While many campgrounds across the state's National Parks reopen from today, keen snow-bunnies need to wait until 22 June to hit the slopes.
Parts of Kosciuszko National Park will be closed over the June long weekend while ski resorts prepare for the season, according to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Local communities will also be kept safe from large crowds that traditionally flock to the area over the long weekend, with roadblocks stopping access to alpine resorts and the Main Range around Mt Kosciuszko.
"Unregulated visitation to the Snowy Mountains before the start of this year's ski season on 22 June could undermine all the great work by the resorts and community in preparing for this opening," NPWS Southern Ranges Branch Director Mick Pettitt said.
Alternatively, campgrounds and accommodation across many other areas of NSW will be open from 6-8 June for those who book ahead.
COVID-safe booking systems will safely manage numbers at every open campground - including those places that did not need bookings before. However, some campgrounds remain closed due to fire or flood impacts while others are undergoing important upgrades, so make sure you check online.
When the KNP ski fields reopen on Monday 22 June, visitor numbers will be strictly regulated via a 'book ahead' system to help keep resorts and surrounding towns safe.
Keeping visitors, staff and the broader community safe remains paramount while facilities reopen, and if any space is too crowded to practice physical distancing, please leave. Visitors need to check alerts for closures before leaving home and book any campgrounds or accommodation.
Visitors' key dates for NSW southern ranges:
- Monday 1 June: Yarrangobilly Caves reopens for visitors, but only for the thermal pool and walking experiences. Some caves precinct areas remain closed, including the Visitor Centre, Caves House accommodation, and all guided and self-guided caves tours.
- Tuesday 2 June: Tumut, Jindabyne and Khancoban Visitor Centres reopen to welcome visitors back to the Snowy Mountains.
- Tuesday 9 June: Some Kosciuszko National Park managed accommodation venues will reopen, including Creel Lodge at Waste Point and Numbananga Lodge at Smiggin Holes.
- Monday 22 June: Kosciuszko National Park ski fields reopen. Fewer people will be able to visit and stay at resorts this season to maintain physical distancing requirements, so travel and accommodation must be pre-booked. Measures include maintaining physical distancing at resorts, limiting numbers in ski areas through pre-purchased resort access passes, ensuring non-resort visitors register with NPWS and no snow play or tobogganing.
NPWS regularly updates information online with the latest government advice as things change at COVID-19 update. Safety advice on camping on our Camping safety page.
