From Sydney City to Snow: Discover the Winter Side of New South Wales

When most travellers think of Sydney, images of the iconic Sydney Opera House, sparkling harbour cruises, golden beaches, and laid-back city living usually come to mind. It’s a destination many travellers already know and love. Whether for family holidays, shopping getaways, or first-time Australia adventures.

But here’s a winter surprise many don’t expect: New South Wales is also home to a true alpine region. Just a scenic drive south of Sydney lies the spectacular Snowy Mountains, where snow-covered peaks, ski villages, and family-friendly winter activities transform the state into a snowy wonderland from June to early October.

For Muslim travellers dreaming of experiencing snow without venturing too far from familiar comforts, the Snowy Mountains offer a refreshing mix of adventure, beautiful landscapes, and accessible facilities.

Getting to Sydney is super easy with Singapore Airlines! There are 4 daily flights from Singapore, plus convenient connections from Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, and Denpasar. From 23 November 2026, Singapore Airlines will also fly daily to the brand-new Western Sydney International Airport — giving travellers even more ways to discover Sydney and its diverse regions.

Onboard, stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi for KrisFlyer members, binge your favourites on KrisWorld with 1,900+ entertainment options, and enjoy meal choices that cater to different dietary needs, including Muslim-friendly meals. You can book your preferred meal 48 hours prior to your flight via manage booking.

Search for the best fares to Sydney from Indonesia here!

• Pack a small prayer mat and portable prayer wear, as dedicated prayer rooms are limited in alpine areas. We suggest bringing a compact travel prayer mat and make use of the beautiful outdoor rest stops along the Alpine Way or clean public facilities for wudu (ablution) before heading up the mountain.
• Hotel rooms or quiet corners in resorts work well for prayers.
• Some mosques you can stop on the way to the Snowy Mountains:
  • Masjid Al Rahma, 349 Cooks Hill Rd, Yass
  • Canberra Mosque, 130 Empire Cct, Yarralumla
  • Canberra Islamic Centre (CIC), 221 Clive Steele Ave, Monash
  • Cooma - Musallah, 59 Massie St, Cooma
• Halal food is limited on the mountain, so consider staying in apartments with kitchen facilities and buying groceries from Jindabyne before heading up.
• Stock up on halal instant meals, snacks, or frozen food from Sydney before your road trip.
• Seafood, vegetarian meals, pizzas, and pasta are easy fallback options in most resort villages.

Located within Kosciuszko National Park, the Snowy Mountains are Australia’s premier alpine region and home to Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain in the country. During winter, the region becomes a lively playground for skiing, snowboarding, snow play, and cosy alpine escapes.

Think snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, charming villages, and mountain views that feel worlds away from Sydney’s city skyline. The snow season typically runs from June to early October, with peak snow conditions in July and August—perfect timing for mid-year school holidays and family getaways.

The two main snow resorts here are Perisher and Thredbo, each offering a slightly different experience depending on your travel style.

If this is your family’s first snow trip, Perisher Ski Resort is an excellent place to start. Known as the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere, Perisher spans four interconnected areas: Perisher Valley, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes, and Guthega.

The resort offers over 1,200 hectares of skiable terrain, hundreds of runs, 47 lifts, five terrain parks, and extensive cross-country trails. But what makes Perisher especially appealing for beginners is its wide, gentle slopes and welcoming atmosphere.

For a reliable meal on the slopes, stick to vegetarian or seafood pizzas at Aldo's Cafe & Pizzeria (located in the Skitube terminal), or pack hearty, travel-friendly halal snacks and instant meals in your backpack to enjoy during rest breaks.

Families with young children or first-time snow visitors will love Smiggin Holes (or Smiggins), a beginner-friendly section known for easy slopes, ski lessons, and snow play areas. Tobogganing is also a big hit with kids—sometimes the simplest snow fun is the best.

One unique highlight is the Skitube, a Swiss-designed rack-rail train that departs from Bullocks Flat near Jindabyne and travels through mountain tunnels directly into Perisher and Blue Cow. It’s a smooth, scenic, and car-free way to reach the snow—particularly helpful for families who prefer avoiding mountain driving.

On selected evenings, Perisher also offers night skiing under lights and fireworks displays, adding extra excitement for families staying overnight.

For travellers wanting a more picturesque alpine village experience, Thredbo Alpine Resort is a fantastic choice.

Nestled in the foothills of Australia’s highest mountains, Thredbo feels like a charming European-style village with cosy lodges, mountain restaurants, and beautiful snow-covered streets.

Thredbo caters to both beginners and experienced skiers, but it’s also ideal for non-skiers thanks to its sightseeing experiences. Visitors can ride the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift or gondola for sweeping 270-degree mountain views—perfect for photos and scenic sightseeing without needing skis.

At the top, you’ll find Eagles Nest, Australia’s highest restaurant at 1,937 metres. It’s a lovely stop for hot drinks, hearty meals, and panoramic alpine views. Muslim travellers may want to stick to seafood, vegetarian dishes, or pizza options here.

Thredbo is also home to the Crackenback Supertrail, Australia’s longest ski run stretching over five kilometres. Even if you don’t ski, simply watching others glide down the slopes is part of the fun.

Families travelling with kids can enjoy the alpine coaster and the Thredbo Leisure Centre, which features indoor pools and slides, a welcome activity after a long snowy day outdoors.

Saturday nights are particularly lively thanks to Thredbo’s signature flare run, where skiers descend the slopes holding flaming flares, followed by fireworks. On selected nights, you can enjoy family-friendly evening experiences such as kids’ LED flare runs.

The Snowy Mountains are located about a 5–6-hour drive from Sydney or roughly 2.5 hours from Canberra. Most travellers choose to fly into Sydney first, then continue south by road.

Driving is the most flexible option and makes for a beautiful winter road trip through regional New South Wales. Most visitors base themselves in Jindabyne, the main alpine town near the snowfields.

From Jindabyne:

• Perisher is approximately 30–35 minutes away
• Thredbo is around 35–45 minutes away

Keep in mind that snow chains are required in winter when driving into alpine areas. If you’re not confident driving in snowy conditions, Perisher’s Skitube offers a convenient alternative.

For a more hassle-free experience, Ozia Tours and Brighton Tours offer a 1D1N overnight coach trip from Sydney, ideal for first-time visitors or families who want transport and logistics taken care of.

Jindabyne is the most practical and popular base for snow holidays. Set beside Lake Jindabyne, this relaxed alpine town offers accommodation, supermarkets, cafés, snow rental shops, and casual dining.

This is also your best spot to stock up on groceries, snacks, and easy Muslim-friendly meal ingredients before heading uphill.

• Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa: A peaceful 150-acre alpine retreat with lake-view apartments, mountain chalets, indoor pools, fitness facilities, and scenic surroundings. Great for families wanting a quieter snow escape. Do note that it’s about a 20-minute drive to Thredbo.
• Horizons Lake Jindabyne: Perfect for families, these spacious, self-contained apartments feature full kitchens, laundry facilities, and stunning lake views. It offers a heated indoor pool and sits just 30 minutes from the snowfields.
• Crackenback Farm Guesthouse: A cosy, boutique 6-room retreat offering rustic alpine charm on 80 acres of bushland. Located just 5 minutes from the Skitube, it features a warm lounge with an open fireplace.

For direct slope access, consider staying in Perisher itself.

• Perisher Manor: Just steps away from the Village 8 Express chairlift, the hotel is a popular choice for travellers who want to maximise their time on the slopes while staying close to ski schools, rental shops, cafés, and resort facilities.
• Perisher Valley Hotel: Located just 100 metres from Village 8 Express, making it highly convenient for ski access. Great for travellers wanting to stay right in the action.
• Corroboree Lodge: A ski-in ski-out property opposite Perisher Valley Express Quad. Spacious rooms and a cosy guest lounge make it ideal after long days in the snow.

Thredbo has excellent accommodation for travellers seeking convenience and alpine charm.

• River Inn: Positioned next to the Gunbarrel Chairlift for easy ski-in ski-out access. A warm, cosy base after a day outdoors.
• Ski In Ski Out Chalets: Thredbo’s only five-star chalets offer luxurious stays right beside the Supertrail, with some featuring jacuzzis and steam rooms.

A Sydney holiday doesn’t have to stop at city attractions. This winter, combine the familiar excitement of Sydney with an unexpected snow adventure in New South Wales. Spend a few days exploring the harbour, shopping districts, and beaches, then trade city views for snowy peaks and alpine villages in the Snowy Mountains.

So if you’ve always wanted to experience snow with the family, sip hot chocolate by the mountains, or simply see a different side of Australia, this is your sign to go beyond Sydney and discover the magic of New South Wales in winter.

This article is brought to you by Destination NSW and Singapore Airlines.