Swap your sun lounger for a ski lift in the summer

Swap your sun lounger for a ski lift in the summer. Article first published in www.ozehols.com.au, http://www.ozehols.com.au/blog/new-south-wales/swap-your-sun-lounger-for-a-ski-lift-in-the-summer/

Your trip to Australia doesn’t have to just be about the beach. Nor the red desert centre for that matter. You may not necessarily associate alpine regions with an Australian holiday but visiting the Kosciuszko National Park will put you right on the rooftop of this vast country.
This region is home to Mt Kosciuszko Australia’s highest mainland mountain which can be ascended with relative ease in the summer months. The national park is home to some of Australia’s best ski fields but a visit in summer is an unforgettable experience.

You will find yourself surrounded by ancient mountain ranges, glacial lakes, clear springs, waterfalls and summer wildflowers. Most people planning a trip to Australia would not even imagine they could be taking in an alpine wilderness, especially one that is very accessible, located around midway between the cities of Sydney and Melbourne.  You need to stay a few days in the area to marvel the scenic beauty and experience the activities you have planned. Accommodation in the mountain area can be found in either via NSW Ski Resorts or Mount Buller accommodation in the Alpine region.

Make yourself at home in an Australian chalet village

If you’re taking your Australian summer alpine adventure seriously then a good place to base yourself is Thredbo, a beautiful village right in the heart of the national park. Seriously busy in the winter as the ski season takes off, Thredbo is quieter and more relaxed in the summer with visitors eager to make the most of the national park after the big thaw.

From here you can go on boating trips and try your hand at trout fishing in the local Thredbo River which has been described as one of the most beautiful, trout perfect rivers you will ever find. To go in search of the glacial lakes and waterfalls however, you will need to dust off your walking boots and get set for some beautiful Australian scenery far removed from the red deserts and golden beaches.

You may know walking as hiking, trekking or rambling, but to Australians it is known as bush walking, even if it is on top of a mountain without a tree or bush in sight. It is also extremely good for you, as it is in any country, whatever it is known as.  Planning to stay in Thredbo? Select from a range of Thredbo accommodation offered by OzeHols.

Get healthy by bushwalking on top of Australia

You may be taking a holiday to benefit your health, either recovering from illness or trying to improve your fitness and general health. If this is the case you may want to push yourself a little and get your heart moving as you take in the fresh air and fascinating scenery on some of the great bush walks on offer. There are some great health benefits associated with walking, especially when it comes to heart disease so if you can manage to boost your fitness while enjoying the scenery then you are more likely to improve your health. In Australia, as in any hot country, you may be tempted to just sit by the pool or lay on the beach. While swimming is obviously good for our health, too much sun, especially in Australia can be dangerous. To attain a perfect healthy balance on your trip you could combine pool and beach time with bushwalking. Walking is the ideal cardiovascular exercise as it is low impact yet goes a long way in the prevention of heart disease. Diet is also crucial in combating many illnesses including heart problems and Australia has great fresh local produce to ensure the food you eat complements your fitness efforts.

The most obvious walk from Thredbo is to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko. Much of the walk can be cut out by chairlifts so you can save your energy for the final climb, which in itself is not at a very difficult grade. As you reach the summit and stand at Australia’s highest point admiring the stunning landscape you can take a moment to congratulate yourself on testing your heart, lungs and general well being a lot more than sipping cocktails by the pool would. Your healthy adventure in the national park can be further enhanced by taking in the Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool Walk. Soothe any aching muscles and tired legs by relaxing in the pool that is permanently heated at 27 degrees by a natural spring with its own added health benefits. This natural heating also makes the pool an attraction in winter when many people find it soothing to rest ski-weary limbs in the warm buoyant water surrounded by snow.


There are many walks suitable for families that are easy and enjoyable. One of these is the Sawpit Walk which takes you through ancient woodlands where you can try and spot the many different varieties of tree bark and if you walk quietly you might be lucky enough to see some of the amazing birds and some kangaroos in the wild. The elusive platypus and playful trout can be spotted on the Thredbo River Track if you look out for circular ripple patterns on the water from the footbridge vantage points crossing the river. You will see amazing photo opportunities on the Waterfall Walk and gaze at many of Australia’s highest peaks on the Snow Gums Boardwalk. These are just some of the many walks available within the national park and you can also go on guided walks and tours to find out more through local knowledge. We invite you to stay a few days in one of the Sawpit Creek accommodation while exploring this beautiful Snowy River region.

If all that walking isn’t enough you can indulge in some even more active rock climbing, mountain biking and caving activities. However in the summer we think that walking is the best way to make the most of the weather and appreciate the amazing scenery and fascinating natural habitat waiting to be discovered in the Kosciuszko National Park. It is all part of the adventurous spirit of Australia which you can’t help but be infected with when you visit.

OzeHols wish to thank Jennifer Halston for providing this article.