Canberra and the Snowy Mountains

National institutions in Canberra, wildlife at Tidbinbilla, then south to Jindabyne and Thredbo for the walk to Australia's highest summit.

Distance: 228 km (142 mi)
Driving: 2 h 29 min
Suggested days: 4
Stops: 9
States: Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales
Updated: May 4, 2026

At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 228 km (142 mi) with 9 stops, from Canberra to Charlotte Pass. About 2 h 29 min of driving in total.

More road trips in Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales

Route description

Spend the first day in Canberra, a planned capital with wide avenues and a lake at its centre. Start at Parliament House and walk onto the grass roof, then spend a few hours at the Australian War Memorial. Finish at Black Mountain Tower for a view over the layout. Most national attractions have free entry, though parking in the parliamentary area can be limited.

In the morning, drive about 40 km south-west to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve to look for kangaroos, emus and, with luck, koalas. Then return to the Monaro Highway and drive about 170 km south through Cooma to Jindabyne, around two and a half hours. Stock up on fuel and groceries in Cooma or Jindabyne, as services thin out in the mountains.

Jindabyne to Thredbo is about 35 km and roughly 35 minutes along the Alpine Way. In summer, ride the Kosciuszko Express chairlift and walk the metal track to the summit, about 13 km return, with no shade and fast weather changes. In winter the same area is snow-covered and ski-resort country, and snow chains must be carried in the park.

For a different view, drive about 50 km from Jindabyne through Perisher to Charlotte Pass, Australia's highest village reachable by road in summer. A longer walk of about 18 km return leads to the summit past glacial lakes. In winter the last part of the road is closed to private vehicles, so check park alerts before setting out.

Stop-by-stop itinerary

In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.

1

Canberra
Australian Capital Territory
Start
2

Parliament House, Canberra
HistoryCanberra, Australian Capital Territory
Australia's parliament, opened in 1988, with a landscaped grass roof that visitors may walk on for views along the national axis to Lake Burley Griffin. Free tours explain the building and its art collection.
4 km
3

Australian War Memorial
HistoryCanberra, Australian Capital Territory
A national memorial, shrine and museum at the head of Anzac Parade, with extensive galleries on Australia's military history. Entry is free and a full visit can easily take half a day.
3 km
4

Black Mountain Tower
ViewsCanberra, Australian Capital Territory
A telecommunications tower of about 195 m on Black Mountain with viewing galleries over Canberra's planned layout, Lake Burley Griffin and the ranges beyond. Clear mornings give the best visibility.
6 km
5

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
NatureCanberra, Australian Capital Territory
A reserve in the ranges south-west of Canberra, with walking tracks, a sanctuary area, and good chances of seeing kangaroos, emus and, with patience, platypus or koalas. Dusk is the best time for wildlife.
33 km
6

Jindabyne
New South Wales
130 km
7

Thredbo Village
HistoryThredbo, New South Wales
An alpine village in the Thredbo Valley that operates as a ski resort in winter and a hiking and mountain-biking base in summer. The Kosciuszko Express chairlift runs in summer too, giving access to the summit walk.
36 km
8

Mount Kosciuszko summit
NatureThredbo, New South Wales
At 2,228 m the highest point on mainland Australia, reached by an easy gradient on a metal walkway. Allow about 13 km return from the top of the Thredbo chairlift, and carry layers: weather changes fast, even in summer.
8 km
9

Charlotte Pass
ViewsCharlotte Pass, New South Wales
Australia's highest road-accessible village, and the trailhead for a longer summit route of about 18 km return past glacial lakes. In winter the road beyond Perisher is closed to vehicles; check park alerts before travelling.
8 km

Suggested stages and overnight stops

4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.

Day 1: Canberra → Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve · 46 km · 0 h 30 minOn the way: Parliament House, Canberra, Australian War Memorial, Black Mountain Tower.
Day 2: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve → Jindabyne · 130 km · 1 h 25 min
Day 3: Jindabyne → Thredbo Village · 36 km · 0 h 23 min
Day 4: Thredbo Village → Charlotte Pass · 16 km · 0 h 10 minOn the way: Mount Kosciuszko summit.

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually November–March. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.

Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons

FAQs

How long is Canberra and the Snowy Mountains?

4-day road trip of about 228 km (142 mi) with 9 stops, from Canberra to Charlotte Pass. About 2 h 29 min of driving in total.

How many days do you need for Canberra and the Snowy Mountains?

We suggest 4 days: about 2 h 29 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

Where does Canberra and the Snowy Mountains start and end?

It starts in Canberra and ends in Charlotte Pass.

Which states does Canberra and the Snowy Mountains pass through?

Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.

When is the best time for Canberra and the Snowy Mountains?

The most pleasant months are usually November–March. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)