Winter Wildlife Watching in the Snowy Mountains

Winter in the Snowy Mountains isn’t just about skiing. When the snow settles, the whole landscape changes and so do the animals that live here. Some disappear completely, burrowing underground until the cold passes. Others stay active, leaving fresh tracks in the snow. And a few, like wombats and kangaroos, are actually easier to spot in the open. If you’ve never gone wildlife watching in winter, this is the place to do it.

Kosciuszko National Park Winter Wildlife

The Kosciuszko National Park winter wildlife is some of the most unique in Australia. The colder months bring out a side of the mountains that most people never see. Snow gums stand frozen in time, rivers slow to a trickle, and some of the country’s most unique animals adapt to survive.

1. Mountain Pygmy-possum

You won’t see a mountain pygmy-possum in winter, but that’s because it’s one of the few Australian mammals that hibernate. They spend the colder months in hibernation, curled up beneath the snow to stay warm. They only wake up when spring arrives, ready to feast on bogong moths and other insects. These possums are tiny, about the size of a mouse, and incredibly rare—most people will never see one in the wild.

2. Broad-toothed Rat

Unlike the pygmy possum, the broad-toothed rat doesn’t hibernate. It spends winter moving through tunnels hidden beneath the snow, searching for roots and grasses to eat. Its thick fur helps it handle the cold, but staying underground is what really keeps it safe. They’re not easy to spot, but if you look closely at the snow near the base of shrubs or rocks, you might see the tiny tracks they leave behind.

3. Echidna

Winter is actually one of the quieter but more rewarding times to notice echidnas in Kosciuszko National Park. On milder days, they often emerge to forage in sheltered bushland, leaving distinctive dig marks in the soil or snow. Travellers walking slowly along forest tracks may spot one crossing the path or nosing around fallen logs. Seeing an echidna in the alpine environment feels special because it highlights just how adaptable Australia’s wildlife is to cold mountain conditions.

4. Platypus

Catching sight of a platypus in winter takes patience, but it’s one of the most special wildlife experiences in the Snowy Mountains. They stay active in cold water, so quiet creeks and slow-moving rivers are worth watching on crisp mornings. If you stop and wait near calm pools at dawn or dusk, subtle ripples or brief movements may reveal their presence. 

Snowy Mountains Wildlife in Winter

Outside the alpine zones, other animals make their own winter adjustments. The Snowy Mountains wildlife in winter is diverse, and some creatures are actually easier to spot once the snow sets in.

5. Wombats

Wombats are built for tough conditions. Their burrows stay warmer than the air outside, making them the perfect winter hideout. You’ll still see them out and about, though—especially in the late afternoon when they emerge to graze. Their thick fur helps them handle the cold, and their tracks in the snow are easy to spot if you keep an eye out.

6. Kangaroos and Wallabies

Most people think of kangaroos bouncing through dry bushland, but plenty of them live in the high country, too. Eastern grey kangaroos and red-necked wallabies stick to lower altitudes in winter, where there’s more food and less snow. You’ll often see them near the edges of forests, foraging for whatever they can find.

7. Birdlife in Winter

While some birds migrate to warmer areas, others stick around. Flame robins, with their bright orange chests, stand out against the snow, while currawongs and ravens are a common sight. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a wedge-tailed eagle soaring over the mountains.

Where to See Winter Wildlife in the Snowy Mountains

Winter wildlife sightings in the Snowy Mountains often come down to choosing the right locations and slowing your pace. Sheltered valleys, lower elevations, and quieter tracks offer the best chances to spot animals during the colder months.

• Kosciuszko National Park: Open grasslands and forest edges are good places to see kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and winter birdlife. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal when animals are most active.
• Yarrangobilly Caves: Warmer ground temperatures make this area a reliable spot for echidnas, especially on sunny winter days. Walk slowly and watch for movement near bush edges.
• Thredbo Valley Track: This lower-altitude trail is known for wallabies and wombats, with fresh tracks often visible in frost or light snow.
• Dead Horse Gap: A scenic alpine pass where brumbies and alpine birds are sometimes seen; stop briefly and scan open areas rather than rushing through.

Essential Tips for Winter Wildlife Watching in the Snowy Mountains

Winter wildlife watching in the Snowy Mountains is less about chasing sightings and more about reading the landscape. Cold conditions change animal behaviour, but with the right approach, travellers can still enjoy rewarding encounters.

• Focus on lower elevations: Animals often move downslope in winter to find food and shelter, making valleys and forest edges more active than high alpine areas.
• Slow your pace: Winter sightings are subtle. Look for tracks in snow or frost, disturbed ground, or movement near bush edges rather than obvious animal activity.
• Time it right: Early mornings and late afternoons remain the best times to see kangaroos, wombats, and birdlife, even in colder weather.
• Watch waterways quietly: Platypus sightings depend on patience. Stand still near calm pools and look for ripples rather than surface movement.
• Respect wildlife and conditions: Keep your distance, stay on tracks, and be mindful that winter conditions can change quickly.

Plan Your Snowy Mountains Winter Wildlife Trip

Winter in the Snowy Mountains offers more than snow-covered landscapes — it’s a chance to experience native wildlife in a quieter, more intimate setting. With fewer crowds and slower days, travellers often notice animal tracks, birdlife, and subtle movements that are easy to miss in warmer seasons. Staying nearby makes it easier to explore early mornings and late afternoons, when wildlife activity is at its best.

Discover Snowy Mountains has Avonside Alpine Estate accommodation for cosy stays near the best wildlife-watching spots, from cosy alpine retreats to peaceful stays and walking tracks. With locations well placed for winter wildlife watching, it’s an ideal base for exploring the region at your own pace.

Book your Snowy Mountains accommodation and enjoy a winter escape where wildlife encounters and alpine scenery go hand in hand.