Where To See Snow In Sydney, NSW This Year (2024)

Best Spots To See Snow Near Sydney in 2023

Australia is well known around the world for its region of tropical finest beaches, rolling wine country, aboriginal culture, marine reserves, lush rain-forests, red desert, and cuddly koalas. But their winter season provides a magnificent experience too. Many people believe that Australia is a summer paradise that never ends, as many parts of this vast and diverse country remain warm all year. But some parts of the country experience snowy winters and milder seasons. The Australian winter is a glorious time from June to August for travellers looking for less crowded destinations. Visiting a place where you can witness snow during the winter is a wonderful experience, whether you are a resident or a tourist. By visiting these snow mountains, beautiful valleys, and stunning tropical islands, you can experience the greatest winter holidays in Australia. 

Looking for the best spots to watch snowfall and experience a winter wonderland near Sydney in 2024? Many options are available within a reasonable drive from the city. From skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and more to simply enjoying the beauty of snow-covered landscapes, a variety of activities await those eager to explore. Spend your winter break outside Sydney and marvel at this enchanting natural phenomenon!

Best Places to Enjoy and See Snow

Let’s start with our list of top places to enjoy the snow this winter.

1. The Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains

They are a mountainous region that is about an hour away from Sydney towards the west. It is also one of the most convenient destinations to visit for snow-seekers traveling. The Blue Mountains National Park is a heritage center and an attractive place to visit any time of the year. This place is famous for its Three Sisters rock formation, waterfalls, and hiking. And, because it’s so near to the city, it’s easy to go to on short notice. The national park frequently transforms into a white winter wonderland and is a fantastic location for a beautiful experience.

  • Winter Season in the Blue Mountains – June to August
  • Best Time To See Snow: The ideal time to see snow in the Blue Mountains during winter is from late June to Mid July.
  • The Average Temperature During Winter: The average winter temperature in the Blue Mountains is 12°C at its highest and -3°C at its lowest. The Lowest Temperature in the Blue Mountains was recorded at −14.6 °c on 11 July 1971.

Why go to the Blue Mountains?

The Blue Mountains are easily accessible and a beautiful destination for snow mountains lovers. You can visit this place between June and October when you can expect precipitation ranging from light flurries to substantial snowfall. 

The Blue Mountains offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Also, this location comes alive around sunset. The world-famous Three Sisters rock formation is certainly one of Australia’s top symbols, which is located inside the Blue Mountains. There is Jamison Valley too where you witness breathtaking beauty that will blow your mind.

Also, there are locations to witness some of the most iconic Australian wildlife. People who are not native can get help from some local tour operators like Wildlife Tours Australia which specialises in Blue Mountains Tours and wildlife spotting in their native environment. Here you can look for Australia’s three favourite animals – Kangaroos, Koalas and Kookaburra.

The Blue Mountains have spectacular spots, to amaze their visitors. There is a paradise pool which is also known as Paradise to natives and wonderful waterfalls- Minnehaha Falls, Wentworth Falls, and Katoomba Falls.

The Blue Mountains location also features walking trails through thick rainforests that allow visitors to experience its genuine magnificence on a more close level. This region is a true bushwalker’s paradise, with several beautiful walking trails to explore. Some of these climbs have been existing for almost a century, while others have just recently become accessible to the general public. The walking trails are:-

*Fabulous Canyon Walk: It is a 6 km long trail and you will come across rich rainforest with a few creek crossings, little waterfalls, massive sandstone separators, and shaking overhangs.

*National Pass: It is a 4 km long trail and this short but amazing track that takes you through lush rainforest all the way to Katoomba Falls, with panoramic views of the valley below.

*Katoomba Falls Round Walk: It is a 4.5 km long trail and comes across Wentworth Falls and the Jamison Valley, with sections of the track interwoven with the side of the bluff.

Things To Do: 

  • If you are visiting the Blue Mountains, do visit Prince Henry Cliff Walk which is 7 kilometres from the place above Katoomba Falls to Leura. You will come across spectacular views and fascinating excursions from this track. This is the ideal Blue Mountains, and spending time here is a great way to gain a sense of what the area is all about.
  • Amazingly beautiful in all seasons, you can visit the Blue Mountains botanic gardens which have many varieties of walking pathways that crisscross the 97-hectare site. You can also look out to the hills from Mt Wilson to Wheeny Gap valleys.
  • Jenolan’s cave is a must-visit spot if you are in the Blue Mountains. It is said to be the world’s oldest, with a natural history stretching back 340 million years. This place has a total of 11 caves and each has its unique set of attractions such as size, fossils, the subterranean river that hollowed away the mountainside, or crystal formations. 
  • There is a 30 minutes track from the back to the beautiful falls behind the Blue Mountains known as Leura Cascades. It is the best place for a picnic spot where there is a parking area and the massive shadow of trees. You may take a short diversion off the Prince Henry Clifftop walking trail.

Where To Stay In The Blue Mountains?

These are a few resorts and hotels in the Blue Mountains where you can stay:

  • Hilton Sydney
  • Shangri-La Sydney
  • Park Hyatt Sydney
  • Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
  • Crown Towers Sydney
  • Pullman Sydney Hyde Park
  • Grand Mercure The Hills Lodge
  • Ovolo Woolloomooloo

Where To Eat In The Blue Mountains?

You can visit these best restaurants to enjoy local food and drinks or try new dishes at the following best places to eat in the Blue Mountains:

  • Darley’s Restaurant
  • Red Door Cafe
  • Aunty Ed’s Restaurant and Bar
  • Embers Grill Restaurant
  • Silk’s Brasserie
  • Basil Nut Cafe & Restaurant Katoomba
  • The Bunker Cafe Bar Restaurant

2. The Snowy Mountains

The Snowy Mountains

This is also known as ‘The Snowies’. The beautiful Snowy Mountains is a part of the Great Dividing Range, and comprise Australia’s highest peaks, providing activities and attractions for the whole year. They are located between Sydney and Melbourne, and the best time to visit is between June and October. There are many options for ski resorts to select from in Thredbo and Charlotte Pass. Other outdoor activities for adventure seekers include mountain biking and hiking. This is the most famous place where Australians go when the weather gets cold, and you can be sure it won’t disappoint if you are hoping to see a glimpse of snow in Sydney.

  • Winter Season in the Snowy Mountains – June to October
  • Best Time To See Snow: The ideal time to see snow in the Snowy Mountains during winter is from July to August.
  • The Average Temperature During Winter: The average winter temperature in the Snowy Mountains is 6.4°C at its highest and -3.7°C at its lowest. The Lowest Temperature in the Snowy Mountains was recorded at −23 °c on 28 June 1994.

Why Go To The Snowy Mountains?

The highest mountain in this place is Mount Kosciuszko, at 2,228 metres along with wind-whipped plateaus, alpine heathlands, snow gum forests, meadows, huge rivers, and large mountain lakes. The Snowy Mountains start from the Southwest of Canberra on the boundary with Victoria and also, and it’s a favourite spot for nature and sports lovers all year. You can visit some of the best ski resorts located within Kosciuszko National Park, where there are snow activities like downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding. It is the best thing to do in the Snowy Mountains during the winter season. Winter sports in this location are available from June to October, totally depending on the snowfall.

If you are coming to this place, you can visit Perisher Ski Resort (the top ski resort in Australia) where you can come across Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega, and Mount Blues Cow resorts. Together, they are known as the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere.

There is also a lake on the base of Kosciuszko National Park which is known as Jindabyne. You can visit this place too to watch Snowy Region Visitor Center where you get to know about that spot’s history, aboriginal heritage, and ecology, and their staff also gives maps and information regarding sightseeing and place to stay.

You can also pay a visit to this amazing town “Cooma” which is surrounded by the alpine environment. It is the largest town which is situated at the intersection of the Monaro and Snowy Mountains highways. You can experience the town’s rich history with the Lambie Town Walk, where 19th and 20th-century structures are built alongside art galleries and cafés. You can also come across the Raglan Gallery Cooma to see the works of local artists and later on travel to Mount Gladstone Lookout for the greatest views of the area. 

There is one more amazing place for you to visit with your family and friends. Mount Selwyn is located on the Northern end of the Kosciuszko National Park. This place is famous for cross-country skiing, and the resort also offers tobogganing and snowshoeing. 

If you are searching for a place with wildlife experience near the Snowy Mountains location, then visit Wadbilliga National Park. It is situated forty kilometres away from Cooma town,  which includes catchment regions of the Brogo and Wadbilliga Rivers. This place includes Brogo and Wadbilliga valleys which are popular for bush camping and trekking, while the park is best for mountain riding with granite cliffs and sloping plateaus. Also, this place’s wildlife includes endangered species like the spotted-tailed quoll, pythons, and sooty owls, as well as sugar gliders at night. 

Things To Do: 

  • The best thing about winter if you are planning for a snowy escape is skiing and snowboarding. You can experience these snow activities in Perisher, Thredbo, and Charlotte Pass, which are parts of the Snowy Mountains.
  • In the winter season, you can do snowboarding on the tallest Mountain in Australia which is ‘Mount Kosciuszko’. This place will surprise you with its phenomenal view. 
  • Perisher is the place to go if you want to be adventurous. You can do tobogganing, snow tubing, and snow play on the slope at Perisher Valley.
  • In Thredbo (one of the best ski resorts and famous for hikes and mountain bike trails in Kosciuszko National Park), for enjoyment with family and friends, you can go for a 700m alpine bobsled track. It will be exciting to experience the track’s twists and bends way down the mountain as you control the speed with a sled brake.
  • There is a snowshoeing adventure too for you to experience which is available in Wilderness Sports in Perisher and K7 Adventures in Thredbo. 
  • Winter camp is a perfect option if you love nature. The Lower Snowy River is one of the best attractions where you can camp with your family or friends. It is situated in the south of  Kosciuszko National Park. You can also explore the gorgeous paths on a walk or cycle by the day before kicking up your feet by the campfire at night.

Where To Stay In The Snowy Mountains?

These are a few resorts and hotels in the Snowy Mountains where you can stay:

  • Wentworth Hotel
  • Rydges Horizons Snowy Mountains
  • Marritz Hotel Perisher
  • Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa
  • Cambridge Lodge
  • Shangri-La Sydney
  • Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites

Where To Eat In The Snowy Mountains?

These are a few eating places in the Snowy Mountains where you can have good food and drinks:

  • Takayama Restaurant Bar
  • Birchwood Cafe
  • Bacco Italian Restaurant
  • La Famiglia
  • Ela Messa
  • Parc
  • Sundance Bakehouse

3. Perisher

Perisher

Perisher is located about 5.5 hours away from Sydney and in the Southern Hemisphere, combining four mountain areas: Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega, and Blue Cow. It is one of the famous holiday spots for most Australians. This place has approximately 3,076 acres of skiable terrain, with thick natural snowfall augmented by more than 240 artificial snow guns. There are a lot of winter adventures available in this place like snowboarding, skiing, mountain climbing, etc. There is a massive range of resorts and the best cafés, as well as pubs with spectacular valley views.

  • Winter Season in Perisher – June to October
  • Best Time To See Snow: The ideal time to see snow in Perisher during winter is from July to August.
  • The Average Temperature During Winter: The average winter temperature in Perisher is 4°C at its highest and -3.7°C at its lowest. The lowest temperature in Perisher was recorded at −18 °c On 29 June 1994.

Why Go To The Perisher?

Perisher’s largest resort ( the Perisher Ski Resort) in Snowy Mountains has its advantages like a vast range of resources oriented for first-timers and beginners. The ski ticket which you get there is valid across the ski resort, where you can do skiing (there are training classes for beginners too). After that, traverse over or take the Ski Tube between Perisher and Mount Blue Cow, where you will get skiing for beginners. 

The first thing you witness when you reach here is Front Valley, and it’s generally suitable for beginners. There are classes for learning snowboarding and skiing held at the Front Valley base on the right side. You can even sit on a novice ski lift and try skiing down from the top. 

There is a Perisher Centre in the base of Front Valley which is basically a shopping complex where you can get some snow gear shops, a lot of eating points, lockers, the Perisher ticket, an information office, and a very large and well-stocked ski hire centre. You can get the proper ski hire clothes and equipment, and get loads of assistance and advice as a beginner along the way.

There are award-winning Terrain Parks that are the greatest in the Southern Hemisphere for all abilities of skiers and boarders. To spend some quality time with your loved ones, this park is the best option. The Leichhardt and Front Valley Slopestyle Terrain Parks give top-class facilities to skilled riders.

Things To Do: 

  • There is a walking trail from Guthega to Charlotte Pass which is located in beautiful Kosciuszko National Park. You can visit this place and experience the phenomenal views and fresh alpine air which will be an amazing experience. 
  • Perisher is a great place to experience winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. There is nighttime skiing and snowboarding too. So, it’s totally up to you which time suits you best to enjoy winter sports. 
  • You can also try tobogganing when you visit the Perisher. There is a toboggan slope located in the Perisher Valley where you can slide down the hill and play with the snow. 
  • There are also cafes and shops in this location which is a perfect place to spend your winter holidays with your family and friends. 

Where To Stay In The Perisher?

These are a few resorts and hotels in the Perisher where you can stay:

  • Perisher Ski Resort
  • Thredbo Alpine Hotel
  • Marritz Hotel Perisher
  • Pure Chalet Thredbo
  • Novotel Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa
  • Perisher Valley Hotel
  • Sundeck Hotel

Where To Eat In The Perisher?

These are a few eating places in the Perisher where you can have good food and drinks:

  • Brunelli’s Cafe
  • High Ground Coffee Bar
  • Powder Inn
  • Eiger Chalet & White Spider Restaurant & Bar
  • Snow Gums Restaurant
  • Valhalla Perisher

“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, ‘Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.'” — Lewis Carrol

4. Corin Forest

Corin Forest

The Corin Forest is situated at 1200m altitude in the Tidbinbilla Mountain Ranges and is about four hours away from Sydney and close to Canberra. This place is a very affordable and easily accessible recreation resort with the southern hemisphere’s longest alpine slide. For the winter experience, it is the best spot to visit if you don’t want to travel too far from the city. In the winter season, they use a cutting-edge snowmaking system that provides snow cover, allowing guests to play in the snow, ride a toboggan, or learn to ski and snowboard.

  • Winter Season in Corin Forest – Mid-June To Mid-September
  • Best Time To See Snow: The ideal time to see snow in Corin Forest during winter is from July to August.
  • The Average Temperature During Winter: The average winter temperature in Corin Forest is 8°C at its highest and -3°C at its lowest. The lowest temperature in Corin Forest was recorded at −10 °c on 11 July 1971.

Why Go To The Corin Forest?

This place is perfect to enjoy with your family and friends in the winter season as it has many snow adventures like skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, frolicking, snowman building, and many more. This place also has a snow play area which is perfect for children to enjoy. 

If you are visiting the Corin Forest and love to witness the wildlife, you can come to an amazing place, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve which is nearby. You can come across koalas, emus, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and more. 

Also, there is a very popular spot, Gibraltar Falls where you can enjoy an amazing view of the waterfall and click pictures. It is also the best place to have a picnic with your loved ones. 

You can also visit the nearby location, Canberra Deep Space Communication Centre which is a perfect stop on a day trip to Brindabellas.

You can also book this place to make your memorable day more special, whether it’s a wedding or a get-together. This is an amazingly phenomenal place to set up any event or occasion. 

Things To Do: 

  • You can take a ride on an alpine slide in the Corin Forest which is 1.2 km long and passes by the majestic Mountain Ash forest. There is a lift to take you to the starting point of the track and while riding down the track, you will look out at the amazing environment of the place.
  • The Corin Forest is a family-friendly place where you can enjoy it with them by playing with the snow and riding a toboggan. 
  • There are other snow mountains adventures too which you can enjoy with your family and friends including skiing, and snowboarding. They also provide training to beginners. 

Where To Stay In The Corin Forest?

These are a few resorts and hotels in the Corin Forest where you can stay:

  • Abode Woden
  • The Statesman Hotel
  • Honeysuckle Campground
  • Alpha Hotel Canberra
  • Caloola Farm
  • Abode Tuggeranong

Where to eat in the Corin Forest?

These are a few eating places in the Corin Forest where you can have good food and drinks:

  • BaaMoo Bistro and Grill
  • Blossoming Lotus
  • Brew and Brew
  • Zucchini Bros
  • Corin Forest Mountain Resort

5. Orange

Orange

Orange is a city, famous for its outstanding local products, beautiful vineyards, and exquisite eating restaurants. It is also well-known for its spectacular fall colours and extremely cold winters. It receives snow regularly during the winter, which is why it’s also called the country’s snowiest city. The winter season of Orange City is from May to September. Winter in this city brings sparkles of light. People visit this place with their family and friends to experience the great quality of wine which is locally produced and spend some quality time in bars and restaurants with the warmth of wood fires. 

  • Winter Season in Orange – May To September
  • Best Time To See Snow: The ideal time to see snow in Orange is during winter in August.
  • The Average Temperature During Winter: The average winter temperature in Orange is 10°C at its highest and 2°C at its lowest. The lowest temperature in Orange was recorded at 1.7 °c on 02 January 1972.

Why Go To The Orange?

In the winter season, the city looks magnificent and the beauty of the vineyards are next-level experience. This city is about 250 km away from Sydney. You can easily reach this place in your vehicle or can use public transport too. You can also go far trekking which is in Federal Falls and Ophir near Orange City. 

For people who love outdoor activities during the winter season, you can visit nearby trails for mountain biking like Mount Canobolas, Lake Canobolas, and many more. 

If you are a nature lover, you can also pay a visit to the city’s local farm where you can pluck fresh apples and seasonal mushrooms too. This is also the best place for an outing with your family and friends. 

Things To Do:

  • If you are a wine lover, this place is just right for you. This city has more than 80 vineyards. As they are produced locally, you can do their tasting. There are many cellar doors for you to taste like Philip Shaw Wines, Swinging Bridge, and many more. 
  • This city also offers deliciously cooked food, especially mushrooms which are locally produced. You can enjoy food and wine in the best restaurants which are well-known worldwide. 
  • You can also visit nearby National Parks with Mount Canobolas.  This is the best place to enjoy with your family and friends for trekking, picnics, and camping.
  • The rich history of the city includes gold miners, colonial immigrants, traditional Wiradjuri landowners, and commercial traders. You can come and take an information booklet from the visitor center and use the Orange Heritage Trail to self-guide for a walk in the streets while admiring the city’s stunning architecture.

Where To Stay In Orange?

These are a few resorts and hotels in Orange where you can stay:

  • Holiday Inn Express Sydney Macquarie Park, an IHG Hotel
  • de Russie Boutique Hotel
  • Mercure Orange
  • Hilton Sydney
  • InterContinental Sydney Double Bay, an IHG Hotel
  • The Jensen Potts Point

Where To Eat In The Orange?

These are a few eating places in Orange where you can have good food and drinks:

  • Sails on Lavender Bay
  • Topikós Bar & Dining Room
  • Charred Kitchen & Bar
  • Mr Lim Korean & Chinese Diner
  • Sweet Sour Salt
  • Lolli Redini
  • Raku Izakaya

Conclusion

After you have finished exploring the beaches, think about travelling to Australia’s cooler regions to take in the snow, fun, skiing, and exciting locales that have been snatched up there. The list we have created above of the best places for you to visit and experience the snow and enjoy snow mountains adventures. Your holiday experience will be truly magical and amazing after visiting these locations as they provide many amenities, adventures, landscapes, lodging options, accessibility, environments, and much more. These places will not only take you to the snow, but also satisfy your need to stay in the middle of nature, play in the snow, or have to look at the gorgeous sunset and sunrise while having coffee.

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