Wait a second. Isn’t Thredbo a ski resort?
With the weather warming and travel restrictions in place, we’re all on the lookout for holiday surprises closer to home. Thredbo might just top the list as it shakes free of the snow sports mould to offer up a mountain of awesome family activities in time for summer. A ‘365 days’ destination, Thredbo is just six hours from Sydney and three hours from Canberra. Don’t be fooled by their wintry name – the Snowy Mountains are packed with golf, mountain biking, hiking tracks and fresh air.
Hungry for hiking
Hiking at such high altitude guarantees some spectacular views. The alpine expanses, glacial lakes and rugged mountains make for some great family photo ops. Conquer Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak at 2228 metres, on a family-friendly track of approximately 4 to 6 hours. Or go all-out hardcore on a 32-kilometre Main Range overnight hike accessing the highest glacial lakes in the country.
Looking for something less strenuous? Catch the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift uphill and wander back down the Dead Horse Gap track. Thredbo’s Guided Hikes is a great option if you prefer guided walks.
Try it on two wheels
Got a need for speed? 25 kilometres worth of gravity trails await in Thredbo Mountain Bike Park. Access the trails by chairlift and enjoy options for all ages and abilities. Guides will help you out.
Take it down a notch with a scenic pedal along the Thredbo Valley Track. It extends 20 kilometres across five suspension bridges to Bullocks Flat. The Lower Thredbo Valley Track Extension will land you all the way at Jindabyne!
The main event
It is festivals and fun galore in Thredbo Village in the summer. The biggest gravity mountain bike festival, aptly known as The Cannonball, kicks off from 9th to 13th December. World Champions and amateurs brush shoulders on the trails in a range of events.
There’s plenty more fun to be had, even if biking isn’t your thing. Tune in to the Blues Festival. Breathe it out at Yoga and Wellness Mountain Retreat. Take a shot at a photography workshop. Keep a lookout for the activity schedules of School Holiday Adventure Festivals.
Give it up for the gondola
This hot new addition to Thredbo is the talk of the town. Australia’s only alpine gondola is not just for the powder hounds. Lap it up in summer for stunning views of mountains and wildflowers. It ids a great way to ascend all 1665 metres of the peak without breaking a sweat.
A trip above par
Thredbo is home to Australia’s highest golf course. Word on the street is that the alpine air improves your golf game – give it a swing at the Par 5 hole, four Par 4 hols and four Par 3 holes. Or fetch a frisbee instead and go for Disc Golf.
The list goes on
Choose your own adventure on the mountain. There really is something for everybody. Daredevils can abseil, wannabe gymnasts can let loose on spring-free trampolining, and eager beavers can try and catch dinner fishing for trout in the Thredbo River. The alpine bobsled is sure to be a hit for the whole family.
Keep a lookout and check in with the latest COVID-19 best practice. You’ll have to follow social distancing regulations and look out for each other. Thredbo is opening up, but after a modified 2020 ski season, it is worth updating yourself here. Check out the Thredbo website here to plan your summer visit.
READ MORE:
Best of the Snowies for non-skiers
28 best family weekend activities in NSW
Sophie is a die-hard pasta lover, beach-goer and theatre fanatic hit hard with the travel bug. When exploring new places, Sophie loves straying from the beaten path and chatting with locals about the best places to grab a bite to eat.