Who has to carry snow chains?

The rules differ by state, and that catches a lot of visitors out. Perisher and Thredbo sit in NSW; Mt Buller is in Victoria, and each jurisdiction sets its own requirement.

Perisher and Thredbo (Kosciuszko National Park, NSW)

According to NSW National Parks, all Two Wheel Drive (2WD) vehicles entering Kosciuszko National Park must carry snow chains between the June and October long weekends on the key routes — Kosciuszko Road (the Thredbo River boundary up to Perisher Valley), the Alpine Way (Thredbo to Tom Groggin) and Island Bend/Guthega Road. Four Wheel Drive (4WD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles “do not require chains under National Parks regulations,” though carrying them is still recommended. Importantly, vehicles fitted with snow or winter tyres are still required to carry chains.

Mt Buller (Alpine Resorts, Victoria)

Victoria is stricter. Alpine Resorts Victoria states that all vehicles entering Mt Buller (and Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Mt Stirling and Mt Baw Baw) must carry snow chains during the declared season, and “these requirements apply to all vehicle classes, including all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles.” Mt Buller puts it plainly: every vehicle must carry diamond-pattern chains every day of the declared snow season, carried from Mirimbah onwards.

When do the rules apply?

In NSW the requirement runs between the June and October long weekends. In Victoria the declared snow season is set each year — for 2026 the Victorian alpine resorts give it as roughly 6 June to 6 September, and Mt Buller describes it as running from the King’s Birthday long weekend to the first weekend of October. Treat these as a guide and confirm the current dates before you drive, because the day-to-day carrying requirement can be set according to weather and road conditions.

When do I actually have to fit the chains?

Carrying is mandatory; fitting is on demand. You fit chains only when road signage, authorised resort staff or police direct you to, and only in a designated chain-fitting bay. Key practical points:

• Chains go on the driven wheels; a 4WD may fit them front or rear as instructed.
• Once fitted, keep below 40km/h — the speed limit NSW gives for radial-tyred cars running chains.
• Stop and re-check tension after about 200 metres.
• Remove chains once signs say the road is clear, to avoid damaging the chains and the road.

Our general guide to snow chains in Australia walks through the fitting steps in detail, and it is worth running our tyre checks before a long weekend drive before you head for the hills.

What type of chain is allowed, and where do I hire them?

Diamond-pattern chains are the standard required across the Victorian resorts; ladder chains, spider chains and snow socks do not meet the requirement for resort entry. At Mt Buller you can hire chains in Mansfield and Merrijig — Buller Sports (Mansfield), Pullins (Mansfield), the Merrijig Motor Inn and the Mirimbah Store all hire them — and the rental team will show you how they fit your tyres. For the NSW resorts, chains are widely hired in Jindabyne and Cooma. Always have the hire shop confirm the chains suit your exact tyre size, and check your owner’s manual, because some vehicles have limited clearance and cannot take chains at all.

What happens if I don’t carry them?

You can be fined. In Victoria, non-compliance can attract an infringement or a penalty of up to 20 penalty units. In NSW, police and authorised officers may inspect chains and you can be fined for driving in snowy areas without them. Beyond the fine, you may be turned back at a chain-check point and miss your booking entirely. For context on why the right tyres matter alongside chains, see whether you need winter tyres in Australia, our take on all-season tyres in Australian conditions, and the best tyres for alpine driving in the Snowy Mountains.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need chains if my AWD has good tyres?

At Mt Buller, yes — all vehicles must carry them. In Kosciuszko National Park an AWD is not required to carry chains under park rules, but carrying them is strongly recommended and you must fit them if directed.

Can I hire chains at the resort?

Generally you hire before the mountain — in Mansfield/Merrijig for Mt Buller, or Jindabyne/Cooma for Perisher and Thredbo. Book ahead in peak weeks, as popular sizes sell out.

How fast can I drive with chains fitted?

Keep to no more than 40km/h on radial tyres, and slower where signed. Chains are for low-speed grip, not cruising.

Will snow socks do instead of chains?

No. Snow socks, ladder chains and spider chains are not accepted at the Victorian resorts; diamond-pattern chains are required.

Which routes into Perisher and Thredbo need chains?

In Kosciuszko National Park the carrying rule applies on Kosciuszko Road from the Thredbo River boundary to Perisher Valley, the Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin, and Island Bend/Guthega Road. Carrying is also recommended on the Alpine Way from Jindabyne and on the Snowy Mountains Highway.

Season dates, penalties and route rules are a guide for 2026 — always confirm current requirements with NSW National Parks, Alpine Resorts Victoria or the resort before travelling.