When people think of Australia, the first thing that comes to mind is the sun, beaches, and the Outback.

A little-known fact is that you can see snow in Australia’s southern states of New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. From June to early September, snow falls in the Snowy Mountains and the high country of Victoria and Tasmania. Below are the places where you can experience the snow in Australia;

New South Wales

The Snowy Mountains is in the southern part of New South Wales and is Australia’s highest mountain range. It is where Australia’s highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko sits at 7,310 feet (2,228m). Inside the Kosciuszko National Park are the best places to see the snow - Perisher and Thredbo. Both are approximately a 5.5 to 6 hour drive south of Sydney.

Perisher is a great all-rounder ski resort for people of all ages and abilities. It is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere and has 47 lifts and 119 runs. There is a range of activities that you can experience from tobogganing, snow play, night skiing and boarding and snowshoeing. Join tours of the Snowy Mountains Backcountry, go cross-country skiing and experience First Tracks.

Photo by: kiarafosterr

Thredbo is more suited to intermediate skiers/snowboarders. With 14 lifts and 53 runs, Thredbo has longer and steeper runs and is where you can experience Australasia’s longest ski run, the Supertrail (5.9km). Alternatively, you can play disc golf, see fireworks every Saturday and for the adventurous, hit the variety of terrain parks.

Photo by: jamespcrompton 

Charlotte Pass and Mt Selwyn are great for beginners as they have gentler slopes. Charlotte Pass is Australia’s highest resort and is the closest resort to Mount Kosciuszko. It receives consistent quality snowfalls. The Selwyn snowfields is a premier ski resort for those learning to ski or snowboard.

Photo by: goldenhourgirl

Victoria

The Victorian Alps, also known as the High Country, is where the Victorian ski resorts are located. Mount Buller, Falls Creek and Mt Hotham are the major ski resorts with the smaller ski resorts being Mt Baw Baw and Lake Mountain.

Mount Buller is a three-hour drive from Melbourne and is a ski resort that has something for everyone. Experience an Australian sled dog tour, try telemarking or snow gaining, go cross country skiing or enjoy a scenic chairlift ride. For skiers and snowboarders, Mt Buller has Victoria’s largest lift network with 22 lifts, 41 runs and three terrain parks.

Photo by: paulantyne

Mt Hotham is known as the ‘Powder Capital of Australia’ and is located a 4.5-hour drive from Melbourne. It has 13 lifts, over 80 runs and has the best terrain for intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. Ski amongst trees, ridge lines, steep gullies, tree skiing, open bowls as well as groomed runs. Those who wish to take it easy can enjoy husky sled dog tours, snow shoeing, Hotham sunset tours, tobogganing and back country tours.

Photo by: scottleggogallery

Mt Baw Baw is located a 2.5-hour drive from Melbourne. It has smaller slopes for beginners as well as a terrain park for the more experienced. Go on a dingo snowshoe walk, ride on a toboggan, or go cross-country skiing.

Photo by: howlinghuskys_sleddogtours

Lake Mountain is the closest ski resort to Melbourne as it is only a 2-hour drive from the city. Enjoy cross-country skiing, tobogganing, snow play, snowshoeing and winter walks. There are no chair lifts or downhill skiing available at Lake Mountain which makes it perfect for those who are only wanting to see and play in the snow.

Photo by: clickhappyhiker

Tasmania

There are two ski fields in Tasmania that offer visitors the opportunity to experience the snow.

Mount Mawson is 1.5 hours’ drive from Hobart and is located within the Mount Field National Park. There are 3 lifts and downhill and cross-country skiing available.

Photo by: ameliae

Ben Lomond is Tasmania’s premier ski resort and is 1 hour and 20 from Launceston. With 7 lifts, visitors can ski, snowboard, go on toboggan rides and cross-country skiing. For spectacular scenery from high up, drive up one of Australia’s scariest roads, Jacobs Ladders to the summit of Ben Lomond. Admire the beautiful view of Ben Lomond ski resort.

Photo by: benlomondsnowsports