Photo: Tim J Keegan / CC BY-SA 2.0
Jindabyne is the gateway to the Snowy Mountains, a vibrant lakeside town that blends alpine charm with year-round outdoor adventure. Set on the shores of Lake Jindabyne, it offers stunning mountain views, a relaxed café culture, and easy access to Kosciuszko National Park. Whether you're hitting the ski slopes in winter or hiking and fishing in summer, Jindabyne is the perfect base for exploring Australia's highest peaks.
Highlights & What to See
- Lake Jindabyne – A vast, shimmering lake ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and trout fishing. The lakeside walking and cycling trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
- Kosciuszko National Park – Home to Australia's highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. In summer, hike the Main Range Track or take the chairlift from Thredbo for panoramic alpine scenery.
- Ski Resorts – In winter, nearby Thredbo and Perisher offer world-class skiing and snowboarding, with Jindabyne providing accommodation and après-ski buzz.
- Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre – Learn about the engineering marvel of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, which transformed the region's water and power supply.
- Wild Brumby Distillery – Sample schnapps, grappa, and liqueurs made from local apples and berries, with tastings and a scenic outdoor area.
- Banjo Paterson Park – A lakeside park with picnic spots, a playground, and a memorial to the poet who wrote 'The Man from Snowy River'.
Suggested Time to Spend
Spend at least two to three days to experience the highlights. If you're here for winter sports, a week allows you to hit the slopes and explore the town. In summer, a long weekend is enough for a hike, a lake day, and a distillery visit. Pace yourself: mornings for outdoor activities, afternoons for relaxing by the lake or exploring local cafés and shops.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Thredbo – A 30-minute drive, this alpine village offers year-round activities, from skiing to summer hiking and mountain biking.
- Perisher Valley – Australia's largest ski resort, about 45 minutes away, with extensive slopes and cross-country trails.
- Charlotte Pass – A quieter ski destination and the starting point for the Mount Kosciuszko summit walk in summer.
- Cooma – A historic town 45 minutes north, with the Snowy Hydro Visitor Centre and a charming main street.
- Khancoban – A peaceful village on the western side of the Snowy Mountains, great for fishing and exploring the Tooma Road scenic drive.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Kosciuszko National Park — MrActiniuM / CC BY-SA 4.0