Crackenback: Sculptures, Walking Trails and Winter Days

Crackenback brings together culture, outdoor activity and winter transport at one specific location: 20 handcrafted sculptures are permanently displayed on the grounds of Oaks Lake Crackenback Resort. Walking trails with walk times ranging from 20 minutes to three hours are accessible from the resort. In winter, a free shuttle bus to the Skitube adds the option of continuing on to the Perisher ski resort for a day out. This lets you plan your stay around different interests, from art and walking trails to a seasonal winter sports connection.

Sculptures as a lasting cultural feature

The 20 sculptures are handcrafted and permanently displayed on the resort grounds. Their permanent display sets them apart from a temporary exhibition. This adds a cultural element to the outdoor activities: if art is important to your trip, you can consider it alongside walking trails and winter sports.

Walking trails and a route of your own

The walking trails accessible from the resort cover a wide range of times, with walk times from 20 minutes to three hours. This makes the time required a practical starting point for planning your day. You can weigh up whether a shorter walk or a longer hike better suits the time available, rather than treating every trail as the same kind of outing.

There is also a route from Thredbo via Oaks Lake Crackenback Resort to Gaden Trout Hatchery. It places the resort along a route between two specific points. If you plan to take this route, check current trail information, as conditions may change.

Winter shuttle and ski hire

In winter, a free shuttle bus runs from stops around Oaks Lake Crackenback Resort to the Skitube. From there, you can continue to the Perisher ski resort; the bus runs in the morning and afternoon. Check current service information before travelling if you plan to use the shuttle. There is also a snowsports and ski hire shop on the resort grounds. Its seasonal availability may vary.

These details offer different starting points for a winter day: the shuttle takes you to the Skitube, while the ski hire shop is located directly at the resort. You can therefore consider the connection to Perisher and the shop’s availability as separate parts of your plan, rather than treating them as the same service.

Resort Day Pass without an overnight stay

People who are not staying at Oaks Lake Crackenback Resort can also use its activities and facilities with a Resort Day Pass. The pass costs AUD 15 per person; trampolines are excluded. Check the conditions before your visit. This lets you include a resort visit as a separate activity, even if you are planning to stay elsewhere.

Ski resorts and practical options nearby

Nearby, the Thredbo and Perisher ski resorts offer a wide selection of runs for different ability levels. Both names also have different roles in the routes described: Thredbo is the starting point for the route via the resort to Gaden Trout Hatchery, while Perisher can be reached by continuing on from the Skitube. This distinction helps you plan a winter day around your preferred destination and the connection that suits you.

Another practical option is available at Bullocks Flat: drivers and bicycles can be collected after a journey of about one kilometre to Lake Crackenback Resort. Fees apply, and advance booking is required. Plan for this separately if your trip includes this collection. Unlike the free winter shuttle, fees and advance booking are integral to planning this option.

Discover more destinations: Moree, Jenolan, Kiama, Kioloa, Aberdeen, Mount Colah, Cedar Creek, Eulomogo.

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.