12 best snowy camp sites around Australia

For adventurous families unphased by frosty temperatures, Holidays with Kids has rounded up some of the best snowy camp sites to help inspire your next winter adventure.

Don’t let the cold weather deter you and your clan from camping in winter because Australia has some stunning snowy camp sites.

Winter camping does have several perks and a few challenges to embrace (but really, this nation’s wintry weather is exceptionally mild).

Many Australian 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 suggestions for snowy camp site destinations that offer authentic camping experiences and the best chance of glimpsing some white powder.

NSW Snowy mountains camping

Camping at Thredbo: Thredbo Diggings

This Kosciuszko National Park camping site is bordered by snow gums and the peaceful Thredbo River. The upside to camping 19km out of Jindabyne in winter is you are in a prime position to access the ski fields at Thredbo Alpine Village. And you’ll pay a lot less than you would for accommodation in Thredbo.

Diggings Thredbo camp site has 20 sites. It can get busy, but generally, it’s nice and social.

The camp ground has spaces for caravans, camper-trailers and of course your faithful tent. There are no booked sites, flushing toilets or rubbish bins here. And you won’t have access to water, so bring your own supply for drinking and cooking. Don’t forget to bring plenty of wood and firewood. 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.

Keep reading:

• 12 of Australia’s best holiday parks with campfires
• More snow holiday inspiration

Geehi Flats campground (Geehi Hut)

This Snowy mountains camp site is snuggled beside Swampy Plains River next to Geehi Hut (originally built back in 1952).

It’s one of the bigger Kosciuszko National Park bush-camping options, with 150 undesignated snowy campsites. 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.

The camp ground does not have phone reception, power or generators so you will be forced to get back to nature. Bring your own firewood.

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.

Victorian high country

Langford west campground (Bogong High Plains)

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.

Bright Pine Valley Tourist Caravan Park

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.

Barrington Tops National Park camping

NSW

Polblue campground

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.

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains in NSW have around 5 snow days per year. Visit the higher lifted areas to see the fluffy goodness.

Cathedral Reserve Camping Grounds

With an elevation of 1,000 metres Cathedral Campground in Mount Wilson is perfect for catching the fleeting Blue Mountains snowfalls. The campground is large open area with liquidambers and backing onto the rainforest. It is a dog-friendly snowy camping spot.

There are designated open fireplaces and BBQ facilities were you can rug up and enjoy the chilly weather. You will need to bring your own drinking water but there is tank water for washing up.

The Reserve has two modern composting toilets. It is suitable for camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, and tents. You may find that you have minimal phone reception. 

Getting there

Cathedral Reserve is on Mount Irvine Road on the way out of Mount Wilson village travelling towards Mount Irvine opposite the Cathedral of Ferns.

Fees

Camping is free with no booking required.

Blue Mountains

Oberon

Oberon has an elevation of 1,113 metres and lies on the western fringe of the Greater Blue Mountains.

There are three locations for free camping in Oberon. The Reef Reserve is just out of town and has a boat ramp, picnic area, gas BBQs, shelters, fire pits and toilets with disabled access. Avoca Park at Black Springs has composting toilets, permits campfires and allows pets. The scenic dam at Burraga has one toilet, picnic tables, allows campfires and dogs and has no mobile reception.

The Jenolan Caves are also easily accessible from Oberon.

Jenolan Caravan Park has a playground, modern amenity block, camp kitchen and is pet friendly. Powered camping sites are around $33 per night.

Getting there

Oberon is approximately three hours from Sydney but allow for extra time in snowy conditions. Burraga Dam Campground can be accessed from the town of Burraga by turning off Arkstone Road and heading north onto an unsurfaced road that leads to the dam.

Snowy camping in Tasmania

Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain, in Tasmania’s central highlands, is the highest point in Tasmania with Mount Ossa reaching 1,545 metres. Winter temperatures range from -3 to 4 degrees celsius. Cradle Mountain National Park can receive snowfall from July to September.

Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain is well equipped for these chilly temperatures with an open fireplace inside the camp kitchen. The kids can sit around the fireplace while you use the indoor barbeques and pizza oven.

You can also warm up with hot showers or a walk through the World Heritage Listed national park. If you’re lucky you might even catch a glimpse of the Southern Lights.

Fees

$69 for powered sites and $49 for unpowered sites

Bluff Knoll, WA

Most families head to the mountain ranges of the east coast to see snow but it is possible to see at WA’s Bluff Knoll. At 1,099 metres, Bluff Knoll is the highest peak in Stirling Range National Park. It receives an average of 1.7 snow events a year but 2022 had 5 separate snowfall events. Stirling Range National Park is five hours south of Perth.

Stirling Range Retreat is 9 minutes from the Bluff Knoll and the closest campground. It offer s powered and unpowered sites and cabins. There is also a swimming pool, BBQs, campfires permitted and a camp kitchen.

Mt Trio Bush Camp & Caravan Park is 25 minutes away. You’ll find hot showers, a camp kitchen and beautiful views at this working farm.

This article originally appeared in Caravan & Camping with Kids magazine. To subscribe to the latest issue, click here.