Our guide to a summer Snowy Mountain escape in Crackenback
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Rather than heading to the beach these summer holidays, we are going to throw a wild suggestion at you—head to the Snowy Mountains instead. Yes, really.
A summer Snowy Mountain experience is truly nothing short of breathtaking. It’s a country of rolling gum trees, touched in the warmer months by flickers of sunlight that transform the landscape into raw umber and burnt sienna, where wild brumbies run free. It’s here that little gems thrive—waiting for the next tourist to pass on by. It’s the kind of escape that effortlessly transport us from the busy echoes of the city and connects us to the inner serenity we so often seek.
Don’t believe us? We have a series of recommendations that might just change your altitude (sorry). We start with Crackenback.
Crackenback
Tucked away in the heart of Thredbo’s valley lives the quiet beauty of Crackenback. And while it might be heavily snow-dusted in the winter, the warmer months bring glistening lakes, electric blue skies and untouched bush just waiting to be explored.
It’s the kind of place you stumble upon as you make your way to Jindabyne or Thredbo and seemingly hesitate to leave. And despite its size, little Crackback hits a big hospitality punch, with hidden cabins and luxury restaurants rippling throughout a breathtaking landscape you never quite get sick of admiring.
Eat
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Just a stone’s throw away from Jindabyne, Crackenback Farm is country dining at its finest, welcoming visitors in with its rustic charm and French touches felt in both aesthetics and the menu. It’s in this warm and softly lit atmosphere that life seemingly slows down, encouraging you to soak up every detail unhurried.
It’s for good reason you visit Crackenback farm without any immediate deadlines—choosing something off the menu is anything but easy— because everything will make you drool. From personal experience, the blue cheese, witlof and candied walnut salad and bone marrow, brioche and jus appetisers, followed by the beef rib and mushroom ragout, lived up to all expectations. Notably fresh, infused with local produce and balanced alongside rich French flavours, wash it all down with a glass of local wine to lovingly cleanse the pallet. It promises an intimate evening you will be boasting to friends about when you return home to the city as you recount that unexpected Snowy Mountain jeni se qua.
914 Alpine Way, Kalkite NSW 2627 / crackenback
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If you are travelling through Crackenback on a Tuesday afternoon, unfortunately nearly all of the much-loved locals will be closed (they reopen from Wednesday onwards). Since cooking on holidays is simply out of the question, we recommend making the quick drive to Jindabyne, where the popular Jindabyne Emporium will offer an affordable—yet incredibly delicious—foodie experience.
Overlooking the soft hues of the lake, this relatively new restaurant has perfected comfort food—serving up hearty burgers that will make every family member happy. Did someone say Jindy fried chicken?
Shop 14 town center 33 Kosciusko road town centre shopping centre Level 1, Jindabyne / jindabyneemporium
Drink
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Honouring its European roots, Wildbrumby gives travellers a taste of authentic schnapps inspired by the Snowy Mountain region. From gin to vodka, these fragrant combinations have been carefully altered to suit an Australian palate, utilising fresh, homegrown ingredients to give it that memorable, Wildbrumby aftertaste.
Doubling as a café, you can wash your drink of choice down with a homemade cake, coffee or flavourful lunch should that tickle your fancy. We don’t blame you if you decide to spend your whole afternoon here. Enjoy!
Alpine Way &, Wollondibby Rd, Crackenback NSW 2627 / wildbrumby.com
Stay
It doesn’t seem possible that a long dirt track in the middle of a thick, dense bush could open just so to create space for the magic that is Mill Cabin. I think everyone who has experienced it has the same reaction. The, ‘is this the right place?’ questioning, the Mill signs reassurance and a harmonious “wow,” as the Cabin comes into sight—overlooking views that are nothing short of jaw-dropping.
As you make your way inside (or, in most cases, eagerly run), that wow factor continues, where contemporary details weave through rustic finishes sourced from materials in the area. Think layered granite walls and fumed wooden floors with knots and cracks intact, forming the foundations of this intimate home.
The cabin’s ability to preserve its milling history while transforming this space into a modern retreat is all thanks to talented owners Trent and Niki, who have left their masterful marks in every room of this house. From handmade furniture, an earth-bound colour palette and perfectly imperfect ceramics carefully chosen for dining, it’s this well-thought-out simplicity that instantly soothes and puts your mind at ease.
The large windows guide your eyes outside, where views of the valley below capture wild wallabies, lazy wombats, the occasional emu and the distant hum of cicadas—the nature that surrounds quickly becoming your closest source of company. As evening sets and dusty pinks fill the sky, the indoor fireplace invites you inside, with its warm flickers close by as you fall asleep to a sound so rare in the city—complete silence.
Crackenback NSW / millcabin
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I hope you have packed your walking shoes because Crackenback has some of the most picturesque walking trails that this region has to offer. If you are staying at Mill Cabin, you have 15 acres of wild (not so snowy) mountains to explore just outside your doorstep. A variety of snow gums, manna gum and black and white Sallee create stunning viewing points along the way, perfuming the air with the rich scent of eucalyptus.
Don’t mind dark kangaroos, little deer, and echoes of lyrebirds as you wander through. For a longer, slightly more guided walks their endless scenic trails to explore, so if you are feeling overwhelmed, we recommend the Illawong walk, about a 35-minute drive away from Mills Cabin (Although the drive is almost as beautiful as the walk itself), and roughly 6km in length, it’s perfect for those who like to take it slow, taking in the views and dipping your hands in the impressive Snowy River that flows through.
You know when you are getting close to the end when you spot the tiny hut perched within the mountains—one of the oldest still standing in the park. A charming historical landmark to admire before making your way back home. In short, you will be feeling joyfully exhausted. If walking is not your thing, but you still want an activity to immerse yourself within the region—let us point you in the direction of the Fledmark Pottery.
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An artist’s escape that transforms the material from the snowy mountain area into one of a kind earth tones vessels. A beautiful (and tangible) memory marker to remind you of your trip to the Snowys (you can also shop at their gallery, but a quick word of warning you will be tempted to buy everything).
