5 Snowy Mountains towns perfect for all-season adventure

NSW’s alpine region makes a perfect base for outdoor lovers seeking year-round activity.

The Snowy Mountain region is an undoubted Australian icon, conjuring a rugged sense of romance that has endured for decades.  

Whether you fell in love with the region through The Man from Snowy River or a visit to the ski fields, NSW’s Snowy Mountains hold undeniable appeal, drawing visitors year-round with dramatic landscapes, diverse activities and rich history.  

This destination is one that truly transforms with the seasons, offering a unique experience no matter the time of year.

While perhaps best known for winter activities in which the Snowies shine as a destination for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and vibrant après-ski scene, the draw of this area extends beyond the colder months.

When the warmer seasons hit, the region becomes a hiker’s paradise with numerous trails ranging from leisurely walks to multi-day treks.  

The most iconic is perhaps the Kosciuszko Walk that takes adventurers to Australia’s highest summit, rewarding them with panoramic views of the alpine region. 

But bushwalking isn’t the only adventure on offer, with a large number of mountain biking routes to choose from, particularly in Thredbo, where a variety of tracks cater to different skill levels. 

And Lake Jindabyne is a great destination for all manner of water sports, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, windsurfing, sailing and powerboating. 

Horse riding is also a popular high-country activity, providing a fantastic way to experience the area’s wildness in the same way as Australia’s earliest stockmen.

With so much on offer, it’s no surprise that Snowy Mountain towns are booming beyond their draw tourist destinations and becoming an increasingly popular place for Australians to call home. With a growing population, new housing opportunities have been popping up to offer a diverse range of options for incoming residents. 

Here are five Snowy Mountain towns that are proving attractive for those seeking an adventure-filled lifestyle. 

Jindabyne 

This alpine town is one of the Snowy Mountains’ most famous, not least of all due to its unusual history, having first been located at a now-underwater site that was flooded in 1964 to make way for Lake Jindabyne.  

Now, the 3000-hectare lake serves as a beautiful backdrop for the town’s older homes as well as new ones that are being built.  

Markets, local eateries, historical landmarks and even a brewery and distillery can all be enjoyed in Jindabyne’s downtown.   

Just thirty minutes from the major resorts of Perisher and Thredbo, it’s a great location for those who want quick access to snow sports. And seasonal activities such as an annual mountain-biking festival and warm-weather water sports provide year-round recreation at your doorstep.  

Mountainside Jindabyne is a new land estate from Australian Land Co. made up of just 20 lots, with 180-degree views of the Main Range, Lake Jindabyne and surrounding rolling hills. With view corridors built into the planning of this development, future residents will be able to depend on the fact that they can enjoy protected vistas forever. 

Cooma 

Rural charm abounds in Cooma, the largest town in the region, which has earned it the moniker “the gateway to the Snowy Mountains”. 

With a vibrant arts community, Cooma caters not only to the outdoor crowd but also to those with an appreciation for creative pursuits. Local galleries and an arts and culture centre are complemented by regular events such as the grand final of the Australian National Busking Championships, annual Multicultural Festival and monthly Cooma Rotary Markets. 

In the south-east corner of the town, Alpine Rise is a new estate with blocks ranging from 500 square metres to 1000 square metres, offering lots of options for buyers hoping to build their Snowy Mountains dream home. 

Right off the Monaro Highway, this location provides the best of country living for those who also need access to a city, with Canberra a straight shot north just 90 minutes away. 

Bredbo 

Those seeking life in a small town with a bustling heart need look no further than Bredbo. 

This charming village known for its poplars is 25 minutes north of Cooma, boasting all the staples of country living – a historic pub and beloved pie shop for example – as well as some unexpected extras. The Christmas Barn is a renowned spot for holiday lovers who come from all over to stock up on seasonal supplies.  

Bredbo isn’t headed for an influx of new land lots any time soon, but there are land opportunities on which new homes can be built in the area.  

Two lots in the Silver Brumby Estate are on the market for buyers seeking a rural home, while land can also sometimes be found closer to town. 

Berridale 

Located between Jindabyne and Cooma, the streets of Berridale are home to a small but refined selection of local eateries and purveyors that cater to local needs.  

Vintners Shut the Gate Wines have their cellar door in Berridale, just across the street from vintage-inspired coffee van Meet You Half Way that caters to everyone’s caffeine needs. 

A handful of local shops offering fashion and homewares provide some local flavour, while the Coolamatong Golf Course attracts locals always aiming for a hole-in-one. 

Buyers hoping to build in Berridale often have a number of opportunities to choose from, such as this 859 square metre lot in the heart of town, or in the Country View Estate, a new subdivision offering 16 lots for a slice of Snowy Mountains life. 

Bombala 

An hour away from Cooma, this town in the south-east corner of NSW is perhaps the best spot in the country to get a glimpse of one of the nation’s natural treasures: the platypus.  

With pristine rivers and streams, Bombala has become known as something of a sanctuary for this beloved animal, and the Platypus Reserve, just outside of town, offers a great place from which to spot the notoriously shy creatures in the wild.  

Flowing directly through town, the Bombala River is a perennial river of the Snowy River catchment, and beyond acting as a habitat for local fauna, it’s also a popular spot enjoyed by locals.  

An extensive network of cycling trails runs through the town and along the river, while several historic sites sit alongside this waterway, such as the railway station and the engine and machinery society. 

Those looking to build in Bombala can find unique opportunities such as this sizeable parcel that can be divided into four separate lots. 

Are you interested in building? Check out our dedicated New Homes section.

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