NSW’s Snowy Mountains, known to locals as ‘The Snowies’, is the tallest mountain range in mainland Australia. It’s home to Kosciuszko National Park and within it, ski resorts Perisher and Thredbo. It’s packed with rivers and lakes, mountains and ski fields, and even caves, which you can explore on guided tours.
While the region is best known for its winter highlights, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tobogganing and soaking in its thermal pools, it also offers plenty of activities to do in the warmer months, in the form of café-hopping, trail-walking and mountain biking.
So, where to stay while you’re there? From a cosy cabin with a wood-fired hot tub outside, to fully-equipped apartments and a spot with a distinct Euro-ski-resort feel, when it comes to Snowy Mountains accommodations, you’ll likely be overwhelmed with the options. So, for that reason, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite Snowy Mountains accommodation.
Creel Bay Cottages
Tucked in serene bushland with views of Lake Jindabyne, Creel Bay Cottages comprises two self-contained cottages with three bedrooms each. If guests aren’t here to ski or snowboard in nearby Perisher or Guthega in winter, in summer, they can explore Waterfall Walking Track, go mountain biking on Thredbo Valley Track or fish for trout in the lake.
Yarrangobilly Caves House
Yarrangobilly Caves House is a 24-room heritage property, built around 1917. It’s located in a breathtaking part of Kosciuszko National Park, which, for the most part, doesn’t have mobile reception, so you can truly feel disconnected. Wander through Yarrangobilly Caves, a short stroll away, or soak in a naturally-heated thermal pool, also nearby. Snow season visitors can take advantage of winter adventures at Selwyn Snow Resort.
Numbananga Lodge
Located near Perisher in at Smiggin Holes, Numbananga Lodge is a chalet-style lodge with three bedrooms. In winter, it offers semi ski-in, ski-out accommodation and is a shuttle ride away from Perisher Valley. In summer, it provides an ideal base for accessing stunning walks, bike rides and fishing spots nearby.
Creel Lodge
Great for groups, Creel Lodge in Waste Point has four bedrooms, all with views of Lake Jindabyne, and can sleep up to eight. Take turns cooking dinners for the group in its full kitchen, which you can enjoy on the deck during summer. Afterwards, relax with a drink by the outdoor fire.
Daffodil Cottage
A rustic, heritage build, Daffodil Cottage was once the home of the person who oversaw historic Currango Homestead. Because of that, a stay here offers a good look at the unique pioneering history of Australia’s high country. The cottage has two bedrooms and can accommodate five guests in total. One of its highlights includes an outdoor shower.
The Pines Cottage
The Pines Cottage is ideal for a group, with its six bedrooms that accommodate 18 people. Near the small town of Adaminaby, the cottage is part of a historic complex of buildings that date back to the late 1880s, and was originally built to provide accommodation for stockmen. Guests can spend their time here exploring the surrounds, and in the evening, head inside to the full kitch to cook up a big family dinner. The cottage is closed in winter, between June and October long weekends.
Lyrebird Cottage
Lyrebird Cottage, a two-bedroom home, is meant for romantic stays, but can accommodate solo travellers or even a pair of friends, too. It’s close to the Yarrangobilly thermal pool and caves. When you’ve returned from exploring these spots, or in winter, a snow adventure, relax with a book on the large verandah or inside, in front of a fire.
Rydges Horizons Snowy Mountains
Rydges Horizons Snowy Mountains has one-bed, two-bed and studio apartments with views of Lake Jindabyne or gardens and mountains to rent. A night’s stay includes access to the property’s many facilities, which include an indoor, heated pool, tennis court and bike hire. Breakfast from the on-site restaurant and bar is included in most stay packages.
The Man From Snowy River Hotel
The Man From Snowy River Hotel is Perisher’s largest accommodation, located in the heart of Perisher resort, just a few hundred metres from the Village 8 Chairlift. Though, with several open fireplaces, a lounge bar and a dining room looking out over Front Valley, not to mention an on-site spa, you might not want to leave. Room types are standard, mountain view and family suites.
Rockpool Lodge
Overlooking Merritt’s Creek in Thredbo, Rockpool Lodge is all about seclusion. Rent its two bedrooms and loft with a living area and open fireplace in its entirety. It also features a private sauna, laundry facilities and a granite wood fireplace. Cook your meals on its balcony with a gas barbecue or in its fully-equipped kitchen.
Big Yard Escapes
Big Yard Escapes has two tiny houses on a property in the Snowy Mountains, Tiny House Bushland and Tiny House Wilderness. Each cabin has gas heating in winter and split-system air-conditioning in summer, as well as a fully-equipped kitchen with a fridge and freezer and gas stove and a shower in the bathroom. The house’s exact location will be revealed only after booking.
Marritz Hotel Perisher
Marritz Hotel is a great choice for those wanting a European-style ski experience. It’s opposite the Skitube Terminal and a five-minute walk to central Perisher, and has an indoor, heated pool, a roaring fire in its bar and views of Perisher Valley from its many floor-to-ceiling windows. Relax in its reading lounge or play a game of billiards in its games room.
Nimbo Fork Lodge
Nestled at the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, on the fork of the Tumut River and Nimbo Creek, Nimbo Fork Lodge offers six river-side cottages, as well as five suites in its main lodge, all up which accommodation 22 guests. In the winter, enjoy drinks fire-side in the lounge before dining on a seasonal menu made with local produce at the lodge’s restaurant Three Blue Ducks. In the summer, stroll along the water’s edge before sipping pre-dinner cocktails on the lodge’s balcony.
Snowy River Cabins
Snowy Rivers Cabins is pet-friendly accommodation on a farm that you’ll find at the end of a 20km gravel road. Built from solid cedar logs using traditional Scandinavian building methods, the cabins look out over Snowy River and sleep up to six, with the largest cabin sleeping up to eight.
Novotel Lake Crackenback Resort
Bordered by Kosciuszko National Park and Thredbo River, Novotel Lake Crackenback Resort is just 15 minutes to Thredbo Village and Perisher Ski Resort via the Skitube, which operates in winter. The resort offers apartments ranging in size from one-bed to three, many coming with balconies or fireplaces. Golf players can take advantage of the resort’s 9-hole course.
Freaks of Nature Retreat
Freaks of Nature Retreat is a glamping accommodation on a 24-hectare rural property, a 10-minute drive from Jindabyne town centre. The two accommodation types are the cosier Nakaza tent, riverside option, and the larger Mary Kingsley, set high on the property with views of the Snowy River and mountains.
Crafters
Though just a five-minute drive from Jindabyne centre, Crafters, a one-bedroom cabin, feels incredibly remote on a private property’s five hectares of alpine bushland. The cabin has an indoor fireplace, double shower and outside, another fireplace and a wood-fired hot tub where you can soak as you admire views of Crackenback Peak.
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