Thredbo is definitely known as a ski town, I know. But have you ever thought of visiting in summer? Sure, the Snowy Mountains may not be too ‘snowy’ in summer, but Thredbo, the most popular ski town in NSW, becomes completely different in the spring and summer months, an awesome base for outdoor sports and quality time in the mountains. There are so many things to do in Thredbo in the summer and (bonus!) It’s much more affordable to visit in warmer months than during the peak ski season.
Here are some of the best things to do in Thredbo during the summer months! It’s seriously the best place for a summer adventure if you want a break from Sydney and have had enough of the beach crowds.
Mountain Biking in Thredbo
Mountain biking is seriously popular in the summer months in the Snowy Mountains, with trails for both beginners and more advanced riders. Head over to the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park, with gravity trails accessible via chairlifts, cross country trails, and a skills park where you can practice your sweet moves.
You’ll find plenty of serious bike trails, but they also cater to younger mountain bikers—it’s a family-friendly spot.
They also offer rentals and skills courses, so if you’re new, definitely sign up for a lesson or two before careening down a mountain on a bike! It’s an awesome adrenaline rush, for sure.
Mountain biking season usually begins in November each year.
Visit Lake Jindabyne
If you have a car, which you probably would, it’s only a 30-minute drive to the town of Jindabyne. It’s a jumping place in the winter, but in summer, you’ll find it much quieter.
There, you can do plenty of walks, hikes, or boating in and around Lake Jindabyne (ok, it’s actually a dam), but it’s very serene and relaxing. You can hire boats to cruise around, even if you don’t have a boat license. Or, nearby Lake Crackenback is also nice to visit.
Trout Fishing
It might seem a little out there but trout fishing is really popular in Thredbo! Fishing is generally permitted from October to early June, but always make sure that you’re familiar with the lay of the land and what’s required before you head out.
You could stop by Eucumbene Trout Farm, just a short drive from Thredbo, as this farm is open to visitors and they stock both rainbow and brown trout. You can also take fly fishing lessons here and they offer farm tours with a focus on sustainable aquaculture—pretty cool!
Or, if you don’t want to fish but are interested in aquaculture, check out the Golden Trout Hatchery. This government-run farm offers guided tours of their facilities and is something different to do while you’re in Thredbo.
Hiking in the Snowy Mountains
Thredbo sits within Kosciuszko National Park, part of Australia’s Alpine region. This is one of the best places in NSW for hiking!
If you love hiking, one of the best things to do in Thredbo in the summer is bushwalking. Feel like summiting Australia’s highest peak? In that case, you’ve come to the right place, since one of the most epic hikes in Thredbo is to the Kosciuszko Summit. From the top of the scenic Kosciuszko Express chairlift, it’s a 13km hike that should take around 4-5 hours. This will take you to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko.
You’ll take in beautiful wildflowers, incredible views of the mountains and their wind-warped gum trees, and epic granite outcrops. Definitely only set off if you’re prepared for the hills and always bring along food, plenty of water, and sun protection.
However, there are plenty of hikes in the area for everyone from beginners to experienced hikers.
The Thredbo River Track is another nice option if you want something more low-key–this is 4km each way, but you can turn around at any point, and the trail follows along the river that runs through Thredbo.
You might see birds, trout, and even platypus, which can be really rare to see anywhere in Australia. It’s one of the best scenic hiking trails if you’re looking for a walk that’s fairly flat.
Looking for more hikes around Thredbo Village? When you get into town, stop into the Thredbo Resort Information Centre and they can definitely recommend some of the best hikes based on your interest, fitness levels, and the current conditions.
Ride the Chairlift
Even if you’re not super into hiking or mountain biking, you can still ride both the Kosciuszko Express or Snowgums chairlifts. Both give you incredible views of the mountains, Mt Kosciusko, and the village below, so it’s an ideal activity for families or anyone who’s keen to take photos.
If you’re going to be staying for a while, doing multiple hikes or making several trips up into the mountains, you can purchase a summer lift pass from the information centre.
You can also pop into the Eagles Nest Restaurant for lunch at the top. It’s Australia’s highest restaurant and just next to the gondola.
Go Bobsledding
But wait, I thought this was a guide to summer activities, not winter! Not to worry—the bobsled in Thredbo definitely doesn’t require snow and is an awesome activity for kids and families.
The bobsled is found near Merritts Nature Track and spans 700m, with riders in their own sled as the track twists down the mountain, controlling their speed with a handbrake as they go.
Thredbo Leisure Centre
The Thredbo Leisure Centre is a fantastic facility, just a 5 min walk from the centre of town and Friday Flats. If you have a day where the weather is just terrible, consider checking it out as it’s open to the public.
You’ll find the standard gym facilities, like an indoor heated swimming pool, a squash court, tennis courts, and a sports hall, but there are also some extras you wouldn’t expect, such as a bouldering wall, a water slide and an inflatable obstacle course for kids, yoga classes, and a trampoline park.
Interestingly, the trampolines were installed as a training facility for elite athletes, including snowboarders, skiers, and gymnasts, but they’re also open for anyone to use at certain times of the day—check their website to find out more.
Relax in Thredbo Village
Sometimes, you just don’t want to do anything! Whether you’re exhausted from a day of mountain biking or you just want to chill out and enjoy the fresh Alpine air, Thredbo Village is a really cute place, reminiscent of an Alpine ski town in Europe.
You’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, and a few shops, but there are also a lot of fun events in the summer, such as the Thredbo Blues Festival, live music, family fun days during school holidays, and a mountain biking festival.
For more on Thredbo’s summer schedule, check out the Events Calendar to find out what’s happening while you’re in town. I was surprised that Tredbo in summer is so happening!
Warm Up in Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool
Yep, there’s a natural hot spring in the Snowy Mountains! I actually haven’t been there yet, but as someone who can never resist a hot spring/tub/shower, I am really eager to visit.
The thermal pool is under the control of NSW National Parks and remains at 27ºC year round, thanks to a natural spring. To get there, you’ll need to set off on a short but steep-ish walk.
Note that it can definitely get crowded here, but imagine how nice a warm soak would feel the day after a long hike up a mountain! Ahh…
Play a Round at Australia’s Highest Golf Course
If you like golf, Thredbo Golf Course is Australia’s highest golf course, so that’s a neat claim to fame! It’s a scenic and beautiful course to play, with a nine-hole course or an 18-hole course for disc (frisbee) golf. It meanders along past the Thredbo River and each hole gives spectacular views.
The green fee is only $20, which makes it a pretty affordable day out, and you can also rent clubs if you don’t have your own.
The above is just the tip of the iceberg though, as you can also go horseback riding, mountain climbing, and explore some of the other little nearby towns.
Thredbo, the Snowy Mountains, and Kosciuszko National Park are honestly a summer adventure playground! It’s an ideal spot to spend a few days, with so many things to do in Thredbo in the summer for adults, families, or solo travellers who just want to escape and unwind for a few days.
And if you love Thredbo, it’s definitely worth coming back in the winter! There’s plenty to do in Thredbo even if you don’t ski.