Australia’s first community-owned and operated mountain bike park is transforming a bushfire-affected region into a must-visit adventure hub.
Don’t let the name fool you; the Snowy Valleys is an outdoor destination for all seasons, perfect for fishos, hikers and mountain bikers. Positioned on the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range near the Snowy Mountains, the Snowy Valleys is known for its rugged beauty and pastoral landscapes.
Tumbarumba Mountain Bike Park is the country’s first community-owned bike track. (Image: Andy Hardy)
Now, the new Tumbarumba Mountain Bike Park is placing the region firmly on the radar for adventure-lovers with 22 kilometres of bike tracks and a scenic 8-kilometre hiking loop. Best of all, the park is a community-led initiative championed by a local cycling group determined to revitalise the region after it was devastated by the Black Summer bushfires in 2020. To realise the vision of the bike park, the local cycling club had to purchase the land themselves, with the local community rallying behind them to raise funds. Local farmers even donated cows that were auctioned off to help raise money. The resulting Tumbarumba Mountain Bike Park, which opens today, is now Australia’s first community-owned and operated mountain bike park.
Tumbarumba Mountain Bike Park is putting the region firmly on the radar as an adventure hub. (Image: Andy Hardy)
“This park is more than just trails—it’s a story of resilience, determination, and the power of community," says Peter Marshall, president of the local cycling club behind the initiative. “We’ve created something special here that will put Tumbarumba on the map as an adventure destination while also providing a space for locals and visitors to enjoy our incredible landscape."
Local brewhouse operator Robbie Ladbrook is one of the many program partners involved in the creation of the trail. “It’s been a real community effort and nearly everyone has supported in some way, whether that’s buying a raffle ticket or donating stuff to be auctioned off," Robbie says. “There’s been a massive amount of excitement, from the children to the oldies … Our hope is it becomes the next must-do mountain bike trail for cyclists, and that when people go to visit Thredbo or Jindabyne, they’ll come around to us, too."
The vision to create a bike park came from the local cycling club. (Image: Andy Hardy)
For those in the know, Tumbarumba has a reputation for its cross-country cycling networks, like the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail. But according to Robbie, the region is still unfairly under-the-radar, especially compared to the adjacent Snowy Mountains region.
“We’re very much a mountain community," Robbie says. “There’s apples and orchards and wineries that produce some of the best cool-climate wine in Australia. There are snow-covered peaks, great hiking trails, beautiful rivers for fishing…it really is the undiscovered side of the state".
The addition of the brand new Mountain Bike Park is just one more compelling reason to visit.
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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
Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.
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.
