While globally famed for its powdery ski slopes, the Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales undergoes a stunning transformation each summer, emerging as an adventure playground with a fraction of the winter tourists. According to local guide and tour operator Josh Shukor, who has called Jindabyne home for a decade, the warmer months reveal the area's true, family-friendly charm.
An Alpine Playground Beyond Winter
The Snowies, situated on the traditional lands of the Ngarigo people, are a six-hour drive from Sydney and three from Canberra. The main hub is the town of Jindabyne, affectionately known as 'Jindy'. While the ski resorts of Perisher and Thredbo remain key landmarks, summer shifts the focus to hiking, mountain biking, and water sports under near-perfect weather conditions.
Josh Shukor emphasises the seasonal change. "Most people still think of the Snowies as a winter destination, but in summer it transforms," he says. "The weather is perfect, there are fewer tourists and it has a family-friendly country-town feel." The area offers access to Australia's highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, most easily reached via the Kosciuszko Express chairlift from Thredbo.
Local Food, Scenic Picnics and Pizza Wars
The culinary scene reflects the laid-back, community-oriented summer vibe. For a classic experience, Shukor recommends scenic picnics. The Little Grocer at Shut the Gate wines in Berridale (25 minutes from Jindy) is a top spot for regional produce, wine, and live music on the first Friday of each month.
A playful rivalry has ignited over wood-fired pizza. The long-standing favourite, Out of Bounds, operates from a van in Berridale, but has new competition from Jindabyne's recently opened Stacks Pizza. For a more substantial meal, the izakaya-style Takayama Restaurant Bar offers some of the best food in town, a testament to the area's Japanese influence from seasonal workers.
Coffee culture thrives at ESS Board Store (serving Allpress) and Birchwood Jindabyne, while tea enthusiasts can create custom blends at The Market Jindabyne. For a special dinner, the newly opened Perrotta’s Italian at Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa serves excellent pasta and fresh seafood from the NSW far south coast.
Adventure Awaits: From Canoeing to Platypus Spotting
Beyond the plate, summer activities define the region. Shukor's top tip is a short, ten-minute canoe across Lake Jindabyne to the secluded Lion Island nature reserve. Canoes can be hired from Sacred Ride.
Mountain biking is the premier summer sport, with the Thredbo Valley track in Kosciuszko National Park catering to all skill levels. Bikes are available for hire from Harro's. For a quintessential and relaxing experience, floating down the Thredbo River on a lilo from the Gaden trout hatchery to the Thredbo River picnic area is a must-do.
Wildlife enthusiasts should head to Bullocks track in the national park for a chance to spot the shy platypus in the late afternoon. Hikers are drawn to the Main Range walk, which passes five glacial lakes, including the stunning Blue Lake—Australia's largest—and Shukor's favourite, Lake Albina.
Evening Vibes and Where to Stay
Jindabyne's nightlife offers variety. Holly's attracts a younger crowd with DJ sets and a beer garden, while Bar Lula provides an intimate setting with acoustic music and European small plates. The lakeside Banjo Paterson Inn ('the Banj') is a community hub with a brewery, restaurant, and late-night atmosphere.
Accommodation ranges from the dog-friendly Big Yard Farm (from $750 a night) to off-grid escapes. For a unique stay, consider Big Yard Escapes' tiny houses (from $179) or the fully sustainable Crafters cabins near Crackenback Peak (from $490). The design-led Common Kosci (from $300) offers a contemporary bush shack experience close to Jindabyne. For campers, Thredbo Diggings and Wilkinson's Creek in the national park are excellent options.
Guided experiences elevate a visit. Cochran Horse Treks, led by fifth-generation horseman Peter Cochran, offer multi-day packhorse adventures. For adrenaline, whitewater rafting on the lower Snowy River with companies like Venture Outdoors Co is sensational. Thredbo Resort also runs unique new moon stargazing hikes to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko.
As Josh Shukor concludes, the summer Snowies offer an unparalleled blend of adventure, serenity, and local charm, firmly establishing itself as a destination for all seasons.
