Things to do with kids in Snowy Mountains
Outside the ski season, the Snowy Mountains are a great family trip. From Thredbo, a chairlift takes you up to the start of the Kosciuszko walk, a raised walkway to the top of Australia. It is 13 kilometres return, so it suits kids who can walk most of a day. For an easier view of the mountain, drive to the Charlotte Pass lookout, which has a step-free ramp. The easy walk to Rainbow Lake near Perisher is lovely in spring.
At Yarrangobilly, kids can walk through South Glory Cave on their own, with lights that switch on as you go. Then swim in the thermal pool, which stays at 27 degrees all year and has a wading pool for little ones.
In summer, families swim and sail on Lake Jindabyne, and first-time riders can try a short section of the Thredbo Valley Track. Down near Bombala, there's a viewing platform at the platypus reserve; go early or late, and be patient.
64 family outings, waterfalls and walks across the region, sorted by drive time from Jindabyne. Choose your suburb at the top to sort from where you are staying.
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Top things to do in Snowy Mountains
Walk to the top of Australia from Thredbo
In the warmer months, Thredbo's Kosciuszko Express chairlift takes 15 minutes to reach the start of the summit walk. From there it's 13km return to the top of Mount Kosciuszko, 2,228m, mostly on a raised metal walkway; allow four to six hours. The track is usually under snow from June to October, so pack for any weather.
about 40 min
Walk · Kosciuszko Walk
Photo: Ymblanter, CC BY-SA 4.0
Explore South Glory Cave at Yarrangobilly
This self-guided cave suits all ages, with a 470m path, 206 steps and lights that switch on as you approach. Look up for a daylight hole 55m overhead; the tour takes 30 to 40 minutes, any time from 9.30am to 4pm. The cave sits at about 10 degrees, so bring jackets; a family ticket was $68 in October 2026.
about 1 hr 30
Caves · Yarrangobilly Caves (South Glory Cave)
Photo: Gabecollett, CC BY-SA 4.0
Swim in the 27-degree thermal pool
A natural spring keeps this 20m pool near the Yarrangobilly caves at 27 degrees all year, and it spills into a children's wading pool. Change rooms, toilets and a picnic area are beside it. The track down is 700m but steep, so you may prefer to loop back along the river walk.
about 1 hr 30
Swimming spot · Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool walk
Photo: Jpatokal, CC BY-SA 4.0
Get out on Lake Jindabyne
Jindabyne sits on the shore of the lake, with the national park on its doorstep. In warmer weather families swim, sail, fish and water-ski on the lake.
about 10 min
Lake · Lake Jindabyne
Photo: Steve Bennett (stevage), CC BY 3.0
Ride beside the river on the Thredbo Valley Track
This mountain bike track follows the Thredbo River down the valley, and sections open after the October long weekend each year. Families with first-time riders can choose short, easy sections of 5km to 13.5km return. Bring helmets, water and snacks; the full 37km is for experienced riders.
about 35 min
Walk · Thredbo Valley Track
Photo: Geekstreet, CC BY-SA 4.0
Walk to Rainbow Lake near Perisher
This easy 2.5km return walk crosses snowgrass and small creeks to a little lake made in the early 1900s for the old Hotel Kosciuszko. In spring, billy buttons and paper daisies line the track, and wombats and gang-gang cockatoos live nearby. Pick a picnic spot by the water; the track can close in snow or bad weather.
about 20 min
Walk · Rainbow Lake walking track
Photo: P. Lu, CC BY-SA 3.0
See Mount Kosciuszko from Charlotte Pass
This lookout at the very end of Kosciuszko Road is one of the easiest places to see Mount Kosciuszko. A stone-paved ramp gives step-free access to the platform, and there's an accessible toilet at the turning circle. The road past Perisher is closed in winter, from June to the October long weekend.
about 35 min
Lookout · Charlotte Pass Lookout
Photo: Human Lifeform, CC BY-SA 4.0
Watch for platypus at Bombala
The reserve is 4.2km from Bombala on the Delegate Road, with a raised viewing platform that suits all ages. Come early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and look for a V shape on the water. Platypus usually dive for 60 to 90 seconds, so stay quiet and patient; there are picnic tables and two bird hides.
about 1 hr 30
Lookout · Bombala Platypus Reserve
Photo: Donald Hobern from Copenhagen, Denmark, CC BY 2.0
Learn how the Snowy Scheme was built
The museum in Adaminaby holds more than 6,000 items from the Snowy Mountains Scheme, built between 1949 and 1974. Thousands of workers from across Australia and Europe came to build it, and its machinery, vehicles, tools and drawings show how. It opens on weekends from 10am to 2pm, and by appointment.
about 55 min
Museum · Snowy Scheme Museum
Photo: Picturesk, CC BY-SA 3.0
Everything on the map
Over the border
Nearest first, from Jindabyne
Beaches and islands
Waterfalls, lakes and swimming
Over 30 minutes
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Over 1½ hours
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Walks and lookouts
Over 30 minutes
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Over 1½ hours
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Museums and history
Over 30 minutes
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Over 1½ hours
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Libraries, cinemas and theatres
Over 30 minutes
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Over 1½ hours
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Gardens and science
Over 30 minutes
from Jindabyne
Drive times are estimated from the distance, so treat them as a guide. Tap a card for the full page.
Region boundary: ABS Tourism Regions 2021 (Tourism Research Australia), CC BY 4.0. Outings from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) and venues' own listings; nature spots from OpenStreetMap and park services.