Looking for some beginner hikes around Jindabyne? Or maybe you are looking for some family friendly walks in the snowy mountains that the whole family can enjoy. You’ve come to the right place! It’s no secret that Jindabyne and The Snowy Mountains are full of picturesque hikes. The unique landscapes, rich with native flora and fauna will have you and the whole family in awe. Here are our favourite 5 beginner family-friendly hikes around The Snowy Mountains:
Sawpit Waterfall Walk
Distance: 2km Return
Grade: 3
What to bring: A hat, sunscreen, and water.
Sawpit Waterfall Walk starts at the Sawpit Creek Picnic Area and is a great walk for the whole family. It is a shorter walk that starts at the Northern end of the picnic area and follows the creek through a woodland of native trees. Halfway through the track is a small waterfall and some large rock formations. Keep an eye out for kangaroos along the way before the loop brings you back to the picnic area.
Illawong Walk
Distance: 5km Return
Grade: 3
What to bring: Sturdy footwear, a hat, sunscreen, water and snacks, clothes for all weather conditions, map, GPS, Compass, and PLB.
This easy 5km return hike through Kosciuszko Nation Park begins in beautiful Guthega. You will follow the snowy river through the majestic snow gums, all the way up to Illawong Lodge. When you reach your destination of the suspension bridge, enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters or a picnic amongst the native wildflowers. It doesn’t get much better than this spot and its one of our absolute favourite spots in Kosciuszko National Park.
Porcupine Rocks Walk
Distance: 5.7km Return
Grade: 3
What to bring: Sturdy footwear, a hat, sunscreen, water and snacks, insect repellent, clothes for all weather conditions, map, GPS, Compass, and PLB.
Porcupine Rocks walk starts from the Perisher Valley reservoir carpark. A quick turn off from Kosciuszko road. This moderate, family-friendly walk is well-formed and easy to follow. You will start by following rock creek, followed by a steady climb through the gum trees which will take you into the Alpine. Follow the Porcupine Rock signs all the way to the large outcrop of granite boulders sitting high on the ridge – These are the Porcupine Rocks. When you reach the top, enjoy the spectacular views of the Thredbo Valley and back towards Perisher and the Main Range.
Porcupine rocks is a great sunrise hike if you feel like rising nice and early! As the sun hits the Thredbo Valley, it creates a stunning golden glow – Don’t forget your camera for this one! During early summer, this walk is great to enjoy the seasonal wildflowers such as the paper daisies, purple heath and billy buttons.
Kosciuszko Summit via Thredbo
Distance: 13km Return
Grade: 3
What to bring: Sturdy footwear, a hat, sunscreen, water and snacks, clothes for all weather conditions, map, GPS, Compass, and PLB.
Want to be the highest person in Australia? Climbing the Mt Kosciuszko Summit can be done in half a day by catching the Kosciskzco Express Chairlift from Thredbo. The chairlift takes 15 minutes and once at the top, you can begin your walk to the top of Australia. You’ll travel past the rocky granite monuments of Ramshead Range and through fields of native wildflowers. See if you can spot some billy buttons! The gradual climb to the summit will give you incredible 360degree views of the Snowy High Country and the Victorian Alps.
Notes: Visitors taking this route must pay to ride the chairlift and should fill in a trip intention form with NSW National Parks.
Rainbow Lake
Distance: 2.5km Return
Grade: 3
What to bring: Water, a hat and sunscreen.
The Rainbow Lake trail is a short, 45minute track on the way to Perisher Resort. This Grade 3 hike has gentle climbs with a few small creek crossings before peering out over the lake. The lake was made in the early 1900s to supply water to the area. Now it’s a beautiful lake that is visited often by many of the native wildlife like wombats and gang gang. It’s a great spot for a picnic and an easy hike for the whole family.
Trail Guide: Rainbow Lake
SAFETY MESSAGES
The weather can change at any time in the Snowy Mountains so be sure to check the weather before starting any hikes.
It is also recommended in summer to carry a first aid kit with compression bandages. There are snakes in the Snowy Mountains and they like to basket in the sun during the warmer months. Be aware of the first aid steps in case of a snake bite and know how to use a compression bandage.
The NSW National Parks recommends any visitors to the park fill in a trip intention form.
The Snowy Social 
Leave a comment