Yes, it snows in Australia. From June to September the alpine resorts of NSW, Victoria and Tasmania turn white — here's where to go.
It surprises a lot of visitors, but Australia has a real snow season. From the June long weekend to roughly early October, the Australian Alps of New South Wales and Victoria — and the high country of Tasmania — get reliable snow, with ski resorts, lifts and alpine villages running in full swing.
The peak is July and August, school-holiday weeks book out early, and conditions vary year to year. Beyond the downhill resorts there's cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and simply playing in the snow. Here are the main snow destinations.
The largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere, Perisher links four areas — Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Blue Cow and Guthega — with a huge spread of runs and lifts in Kosciuszko National Park.
Reached by road or the Skitube railway. Peak conditions in July and August.
Thredbo has Australia's longest ski runs and the most vertical drop, plus a lively alpine village. In summer it pivots to mountain biking and the walk to Mount Kosciuszko's summit.
A favourite for more advanced skiers. July–August for the best snow.
Victoria's largest resort, with ski-in/ski-out village accommodation and excellent cross-country trails alongside the downhill runs.
A well-rounded resort for families and all abilities. Peak season July–August.
Known for its high base elevation, steeper terrain and reputation for the best powder in the Victorian Alps — a favourite of more experienced skiers and boarders.
The village sits along the ridge-top. July and August are prime.
The closest major resort to Melbourne (about three hours), making Buller the go-to for weekend snow trips, with a broad spread of runs suited to families and beginners.
Busy on winter weekends; midweek is quieter.
Australia's highest and oldest ski village, so high and snow-bound that in winter you reach it by oversnow transport. Small, historic and uncrowded, right beneath Mount Kosciuszko.
A quieter, character-filled alternative to the big resorts.
A small, friendly resort closest to Melbourne's east, ideal for first-timers, families and a low-key day in the snow without the big-resort prices or crowds.
Great for learning; modest terrain for advanced skiers.
Not a downhill resort but Australia's premier cross-country and snow-play destination, an easy day trip from Melbourne with toboggan runs and groomed Nordic trails.
Perfect for a family snow day without the lift queues.
Tasmania's main downhill ski field, a compact resort on a dramatic dolerite plateau in the north-east, reached via the hair-raising switchbacks of Jacobs Ladder.
Snow is more variable here than on the mainland; check conditions before heading up.
Beyond the lifts, the Australian Alps offer cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and back-country touring through snow gums and open alpine country — a quieter, wilder side of the snow season.
For prepared, experienced travellers; alpine weather changes fast.
Cooee Tours can help arrange touring and transfers to the Australian snowfields — talk to us about building a winter alpine trip.
Talk to us about a snow tripYes. The Australian Alps of New South Wales and Victoria, and the high country of Tasmania, get reliable snow each winter, with ski resorts, lifts and alpine villages operating from around the June long weekend to early October.
Roughly the June long weekend to early October, with July and August the peak months for the most reliable snow. Conditions vary year to year, and school-holiday weeks book out well in advance.
Perisher is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, Thredbo has the longest runs and most vertical, and Falls Creek and Mt Hotham are the Victorian standouts. Mt Buller and Mt Baw Baw are the most accessible from Melbourne for weekend trips.
Yes. Lake Mountain in Victoria specialises in cross-country skiing, tobogganing and snow-play, and most resorts offer snowshoeing, snow tubing and village experiences. It's easy to enjoy the snow without hitting the downhill runs.
Mt Buller (about three hours) and Mt Baw Baw are the closest downhill resorts to Melbourne, with Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and the cross-country trails of Lake Mountain also within reach.
Australian snow conditions vary a lot year to year, so check live snow reports before committing, and book accommodation and lift passes well ahead for the July–August peak and any school-holiday weeks. Resort entry fees, oversnow transport and gear hire all add up, so factor those in — and remember that the weather on the alpine tops can change fast, even in the middle of the season.
A snow holiday also pairs naturally with the dry-season warmth up north for travellers wanting both extremes in one winter trip. See our guide to the best places to visit in July for ideas on combining snow and sun. First-timers should budget a day or two for lessons and acclimatising to the altitude and cold before tackling the bigger runs, and chains or all-wheel drive are often required on the alpine roads in winter.
Cooee Tours acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise that the places described here hold deep cultural significance for the First Peoples who have cared for them for tens of thousands of years.