For adventurous families unphased by frosty temperatures, Holidays with Kids has rounded up some of the best campsites to help inspire your next snowy adventure.
Don’t let the cooling weather deter you and your clan from a real winter camping escapade. Setting up camp in the cooler months has a number of perks and new challenges to embrace (and really, this nation’s wintry weather is exceptionally mild). A number of campsites drop their fees in the off season, spaces are less crowded and – best of all – if you pick the right spot there’s even the elusive opportunity for your kids to experience snow. Here are some of our suggestions for destinations that offer authentic camping experiences and where your best chances are of glimpsing some white powder.
Snow-capped ridges and open plains make the Victorian High Country an example of alpine topography at its finest, and there are a number of camping spots speckling the region to help take in all of its joys. Langford West Campground is one great option, found out on the north-eastern branch of the Alpine National Park. Families will enjoy the walking paths and horse yards that encircle the campground, whatever the weather, though cycling tracks may be better left for summer.
There are only ten available sites so it’s first in best dressed, but the relatively high chance of snow makes securing a spot undeniably worthwhile. The campground’s facilities include picnic tables, barbecues and toilets, however, there’s no rubbish disposal so be vigilant and ensure you take any litter away with you.
Getting there
Langford West is 15 kilometres south of Falls Creek. You’ll turn left off Bogong High Plains Road onto a sign-posted gravel track before the second Langford Aqueduct. The track is accessible to both 2WD and 4WD vehicles and is camper trailer friendly. Ensure you call ahead in case of road closures.
Fees
There is no camping charge to stay here.
Right between Mt Hotham and Mt Buffalo, Bright is a beautiful name for a beautiful region. Whether you’re after luxury cabins or basic cabins and sites, Pine Valley can help you enjoy it all. It’s well-maintained, well-run and well-located, so when you’re ready for a break from the skis, the whole family will surely appreciate the games room, playgrounds and numerous shops in the nearby CBD.
Getting there
The park is found near Porepunkah, around 3.5 hours from Melbourne. Head east from Glenrowan on the Great Alpine Road.
The upside to camping 19km out of Jindabyne in winter is your prime position for accessing the ski fields at Thredbo Alpine Village (and paying a lot less than you would in a resort). Diggings’ 30 sites do get busy which can make it nice and social, but bordered by snow gums and the peaceful Thredbo River, you’ll still feel a million miles away.
You’ll be right next to the river here and sites are available for caravans, camper-trailers and of course your faithful tent. There are no booked sites, flushing toilets or rubbish bins here and water is not available so bring your own supply for drinking and cooking. Don’t forget to bring plenty of wood to stay warm and cosy next to the fire.
Getting there
Leave Jindabyne on Kosciuszko Road and travel three kilometres. Turn left onto Alpine Way and drive 19 kilometres. The campground will be on your right. Though the road is unsealed, it is possible to reach the grounds in a 2WD. Tyres will require chains after snow.
Snuggled beside Swampy Plains River on the greens surrounding Geehi Hut (originally built back in 1952), is another quality site in the Kosciuszko National Park region. It’s one of the bigger bush-camping options, with 150 undesignated campsites for the taking. Nature comes alive at Geehi, with rainbow trout in the rapids (fishermen, bring your rods) and Eastern grey kangaroos dotting the landscape.
Even if snow eludes you, the family will enjoy making use of the nature trails for walking, biking and horse riding. With no phone reception, no power and no generators, you’ll also be immediately immersed in camping spirit as you drive in and pitch your tent wherever you fancy. Ensure you bring your own firewood so that you can be toasting marshmallows around a fire in no time.
Getting there
Geehi Flats is in the southern part of Kosciuszko National Park. Travel west along Kosciuszko Road for three kilometres, turn left onto Alpine Way and continue 78km. You’ll turn left into the campground after crossing the bridge at Swampy.
NSW National Park fee
Camping at both these sites is free, but park access in winter is $29 per vehicle per day (as opposed to $17 per day in summer). If you frequent NSW’s parks, the $190 12-month pass is worth considering.
Escape to Barrington Tops National Park, considered the most northerly chance of snow in Australia, where kangaroos and wombats are your nearest neighbours. Pitch your tent among the subalpine woodland of Polblue Campground, a site easily accessible for 2WD vehicles and caravans alike.
Cosy up around a barbecue to beat the high-altitude chill, revelling in the tranquillity of this remote location (but don’t forget to bring your own water and firewood). With snowfalls possible at the peak of winter, it’s an ideal wonderland escape, but even if snow eludes you, the easy, family-friendly Polblue Swamp track is a must-do journey through the wetlands and snow gums.
Getting there
A 4.5-hour drive from Sydney, you’ll travel north on the F3, following onto the Hunter Expressway and New England Highway. Once past Muswellbrook, turn right at Halcolm Road and take the first right onto Segenhoe Road, then right onto Gundy Road. Continue on the Scone-Nundle Road before turning right at Moonan Brook Road. Turn left at Barrington Tops Fore Track, and Polblue will be on the left after passing Devils Hole.
Fees
Adults cost $12 per night while children stay for $6 per night.
For those who don’t want to ditch all the creature comforts when setting up camp in the cold, a holiday park is a great option. This one, situated beside the beautiful Lake Jindabyne, offers powered and unpowered sites for caravan and camping as well as a range of cabins and villas – so you can keep it as rustic as you desire.
You’ll be in prime position for accessing either Thredbo or Perisher (both around 30km away). With barbecues, a boat ramp, games and movie rooms, jumping pillow, kiosk, laundry, playground and more, it’s not difficult to make your family right at home.
Getting there
The park is just outside of the Jindabyne town centre following along Kosciuszko Road, opposite the turn off onto Alpine Way.
Fees
Fees will depend on your holiday style. Unpowered sites start from $34 a night, Economy Studio Cabins from $86, and top-of-the-range Deluxe Lakeview Villas start at $191. There are other options, all of which enjoy full access to park amenities.
There’s plenty to entertain all at Alpine Tourist Park. Thirty minutes from all the winter fun at Selwyn Snowfields and close to Lake Eucumbene and the Murrumbidgee, you can ski your hearts out in winter and fish all year round. The close by Adaminaby township provides all you need to make yourself at home and the small town charm will surely brighten up each day you stay.
Getting there
The park is around two hours from Canberra. Take Boboyan Road or the Snowy Mountains Highway; when you arrive you’ll be an easy 40 minute to Selwyn Snow Resort.
This article originally appeared in Caravan & Camping with Kids magazine. To subscribe to the latest issue, click here.
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