A child sitting on a snowy peak throwing snowballs in the air, Hotham Alpine Resort, Mt Hotham, Victoria © Hotham Alpine Resort

Hotham Alpine Resort, Mt Hotham, Victoria © Hotham Alpine Resort

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Ride through powdered bushland
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Ride through powdered bushland
Why you’ll love it: Exploring the Snowy Mountains on horseback

Wrangle the crew and join the team at Thredbo Valley Horse Riding to channel your inner cowboy on an unforgettable trail ride across snow-covered mountains. Weave through picturesque Aussie bushland as you take in magical scenery and hear historic tales of New South Wales’ beautiful Snowy Mountains. Younger kids will love a fun-filled pony ride in the snow.

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Scoot around on a snowmobile
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Scoot around on a snowmobile
Why you’ll love it: Feeling the wind in your hair as you steer through the snow

Take a break from the slopes and climb aboard snowmobiles for a unique family-friendly adventure. The little ones can have a snowmobile experience at Mt Hotham in Victoria’s High Country, where children from five to 14 years old can take a turn at riding their own miniature vehicle. Nearby Falls Creek offers families the chance to zip around the Bogong High Plains on a guided snowmobile tour, taking in views of white peaks with the kids in tow.

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Get started on the slopes with a toboggan
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Get started on the slopes with a toboggan
Why you’ll love it: Slipping and sliding down snow-covered hills

Sliding down slippery slopes on a toboggan is a beloved way to enjoy the snow in Australia as a family. Some of the alpine parks with toboggan facilities include Selwyn Snow Resort in New South Wales, Corin Forest in the Australian Capital Territory and Mt Baw Baw in Victoria. These parks have dedicated spots in their snowplay areas where you can rent a toboggan for endless fun. What better way to introduce your kids to the thrill of the mountains?

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Embark on a husky ride
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Embark on a husky ride
Great for: Feeling like royalty atop your sleigh

Snuggle up under layers of thick blankets while a team of Siberian huskies pull you through the snow. Howling Huskys dog sled tours at Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain will take your family on an adventure through Alpine National Park, weaving in and out of snow gums and breaking through the treeline for incredible scenery. The kids will love the tour's finale – a meet and greet with the friendly team of dogs.

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Spin down the mountain on a tube
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Spin down the mountain on a tube
Why you’ll love it: Spinning and grinning through the powder

Hours of fun for all ages, tubing is one of the most exhilarating winter activities to enjoy with the whole family. You can hire a tube at Victoria’s Falls Creek and spin down a purpose-built track, grab an inflatable donut at Perisher in New South Wales, or get sliding at nearby Selwyn. Wherever you choose, prepare the kids for an afternoon of laughter as they bump and bounce their way through the snow.

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Spot snow-dusted locals
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Spot snow-dusted locals
Why you’ll love it: Adoring the cutest winter creatures

Spotting Australia’s furry locals in the wild is a bucket-list moment for travellers of all ages, but they’re even more adorable when trudging through the snow. Families with tiny tots in tow can spot wildlife such as adorable wombats and quolls around Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in Tasmania, and a visit to Devils@Cradle is a must for those seeking to spot cheeky Tasmanian devils.

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Play in the snow
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Play in the snow
Why you’ll love it: Goofing around as snow falls around you

Sometimes you don’t need anything but the snow to have some good old-fashioned family fun. At Corin Forest, just outside of Canberra, you can build snowmen, make snow angels, go tobogganing or challenge your family to a snowball fight at the resort’s Snowplay area. While you’re there, be sure to catch a ride on the 1.2km (0.75mi) Alpine Slide for spectacular views of the forest.