This stunning lakeside town is the gateway to the NSW Snowy Mountains and the perfect base for alpine enthusiasts. It provides easy access to all winter snow sports as well as fishing, camping, horse-riding, water-sports and more throughout summer.
For many, Jindabyne is the place to stay for those who are seeking an economical Alpine getaway or ski holiday accommodation.
Jindabyne is the perfect base for alpine activities. With easy access to Thredbo, Perisher Blue and Charlotte Pass, you can enjoy a range of winter activities including:
Alpine skiing or snow boarding
Tobogganing
Snow tubing
Cross country skiing
Snow shoeing
Below is a taste of some of the activities on offer right here in the snowy mountains that you can enjoy. Don’t let the opportunities pass you by…
4WD’s in the wilderness areas are no longer possible so Snowy Wilderness provides you the same country, challenges, and experience. You will also more than likely see the wild brumbies which usually graze in mobs of up to 10 horses protected and led by a stallion and many of the mares will have a foal at foot.
Horse Riding
Horse riding is big in this part of the world, unsurprising when you consider it’s the home of ‘The Man from Snowy River’. Guided treks through the mountains, lasting from two hours to two days or more, are a must for horse-fans.
Commercial horse treks through the Snowy Mountains date back to the 1940s. Many start with a hearty campfire breakfast, then saddle up and explore undoubtedly some of Australia’s most picturesque, inspiring and challenging countryside. At the end of the day, another campfire and wonderful bush meal awaits.
Both novices and expert riders should find something to suit them. Thredbo Valley Horse Riding is located on the Alpine Way and offer 1, 1.5, 2 and 4 hour trail rides on horses to suit all rider standards. Catering for small exclusive groups or large groups. Only 13km from Jindabyne. Open all year round.
Abseiling/Rock Climbing/Bouldering
Within this region, there are plenty of abseils for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels. Learn how to safely abseil or just abseil for enjoyment in the hands of experienced & qualified instructors. Combine abseiling with rock climbing and make a day of it!
There are qualified guides and instructors ready to take you on the easy, intermediate and technically more challenging single and multi-pitch climbs in the Snowy Mountains. You can actually go alpine granite bouldering in Australia. It is possible! Discover technical and crimpy boulders in some of Australia’s most beautiful country.
White Water Rafting
Paddy Pallin Adventures puts the paddle in your hands & takes you on guided introductory or advanced river adventures. All safety equipment is supplied. Paddle the Murray or Snowy River. Availability depends on seasonal river flows.
Upper Murray White Water Rafting has been operating in the beautiful Snowy Mountains for over 28 years and is the most experienced operator with qualified river guides to give you the experience of your life. We have half, full and Two day fully catered tours available. All Equipment provided. Pickups can be arranged from Cooma, Jindabyne and Thredbo and Khancoban.
All Trips are subject to water levels and numbers.
Snowline Boat Hire
Snowline Caravan Park, Kosciuszko/Thredbo Road Junction, Jindabyne. Hire our open and half cabin fishing boats which have 9.9 hp motor, 2 way radio, rod holders, seat 5 or 6 adults, great for exploring. Also available is a 5m Marlin Broadbill a deluxe fishing boat, the best fishing boat on the lake.
Water ski with our experienced driver. All equipment is provided and children as young as 8 or as old as 80 years of age can try. Hire paddle boats, aqua bikes and Canadian style canoes. Fishing tackle is for hire. They also stock an extensive range of tackle, lures and live bait. Hit up on our tennis court, a modern of super grass surface with lights.
Water Skiing
Try the thrilling sport of water skiing on beautiful Lake Jindabyne with our experienced instructors. All safety equipment, wet suits, water skies, wakeboards, kneeboards etc are provided.
Sailing & Canoeing
Catamarans, sailboarding and canoes or kayaks available for hire See the spectacular snowy mountains like you have never seen before – from above!! If you have never been in a helicopter, you must do it at least once as the pilots of Helifun guarantee that you will never forget it.
Flight times are obviously dependant on the weather and can start from 25 minutes to Mt Kosciusko to longer flights encompassing majestic lakes and peaks all over this mountainous region. Cost of these flights starts from $175 per person based on minimum numbers to a maximum of 4 people.
Fishing
Fish some of the most pristine waters in the world. Whether you like fishing lakes or mountain streams, casting a fly or spinning a lure there is fishing for everyone in the Snowy Mountains. You can book a guide to take you on a tour of spectacular scenery and secret fishing holes. Receive expert advice from experienced anglers who have fished many of the world’s greatest fisheries whether it be fly fishing as well as conventional trout anglers.
Gaden Trout Hatchery
Gaden Hatchery on the Thredbo River near Jindabyne is one of Australia’s main centres for breeding and rearing of cold water sport fish. Four species of fish are produced at Gaden: Atlantic salmon, brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout. Visitors can view the feeding of the big fish that come to the surface in some of the broodstock ponds, watch a 10-minute video that outlines the hatchery’s purpose and operations, and go for a walk around the hatchery grounds with one of the experienced hatchery staff. Guided tours of the hatchery are conducted 10am and 2pm daily.
Gaden Hatchery has over one hectare of parkland on the banks of the Thredbo River. Coin-operated barbecues and picnic shelters are available. Fishing is not permitted at the hatchery.
Mountain Biking
Where better to pedal about on a mountain bike than in the Snowy Mountains. You can hire everything you need in Jindabyne or Thredbo or bring your own equipment. There is easy trail and village riding in both centres for all to enjoy. For those that get their thrill from an adrenalin rush, try taking the Kosciuszko Express chairlift at Thredbo to the top and riding the Thredbo Downhill trail. All riders using the chairlift must be on a guided or patrolled Downhill Unlimited Session with South East Mountain Bike Co and must have completed an initiation session.
Bushwalking
Snow Mountains bushwalking is unique and varied from high country walks to the forested sub-alpine terrain with its abundance of wildlife, wildflowers and alpine huts. There is a wide range of satisfying walks for ALL levels of fitness that inspire, uplift and exhilarate you. The walking season opens in mid-October (you may need snow shoes in the alpine area) and extends right through to the winter ski season. Walking in the Australian bush and alpine area is truly addictive.
Kosciuszko Walk
Walking to Mount Kosciuszko is one of the “must-do” activities when visiting the mountains. Walking from either the top of the Thredbo chairlift or from Charlottes pass is a return distance of about 14km and is easily within the capabilities of most reasonably fit people. Be cautious with the weather and take plenty of bad weather clothing in case of sudden weather changes which happen very often and very quickly.
Kosciuszko Alpine Guided Walks
Experience the beauty and solitude of the Kosciuszko National Park with one and two day guided treks featuring fully catered, in-field, star-covered, overnight campsites. This means walkers are able to experience the beauty and wilds of the Kosciuszko National Park in comfort, with the luxury of local guides sharing intimate knowledge and the hassle and hardship of carrying equipment being tended to by the Kosciuszko Alpine Guided Walks staff.
Bobsled, Thredbo
The Thredbo Bobsled is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. With 700m of luge, style track the bobsled twists and turns its way down the mountain whilst you control the speed with a brake on your cart. It’s great fun for all the family. The bobsled is open from 10am to 5pm* 7 days a week weather permitting. * opening times may vary.
Day Trips
Staying in Jindabyne for a few days? Check out one of the fantastic day trips from Jindabyne, you are only limited by your imagination!
Murray One Power Station
Take in the sheer power of the Snowy Mountains Scheme with a visit to the Murray 1 Visitors Centre. This interactive visitor facility is located in a scenic valley alongside the Kosciuszko Alpine Way, near Khancoban.
With a focus on water and the environment, the Visitors Centre has a range of exhibits designed to educate and entertain.
There is also a BBQ and picnic area ideal for a family feast.
Yarrangobilly Caves
Yarrangobilly Caves are located within the Kosciuszko National Park, just 6.5kms off the Snowy Mountains Highway. Formed in a belt of limestone laid down about 440 million years ago, the caves are some of the most beautiful to be found in Australia. There are three caves – South Glory Cave, Jersey Cave and Jillabenan Cave – and they’re all breathtaking. Take a tour and uncover this hidden gem for yourself. Tours held daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. For more information please call 6454 9597.
There are six stunning caves open for exploration including the North Glory, Jilabenan and Jersey caves. The Yarrangobilly caves are located 156km north west of Thredbo.
Thredbo Valley Distillery
Thredbo Valley Distillery is a unique boutique schnapps distillery located in the picturesque Thredbo Valley, half-way between Thredbo and Jindabyne on the alpine way. Thredbo Valley Distillery produces wildbrumby schnapps. It is a purely Australian schnapps made from locally grown fruit. The 20 acre property features a cellar door and café, art gallery and studio (with artist in residence), a granite sculpture walk and working raspberry farm. It is open all year round.
This alternate touring route takes you through the Monaro Plains, which are vast native grasslands that are naturally treeless. In fact Monaro is said to be aboriginal for ‘Treeless Plain’.
Travel to Jindabyne via the Kosciuszko Alpine Way; turn right at the t-intersection and then right again at the first roundabout. Head up the hill past Leesville, Jindabyne’s industrial estate and then turn left onto the Dalgety Road.
Dalgety is located on the Snowy River and was once considered for the location of Australia’s Capital. Have a peek at the photos on the wall of the historic Buckleys Crossing Hotel, or a cuppa at the Iona Gardens and stroll along the banks of the Snowy, you could even catch a glimpse of a platypus.
Continue on towards Berridale, the seat of the Snowy River Shire Council. Turn left onto the Kosciuszko Road and head back to Thredbo via Jindabyne.
Thredbo – Murray 1 – Khancoban – Thredbo
Heading west toward Victoria from Thredbo, the Kosciuszko Alpine Way features stunning scenery with plenty of picnic spots for the ideal pit stop. Geehi and Tom Groggin picnic grounds offer a 99% guarantee of spotting a kangaroo or one of the many native animals that call the area home.
Just before Khancoban you’ll find the Murray 1 Power Station and Visitors centre, which is a free attraction with interactive models and information on the Snowy Hydro Electric Scheme. The centre is open daily (except Christmas day) and entry is free.
Khancoban was originally built to accommodate workers and their families during construction of the hydro scheme. It has a fantastic rose garden and some plentiful trout streams surrounding it.
On the return to Thredbo be sure to stop by Scammels Spur lookout for a spectacular view of the main range and if you have time on your side take the turnoff to Olsen’s Lookout where the range is so close you can almost touch it.
The Kosciuszko Alpine Way
This is one of Australia’s greatest scenic drives, winding through the magnificent Kosciuszko National Park. You’ll pass by snow-capped peaks, fields ablaze with wildflowers and deep blue lakes teeming with trout. The diverse array of wildlife is sure to keep you enthralled.
The Southern Section
When leaving Albury the route crosses the Hume Weir and then heads towards the quaint town of Walwa, nestled on the banks of the Murray River. The route follows the Murray and affords magnificent views of the western faces of the Snowy Mountains.
Begin to discover what Australia’s High Country really means. Just before Corryong the route turns off to Khancoban and Thredbo. Khancoban was built as a construction town for the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme.
The Scheme is one of the great feats of world engineering with massive pipes, power stations, and information centres dotted along the route. The displays at the Murray One power station, near Khancoban, give an overview of the Scheme.
There are all types of accommodation along the route, from camping facilities to guest houses, farm stays, historic hotels to 5 star resorts.
Khancoban – Thredbo – Jindabyne
This stretch is filled with magnificent alpine vistas and pristine picnic spots. In summer you can explore the Snowy trails by horse or on foot. Wet a line and tackle the rainbow and brown trout in the sparkling lakes and streams. The adrenalin junkies can have a crack at white water rafting or hammer downhill on a mountain bike.
hredbo provides the most convenient access point to Mt Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest mountain at 2228m above sea level. The walk to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko is easy, particularly if you take the chairlift up the Ramshead Range from Thredbo.
The Northern Section
The northern section of the route travels through the Monaro Plains, Cooma and then on to Canberra, Queanbeyan and Goulburn. Cooma, known locally as the capital of the Snowy Mountains, is the retail and business centre of the region.
Visit villages, historic huts and homesteads dating from days when the first Europeans drove their stock across the Monaro Plains, and wander around the National Trust listed streets.
The route includes Australia’s national capital, Canberra. Experience the history and culture of Parliament House, the National Library, the National Gallery, the High Court and the Australian War Memorial.
Swimming
During the warmer months of the year, there is nothing more refreshing or exhilarating than taking a swim in one of our beautiful lakes or mountain streams. Alternatively, visit one of the swimming pools in the area as detailed below:
Snowy River Shire Council Swimming Pool, Jindabyne. Heated indoor 25m pool. Nugetts Crossing Shopping Centre All year round: Open Tuesday to Saturday between the hours of 11.00am – 6.30pm Christmas School Holidays: Open 7 Days per week between the hours of 11am – 6.30pm
Snowy River Shire Council Swimming Pool, Berridale. Open from 11am Seven Days (Summer Only) Outdoor pool with shade area over separate kids pool.
Thredbo Leisure Centre, Thredbo. Check opening times on 6459 4138. The Thredbo Leisure Centre has both a 50m and 25m heated pool, so even when it happens to be cold outside the pool is the place to be! The Leisure Centre pool also has a waterslide and Mission Inflatable, a slippery bouncy obstacle course strung across the pool, that is open during peak holiday periods and most weekends.
Squash
Jindabyne Bowling Club 6456 2133.– Bookings required. Hire equipment available AIS Thredbo Leisure Centre, Thredbo T: 6459 4138. Bookings required Hire equipment available
Tennis
Jindabyne Bowling Club. Call 6456 2133. Bookings recommended Hire equipment available Thredbo Tennis Courts -on the banks of the Thredbo River. Call 6459 4119 Hire equipment available
The Snowy Vineyard Estate Winery
The Snowy Vineyard Estate Winery, Restaurant and Microbrewery on the Snowy River are open for Brunch & Lunch and Wine & Beer tastings from Wednesday to Sunday and Public Holiday Mondays.
For the shopping enthusiast, Jindabyne has two shopping centres – the Town Centre and Nugget’s Crossing offering facilities including a supermarket, banks, bakery, clothing retailers, gift shops, hairdressers and beauty therapists, masseuse, chemist, medical centre and Ski and Snowboard outlets
Cinemas
Jindabyne Cinema Snowy Region Visitor Centre Nuggets Crossing, Jindabyne Tel: 6457 1777 CLICK HERE for Jindabyne Cinema Screening Times
Savoy Cinema (Cooma) 76 Commissioner St. Cooma Tel: 6457 1777 CLICK HERE for Cooma Twin Cinema Screening Times
Golf
Thredbo Golf Club Tel: 6459 4119 Australia’s highest golf course. All equipment is available for hire.
Coolamatong Country Sports Club Jindabyne Road, Berridale 18 Holes, Grass Greens, Clubhouse Tel: 6456 3321
Funky fresh, contemporary Australian, wholesome and awesome for breakfast and brunch café meals. Razorback Shops, Gippsland St, Jindabyne View the menu….. No bookings required – 6456 1880
Cocina Mexican Grill and Cantina
Creative bistro food, Mexican tapas and a long tequila list in an expansive space. View the menu….. Bookings Recommended – 6457 2888
Bacco Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Bacco Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria – Dine in and order from the A la carte Italian and Modern Australian menu or enjoy the ease of takeaway and the delicious selection of piazzas. Nugget’s Crossing, Jindabyne Bookings Recommended – 6456 1420 Pizza Orders – 6457 1080
Chong Yees
Chinese Restaurant – Family friendly casual dining with a huge range of choices on their menu. Definitely worth a visit if you enjoy Chinese. Jindabyne Town Centre Bookings Recommended in peak seasons – 6457 1228 Open for Lunch & Dinner
Bits & Pizzas
Eat in, take away or home delivery. Great service, friendly staff, always awesome pizzas. BYO Jindabyne Town Centre Home Delivery – 64562439 Open 5 PM till late.
Sundance Backhouse
Sundance Bakehouse – Jindabyne’s infamous bakery and home to freshly baked breads, fine pastries, gourmet sandwiches and rolls, delicious treats, seriously good coffee and fantastic pies and great coffee…. Sundance Bakehouse truly is the Snowy Mountains home of great food. Nugget’s Crossing Shopping Centre – Courtyard Open till late daily Walk In recommended- 6456 2951
Summer Hours 8.00am -12.00pm October long weekend – June long weekend Winter Hours – Open 24 hours June long weekend – October long weekend 14 Thredbo Terrace JINDABYNE 2627 Phone: 02 6456 2244 Fax: 02 6456 2156
This area inspired the legendary poems and stories of the mountain horsemen, who were most famously immortalised in Banjo Paterson’s poem, The Man from Snowy River.
Modern Jindabyne was created in the late 1960s when the original town was relocated by the Snowy Mountains Authority for the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme. The original town now lies under the waters of Lake Jindabyne.
Lake Jindabyne is half the size of Sydney Harbour.
You are only moments away from the NSW resorts, Thredbo & Perisher resort areas are just a 30 minute drive away or 20 minutes to the Skitube (to access Perisher).
In winter, Jindabyne is a base for skiers bound for the major resorts in Kosciuszko National Park and for the rest of the year it’s a great place from which to go bushwalking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and canoeing, horse riding and kayaking. The lake provides superb opportunities for trout fishing and water sports.
Jindabyne is the doorstep to your Mountain adventure. Book your accommodation and see it to yourself what Jindabyne has to offer.
A little more about Jindabyne….
An integral part of the Historic Snowy Mountains Scheme, Jindabyne is the ideal location from which to enjoy everything the area has to offer boasting a broad selection of accommodation, with options ranging from four-star Hotels and self-contained homes to apartments, lodges and caravan parks.
Night life & activities outside of skiing are in abundance with a variety of bars, clubs and restaurants.
Thredbo and Perisher are just a short drive away and are easily accessed from Jindabyne. Getting to the resorts is simply a drive along Kosciusko Rd to Perisher and Charlottes Pass or the Alpine Way to Thredbo. Snow chains are required inside the Kosciuszko National Park however if you’re not confident about driving in the snow you can always use the Ski Tube from Bullocks Flat on the Alpine Way which will take you directly to Perisher.
Throughout winter visitors return to Jindabyne after a day on the slopes to relax and enjoy the township with restaurants, supermarkets, banks, petrol stations, bars and cinemas. Located a mere 30-40 minute drive from both Perisher and Thredbo, Jindabyne offers the ability for the enjoyment of night life and activities outside of skiing while providing cost-effective accommodation options.
The Summer months provide the opportunity to enjoy the lake with activities such as trout fishing, water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, canoeing and sailing. Horse Riding is synonymous with the mountains where the ‘brumby’s make their home..” with two hours, half-day and full day bookings available. Whether mountain biking down the new Thredbo Valley Trail, hiking out to Blue Lake or experiencing the highs at the peak of Mt Kosciusko, Jindabyne is the ideal base.