Australia and snow. This combination doesn’t seem to match, does it? Australia is a red, scorching desert and snow is… cold.
If you’re like most people, then your concept of Australia likely consists of sun-drenched beaches, unique wildlife and blue skies. Not ski slopes, snowballs and woolly scarves. By now you might be thinking… wait a minute, does it actually snow in Australia? Well, we’re here to tell you that yes, it does! Regularly, actually.
So, if you’re interested in having your very own Frozen experience then read ahead. In this article, we will be divulging Australia’s secret snow spots so that you can have the coolest winter ever!
When does it snow in Australia?
The optimal time to see snow in Australia varies based on the state you live in. Typically, winter is the best time to see snow. It’s also when the Australian ski season 2023 takes place. Winter runs from June to August, however, in the colder parts of the country, snow can start to fall as early as May. In some places, you can see snow as late as October!
Where does it snow in Australia?
It snows in several Australian states: New South Wales (NSW), Tasmania, South Australia and Victoria. For alpine ski enthusiasts, NSW is home to the magnificent Snowy Mountains. Boasting the highest mountain range in Australia, The Snowy Mountains receives an average of 1.9 metres of snowfall per year. That’s plenty of snow to make snow angels, snowmen and snowballs. It’s also where you’ll find Australia’s renowned ski resorts, Perisher and Thredbo.
You can also find snow in Tasmania at Ben Lomond National Park, home to the Ben Lomond Alpine Resort. Located roughly a three-hour drive from Hobart and a one-hour drive from Launceston, Ben Lomond National Park is the go-to destination for skiers and snowboarders. Many people also enjoy exploring the forests while watching wallabies and even the occasional wombat play in the snow.
The best ways to enjoy the snow in Australia
When it comes to ways to enjoy the snow in Australia, you’ve got loads of options, with skiing being one of the most popular activities. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro with years of experience, there are plenty of resorts for you to practice your skiing. Mount Buller in Victoria is an iconic hotspot guaranteed to give you picturesque slopes.
Falls Creek is another popular ski centre. It’s also cross-country, making it the perfect place to enjoy diverse landscapes from mountains to lakes. If skiing isn’t your thing, don’t worry! There are plenty of other activities to enjoy the snow.
Falls Creek in Victoria also offers exhilarating snowmobile tours. All you have to do is sit back and relax while someone drives you through the slopes. Or, if you have a current driver’s licence and are feeling adventurous, you can drive the snowmobiles yourself!
Some other activities to make your winter memorable are snowboarding and tobogganing. New South Wales has toboggan facilities at Selwyn Snow Resort. The Australian Capital Territory also has snowboarding facilities such as Corin Forest.
Okay, as enjoyable as all of these activities may be, they might not be everyone’s cup of tea. If your idea of winter involves relishing in a hearty meal or lounging by a cozy fireplace, away from the chilly air and brisk wind, then the Alpine Nature Experience in Mount Hotham, Victoria is perfect for you. This luxurious experience offers warm tipis and tasty food – plus, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to make traditional French fondue, adding an extra touch of sweetness to your experience.
So, next time you’re stuck on winter ideas or activities, check out the snow! It’ll be a unique experience and you won’t regret it.
