Does it snow in Australia, and where and when? A snow trip guide for Thai travellers

Yes, it snows in Australia, but only on the high mountains of the south-east and in Tasmania, roughly from June to early October. Sydney and Melbourne city never get snow. To see it, travel to a mountain resort in New South Wales, Victoria or Tasmania.

Where and when does it snow in Australia?

Australia's snow season runs from about June to early October, the southern winter. Snowfall varies from year to year. In Victoria, the declared 2026 season ran from 7 June to 4 October.

Does it snow in Sydney or Melbourne?

No. Sydney and Melbourne city do not get snow, even in the winter months of June to August. They are only cool or cold. To see snow, you must travel on to the mountains.

From Melbourne, Mt Buller can be reached by car in a day. From Sydney, Thredbo and Perisher are much further away, so most visitors stay overnight at the resort or a nearby town.

Do you need snow chains to drive to the snow?

Yes, you must carry them, and rules differ by state. In New South Wales, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service requires 2WD vehicles to carry chains between the June and October long weekends on Kosciuszko Road to Perisher, Guthega Road and the Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin.

In Victoria, Alpine Resorts Victoria requires all vehicles, including 4WD and AWD, to carry diamond-pattern chains at Falls Creek, Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, Mt Baw Baw and Mt Stirling during the declared season, and chains cannot be hired on the mountain. At Ben Lomond in Tasmania, chains are required from June to September.

• Hire chains at service stations or ski hire shops before driving up.
• Practise fitting them in an open area, not in a snowstorm.
• Fit chains when signs, rangers or police tell you to.
• A 4WD or AWD helps, but it does not exempt you from the Victorian rule.

Which resort suits which traveller?

Beginners based in Melbourne often choose Mt Buller because it can be reached in a day by car. Visitors starting from Sydney or Canberra pick Thredbo or Perisher in the Snowy Mountains. Ben Lomond suits people already in Tasmania who want a small, simple taste of snow.

What should you know about park and resort entry?

Entering Kosciuszko National Park in New South Wales requires a daily vehicle fee, which is higher in winter than at other times. Victorian resorts also charge entry. Check the current fee on the official sites.

How do you prepare for cold weather and mountain coverage?

Cold drains phone batteries quickly, so keep your phone in an inside pocket and carry a power bank. Mobile coverage is also patchy or absent on mountain and alpine roads whichever network you use.

• Download offline maps and road information before leaving a town with coverage.
• Check that your phone supports VoLTE calls to 000, because an incompatible handset may be blocked whatever SIM or eSIM you use.
• Tell your hotel or a friend your route and expected return time.

Where should you stay and what should you pack for a snow trip?

Most resorts offer lodging in the mountain village and in towns below, and these fill quickly during the July school holidays. Book ahead and check the resort's snow report before you go, because snow depth changes from week to week.

• Thermal base layers, a warm mid layer and a waterproof, windproof outer layer.
• Waterproof gloves, a beanie, ski goggles and sunglasses.
• Sunscreen, because UV on the mountains is strong even in the cold.
• A power bank and a charger that works with Type I sockets.

How does internet access matter on a snow trip?

Before driving up, use mobile data to check road conditions and closures and to hold lift tickets or bookings on your phone. Some resorts use apps or QR codes for tickets and lessons, which you need to load while you still have signal.

If you rent a car, also read “What is an International Driving Permit, how do you get one, and can you actually drive abroad with it?” and “Internet for Australia: How to Choose an Australia eSIM” to plan your connection.

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