice your swings at the scenic nine-hole course.

Breathe in the fresh alpine air at Australia’s highest golf course, the Thredbo Golf Club . The scenic nine-hole course runs alongside the Thredbo River, around the base of the mountain, and is surrounded by wildflowers and lined with eucalyptus trees. You might even spy some native wildlife as you’re channelling your inner Greg Norman. The season typically starts in November, once winter’s frost has loosened its icy grasp.

9. Go fly-fishing for trout in the Thredbo River

Thredbo River Fly Fishing, Snowy Mountains — Catch wild trout in the Thredbo River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Cast a line and hook wild trout on the winding Thredbo River (some local catches have even weighed in at nearly five kilograms), with newbies needn’t feeling deterred from getting in on the action. The team at Clearwater Fly Fishing Guides offers lessons, as well as full- and half-day excursions for those keen to try. The team, led by Craig whose been successfully sniffing out local waters for more than 25 years, also venture into Lake Jindabyne, where the suckers roam freely there, too.

10. Skateboard at Thredbo Skate Park

a boy practicing how to skateboard on a mini ramp at Thredbo Skate Park — Try fancy tricks on the mini ramps at Thredbo Skate Park.

Pack the skateboard (or scooter, or bike) and make for the Thredbo Skate Park , located at the Village Green.

Situated next to public barbecues, picnic tables and a large grassy area, it features banks, a flat rail, mini ramps and some speed bumps to help you nail fancy tricks.

11. Feast at one of Thredbo’s top restaurants

a family enjoying scones and hot chocolate at Eagles Nest Restaurant, Thredbo — Sip hot chocolate at Eagles Nest Restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Attracting visitors from right around the globe means catering to the pickiest of tastebuds, which is why Thredbo is crammed with authentic international cuisine and some of the most unique dining experiences in the country. From stalwarts like the weather-dependant Eagles Nest at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift, Australia’s highest restaurant, and Candlelight Lodge serving up European-inspired cheese fondue, to newer offerings including Izakaya which pays homage to the energy and flavours of Tokyo, you could very easily spend your entire trip hopping between restaurants, forgetting which hemisphere you’re in.

12. Go camping in Kosciuszko National Park

Immerse yourself in the greatest of outdoors during the warmer months with a stay at one of the best Thredbo camping spots. Several beautiful campgrounds within Kosciuszko National Park offer down-the-road access to Thredbo village and rich, barely touched alpine forest in which to lose yourself in. Sleep under the stars in camper trailers, caravans and tents before waking to the Thredbo River (perfect for tubing or more fly-fishing), an array of walking and biking trails and pure natural magnificence.

13. Road trip the Kosciuszko Alpine Way

al fresco dining at Wildbrumby Distillery, Thredbo — Make a pit stop at Wildbrumby Distillery. (Image: Destination NSW)

Get behind the wheel and explore the Snowy Mountains region along the endlessly impressive Kosciuszko Alpine Way, a 100-kilometre stretch that journeys from Cooma, a charming country town one-and-a-half-hour’s drive from Canberra, to Khancoban, famed for its scenic waters and gentle water sports. If you only have time to do a portion of the trip, hitting the road and heading to Jindabyne offers plenty of rewards including a pit stop at Wildbrumby Distillery , who specialise in schnapps, and incredible views of the looming mountains.

14. Go back to basics with winter ski lessons

New to this winter wonderland and keen to learn the right way? You’re in luck. In 2025, the Thredbo team revamped their learn-to-ski offerings, introducing lessons from $99 per adult and $129 per child. Each two-hour adult lesson is led by expert instructors, with the options of combined lift and lesson packages available for first timers. Kids’ lessons go for three hours, so while they’re gone, extended mulled wine o’clock for the grown-ups, perhaps?

15. Join a skiing or snowboarding tour of Thredbo

skiing in the slopes of Thredbo Resort — Visit in ski season to carve up the slopes at Thredbo. (Image: Destination NSW)

Let an expert spill everything there is to know about the ski resort’s rich history as you glide your way with a Guided Mountain Tour . The small-group tours, which don’t go over seven people at a time, run for three hours during the winter months and require participants to be either intermediate or advanced in the way of skiing or snowboarding. Guides also promise to reveal the mountain’s secrets which you’d probably never even consider as you’d typically fly past them on your way down the slopes.

16. Prepare to feast like a Bavarian

lunch at the Merritts Mountain Haus — Feast on traditional Bavarian cuisine at the Merritts Mountain Haus. (Image: Thredbo Resort)

Another highlight of the winter months, the Merritts Mountain Haus Feast is an annual jolly good time celebrating traditional Bavarian cuisine.

An authentic dinner is served inside Merritts Mountain House, right at the top of Merritts Gondola, and once you’re done stuffing yourself with the likes of pretzels with smoked butter, roast pork knuckle, crispy pork belly, sauerkraut, cured meats, apple strudel and more, you’ll head back down the mountain on your skis or snowboard in the dark. A truly unique and very special thing to do in Thredbo.

17. Try your hand at disc golf

Never heard of it? Don’t let that deter you. Thredbo’s disc golf is a family-friendly, weather-dependent sport staged at the Thredbo Golf Club when powder covers the course and regular golfers hibernate. Eighteen holes are set up right across the nine-hole golf course and the aim is to sink it, only you’re using a flying disc and your hands rather than a tiny ball and a club. They also run the game at Friday Flat during the summer months so you can indulge all year round.

18. Find your Zen at Thredbo Alpine Hotel

a couple relaxing at Thredbo Alpine Hotel, Snowy Mountains — Get cosy at the chalet-style Thredbo Alpine Hotel. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start your day with Thredbo yoga if you’re visiting during the summer school holiday period. Weekly yoga sessions, staged at Thredbo Alpine Hotel, typically run from December to January from 7am until 8am daily, inviting holiday makers to salute the sun in style. The team provides yoga mats, bolsters, blocks and straps so you don’t need to awkwardly cram any of it into your luggage — just make sure you book online before you set your alarm to ensure you’ve nabbed a spot.

19. Let it all hang out on the Alpine Bungee

They’re a kid favourite, often spotted in shopping centres, and now Thredbo plays home to its own permanent bungee trampolines every school holidays. Put a smile on their dials down at Valley Terminal on Friday Drive where you’ll spot the Alpine Bungee set up from Friday to Sunday. You need to weigh in at 15 kilograms or more to get into the action but there are no age restrictions. Watch your little ones squeal with delight as they soar safely above the ropes, fully strapped in via secure harnesses.

20. Soothe your lobes with live music

al fresco dining at Thredbo Alpine Hotel, Snowy Mountains — Dine al fresco with lush views at Thredbo Alpine Hotel. (Image: Destination NSW)

The perfect remedy to a long day on the slopes in winter is a session of live music to get you loosey goosy. Several spots offer a top-notch afternoon-into-evening fix including the River Inn’s beer garden and Lounge Bar at the Thredbo Alpine Hotel. If you’re up for a big one, winter also brings out local and internationally acclaimed DJs, who typically hit the decks at Alpine Bar as part of Thredbo’s renowned party scene.

Discover the best things to do in neighbouring Jindabyne

Originally written by Chloe Cann with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.