Adventures
Winter Adventures
Average winter temperatures at Big Yard Farm range from a minimum of -3 degrees in July to a maximum of 5.5 degrees. It’s a good idea to pack layers and thermals, waterproof jackets and boots and accessories like gloves, beanies and scarves.
The cool season in the Snowy Mountains gives the region its name, with chilly temperatures and snow falling on the alps. It’s a popular time to visit the Snowy Mountains when visitors can enjoy a range of snow sports and the après ski life in between times.
Big Yard Farm is set at 1150m above sea level so can be covered in snow whenever it’s falling at or above that level. Inside, the two open fires, underfloor heating and a laundry with dryer and drying rack make Big Yard Farm an ideal spot to relax after a day’s adventures on the slopes.
A range of ski and season passes is available via Perisher and Thredbo. Guests driving into the Kosciuszko National Park will also need to purchase a Parks pass
Big Yard Farm is around 35 minutes’ drive from the snowfields at Perisher, Smiggins and Thredbo, a little further to Charlottes Pass and under 15 minutes’ drive to Jindabyne for supplies and gear.
Snow Connect offers a pickup and drop off service for snow sport and hikes and must be booked in advance. Please contact Big Yard Farm reservations for more information and bookings.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding in the Snowy Mountains is perfect for all ages and ability. Beginners and children can enjoy learning in a safe and fun environment. Intermediate skiiers and snowboarders can enjoy Australia’s longest runs and a wide variety of terrain, while advanced skiiers and boarders can find great adventures on and off piste.
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing
When the snow is up at Big Yard Farm, guests can cross country ski and snowshoe around the natural slopes of the property. At the skifields, keen adventurers can explore the backcountry at Thredbo and dedicated cross county and snowshoe areas at Perisher.
Backcountry tours and access passes for beginners through to advanced are available through Thredbo and Perisher and trails can be explored on the Kosciuszko National Park site here.
Cross country skis and snowshoes are available for hire or purchase from the skifields or from Jindabyne and Perisher at Wilderness Sports
Summer Adventures
Average warmer season temperatures at Big Yard Farm range from a minimum of 2 degrees in October to a maximum of 13.5, from a minimum of 7.5 degrees in January to a maximum of 22 degrees, and from 2 degrees in April to a maximum if 14 degrees. 5.5 degrees. It’s a good idea to pack layers and thermals, waterproof jackets and boots and accessories like gloves, beanies and scarves, as well as a hat and sunscreen.
In summertime flies do arrive and it’s a good idea to keep the screen doors closed at the farmhouse. Alpine copperhead snakes also appear to sun themselves in the warmer sunshine and especially like the river and dam banks. They’ll do their best to avoid contact.
Hiking & Walking
A range of walks and hikes is available – many of them year-round but subject to weather conditions – in the Kosciusko National Park from short walks and accessible walks to day walks and multi-day hikes. Amongst the most popular are the Charlotte Pass to Perisher Valley half-day walk, the Kosciusszko walk from Thredbo to Mount Kosciuszko half day walk or the Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk. There are many more options when searching for Kosciuszko National Park online.
Spring, summer and autumn are ideal seasons for walking and hiking in the Snowy Mountains. The Kosciusko National Park The full day Main Range Walk is a 22-kilometre loop and is ideal for intrepid walkers while the Thredbo River track is an easier walk with a chance to see wildflowers, trout and platypus in the summer months. The Pallaibo walking track is a popular bushwalk for enjoying fishing, picnicking by the river, birdwatching or photography. There’s a good guide to family friend walks on the Snowy Mountains site, and pup-friendly walks and things to do on Travelnuity.
Mountain biking
With its spectacular landscape and a swag of trails from the easy to the more challenging, the Snowy Mountains is a top spot for mountain biking. From mapped trails to high plains, alpine valleys, forest paths and chairlift accessed Gravity Parks at Thredbo, a cracking weekend of weekend of mountain biking awaits.
Big Yard Farm is well set up for families or small groups of friends travelling together on outdoor adventures. And bikers can ride around the farm tracks and up to the end of Big Yard Road, minding the cattle grids!
Thredbo offers a great summer guide and a Summer Adventure Pass to access the best hikig and mountain biking adventures in the region.
Farm Walks
Walks around the farm via the mowed tracks, along the quiet dirt road and along the river are a wonderful way to start and end the day, seeing birds including glassy black cockatoos, crimson rosellas and beautiful bird of prey – and wildlife from kangaroos and emus to wombats and … cows! During summer guests can swim in the dams – the dam by the house is around 70 metres in length so swimmers can do laps! – or take a dip in the snowy-fresh river. Keep an eye out for birds, fish and the shy platypus.
Fishing
Big Yard Farm is set on blue-ribbon trout fishing river-frontage and fish are likely also in the larger dams on the upper and lower paddocks. Farm guests can try their hand at fly fishing with the supplied rods and flies at the farm.
Local fishing guides offer half and full day guided experiences, offering a chance for new fishers to learn the tricks of the river and its trout.
Clearwater Fly Fishing Guides is based in Thredbo and offers local or visiting anglers the chance to try lake fishing and fishing in the small mountain streams like the farm’s Mowamba River.
Guide Chris teaches the art of casting and fishing in a relaxed and friendly environment and caters to beginners through to advanced anglers. Tours are available for individuals or small groups. By the end of your trip, you’ll be “loading the rod, casting and drifting” like a pro. Advance booking are essential, book online or via Big Yard Farm reservations.
Lakeside Bike Tracks
For families keen to explore the Snowy Mountains by bike, the Jindabyne Lake has excellent family friend bikes tracks that are smooth and make for a great day out with a picnic along the way.
Local company Snow Connect offers a pickup and drop off service for snow sport and hikes and must be booked in advance. Please contact Big Yard Farm reservations for more information and bookings.
Year Round Adventures
There are year round attractions for guests at Jindabyne including the newly reopened Jindabyne 25 metre pool, the library and cinema plus loads of options to eat out, from Mexican and Japanese takeaway options to restaurants, pubs and breweries.