Winter is officially in play, and you don’t need to head all the way to New Zealand, or even all the way to Thredbo just to get a taste of it.
If you’re in the Greater Sydney area, there are a few places within driving distance where you can experience snow. We won’t sugarcoat it; It doesn’t happen every day. But these are some of the most-likely destinations outside of the Snowy Mountains where the white stuff does fall.
Admittedly, we’ve not seen snow in these spots ourselves, but we’ve been to some and have friends who have and seen plenty of pictures of it so we know it exists!
Where you can see snow near Sydney
Oberon
Where is it? 200km from Sydney (3 hour drive)
When to visit to see snow: July and August
One of your best bets for seeing snow, Oberon is much cooler than Sydney and has seen snow everywhere between May and November. It sits at a similar elevation to the higher parts of the Blue Mountains, at about 1,100m.
The pine forests here combined with snowfalls make it seem like you’re somewhere in the far northern hemisphere, like Canada or Norway, rather than right here in Australia.
What else is there to do and see in Oberon during winter?
If there’s no snow, or if you’ve had enough of it, Oberon is a great place to go truffle hunting – a uniquely winter activity. It can only be done from June to August. There’s also bushwalking tracks and waterfalls to check out in nearby Abercrombie River National Park or Kanangra-Boyd National Park.
✅ We’ve been to Oberon!
Where to stay in Oberon:
On our visit to Oberon, we were camping on private property, so it’s not somewhere we can recommend. Here are some well-reviewed places to stay in the area:
- Highlands Motor Inn: Book directly with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com
- Jenolan Holiday Park Oberon: Book directly with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia
Corin Forest
Where is it? 334km from Sydney (3.5 hour drive)
When to visit to see snow: July and August
About as close to the Snowy Mountains as you can get, Corin Forest isn’t far from Canberra and offers the chance to play in the snow, go sledding and even learn how to ski. Sure, you won’t go very far on the skis, but it’s a great way to get a taste for the sport before committing to a full (and expensive) ski trip. You can even rant snow gear, including jackets, pants and warm boots.
You’ll probably have the best luck of actually seeing snow here. If none falls naturally, and its cold enough, snow is often made here so the sledding hill and ski slope can open for the winter months.
What else is there to do and see in Corin Forest during winter?
Once you’re finished playing with the snow, nearby, you’ll be able to go hiking, camping and cycling.
🔜 We’ve not been to Corin Forest, but it’s on our list.
Where to stay near Corin Forest:
- Abode Tuggeranong: Book directly with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia
- Punthill Tuggeranong: Book directly with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia
Blue Mountains
Where is it? 100km from Sydney (1.5 hour drive)
When to visit to see snow: July and August
Higher elevations in the Blue Mountains, like Mount Victoria (1,128m), Blackheath (1,065m) and Katoomba (1,017m) have better chances of seeing snowfall than places closer to sea level. They tend to get flurries or a proper snowfall just a couple days each winter. It’s best to plan any trips on a whim rather than in advance; you never know exactly when the snow is actually going to fall.
What else is there to do and see in the Blue Mountains during winter?
As long as it’s above freezing, the Blue Mountains is a great place to take a brisk hike during the winter months. The trails are a bit hilly, so the cooler weather can help you from overheating. There’s also nice, cosy pubs and restaurants that are perfect for a warming meal on a cool evening. There’s also a relatively new bathhouse, Aqua Ingis, in Blackheath that’s open 8am-8pm on weekends.
✅ We’ve been to the Blue Moutnains!
Where to stay in the Blue Mountains:
- Blue Mountains Heritage Motel in Katoomba: Book directly with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia (We’ve stayed here!)
- Kyah Hotel in Blackheath: Book directly with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia (We have friends who have stayed here and have recommended it, and have dined at the on-site Blaq restaurant, which we certainly recommend!)
Read more about the Blue Mountains:
- 4 best Blue Mountains towns to visit
- An avid hiker’s guide to the most unforgettable Blue Mountains walks
- Beyond the Three Sisters: A weekend guide to the western Blue Mountains
- We’ve tried every bath at the Blue Mountain’s Japanese Bathhouse
Barrington Tops
Where is it? 334km from Sydney (4.5 hour drive)
When to visit to see snow: July and August
The furthest north spot on this list, Barrington Tops actually sits at the highest elevation in New South Wales outside of the Snowy Mountains. That means cooler weather during the winter months and a high chance of snow falling. The official Barrington Coast website recommends heading to the Polblue camping area (1,450m), Thunderbolts Lookout (1,440m) and Devils Hole Lookout (1,400m), all along Barrington Tops Forest Road, for a chance to see the fluffy white stuff.
What else is there to do and see in the Barrington Tops during winter?
If there’s no snow, or at lower elevations, explore the national park and bushland. We’ve been planning a trip to the area in hopes of spending a few days hiking… we just need a free long weekend to do it!
🔜 We’ve not been to Barrington Tops, but it’s very high on our list.
Where to stay in the Barrington Tops:
- Great Escape Lofts in Gloucester: Book directly with the hotel | Booking.com
- Royal Hotel in Dungog: Book directly with the hotel | Agoda | Booking.com | Expedia
Jenolan Caves
Where is it? 200km from Sydney (3 hour drive)
When to visit to see snow: July and August
While the only road in is temporarily closed after landslides, the Jenolan Caves area does tend to get a few dustings of snow per year. Found between the Blue Mountains and Oberon, the cave system was crafted with limestone by nature somewhere around 430 million years ago.
What else is there to do and see at Jenolan Caves during winter?
The area is due to re-open in the second-half of 2026, and while you’re in the area consider taking a hike along Six Foot Track, ride the scenic Zig Zag railway and check out the caves themselves.
✅ We’ve been to Jenolan Caves!
Where to stay near Jenolan Caves:
- Jenolan Caves House: Agoda (Temporarily closed)
- Hampton Halfway Hotel: Book directly with the hotel | Expedia
What to know about seeing snow near Sydney
Honestly, not super high. You’ll probably have the best luck in Oberon for natural snow, or Corin Forest for artifical snow.
Outside of the Snowy Mountains, there’s not much in terms of legitimate snowfall in New South Wales. But once a year places like Oberon do get a decent blanket.
Not long. Temperatures tend not to stay cold enough for long enough to last longer than a day or two at most.
Yes! Corin Forest does offer sledding and skiing. It’s more to learn how to ski though, not to schuss down long runs. It’s only about 80m long. You’ll need to go to the Snowy Mountains for proper skiing or snowboarding.
