Hotham Alpine Resort, Mt Hotham, Victoria © Hotham Alpine Resort
Fun family snow experiences in Australia
Looking for activities to make your Aussie winter ski trip extra special? Skiing isn't the only exciting activity on our slopes.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
