Visiting the Snowy Mountains with the kids this summer?

As we near the end of winter, majority of people seeking to visit the Snowy Mountains will start to book their summer holiday soon while costs are lower for accommodation. The Snowy Mountains has always been a bustling area during the snow season, but now with so many outdoor sports available during the warmer seasons, and so many areas of the Kosciuszko National Park to explore, the Snowy Mountains is the place to be this Summer!

So, for those planning to explore the Snowy Mountains this Summer, we have complied a list with just a few of the best activities available for you, your friends and your family to all enjoy.

1. Bring your bikes!

*Mountain biking in Thredbo

There are so many great mountain bike tracks that are kid friendly! For kids under 5 years old the bike track around Lake Jindabyne is perfect to tire out their little legs, and there are many great places to stop for a quick rest to soak up the scenic views over the water. For the older kids, Hatchery Bay track in Jindabyne is a great way to enjoy the both the Lake and the Mountains with a few more added twists and turns. For the adrenaline junkie, the premier mountain biking trails including gravity trails, cross country loops, jump parks and a wide range of mountain biking events in Thredbo are a must stop!

There are also some great tracks of various difficulties to explore at:
• Tyrolean Village (5 minutes from Jindabyne)
• Lake Crackenback Resort (15 minutes from Jindabyne)
• Mount Gladstone in Cooma (45 minutes from Jindabyne)

If bringing your bikes along is an issue – don’t stress! There are plenty of places in town where you can hire bikes ranging from 2 hour hire to multi-day hire.

2. Amazing walks and hikes!

*Mount Stilwell Hike – Kosciuszko National Park

Make sure to stop by the National Parks visitor centre in Jindabyne to get all the information about walks/hikes available in the high country. Low grade walks that are suitable for all ages include Rainbow Lake walk, Waterfall walk, and Porcupine Rocks walk. For the seasoned hiker, the Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk never disappoints with glorious views of Australia’s highest mountains, historic huts and rock formations all on offer. Soak up views of the mountain valley while you ride the chairlift from the Village to get a head start on the hike!

3. For the horse lovers!

*Image from Thredbo Valley Horseriding

Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of Australia’s high country from horseback! There are a few different options for horse riding tours in the area and what kid doesn’t love the idea of horse riding! Thredbo Valley Horse Riding in Crackenback and Snowy Wilderness are two of the places offering guided tours and have anything from a short ride to all/multi day rides. There are also special rides for kids and non-riders on east trails.

4. Trout fishing!

*Fly fishing in Thredbo River

The Lake and river systems in the area are brimming with trout. If you love to fish and want to teach the kids, all major lakes such as Lake Jindabyne and Eucumbene Lake both have shallow bays and wide waters for you to cast your line in. There are also fishing tours available in the area for those who want to learn or perfect their fly fishing skills in Kosciuszko.

5. Summer = swimming!

* Photographer ZRS Photography

Pick a spot along the shoreline and many bays of Lake Jindabyne to enjoy a relaxing day swimming. Find a hidden swimming hole along the always refreshing Thredbo River. And if you feel like dipping your toes into somewhere a bit warmer, there’s the Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool in the Kosciuszko National Park which sits at a pleasant 27 degrees all year-round.

6. See it all from the air!

*Image from Snowy Mountains Helicopters

If you always wanted to see just how vast the Snowy Mountains truely are, you can now do so from the air! A breathtaking experience hosted by expert pilots with extensive local knowledge, this will be a day the kids are not likely to forget. There are customisable scenic flight and charter packages available for family groups of up to 6 people, and is guaranteed to be an experience your family will always remember.

7. Good food!

*Image from the Wild Brumby Distillery

Not all of the thrills in the Snowy Mountains is found on rocky ridges, cool streams or hiking/biking trials – some are found served on a plate! Your family will need to find some good food to fuel the walking, biking and sightseeing. In every town there are plenty of hidden gems tucked away to eat and drink at, and many with great outdoor seating for the family to all enjoy. Offering a variety of family friendly restaurants, cafes, cool climate cellar doors, and breweries located throughout the region – you will be spoilt for choice.

The Snowy Mountains truely is an amazing place, not only in winter but also in summer. If you need help planning your summer holiday please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team on 02 6457 2504 or visit our website www.henleyholidaysjindabyne.com.au