The best way to travel to the NSW snowfields (Perisher, Thredbo, Charlotte Pass, and Selwyn Snow Resort) depends on your starting location, budget, and preferences. Here are the best options:

From Sydney

  1. Self-Drive (Best for Flexibility)
    • Distance: ~5-6 hours to Jindabyne, ~6-7 hours to Perisher/Thredbo.
    • Route: Via Hume Hwy (M31) → Federal Hwy → Monaro Hwy → Jindabyne.
    • Snow Chains: Required for 2WD vehicles beyond Jindabyne.
    • Parking:
      • Thredbo – Limited at the base; best to stay overnight.
      • Perisher – Park at Bullocks Flat (Skitube recommended).
      • Charlotte Pass – Park in Jindabyne and take the oversnow transport.
    • Tip: Skitube from Bullocks Flat avoids driving in snow.
  2. Coach / Bus (Best for Budget & Convenience)
    • Services: Snowy Mountains Bus, Greyhound, Murrays, Snow Alliance.
    • Routes: Direct from Sydney to Jindabyne, Perisher, or Thredbo.
    • Overnight buses allow you to maximize ski time.
  3. Fly + Drive (Fastest Option)
    • Fly: To Canberra Airport (~1-hour flight).
    • Drive: Rent a car (~2-2.5 hours to Jindabyne, 3 hours to Perisher/Thredbo).
    • Shuttle: Snowy Mountains Airport Shuttle runs services from Canberra.

From Canberra

  1. Self-Drive (~2.5-3 hours)
  2. Bus / Shuttle – Murrays, Greyhound, Snowy Mountains Shuttles.

From Melbourne

  1. Self-Drive (~6-7 hours)
  2. Fly + Drive – To Canberra or Cooma (Snowy Mountains Airport).

Best Option Overall?

For speed & convenience → Fly to Canberra + rent a car/shuttle.

For flexibility & carrying gear → Drive yourself.

For budget-conscious travelers → Bus or coach.