I have never been mountain biking in my life. Yet here I am in Thredbo, embarking on one of the best tracks in the country. The drawcard, however, turns out to be twofold. The mountain biking is excellent, but Thredbo is a destination of its own.
The Mountains
If you’re seeking a mountain village in Australia, Thredbo is your year round destination. In winter it is THE hub of snow activity: skiing, snowboarding, cross country and the like. The village hums with accommodation of all sorts bursting at the seams and a bubbling spa, restaurant and nightlife scene to match.
In the summer it transforms itself into a hub of summer activity. Mountain biking is one of them but hikers, sightseers and holiday makers abound enjoying the fresh mountain air and the hub of activity available.
Of course there is the biking with Cannonball, Australia’s biggest mountain bike festival. This is held over five days with races, events and entertainment.
The Thredbo Blues Festival takes place over three days in January every year. Blues artists set the scene and the mountain’s best food and wine combine to make the festival a celebration of the senses.
There is also an extended calendar of events, live music and activities that includes the Gravity Series, the Kids Summer Adventure Festival, Fly Fishing Festival, New Year’s Eve celebrations, golf, bobsledding, day spas and various yoga and wellness retreats. Each combines activities in the village, live music, DJs, food and wine to make Thredbo a summer destination worth a visit for all ages.
The Village
Today after returning from our Thredbo to Thredbo Diggings (14.5km) mountain bike ride we check into our accommodation in the Village. I open the curtains to find a wallaby grazing outside the window.
Later, as we kick back on the deck with a drink and some snacks we enjoy the views of the slopes and further down the valley. Closer in, we watch rosellas and more wallabies come out for a nibble at dusk.
As the sun sinks into the mountains, the wildlife disappears in the dusk and the boys, exhausted from the day’s excitement, seek their beds.
Karl, Jason & I head down to The Après Bar for a drink and a pretty decent burger. We find a cosy corner to catch up, reflect on the day and chat into the night. Before it can be called ‘late’ we are also weary from the day’s activities and seek the comfort of bed.
The next morning the boys head off for more mountain bike activity while I enjoy the views of the slopes and the hub of activity around town. Considering a massage I realise I should have thought of this yesterday and booked. Never mind, a ride up Merritts Gondola to check out the views and scenery from the top and I return to the Village Green to set up a picnic for lunch.
After lunch I laze on the Green with my book enjoying the pause in activity and the sound of the birds in the trees.
Next time, I’ll book that massage well in advance and make sure I still have time to relax in the Village Green!
Good To Know
Thredbo is busy all year around. Be sure to book accommodation, activities, lift tickets and attractions well in advance.
Would I Return?
Yes.
