Australia is the land of sunshine and warm weather! Or so we thought until we came across some of the coldest corners of the country. Contrary to popular belief, Australia is not just a hot and sunny country and there are actually parts of it that receive snow. In a land of beaches and barbeques, there are places where the temperatures could allow penguins to live easily!
We’re talking about places like the Snowy Mountains, Mount Hotham, and many other spots, where you can swap your boardshorts for a parka and your summer clothing for a jacket. Forget about throwing shrimp on the BBQ, here you’ll be throwing snowballs at your mates! Read on if you are really looking forward to some of the “coolest experiences” (pun intended).
How Often Does It Snow in Australia?
The peak snow season in Australia is between June and October. During this time, the heaviest snowfall usually occurs in mid-July and August. As per reports by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, the Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales typically receives between 180 and 240 centimeters (71 to 94 inches) of snowfall annually. In contrast, the Victorian Alps are a bit behind and receive only up to 400 centimeters (157 inches) of snowfall. It is important to know that the amount of snowfall can vary from year to year, depending on weather patterns and other factors.
Where Can You Go to Enjoy Snow in Australia?
Following are two of the most popular spots in Australia where people head over to experience snowfall, skiing, and multiple other fun activities as well!
Snowy Mountains – The Australian Alps
If Australia is known for one famous snowy area, it includes the All-Great Snowy Mountains. These mountains are located in Southern New South Wales and are known as the tallest mountain range in Australia. The tallest peak on this mountain is Mount Kosciuszko (7,310 feet). There are several resorts on the Snowy Mountains including Perisher Valley, Thredbo, Charlotte Pass, and Selwyn Snow Resort.
The Snowies, as Aussies call them, receive the most snow during June to October which is also the most popular time range to visit these mountains. With plenty of resorts and hotels located here, one can always find accommodation according to their budget, and other requirements. Thredbo Alpine Hotel, YHA Thredbo, and Stillwell Hotel are a few of the many popular options.
The resort at Snowies offers extensive snow activities for you to enjoy with your friends and family! From chairlifts to advanced-scale skiing, there’s something everybody would love doing. There are over 50 ski runs and 20 lifts at the Snowy Mountains. Other activities include freestyle skiing, and snowboarding (jumps, rails, and half-pipes).
The best part? Even your children can learn to ski or snowboard in a safe and fun environment at the Snow Sports School located here.
The resort offers various ticket options, including day passes and multi-day passes, with prices ranging from AUD 129 ($85) to AUD 779 (516) depending on the season, type of ticket, and activities you opt for.
Keep in mind that The Snowy Mountains are located about a 5-hour drive from Sydney or a 6-hour drive from Melbourne. If that seems like a long drive, you’ll be happy to know that there are regular shuttle services available from both cities.
Mount Hotham – Victorian Alps
Mount Hotham is another snowy mountain located in one of the coolest places in Australia, The Victorian Alps. It is known for its challenging terrain, breathtaking views, and abundance of snowfall. One of the unique features of Mount Hotham is its altitude, with the highest peak reaching 1,862 meters.
There are several popular winter sports you can indulge in in this area. One can go skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even tobogganing.
Besides, there are several interesting areas over here as well such as the “Dinner Plain” area, which is a separate village located 10 kilometers from the main resort. It offers a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, with several accommodation options and winter activities.
A factor we really liked about Mount Hotham is the availability of accommodation. Lodging options in Mount Hotham range from budget-friendly lodges to luxury ski-in/ski-out apartments.
Apart from that, one can also experience several restaurants and bars on and off the mountain, offering a variety of dining options from casual to fine dining. Some of the popular restaurants include The Bird Café & Bar, Miss Mary’s, Hot Doggies, Frankie, and Snake Gully Hut.
One reason why this is a popular snowy peak in Australia is that it is accessible by road from the most popular cities in Australia. It’s located about 357 kilometers (222 miles) northeast of Melbourne, 746 kilometers (464 miles) from Sydney, and a whopping 997 kilometers (that’s 620 miles) from Adelaide!
Keep in mind that the resort offers various ticket options, including day passes and multi-day passes, with prices ranging from AUD 100 ($66) to AUD 900 ($600) depending on the season and type of ticket.
We recommend visiting Mount Hotham during the peak winter season from late July to early September as the snow conditions are the most appropriate at this time.
Conclusion
YES — it does snow in Australia. Now, it’s time to hit the snowy slopes in Australia! Even though it’s known for being a warm country, there are some seriously cool spots where you can catch some epic snow, as we stated above. The Snowy Mountains, Mount Hotham, and Perisher are just a few of the awesome destinations where you can shred the gnar and carve up the powder.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, these ski resorts have got you covered with runs for all skill levels. So come on down, grab your skis, and let’s hit the slopes, mate!
Does it Snow in Australia?
Between June and October.
Australia is not just a hot and sunny country and there are actually parts of it that receive snow.
We recommend visiting Mount Hotham during the peak winter season from late July to early September as the snow conditions are the most appropriate at this time.
