12 Reasons to Book a Family Trip to Lake Crackenback Resort This Summer
Daydreaming of a family holiday that combines outdoor adventure with peaceful relaxation? Discover Crackenback, a breathtaking and serene alpine destination nestled between Jindabyne and Thredbo in New South Wales. Set in the heart of the Snowy Mountains and bordered by Kosciuszko National Park, Oaks Lake Crackenback Resort is the ideal year-round escape for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to unwind and reconnect.
While winter brings snow-covered fun at nearby Thredbo and Perisher, summer at Lake Crackenback is a playground of family-friendly possibilities. From scenic hikes and gentle bike trails to fishing, kayaking, and lakeside picnics, there are endless ways to enjoy the warmer months together.
Read on for our top reasons why a summer getaway to Lake Crackenback Resort should be on your family's radar.
1. Spacious Lake Crackenback Accommodation for Families
Stay at Oaks Lake Crackenback Resort, where options include lake-view apartments and mountain-view chalets with fireplaces, full kitchens, and private balconies. Ideal for families, the accommodation features room for relaxation, meals together, and even fishing directly from your balcony into the lake.
2. Endless Lake Crackenback Activities On-Site
The resort offers complimentary activities, including archery, disc golf, a 9-hole mini golf course, trampolines, and tennis courts. Add in guided kid-friendly options, such as canoeing (summer only), e-bike tours, nature walks, Segway eco-tours and mountain biking trails, and boredom won’t stand a chance.
3. Explore the Outdoors with Lake Crackenback Hiking Trails
With over 25 km of trails winding through the resort into Kosciuszko National Park, families can take gentle lakeside walks or tackle more adventurous alpine routes, like reaching the summit of Mt Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak. Many paths start right from your doorstep, making every ramble easy and accessible for kids of all ages.
4. Try Lake Crackenback Fishing Together
Kids (and parents) can enjoy trout fishing right on the resort’s private lake. Guided fly‑fishing experiences are available for beginners and families, with lessons, equipment, and scenic photo ops included. It’s a fantastic way to teach the kids patience and share quality time outdoors.
5. Soak, Swim & Unwind at the Lake Crackenback Spa
After a fun-packed morning, parents can treat themselves at the Spa & Wellness Centre, with options including massage, facial or hot‑stone therapy overlooking alpine views. Meanwhile, kids can splash in the heated indoor pool or lounge in the sauna and fitness centre.
6. Lake Crackenback Weather—Perfect Every Season
Summer months (December to March) bring mild days (20–26 °C) and long hours of sunshine—ideal for swimming, hiking, and outdoor play. Shoulder seasons like September to December offer crisp mornings and golden light, with low rainfall for exploring everything outside has to offer. Book your family trip between December and March to enjoy peak summer energy and the widest choice of Lake Crackenback activities. For quieter, cooler weekends with good value, September and October also offer fantastic weather, fewer crowds, and crisp alpine brilliance.
7. Great For Active Families: Mountain Biking & Trails
With purpose-built mountain bike tracks, pump tracks, a flow trail, tandem bike options and dedicated kid-friendly riding zones, Lake Crackenback is a mountain biking paradise, even for beginner riders and teens. You can hire bikes onsite from Harro's, and even experience a day of unforgettable alpine riding on one of their guided tours (between November and April). For the more adventurous older kids, mountain biking at Thredbo resort during the summer offers an extra thrill.
8. Delicious On-Site Dining and DIY Picnics
Enjoy local fare at Cuisine restaurant or relaxed meals at Alpine Larder café (wood-fired pizzas included!), or pack your own picnic to enjoy lakeside. Communal BBQ areas let families dine together outdoors under the mountain skies.
9. Aqua & On-Land Games for Kids
Bounce on trampolines, play disc golf, try archery or tennis, and let kids explore safe, open spaces. These fully supervised and self-guided activities cater to everything from toddlers to tweens, making it a dynamic family-friendly holiday hub.
10. Lakeside Views & Wildlife Watching
With kangaroos grazing on the lawns, birdlife visiting the waterways, and peaceful lake vistas, the resort is perfect for enjoying nature watching with kids. Keep an eye out for Wally the Wombat, a local favourite who’s often spotted waddling near the walking trails. Early morning or dusk walks often reveal the most wildlife magic.
11. Children's Events & Seasonal Specials
Lake Crackenback hosts family-friendly themed weekends, including junior archery, kids' fishing days, movie nights, and triathlon events. These add an extra sense of community and excitement to your stay.
12. Easy Access to Ski Fields & Alpine Adventures
Summer or winter, the resort is just fifteen minutes to Thredbo Village and Perisher via the Skitube shuttle. Families looking for alpine thrills or winter sports can combine resort relaxation with mountain lodge adventures.
How to Plan Your Perfect Family Stay
With so many things to do in Lake Crackenback, you don’t have to choose. Just opt for one adventure after another. Whether casting a fishing line, hiking hand in hand, or splashing in the pool, it’s the perfect Lake Crackenback resort experience for families.
Book your stay at Oaks Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa for comfortable family-friendly accommodation.
