Nail skiing in Thredbo with our ultimate guide to Thredbo Ski Resort

Whether you’re a total novice or just craving more from your visit, our comprehensive guide to skiing Thredbo Ski Resort will elevate every getaway.

Labelled Australia’s best skiing destination eight years consecutively at the World Ski Awards, Thredbo Ski Resort is the ultimate winter escape.

A five-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney and Melbourne, the adventure playground is filled with wonderful dining experiences, renowned après-ski entertainment, charming accommodation and some of the world’s best slopes. Here, we’ve crafted the ultimate travel companion to help you experience it all (including what’s on offer if you don’t physically ski!).

Thredbo accommodation

a look inside one of the cabins at NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park — Spend cosy winter days at NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park.

From the snow-capped chalets of your dreams to budget-friendly stays right in the action, Thredbo Ski Resort is home to a wide range of accommodation options. If it’s village life you’re keen to soak up, complete with killer bars, shops and excellent eateries, a collection of hotels and resorts within walking distance to the chairlifts provides plenty of safe options.

Thredbo Alpine Hotel is a standout, mere steps away from the foot of the mountains, as is River Inn on the fringe of the village if you’re all about location.

Self-contained apartments and Airbnbs also dot the village, making catering for families a lot easier (and cheaper), and there are extremely lavish chalets and lodges to indulge in with many offering ski-in/ski-out access.

If money’s tight, there are also a few caravan parks to choose from that offer drying rooms and equipment hire. You’ll need to drive a little as they’re located mostly around Jindabyne, a 30-minute trip from Thredbo, but they’re a popular option and set in stunning locations. We love NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park for its countless amenities and Discovery Parks — Jindabyne for its cosy cabins.

 Thredbo skiing and snowboarding

a parent and child snowboarding in Thredbo — Bring your little ones along to learn to ski at Thredbo.

Sure, all the extracurricular activities are epic, but Thredbo Ski Resort is world-renowned for its distinct offering of skiing and snowboarding, with ski season kicking off on the June long weekend every year and wrapping up on the October long weekend.

Experienced snow bunnies will love the country’s longest ski runs including the five-kilometre High Noon trail, renowned for its steep terrain. There’s also the five-kilometre Village Trail that’s incredibly scenic.

On the other end of the spectrum, the gentle slopes of Friday Flat are the perfect spot for beginners and children. Home to a range of skiing and snowboarding lessons including private tutorials, kids’ group lessons and daily adult group lessons, it’s the place to master your craft.

More daring shredders should drop into MOOKi’s Mini Pipe, located at the top of the Cruiser Chairlift. The 13-foot halfpipe is a hit with confident snowboarders who fly through the air like Olympic-grade skateboarders. Kids and kids-at-heart will lose hours to this awesome attraction.

Glide like a pro or shred like an action hero? Leave amateur hour in your rear-view and head straight for the 3.7-kilometre Supertrail, where high-speed turns flow on tap.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Thredbo ski passes and ski hire

skiing at Thredbo Ski Resort — Elevate your skiing and snowboarding experience with a winter pass.

To get to the top of every mountain, you’ll need a winter pass with lift access to Thredbo Ski Resort’s chairlifts and the Merritts Gondola, a European-style, fully enclosed cable car.

Thredbo ski passes should be purchased in advance to save you money and avoid having to queue. You can also purchase an individual Merritts Gondola pass, which takes you to the base of the Cruiser area, but you’ll get more value for money if you package the lot.

One-day adult lift passes start from $154 if you shop now and be warned: prices increase the closer you get to ski season. Adult season passes start from $1850, but it’s worth noting that season passes sell out well before ski season, so forward planning is paramount. Children’s lift passes start from as little as $20 and around $75 for season passes but prices rise steeply depending on the child’s age.

As for your all-important outfit and everything in between, remember you can always hire snow gear when you’re there to help minimise your luggage. Clothing, boots and sporting equipment are all top-quality and ready to be snapped up.

Premium rentals and sports rentals, which both include skis and poles, or a snowboard, helmet and boots, start from $121 per day, per adult. One-day clothing rentals start from $84. There are two spots to collect your gear: the Thredbo Valley Rental Terminal right near Guest Services and Thredbo Rental Friday Flat, right near Friday Flat.

Thredbo snow cams

a person skiing at Thredbo Ski Resort — Die-hard skiers can watch the snow fall online at the Thredbo Snow Cam.

One of the biggest teases ever instigated by the Thredbo Ski Resort team, Thredbo snow cams are cameras that have been set up to stream real-time footage from various trails and hot spots on the official Thredbo website.

If you’re counting down to your trip, or have recently departed, they instil total FOMO thanks to clear-as-day videos showcasing just how much fun is being had without you.

Die-hard skiers can literally watch snow falling virtually at the Cruiser Area, Basin T-Bar, High Noon, Friday Flat, Alpine Coaster, Kosciuszko Walking Track and Central Spur intermediate area, providing an always-on indication of what to expect from Mother Nature when you hit the slopes.

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Thredbo wining and dining

food and drinks at Cascades Restaurant, Thredbo — Sample local favourites from the seasonal menu at Cascades Restaurant.

There’s no shortage of variety when it comes to eating out in Thredbo with excellent eateries covering Japanese, Italian, Mexican, European and even more international cuisines. Spanning fine dining feasts like those offered at Cascades Restaurant and Zack’s Grill, upstairs at Berntis Mountain Inn, and good old-fashioned pub feeds like the hearty meals at The Local Pub, there’s an option for every budget and taste bud.

Guests who prefer to stack their accommodation with in-house supplies should note that the tiny supermarket in Thredbo is pretty limited (and quite costly given this captive audience). Fresh fruit runs out regularly, for example. Our advice? Drop into Woolies in Jindabyne ahead of your arrival to grab everything you’ll need for your stay. You’ll also find several bottle shops there, too, to help you secure those holiday vitals.

Thredbo winter events

the Kareela Snowcat Dinner, Thredbo — The Kareela Snowcat Dinner is a spectacular ode to traditional European dining.

You’re in Thredbo, famed for its party atmosphere and go-all-night hijinks, so stay across the Thredbo Ski Resort’s events calendar to make the most of your adventure. There’s a handy events guide on the website where you can sift through dates for a holistic scan of everything, which might even dictate when you schedule your visit. Take a squiz before you go.

Highlights within the 2025 ski season include the Kareela Snowcat Dinners from July 23 to August 27, which shuffles guests via a snowcat up to Kareela Hutte for a spectacular ode to traditional European dining, and the Sunrise Sessions from July 22 to September 2, which stage on-mountain breakfasts ahead of guests relishing in the day’s first tracks down that epic Supertrail.

And if you don’t ski?

Merritts Gondola in Thredbo — Enjoy a scenic ride on the Merritts Gondola.

Visiting for those chic winter vibes and unforgettable ground-level fun? You’re not alone. For the first time ever, Thredbo Ski Resort introduced an access-all-other-areas option for non-skiers in 2025. Dubbed the Winter Adventure Pass, the ticket includes a scenic lift pass on the Merritts Gondola, entry to Thredbo Leisure Centre’s pool and gym, and a ride on the Alpine Coaster. Prices start from $71 if you book early, while booking closer to the date is going to see that figure go up by roughly 30 per cent.

Discover the best things to do in neighbouring Jindabyne

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.

The beaches fringing Bate Bay – Cronulla, North Cronulla, Wanda, Elouera and Greenhills – have topped Tourism Australia’s 2026 list of best Australian beaches (as curated by Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer). For locals, it’s less revelation, more recognition.

The mood shifts from the moment you step off the T4 train service from Central to Cronulla and catch a glimpse of the ocean. At dawn, the Esplanade is already buzzing with regulars, and by mid-morning, parents have staked out a toasty spot on Cronulla Beach where excited toddlers clamber over rocks, and the Jellybean swim squad at Oak Park have donned their bright pink caps while singing Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.

By the afternoon, towels are being collected from across the sand as visitors wander back to Cronulla in loose formation.

North Cronulla beach — Dive into the world’s best beaches.

That’s the thing about Bate Bay beaches. This isn’t a story about a single beach. This long, uninterrupted sweep of sand and sea, where you can walk for kilometres without breaking stride, is not just enjoyed over summer; it’s a year-round destination. Here, Cronulla’s buzz gives way to Wanda’s wild edges, before stretching out to the quieter reaches of Greenhills.

But while Bate Bay’s beaches may have taken top honours in the 2026 Best Australian Beaches list, they’re only part of the drawcard. Sutherland Shire stacks up as a full-spectrum coastal escape, where good food, national park adventures and on-the-water experiences sit within easy reach of the shoreline. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or stretching out a stay, here’s how to make the most of Cronulla beyond the sand, sea and surf.

Beyond the beaches

Dining

The Sutherland Shire dining scene delivers from early morning to late at night with a mix of vibrant cafes, bars and pubs. Start your day at Grind Espresso, where the coffee comes strong and fast. From there, drift towards HAM for pastries, best eaten buttery warm.

By midday, locals linger across sun-lit tables. Loaf and Next Door appeal to the surfers who come in for snacks after chasing waves. Blackwood’s Pantry and The Press are also popular for breakfast and lunch, while Pilgrim’s continues to hold a special place in the hearts of vegans.

Newer arrivals signal where Cronulla is heading: Homer Rogue Taverna is being hailed as one of the best restaurants in Cronulla, with the confidence that comes from understanding what locals want. Ask a local to reveal their favourite restaurant for a special occasion, and it’ll likely be Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare, Yalla Sawa or Alphabet Street. Summer Salt, Sealevel, Benny’s, Bobbys and Pippis are a few of the best waterfront restaurants in the Shire.

Finally, when most places are winding down, Duke’s Providore shifts gears to become Duke’s After Hours – a low-lit romantic spot perfect for a date night. Parc Pavilion, Northies Cronulla and bars The Blind Bear, Las Chicas and Low & Lofty’s are also part of Cronulla’s identity.

Visit Bundeena

Bundeena Ferry Wharf — Catch a ferry to Bundeena.

A short ferry ride from Cronulla, Bundeena offers a counterpoint to Cronulla’s mighty surf beaches. If Cronulla is the Shire’s social heart, Bundeena – or Bundenesia, as it’s affectionately known – is the place to go to exhale and unwind.

Hop on the ferry from Cronulla, and within 30 minutes, you’ll be inhaling the eucalyptus-scented air. Check the creative pulse of the local community by timing your visit with the Bundeena Maianbar Art Trail on the first Sunday of every month.

One of the best things to do in Bundeena is paddle into Cabbage Tree Basin with Bundeena Kayaks. Follow the five-kilometre Jibbon Beach Loop Track that leads past quiet coves to ancient Indigenous rock art, or simply find a stretch of pearl-white sand to relax on.

Pristine walking trails

Royal National Park Cape Baily Walking Track — Cool off with a coastal stroll.

Beyond the coastline, Sutherland Shire offers myriad ways to shift gears. Royal National Park – the oldest national park in Australia – sits just minutes from the surf. Clifftop walks trace the edge of the continent, the rugged bushland is threaded with creeks and hidden waterfalls, and a network of tracks rewards those willing to go a little further.

Take the Coast Track, where the land drops cleanly into the ocean over sheer cliffs that have been stacked together like giant Jenga. Or veer inland, where pockets of forest cool the air and filter the light. It’s a reminder of how close nature sits to the bustle of suburbs in the Sutherland Shire.

Enjoy whale watching

humpback whale sighting noosa experiences — Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)

Twist your binoculars until the ocean is in focus, stretched like a creased blue sheet all around. Come May, the East Coast becomes the humpback highway. Thousands of whales migrate along this stretch of coastline each year, their movements tracked by keen eyes from vantage points like the Cape Solander platform in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, one of the best places for whale watching in Australia. There’s something quietly thrilling about seeing that first telltale spout or the arc of a breaching body against the vastness of the sea. From June to October, whale-watching cruises depart from Cronulla, offering a closer look at the migration.

Awards come and go. But places like Cronulla endure because they belong as much to the visitors as they do the early-morning swimmers, walkers and surfers.

Plan your escape at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

Nail skiing in Thredbo with our ultimate guide to Thredbo Ski Resort

Whether you’re a total novice or just craving more from your visit, our comprehensive guide to skiing Thredbo Ski Resort will elevate every getaway.

Thredbo accommodation

Thredbo skiing and snowboarding

Thredbo ski passes and ski hire

Thredbo snow cams

Thredbo wining and dining

Thredbo winter events

And if you don’t ski?

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A checklist of things to know before skiing in Thredbo

This stretch of Sydney beaches topped the annual Best Australian Beaches list

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.