From budget to bougie: The ultimate Snowy Mountains winter getaway regardless of your budget
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Ask an outsider about Australia and they will tell you about our incredible beaches and hot weather.
Ask a local and we will tell you about how, since we’re freezing for half the year, we love to head to the Snowy Mountains in the cooler months.
Naturally, the cost-of-living crisis means that some of us have had to sacrifice our beloved annual snow trips but living on a budget shouldn’t mean you miss out altogether. It may seem hard to believe but a trip to the Snowy Mountains doesn’t have to break the bank.
Whether it’s a day trip or a weekend getaway, we have curated the perfect itinerary…thank us later.
Who said you couldn’t have fun on a budget? Here’s how to nail a day trip to The Snowies
Budget: $150-$300
If you’d like to snowboard or ski, the first problem to tackle is gear. Don’t shy away from renting or buying second-hand. Browse Facebook Marketplace to find endless options of snow gear and equipment or you can easily rent. Rhythm Snow Sports in Cooma has adult snow gear and equipment for hire starting from $65-$100.
For a quick day trip, we recommend Thredbo. Located just 2.5 hours from Canberra, most visitors prefer to drive down. The roads are well-maintained and you get to experience the stunning views of the Snowy Mountains as you drive down and if you’d prefer not to drive, the Greyhound Bus Service an affordable and ultimately stress-free way to travel. There’s also daily shuttle buses which run between Thredbo and Jindabyne, so whether you want to drive down or take public transport you can easily move through different sites.
On your way down stop by Michelago General Store and make sure to try their Chocolate fudge homemade brownies.
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Before making your trip back home, pass by La Famiglia in Jindabyne for an authentic Italian dinner. After this day, we guarantee you will return relaxed and ready to tackle your daily life.
Life has been tough lately, you deserve a weekend getaway
Budget $500-$700
Cooma is a Snowy Mountains hidden treasure when it comes to accommodation and staying here during the snow season will also save you some serious cash.
Stay at The Cooma Cottage and be transported back to the past. Initially purchased by Australian-born explorer Hamilton Hume in 1839, the cottage has seen thousands of visitors and experienced endless stories.
Once you’re out on the road we recommend The Lott Cafe to grab breakfast or lunch. Our personal recommendation is the Avo-rosti Stack.
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On Saturday visit the Charles Davis Gallery to check out the local photographers who capture the beauty of Cooma and the Birdsnest for some retail therapy.
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Next, head down to Perisher or Thredbo which are only an hour away. There you can explore the snow plus an array of other sites, cafes and restaurants.
On Sunday drive down to Yarrangobilly. It is truly worth the hour drive for the hiking route surrounded by wildlife. If hiking isn’t your idea of a relaxing getaway, swim in the thermal pools which remains at a perfect 27 degrees (and entry is free).
For dinner, head to The Alpine Hotel’s Alpine Restaurant where you can enjoy the gorgeous views while dining on European classics.
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You deserve to treat yourself. Bougie getaway loading…
Budget: who cares
From scenic helicopter tours to their very own brewing company, Jindabyne is a popular alpine town that is busy year-round but packed during this time of the year for good reason.
To start your stay right, Crafters is the perfect luxury bush escape – did we mention the outdoor hot tubs? Crafters offer luxury cabins that are designed to bring you closer to nature. It’s also the perfect romantic getaway if you are escaping to the Snowy Mountains with that special somebody.
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Jindabyne is a short drive from three main ski resorts that the Snowy Mountains are famous for – Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte’s Pass.
To get to the snow, the quickest and most reliable way to travel is by the ski tube. Alternatively, the Snowy Mountains Bus Service is a convenient way to travel to Perisher, with connecting services via East Jindabyne, Tyrolean Village and Cooma. The service travels seven days a week during ski season (until 6 October 2024). You also have the option to drive but alpine roads during the winter months can be dangerous. Only choose to drive if you’re familiar and comfortable with driving in snowy conditions.
For lunch, Birchwood is a vegetarian-friendly cafe with an impressive menu and great coffee.
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For those with a sweet tooth, you cannot skip the chance to visit Snowy Mountain Cookies (open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday). Snowy Mountain Cookies specialises in baking sweets without all the nasty artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. We would love to recommend a menu item but it’s all too good.
For dinner, Crackenback Farm Restaurant is a farmhouse-style restaurant located a little way out of Jindabyne featuring French cuisine with a relaxed atmosphere. The menu is curated using fresh, seasonal produce and they have an open fire to help warm up from the harsh weather.
To end your trip, it would be an absolute shame to not visit Wildbrumby Distillery. With their access to organically grown fruit and native mountain botanicals, it’s no wonder their schnapps and other spirits are award-winning. The menu is also heavily influenced by Austrian culture and family recipes handed down through generations.
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Feature image: Courtesy of Destination NSW
