About Crackenback

Crackenback Stays – Mountain Beauty at Your Doorstep

Nestled in the heart of the Snowy Mountains, Crackenback is a peaceful alpine escape offering stunning scenery and easy access to all the action. Just a 15-minute drive from Jindabyne and only 20 minutes to Thredbo, it’s perfectly positioned for adventure and relaxation alike.

In winter, Crackenback becomes a snow-lover’s dream. It’s right next to the Skitube at Bullocks Flat, giving you a quick and convenient ride straight up to Perisher, without the need to drive into the snowfields.

Accommodation here is nothing short of breathtaking—think modern lodges, cosy chalets, and architect-designed retreats, all surrounded by crisp mountain air, tranquil bushland, and spectacular alpine views. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee on a deck overlooking a snow-dusted valley or spotting kangaroos at sunset, Crackenback is as beautiful as it is peaceful.

Perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting a mix of adventure and serenity, Crackenback offers the ultimate Snowy Mountains experience—right at the foot of it all.

Crackenback at a Glance

• Population: As of the 2021 Census, Crackenback has a population of approximately 129 residents.
• Elevation: Situated in the Snowy Mountains, Crackenback boasts an average elevation of around 1,178 meters (3,865 feet), offering crisp alpine air and stunning mountain vistas.
• Proximity to Jindabyne: Crackenback is located approximately 13.4 km (about a 15-minute drive) from Jindabyne, making it conveniently close for accessing additional amenities and services.
• Distance to Thredbo: The village is about 22.2 km (roughly a 20-minute drive) from Thredbo, providing easy access to one of Australia’s premier ski resorts.
• Access to Perisher via Skitube (winter only): Getting to Perisher from Crackenback is easy. If you’re staying in the Crackenback Valley, travel time to the Skitube terminal at Bullocks Flat can vary. But if you’re staying at Lake Crackenback Resort, you’re in luck—the Skitube is right next door! It’s the quickest and most hassle-free way to get up to Perisher Valley during winter.
• Natural Surroundings: Nestled within the Snowy Monaro Regional Council area, Crackenback offers picturesque landscapes, including alpine meadows, snow gum forests, and clear mountain streams, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Crackenback for Families

Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa boasts a plethora of activities designed to delight guests of all ages:​

• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy complimentary access to a 9-hole par 3 golf course, disc golf, archery, tennis courts, and over 25 kilometres of mountain biking and bushwalking trails. ​

• Water Activities: In the warmer months, families can partake in canoeing on the lake and trout fishing, guided by the resort’s experienced Fishing Ambassador.

• Indoor Facilities: The resort features a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, and a gymnasium, ensuring entertainment regardless of the weather. ​

• Guided Tours: Embark on Segway eco-tours, e-bike adventures, and guided nature walks, offering unique ways to explore the surrounding natural beauty.

Crackenback – Adventure at Every Turn

If you’re chasing adventure, Crackenback is your ultimate basecamp. Set in the heart of the Snowy Mountains, this stunning alpine valley is packed with action—from mountain biking, Segway tours, disc golf, and archery at Lake Crackenback Resort, to horse riding through alpine trails nearby.

Take a quick drive to Thredbo for world-class hiking, including the iconic Mount Kosciuszko summit walk, or head to Jindabyne for kayaking, paddleboarding, and water sports on the lake.

Whether it’s trails, tracks, or lakes you’re after—Crackenback puts it all at your doorstep.

Crackenback for Something Different

🌿 Segway Eco-Tours

Explore mountain trails in a whole new way with a guided Segway adventure through the resort’s natural bushland—fun, family-friendly, and a bit quirky!

🎯 Archery in the Alps

Try your hand at archery in a scenic alpine setting. It’s a great mix of focus, fun, and mountain vibes.

🐟 Fly Fishing with a Local Guide

Test your skills in the art of fly fishing on the Thredbo River or Lake Crackenback, guided by expert anglers who know the best secret spots.

🧘‍♀️ Alpine Yoga & Wellness

Enjoy lakeside yoga sessions and spa treatments with a view—perfect for balancing out all that mountain action.

🐴 Horse Riding Adventures

Saddle up and explore the Snowy Mountains on horseback with nearby riding tours—ride through alpine plains and forest trails just like the Snowy River legends.

🚴 E-Bike Exploration

Hire an e-bike and cruise along over 25km of scenic trails around the resort and beyond—easy, eco-friendly, and heaps of fun.

🐾 Spot Native Wildlife at Dusk

Crackenback comes alive in the early evening—kangaroos, echidnas, wombats, and even platypus sightings are all possible. Take a slow twilight wander and see who’s around.

🚁 Scenic Helicopter Flights

Lift off for a bird’s-eye view of the Snowy Mountains with a scenic chopper ride departing nearby. It’s pure alpine magic from the sky.

🔥 Lakeside Campfire Nights

Some accommodations in Crackenback offer private fire pits—grab marshmallows, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy the stars in crisp mountain air.

📸 Photography Safari

Bring your camera (or phone) and chase misty mornings, golden hour peaks, or frosty winter scenes around the lake and forest trails—Crackenback is a dream for shutterbugs.

🧂 Local Food Finds

Discover tucked-away local producers offering homemade preserves, cheeses, or craft spirits nearby.

🌀 Cold Plunge Challenge

Brave souls might dip into the chilly lake or mountain streams for an icy natural cold plunge. It’s a shock—but talk about feeling alive!

Crackenback has a quiet, wild charm—and plenty of ways to make your trip a little different from the usual.