After a dry spell in June, Australia’s ski fields are finally blanketed in snow – and there’s more powder on the way.
If you’ve been patiently checking the live snow cams and wondering whether winter was ever going to show face, there’s finally some good news. Australia’s ski season has found its footing, with fresh snowfall and icy temperatures giving the country’s alpine resorts a welcome winter boost just as the school holidays get underway.
This year, Australia experienced its warmest June in decades. And while the heat was celebrated by the cold-averse, the country’s alpine areas suffered. The unusually high temperatures resulted in severe snow droughts and one of the slowest starts to the Aussie ski season in more than 70 years.
Thankfully, the weather has turned. A series of cold fronts beginning on 3 July swept across south-east Australia last week, bringing natural snowfall and much-needed freezing temperatures. While there has been no new powder in the last 48 hours, weather forecasts are predicting up to 48cm of fresh snowfall for the next 15 days at certain resorts.
Skiers and snowboarders rejoicing on 4 July after fresh snowfall. (Credit: Falls Creek)
With the added help of extensive snowmaking, conditions have improved dramatically – allowing resorts to progressively open more terrain. The welcome burst of cold weather has transformed the slopes and lifted the spirits of skiers and snowboarders who have been waiting to dust off their gear.
Victoria’s Falls Creek was among the biggest beneficiaries of last week’s blast, reporting 33cm of fresh snow. Four lifts are currently operating, with temperatures dropping to -6°C overnight and 20-48cm of new snowfall predicted for the next 15 days. In time for the July school holidays, the resort is buzzing with a lineup of fun activities, including visiting the new 10-metre Flower of the Alpine Sun sculpture installed as part of the resort’s $750,000 makeover.
Last week brought 33cm of snow for Falls Creek, Victoria. (Credit: Falls Creek)
Keen skiers are back on Thredbo's white slopes.
Mouse Trap at Falls Creek on 4 July, 2026. (Credit: Falls Creek)
Over on Mt Hotham, last week’s snowstorm delivered 30cm of fresh snow in 48 hours, accumulating to 36cm of total snowfall in the past week. The mountain’s machines have been working to maintain the cover since. Like Falls Creek, forecasts predict a confident 20 to 48cm of snow over the next two weeks.
Mt Buller has also bounced back after the slow start to winter. Following a burst of almost 30cm of snow on 3 July, visitors can expect between 15 and 37cm of snowfall over the next 15 days. Today skiers are out enjoying the firm conditions, thanks to snowmaking overnight and grooming helping to bolster the snowpack.
Thredbo’s mountain is back in business for the winter season.
In NSW, Perisher has received 32cm of natural snowfall over the past week and is readying for more: an estimated 16 to 38cm across the next two weeks. Overnight, the temperature dropped below -7°C, with 225 snow guns firing to help maintain the snow cover.
Thredbo is also seeing significantly improved ski conditions. Thanks to more than 25cm of natural snowfall last week and consistent artificial snowmaking, slope shredders have finally been able to carve tracks down the mountain.
Safe to say, there are plenty of happy faces on the mountains this week. With conditions continuing to improve, it’s shaping up to be an opportune time to experience our alpine regions.
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Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or hunting down Sydney's cosiest cafes.
See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.
By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.
From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.
This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.
1. Share in ghostly tales
Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)
If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.
You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.
2. Wander art installations
See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)
Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.
For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.
3. Learn through lasers
Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)
Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.
The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.
4. Light up the lake
Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)
Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.
You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.
5. Be captivated by local culture
Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)
Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.
Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.
6. Discover a winter glow
See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)
Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.
Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.
Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.
