Thredbo is the most compact and village-like of the Snowy Mountains resorts, tucked into the valley below the Ramshead Range inside Kosciuszko National Park. In winter it is one of Australia's main ski bases; when the snow goes, it turns into a hiking and mountain-bike town with lifts, trailheads and a real alpine feel.
The classic reason to come is the walk to Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's highest summit. The chairlift cuts out the dull climb and drops you in open alpine country, where boardwalks cross snow gums, granite and wildflower meadows before the final easy rise to the top. It is a popular walk, not a wilderness epic, but it gives you the rare Australian feeling of being properly above the tree line.
Thredbo is also one of the few Australian mountain resorts that works well outside ski season. The gondola and chairlift run for views and access, and the Thredbo Valley Track gives mountain bikers a long descent through the national park. The village itself is small enough to walk end to end, with lodges, pubs and gear shops pressed against the slope.