Nestled in the heart of the Snowy Mountains, Crackenback lies on the edge of Kosciuszko National Park. It serves as the gateway to the slopes of Perisher Ski Resort and is a stone’s throw away from the recreational activities of Lake Jindabyne.

Things to do

Embark on a scenic hike through the magnificent alpine landscapes of Kosciuszko National Park. Ride the chairlift from Thredbo Village to Eagles Nest and explore the stunning glacial lake at Lake Cootapatamba, where you’ll have the option to continue to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak.

Mountain bikers can tackle the challenging trail that begins at Dead Horse Gap and features spectacular views of the Victorian High Country along the way. It passes through densely wooded forests and across the flowing waters of the Thredbo River before traversing Bobs Ridge into the Pilot Wilderness Area.

You can explore the handcrafted sculptures and art installations dotted around Lake Crackenback along the Sculpture Trail. After the Lake Light Sculpture exhibition takes place each Easter on Lake Jindabyne’s foreshore, the sculptures are moved to Crackenback to be permanently showcased throughout the remainder of the year.

If you’re visiting during the winter months, hit the slopes of Perisher Ski Resort to see the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. It boasts seven terrain parks and Australia’s only half-pipe, and offers skiing and snowboarding trails to suit all experience levels.

Getting around

Crackenback is 15 minutes’ drive west of Jindabyne and around 45 minutes from Snowy Mountains Airport. It’s a six-hour drive from both Sydney and Melbourne, and having your own vehicle is the most flexible way to explore the region.