Summer in the snowies

Charlotte’s Pass

Charlotte’s Pass is one of the best places to start your day in The Snowy Mountains. The scenic drive is about 50mins from The Crest to Charlotte’s Carpark. Make sure you take all your supplies with you as there are no services out there other than toilets and freshwater from The Snowy River. Blue Lake is a popular day-hike that will take you out across the Snowy River to the glacial cirque. If you hike a little further up the range past Blue Lake you will come across the infamous Sentinal and views all the way to Victoria. If you are looking for an easy sunset hike check out Mt. Stilwell.

Here are our best hikes from Charlottes:

Blue lake ● The Sentinal ● Mt Stilwell ● Kozzi Summit Trail & Seaman’s Hut ● Main Range Walk

Thredbo

Thredbo is a hiker’s heaven and only a 15min drive from The Crest. Take the chairlift up and gain instant access to the top of the range. This is the easiest and fastest way to summit Mt. Kosciuszko, but that’s the obvious choice! If you want to do it the hard way set out on Merritts Nature Track to wind your way up the mountain. You’ll discover secret creeks and waterfalls. If you want to avoid the Kosciusko crowds try out Mt. Townsend instead. Or the Dead Horse Gap Trail, which takes you all the way out to Dead Horse and loops back next to the Thredbo River to the Golf Course and Thredbo Village.

Here are our best hikes from Thredbo:

Kozzi Summit ● Merritts Nature Track ● Dead Horse Gap ● Mt. Townsend

Perisher

There aren’t too many hikes that set out from Perisher but one of the areas most popular sunrise or sunset spots is Porcupine Rocks. About a half an hour drive from The Crest, this short hike makes it ideal for a brisk dawn walk in the early morning, as you race to beat the light. Once you meander your way into the rocks you will clamber up and discover yourself perched above the Crackenback Ridgeline overlooking Thredbo Valley. If you time it right you may even find yourself above the cloud line, watching the sunrise above an inversion. It also makes a great sunset picnic spot! Rainbow Lake is another easy walk that is a bit closer to Jindabyne.

Here are out best hikes from Perisher:

Porcupine Rocks ● Rainbow Lake

Guthega

The Guthega turn-off, on the way to Perisher, is certainly worth the detour. About a 45min drive from The Crest you’ll find Guthega Power Station. This Snowy Hydro Station may look intimidating, but it is the gateway to some of the best huts in the park! Head up the access road (it’s steep but worth it) and you’ll encounter Horse Camp Hut, White’s River Hut, Schlink’s Hut, and Valentine’s Hut. Some of these are too far for a day mission (best to camp overnight in the huts) but are certainly worth looking into. If you drive the extra 10 mins to Guthega you’ll have access to the Illawong walking track. Here you can summit Mt.Twynam (or just Little Twynam if you are feeling tired). You can also look back over Blue Lake and the range. There is plenty to explore!

Here are our best hikes from Guthega:

Illawong Walk ● Mt.Twynam ● Schlink’s Hut Walking Track

Crackenback

This is your backyard! The Crest is only a few minutes from a bunch of trails that are perfect for a leisurely stroll, a bike ride, picnic or a swim. The Thredbo Valley Track winds it’s way from Thredbo to Jindabyne. This is popular for bikers so be careful to step out of the way if you are walking these tracks. The best places to set out if you are walking (or trail running if you are into it!) are The Diggings Campground, the back of Bullocks Flat Ski Tube Carpark or Lake Crackenback. Our favourites are the Muzzlewood Loop and the Diggings to Bullocks Hut Track (no bikes allowed on this one). Make sure to pack your swimmers as there are plenty of swimming holes along the river and lots of grassy patches for a picnic.

Here are our best walks from Crackenback:

Bullocks Hut Track ● Muzzlewood Track ● Thredbo Valley Track ● Lake Crackenback Trails

Sawpit Creek

These trails are easily accessed from Jindabyne, just a short drive towards Perisher from the town or 20mins from The Crest. As you cross the bridge and reach the Kosciuszko National Park sign, pull in to the left and you’ll find one end of the Piallabo Walking Track. The other end leads you up to Sawpit Creek, so you can always drive a bit further and begin your hike there too. Sawpit Creek Picnic Area is just past the park gates, from here you can walk the Piallabo Track or do the Waterfall Loop, which is a great short hike with waterfalls, expansive views and obscure boulders! The Waterfall Loop and Sawpit Walking Track Loop are pretty mellow. But The Piallabo Track is certainly longer so make sure you have adequate supplies.

Here are our best walks from Sawpit Creek:

Waterfall Walk Loop ● Sawpit Walk Loop ● Piallabo Walking Track

Thredbo

Thredbo is Australia’s Premiere Mountain Bike Park and has a bunch of trails for every level of rider. Head over to their website for more information. If you’re looking for something more scenic (and happen to have or are renting e-bikes) riding out to Cascades Hut is a must! The Thredbo Valley Track also begins from Friday Flat in Thredbo Resort.

Thredbo MTB Park ● Cascades Hut Trail ● Upper Thredbo Valley Track

crackenback

Lake Crackenback, The Digging’s Campground, and Ngarigo Campground all have great access to The Thredbo Valley Track. This track is quite long - so if you are heading all the way to Hatchery Bay it’s recommended that you book the Crackenback Resort Shuttle and hitch a lift back up the valley (or organise a car drop at the other end). Muzzlewood Bike Track is a great entry-level single track.

Thredbo MTB Park ● Cascades Hut Trail ● Lower Thredbo Valley Track ● Crackenback Shuttle

Jindabyne

Thanks to La Niña many of the Lake Jindabyne Tracks are currently underwater - so you have to head a little higher this Summer. Tyrolean Village just on the Eastern side of the Lake is the go-to this year or ride out from Jindabyne via the Mill Creek Trail. You can also explore the options from the Western side of the Lake at Hatchery Bay.

Tyrolean Village ● Mill Creek Trail ● Hatchery Bay ●

Thredbo River

f you walk up the Thredbo River Track from Thredbo Golf Course you will come across a few nice swimming spots, further up and you’ll find Cascades Falls. Follow the map directions to Rockpool Lodge and clamber into the scrub behind in search of hidden rock pools. If you are swimming in Crackenback follow the Bullocks map link below for easy river access (walk down the concrete path and take the left-hand turn on the track closest to the river - walk for a few mins and keep an eye out on the right for a grassy area with a natural pool).

Thredbo River Track ● Cascades Falls ● The Rockpools ● Bullocks River Pool

The Snowy River

The Snowy River originates on the slopes of Mount Kosciuszko, so it’s very ‘refreshing’ in Summer. While it’s a bit of a walk the best swimming spots are accessed from Guthega along the Illawong Track. Island Bend provides closer and easier access to The Snowy, located on the way to Guthega. Alternatively, for a warmer section of the river head down to historic Dalgety (en route to the brewery) and jump in there. While not as clear and fresh you may spot Platypus.

Illawong Bridge ● Island Bend ● Snowy River Holiday Park ●

Lake Jindabyne

Lake Jindabyne has miles of foreshore and water access. It’s also a hub for fishing, kayaking, supping, wakeboarding, waterskiing, and any other on-water activity you can think of! Jindabyne Sailing Club has a great lawn that fronts the water. The caravan park at Snowline has beautiful poplar trees immersed in water and Rushes Bay at East Jindabyne has willows and vistas! Check out the links below for maps and equipment hire.

The Sailing Club ● Rushes Bay ● Snowline Caravan Park ●

Yoga at the Shed

This is the closest and most convenient yoga to The Crest. The Shed at Lake Crackenback is a beautiful space and offers a few classes a week - all facilitated by experienced teachers. These classes are for guests of all abilities and spaces are limited so be sure to book in.

At Lake Crackenback

Yoga Shala

Jindabyne Yoga Shala has a brilliant view over Lake Jindabyne and is a dedicated accessible space, offering traditional lineage-based teachings with daily classes. Book in easily on their website below to unwind after a day of alpine adventures.

At Jindabyne Shala

alpine Yoga

Another Jindabyne Yoga Studio Alpine Yoga is a welcoming and accepting space. Located at Kookaburra Lodge on Clyde Street. Be sure to check out their timetable and book in advance as spots are limited.

At Kookaburra Lodge

RockClimbing

Discover the world of climbing in The Snowy Mountains - get in contact with climbing guide and Eagle’s Eyrie resident Lewis to book a tour. Enjoy a Half-Day or Full-Day tour out amongst the granite tors of the Ramshead Range or the dam views of Jindabyne Rock. If you are more experienced or looking for a full-day tour ask about climbing at Blue Lake.

K7 Adventures Climbing Tours

Rethynk Tours

Offering adventurous experiences in and above Lake Jindabyne. Check out their website to explore and book their tours and have a truly unique Snowy Mountains experience this Summer.

Hot Air Balloon ● FliteboardIng

HorseRiding

Located just a few minutes down the road is Thredbo Valley Horseriding. To find out what The Man from Snowy River was all about, experience it from a horse's back. For a taster, book a one or two-hour ride, or to spend a bit longer in the saddle, go for a half-day adventure. All rides include gear and basic instruction. (Source Concrete Playground)

Thredbo Valley Horseriding