With its sprawling plains, sparkling blue lake and a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, its not hard to see why the beautiful area of Jindabyne inspired many poems and stories, including Banjo Paterson’s classic poem The Man from Snowy River. The charming little town centre features a collection of boutiques, ski shops, visitor information centre, cafes, restaurants and a supermarket, bustling with tourists during the snow season. But there’s plenty for active couples to enjoy in Jindabyne during the warmer months too, such as bike riding, hiking, kayaking, scenic drives, helicopter rides, and lakeside picnicking.

Right near the town centre, you’ll find the Lake Jindabyne Foreshore Trail, a leisurely concrete trail that runs for approximately seven kilometres along the shoreline. Its an easy ride suitable for all levels, offering beautiful views and plenty of nice spots to stop off at for a lakeside picnic. Sacred Ride offers bike hire as well as guided tours. Couples that are experienced cyclists and seeking a challenging yet romantic adventure should consider the Kosciuszko Lunarcy Ride, which will have them cycling up to the top of Mt. Kosciuszko on the evening of a full moon. Once on the summit, watch the sun set behind the mountains as the full moon rises whilst warming up with a tipple of local schnapps, before descending under the light of the full moon to an awaiting supper and glass of champagne.

There’s quite possibly nothing more romantic than strolling through the vast plains and rolling hills of Australia’s historic high country on horseback. Thredbo Valley Horse Riding will have you following in the footsteps of the Man from Snowy River, riding through flower-filled meadows, lush gullies, bubbling streams and snow gum forests along the way. For more of an adventure experience, Snowy Range Horseback Tours offers two- to seven-day treks, combining a variety of high country riding terrain, wilderness and comfortable homestead stays.

For a romantic lunch date complete with jaw-dropping views, take the Kosciuszko Express Chair Lift right up to Eagles Nest, the highest restaurant in Australia. Perched high above Thredbo Village, at 1937 metres above sea level, it affords 270-degree views and a menu of delectable Italian cuisine, including the famous Bombardino Calimero, a decadent drink popular in the ski resorts of Italy. Share a pizza and pasta by the window or snuggle up by the fireplace with a mulled wine and antipasto platter.

Immerse yourself in a true wilderness adventure with a stay at Snowy Wilderness. Set on 3,035 hectares of pristine high country wilderness, this resort and sanctuary for wild brumbies offers a range of unforgettable nature experiences. Feel the spirit of Australia’s history come to life as you watch wild brumbies run free and ride alongside them through rugged mountain terrain. Or take a thrilling and scenic guided 4WD tour and learn more about this unique part of the country. Enjoy a hearty meal of comforting Aussie cuisine and local wines. Camp out under the stars in summer, or cosy up in comfort in the lodge, cottage or homestead during winter, surrounded by pristine snow and alpine nature.

Located right in between Jindabyne and Thredbo, Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery offers a perfect place to stop for lunch and warm the belly as well as the heart with a tasting of award-winning schnapps and gin. There’s a distillery, gift shop, sculpture garden and onsite café serving delicious Austrian-inspired cuisine made with local ingredients. Beer and wine lovers can’t go past the coldest climate vineyard in Australia, Snowy Vineyard and Microbrewery. Located near the tranquil banks of Snowy River, it offers a range of cool-climate wines as well as craft beers on tap, with an indoor-outdoor restaurant in a relaxed setting surrounded by farmland. You can even spend a night in the onsite cottage, right amongst the vines.

Step deep into the intriguing Yarrangobilly Caves, exploring an ancient world of caves dating back two million years. Discover stunning stalagmites, stalactites, cave coral, and other intricate formations throughout these six limestone caves then follow the scenic Yarrangobilly River walk to the naturally warm Thermal Pool for a relaxing soak. Surrounded by lush nature, this pool stays a consistent 27 degrees Celsius year-round thanks to its source of naturally hot springs, and there’s something truly magical about soaking in here in winter while there’s snow all around you. In warmer months, keep an eye out for roaming echidnas and if you’re really lucky, you might even spot platypus in the nearby river.

A scenic helicopter flight over the majestic snowy peaks of Mt. Kosciuszko and Mt. Townsend will certainly take your romance to new heights. Get a bird’s eye view of sparkling blue lakes, sprawling wild plains, alpine forests, wild brumbies, snowy ski fields, Jindabyne township, the aptly named Valentine Falls and much more on this truly romantic experience. Land in a secluded spot with no one else around and take in the surrounding nature as you indulge in a gourmet picnic, complete with sparkling wine for two.

For top-notch accommodation with romance to boot, Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa offers luxury chalets and apartments, perfect for a couple’s getaway. Nestled within an idyllic resort setting, each accommodation is luxuriously appointed with expansive bathrooms, underfloor heating, plush furnishings and some even come with their own fireplace. Indulge in a decadent dining experience at the hatted Cuisine Restaurant & Bar alongside picturesque mountain and lake views, and get pampered head-to-toe with a couples massage at the Spa and Wellness Centre. You’ll definitely be in the mood for romance.