A checklist of things to know before skiing in Thredbo

A charming village life, epic all-night parties and intermediate-skewed slopes make skiing in Thredbo a winter holiday favourite.

What makes cashing in your annual leave for a visit to this NSW ski resort worth it? A long list of things spanning family-friendly thrills, unforgettable bar hopping and a diverse mix of accommodation options. To help set up a hitch-free adventure, we’ve jotted down the key things to wrap your head around before skiing Thredbo.

1. If you’re after apres, skiing Thredbo is your best bet

The Apres Bar is a top spot for live music and a buzzing atmosphere. (Image: Destination NSW)

While none of Australia’s alpine resorts can quite compare to the scenes in Europe, Thredbo is the country’s best contender. It’s home to impressive bars, some of which double as clubs, and caters to a wide array of punters.

Make a beeline for local stalwart, the Après Bar in The Denman Hotel. It’s home to live music and a huge range of spirits including when-in-Rome schnapps. The party kicks off at 4pm from Thursday to Monday.

Fancy a more relaxed post-piste drink in the company of an open fireplace, while relaxing on leather sofas and armchairs overlooking snow-capped mountains? Visit Lounge Bar in the Thredbo Alpine Hotel from 3pm on Fridays. While cocktails, including a dedicated menu of martinis, roll out ahead of the weekend, the central meeting spot is a magnet for groups (including exhausted little ones) who laze around those charred logs to defrost in style.

There’s also Kareela Hutte , a winter-only ski-in, ski-out venue dishing up exquisite a la carte meals and premium cocktails, beer and wine. For tasty home-made Glühwein over live music, try the bar at the River Inn hotel near Friday Flat with its spacious, atmospheric deck. From November to April, the bar morphs into a Gin Lab, serving up gin flights that present homemade creations utilising quality gin found throughout the state. Think chocolate, raspberry, blood orange, chilli and more.

2. There’s plenty of life beyond skiing in Thredbo

The Snowies Alpine Walk is one of Thredbo’s popular adventures. (Image: Destination NSW)

The name is synonymous with hot chocolate and snowball fights, but Thredbo is alive during summer when nature lovers seize the opportunity to explore without throwing on all the layers. Featuring spectacular hikes, including the Snowies Alpine Walk and others that scale Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest mountain, and the fun-for-all-ages Thredbo Mountain Bike Park, the town offers good clean adventure all year round. While puffy jackets might have your name on them this year, future holiday temptation of the warm weather variety will likely prove tempting.

3. A free shuttle bus helps you get around

Thredbo shuttle bus — Take a shuttle bus to explore Thredbo fuss-free. (Image: Destination NSW)

While Thredbo is small in scale compared to other Aussie ski resorts, it’s not a walking town. It’s naturally hilly and getting to restaurants and bars from your accommodation will require far too much effort, particularly with heavy gear in tow. The solution? A complimentary shuttle bus that carts visitors right around the village. Four routes run regularly with multiple drop-off and pick-up points, making your exploration cheaper, faster and much toastier. Check out the shuttle map via Thredbo’s website to help plan your days.

4. You’ll need to pay a Kosciuszko National Park entry fee

Factor a small national park fee into your budget as all vehicles that enter Thredbo will need to cough up. When you’re driving in via either Alpine Way or Kosciuszko Road, you’ll come across a vehicle entry station which charges $29 per vehicle per day. If you’re visiting outside of June to October, the price drops to $17 per vehicle per day. If you’re eyeballing multiple Thredbo skiing trips in one year, consider an annual pass, available for purchase via the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services’ website .

5. Travellers with access needs are welcome

Disability parking, sealed paths and accessible facilities can all be found in Thredbo. The car parks are well marked along Friday Drive, both in front of the Thredbo Alpine Hotel and within the accommodation’s car park, plus there’s more priority parking at the Thredbo Leisure Centre and the Friday Flat car park. As for safe walking routes, visitors with access needs can navigate the length of Friday Drive with ease. Accessible bathrooms can be found along Friday Drive, within the village square, at the Valley Terminal located at the base of the Kosciuszko Chairlift, at the Thredbo Leisure Centre and at Friday Flat.

6. It’s a mecca for intermediate skiers and snowboarders

skiing in Thredbo — Thredbo offers a good balance of enjoyable and challenging terrain. (Image: Destination NSW)

Nearly 70 per cent of the pistes at Thredbo can be classed as intermediate, which makes it a great spot for those who’ve already dabbled in skiing or snowboarding and are looking to level up their proficiency.

There’s the wicked Supertrail, which rings in at 3.7 glorious kilometres, as well as the longest vertical drop of all the Aussie ski resorts clocking in at 672 metres. Beyond its 50+ kilometres of slopes, Thredbo also has five terrain parks, complete with jumps and rails to help you get the most out of skiing in Thredbo.

7. It’s big on amenities despite its size

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

If the amount of skiable terrain available is a deciding factor for your next holiday on the slopes, then Perisher does have an edge over Thredbo. After all, you can’t argue with the fact that Perisher is the largest ski area not only in Australia, but the Southern Hemisphere.

However, when it comes to atmosphere and amenities, Perisher doesn’t hold a candle to Thredbo. Skiing in Thredbo comes with a tiny but mighty village at the base of the mountains so chasing that après life is a cinch.

A diverse variety of hotels, lodges, chalets and apartments glitter with mountain views and there’s also dining experiences tapping into all your favourite international cuisines.

A collection of stores to pick up last-minute ski garb is also on hand. The range of ski-in/ski-out properties available is, however, more limited than at other ski resorts across NSW and Victoria but the ones Thredbo does contain deliver magical snow-scattered experiences every season.

8. It’s one of only two Australian ski fields included on the Ikon Pass

Keen skiers looking to get more bang for their buck (and ski across the globe) should investigate the Ikon Pass which covers both Thredbo and Mount Buller in Australia.

Internationally, the multi-resort multi-day pass grants access to more than 60 ski resorts across Europe, the USA, South America and Canada, plus Japan’s Niseko United and Arai Mountain Resort, and New Zealand’s Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt.

9. Yes, you can bring the kids

The Family Flare Run is an unforgettable event for kids and adults alike. (Image: Destination NSW)

With a string of dedicated ski programs catering to those aged anywhere from three up to 17, it’s fair to say Thredbo is a family-friendly resort. And if you feel like your little one needs extra special attention, private ‘It’s All About Me’ lessons for children aged from two to four, plus private lessons for those aged five and over, are on the table.

Lift passes are also heavily discounted for children with rates increasing incrementally up until 21 years of age. Patient mums and dads can also take to the slopes with the kids — Friday Flat is perfect for beginners, though critics may caution that the snow at the base of the mountain has a tendency to verge towards slushy. Regardless, its easy-going slopes are made for youngsters.

The kids’ action doesn’t stop there. There are truckloads of kid-focused activities for families skiing Thredbo. Every Thursday, as dusk falls, the resort stages its Family Flare Run and there are school holiday Snow Festivals that include movie nights, fire pit S’mores making, face painting, trampoline sessions and more.

10. It’s home to Australia’s only alpine Gondola

A scenic adventure in itself, Thredbo’s Merritts Gondola is an eight-person, fully enclosed Euro-style cable car that travels from the base of the village, right near the Kosciuszko Chairlift, to Merritts Mountain House at the base of the Cruiser area, in just six minutes.

It’s fast and warm, making the six-minute journey up the stunning powder-laced hill completely cosy, recharging and breathtaking. And again, it’s a fabulous kid-friendly activity as there’s an unofficial yet spacious patch of powder right when you step off the Gondola that begs for children to build a snowman or throw a few balls at their parents.

When the chill gets the better of you all, pop back on the Gondola for a quick return to Village life. How convenient.

11. If you don’t have gear, you can rent just about everything

Kits from top skiing brands can be easily loaned. (Image: Destination NSW)

If skiing is more of a once-every-few-years type of holiday, you don’t need to pour money into sourcing an entire kit before you go. All the flashy sporting brands including Rossignol, Nitro and Burton can be loaned through a rental package right at the base of the mountains, which is also going to cut your luggage size down dramatically.

Choose from clothing or equipment packages and let the team size you up for the perfect fits and thrills. There are also discounts to be snapped up if you book the packages with your lift passes prior to skiing Thredbo.

Plus, two ground-level chairlift locations situated next to car parks and accommodation, are fitted with lockers to make changing in and out of your chic on-mountain ‘fit extremely convenient.

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

Discover the best things to do in Thredbo

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 .