posted on 8 July 2024
Located in the NSW Snowy Mountains, the family-owned and operated Selwyn snow resort has become a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a winter wonderland or outdoor playground with panoramic mountain views.
With a driving distance of just 1 hour and 20 minutes from Cooma, the drive from Cooma to Selwyn snowfields is an incredibly scenic journey, taking you through the diverse landscapes of NSW’s alpine region and the charming towns located along the way. If you’re looking to make the drive from Cooma to Selwyn Snow Resort, chances are you’re wondering how best to navigate the roads and what stops along the way deserve your attention.
In this helpful guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about planning the Cooma to Selwyn snowfields drive, and the top things to see and do along the way.
Driving from Cooma to Selwyn Snowfields
Looking to soak up the charming local towns, top cafes, and incredible mountain scenery in Selwyn Snowfields and the Snowy Mountains? Whether you want to hit the ski slopes with the family, hike in Kosciuszko National Park, or enjoy a hot beverage and cookie at the famed Snowy Mountains Cookies bakery, this scenic drive from Cooma will see you reach your destination with ease and leave you free to explore endless sightseeing possibilities.
- Drive distance: 97.6 kilometres
- Driving time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Driving route:
- Take Smith St to Sharp Street/Snowy Mountains Highway
- Follow Snowy Mountains Highway to Link Road in Kiandra
- Continue on Link Road
- Drive to Kings Cross Road before arriving at your destination of Selwyn Snow Resort
- Top stops: Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre, The Cooma Cottage, Bredbo, Numeralla, Pioneer Lookout Mill, Nimmitabel Heritage Walk, Kiandra Heritage Trail, and Lake Eucumbene to name a few.
- Best vehicle for the drive: The drive from Cooma to Selwyn snowfields is accessible for any vehicle. However, if you’re visiting during the winter months of June to October, the roads can be icy due to snowfall. Be sure to carry snow chains in your vehicle and fit them when required at designated chain fitting bays along the route, even if driving a 4WD.
- Driving conditions: The drive from Cooma to Selwyn snow resort is a comfortable journey, with stunning views located along the Snowy Mountains Highway. You can expect steep mountainous roads with bends and sharp hairpin turns, so drive cautiously and obey the speed limit.
Once you arrive: A short guide to Selwyn snowfields
Selwyn Snow Resort is the perfect destination to unwind, soak up the natural beauty of surrounding NSW national parks, and take in the incredible views of the Snowy Mountains.
You can generally expect smooth, well-maintained roads for much of the drive from Cooma to Selwyn snowfields as you will travel along the Snowy Mountains Highway. Despite this, the mountainous terrain and steep roads can still be challenging to navigate, particularly during the snow season when ice makes the roads slippery. So, before you hit the road, consider these top tips and guidelines to ensure you’re prepared for the journey.
- Best time to visit Selwyn Snowfields: Selwyn Snowfields isn’t open year-round, with the resort instead operating seasonally. Typically, it opens between the June and October long weekends, inviting locals and international travellers alike to enjoy activities like snow shoeing, snow tubing, and cross-country skiing. As a result, winter is the best time to visit.
- Accommodation: Selwyn Snowfields doesn’t have on-site accommodation, but its proximity to towns and other alpine resorts means you’ll find a variety of accommodation options to suit your budget and travel needs. Consider the San Michele Resort and Snowy Mountains Motel in Adaminaby, while Anglers Reach Lakeside Village offers cabins and units with lake views, and Talbingo Tourist Park has cabins, caravan sites, and camping spots with access to Talbingo Reservoir.
- Accessibility: You will need to pay entry fees for Selwyn Snowfields. When visiting, you’ll pay park entry fees to enter Kosciuszko National Park, where the resort is located. It typically costs visitors $29 per vehicle per day however, if you are planning to visit frequently, it’s worth considering purchasing an annual pass which can offer better value for multiple visits.
Renting through Turo allows you to choose a vehicle equipped for snowy roads so you can confidently tackle the drive from Cooma to Selwyn Snowfields, with the bonus flexibility to explore along the way and travel at your own pace. Explore car rental in Cooma on Turo.
Top things to do in Selwyn and its surroundings
Travelling with kids, alone, or with a partner? There’s no shortage of things to see and do around Selwyn Snow Resort, but the hardest part is simply choosing which activities you can fit into your busy schedule.
Top stops for families
- Selwyn Snow Resort: At Selwyn Snow Resort, you’ll be able to enjoy a range of activities from tobogganing, to cross country skiing, and fun on the ski lifts as you journey to the top of the slopes. With lessons available to suit kids and beginners of all ages, it’s a great place for families to learn skiing and snowboarding together.
- Snow Play Park: Visit Selwyn snow resort’s Snow Play Park where kids can enjoy building snowmen, having snowball fights, and enjoy the outdoors. Designed for non-skiing activities, it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some fun after a day on the slopes.
- Thredbo Valley Horse Riding: No matter the season, there’s plenty to do in Thredbo as you take in the lush surroundings. Just a short drive from Jindabyne, you’ll find horse riding tours that take you through the stunning landscapes and cater to people of all ages and abilities.
- Tobogganing at Perisher Valley: Known for its family fun, Perisher offers a range of snow lessons for kids of all ages at Perisher Snowsports School and is a 2-hour scenic drive from Selwyn. From kid’s group lessons to adult lessons and family private lessons, you’ll be able to learn skiing and snowboarding skills or enjoy tobogganing.
Top stops for foodies
- Kosciuszko Brewing Company: For those looking for tasty beverages, don’t look past this brewing company situated within the Banjo Paterson Inn in the Snowy Mountains. Learn more about the craft beers and pale ales from the friendly staff, and savour the menu with a beer tasting.
- Snowy Mountains Cookies: This renowned bakery is famed for their delicious, handmade cookies. With a range of tasty flavours available that are sure to satisfy everyone’s craving for a sweet treat, it’s not hard to see why Snowy Mountains Cookies are hailed as a cultural institution in the region!
- The Bakehouse Adaminaby: If you’re searching for the best baked pies, look no further than Adaminaby’s Bakehouse. Known for its freshly baked bread and pastries, it’s the perfect lunch or breakfast spot.
- Tumbarumba Vineyards: Located in the Snowy Mountains, Tumbarumba is known for its cool-climate wines. Visit incredible wineries including the family-owned Courabyra Wines for a cellar-door tasting and delightful meals.
Top stops for solo travellers
- Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk: Located in Kosciuszko National Park, Guthega is the perfect base for those who want to explore more hikes in the area. Guthega to Charlotte Pass is a must, with the nine kilometre walking track winding through the alpine region and Snowy Mountains.
- Lake Jindabyne Foreshore Trail: For those who want to enjoy mountain biking amidst epic mountain scenery, be sure to tackle the incredible mountain biking tracks located around Lake Jindabyne and the Snowy Mountains. You can also bike through Thredbo Valley and Thredbo Mountain Bike Park, while Tyrolean Village Mountain Bike Park in East Jindabyne also offers great trails.
- Kosciuszko National Park: You don’t just have to ski to enjoy the beauty of Kosciuszko National Park. You’ll find the iconic Blue Lake Walk and Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk for those who want an incredible hike.
- Mt Selwyn: While Selwyn snow resort may only be open during the snow season, if you’re looking to soak up the scenic beauty of the region during the warmer months, it’s worth visiting Mt Selwyn where walking trails offer beautiful hiking opportunities during the off-ski season.
If you’re starting this road trip from Canberra or Sydney, consider the wide range of rental vehicles available through local Turo hosts for a hassle-free drive. Explore a variety of options, from sporty convertibles to spacious SUVs or eco-friendly EVs.
Frequently asked questions getting to Selwyn snowfields from Cooma
What is the cheapest way to get from Cooma to Selwyn Snow Resort?
The cheapest and most convenient way to get from Cooma to Selwyn Snow Resort is with your own vehicle. With no direct transport options to Selwyn Snow Resort, the alternative would be to combine public transport to Cooma and then arrange a private transfer or taxi service to Selwyn, which can be particularly costly during the peak snow season.
Do I need snow chains to drive to the Selwyn snowfields?
Yes, you do need snow chains to drive to the Selwyn snowfields. As the winter months can make the roads particularly icy, it’s important to carry these chains with you and fit them to your vehicle at designated chain fitting bays along the route.
Can you toboggan at Selwyn?
Selwyn Snow Resort is known for its family-friendly snow activities, which include tobogganing. There’s a designated toboggan area where you can enjoy this activity, while toboggans are also available to hire at the resort if you don’t have the equipment and want to have a go!
Final tips for your Cooma to Selwyn Snowfields journey
For snow sports enthusiasts, adventurers, nature lovers, and those simply wanting to experience the atmosphere of Australia’s iconic Alpine region, the journey from Cooma to Selwyn Snowfields promises unbeatable scenery and diverse landscapes.
With plenty of detours to be made along the way and sights to see, it’s worth taking the time to explore at your own pace. With Turo, you’ll find unique cars you can’t find anywhere else, ready to be delivered to you from a local Turo host. Find your drive on Turo today.
Looking for more road trips throughout the Snowy Mountains? Discover the best way to drive from Jindabyne to Perisher or even tackle the drive from Jindabyne to Thredbo.
Jess Campbell
Jess is Sydney-based and loves the outdoors. While she likes to think she has what it takes to compete on ‘ALONE’, her survival skills need some work. Born in Singapore and raised in South Africa, she’s hiked across Ireland, surfed in Hawaii, spent six months in Kenya and covered much of Africa. Having spent a year in the north of Spain, she’s resolved to come back to tackle the Camino de Santiago. Until then, you can find her providing the best snacks and playlists on Aussie road trips.
