Snowy Mountains activities, NSW: Walking, fishing & horse-riding

The best summer Snowy Mountains activities include walking from Thredbo, trout fishing in Lake Jindabyne and horse-riding in Kosciuszko National Park.

The Snowy Mountains in New South Wales take up the highest section of the Australian Alps. As such, they are Australia’s prime skiing territory. Top ski resorts such as Thredbo and Perisher are found in the Snowy Mountains. But once the snow has gone, is there any reason to visit? Luckily, there are plenty of Snowy Mountains activities to undertake in the summer months.

Snowy Mountains activities: Walking in the Snowy Mountains

Hiking and walking in the Snowy Mountains is an absolute pleasure outside of ski season. The fresh Alpine air combines with pleasant temperatures and idyllic horizons of mountains and meadows. Thredbo makes an excellent base for walkers, with several walking trails from Thredbo village catering to different levels of required energy. It’s also possible to climb Mt Kosciuszko, the highest mountain in Australia. Climb is a considerable exaggeration – it’s a relatively simple walk.

Alternatively, go walking in the Yarrangobilly section of the Kosciuszko National Park. A swim in the Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool can be your reward on the way.

Mt Kosciuszko summit in the Snowy Mountains, New South Wales — Climbing to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko is the most obvious of the summer Snowy Mountains activities. But there are plenty of other things to do in the region. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

Snowy Mountains activities: Trout fishing

Lakes Jindabyne and Eucumbene are superb spots for catching trout. Eucumbene Fishing Charters offers would-be fishermen the chance to take to the water and compete for the best catch. It runs full and half day trips, while making a deliberate attempt to be child-friendly, teaching kids how to reel in their fish if necessary. Four hour sessions cost from $350.

Horse-riding in the Snowy Mountains

There are several horse-riding operations in the Snowy Mountains, but Reynella has the pedigree and the long, challenging rides. It has been running multi-day rides into the Kosciuszko National Park for 50 years. The six day guided safaris cover up to 160km across five days, averaging five to six hours of riding per day. Meals, tents and camping equipment are included. There are also shorter three day, four night experiences, with prices starting at $1,330 per person.

Things to do in the Snowy Mountains: 4WD tours

Snowy Wilderness takes a sturdy four wheel drive vehicle and heads bushland for a variety of different tours. These range from a two hour judder along 4WD tracks, to a day-long tagalong tours where you follow the guide in your own vehicle. Prices start at $134 per person.

Mountain biking from Jindabyne

Mountain biking: Sacred Ride in Jindabyne is a multi-sports outfitter. It handles sailing and kayaking trips on the lakes, as well as abseiling and rock-climbing excursions. But its bread and butter is bikes. It offers bike hire with bikes to suit all different tastes and skill levels, with full day rentals costing from $50.