Jindabyne

Into the great outdoors

There’s something for everyone to do all year round in this thriving mountain town. In winter, it’s all about the snow. Perisher and Thredbo are just 30 minutes' drive from Jindabyne or you can park the car at Bullocks Flat and catch the Swiss-designed Skitube to the resorts. Spend a day on the slopes at Charlotte Pass via the snowcat transfer from Perisher. There are also guided backcountry ski and snowboarding adventures with Alpine Access Australia and K7 Adventures.

K7 Adventures, Thredbo

For a bird's-eye view, take a scenic helicopter flight with Snowy Mountains Helicopters and soar high above Kosciuszko National Park, flying past the peaks of Mount Kosciuszko and Mount Townsend. Keep an eye out for wild brumbies below. You can even book a remote wilderness picnic, which includes a helicopter flight to a secluded cabin in the national park and a gourmet lunch for two.

Snowy Mountains Helicopters, Perisher

In the summer months, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Jindabyne are ideal for fishing and water sports. Horse riding tours are popular throughout the Snowy Mountains and Thredbo Valley Horse Riding in nearby Crackenback offers short trail rides and longer treks through beautiful wilderness areas. At nearby Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa, you can try a Segway tour or enjoy canoeing and fishing. 

Hiking and walking trails wind throughout the surrounding bushland. Try the picturesque trail around the edge of the lake, follow the easy Waterfall Walking Track through fields of wildflowers or venture further into the Kosciuszko National Park. The area is also known for mountain biking. Bungarra Alpine Centre just outside of town has 20km of trails for all skill levels, there are 18km of trails around Lake Crackenback and the Thredbo Valley has a number of world-class trails, including the legendary Cannonball Downhill Trail that follows a long ski run. Post-activity, take a deep breath and calm your mind during a hatha yoga session at Jai Yoga. 

Kayaking on Lake Jindabyne, Jindabyne

The local dining scene

Jindabyne has plenty of top eateries and brewpubs on offer. Try Australian schnapps from locally-sourced fruit at the Wildbrumby Distillery, and enjoy strolling around the beautiful grounds and sculpture gardens. Pinot’s wine bar is a hot favourite with the locals. For craft brews made with pure mountain water, head to Jindabyne Brewing or Kosciuszko Brewing at the Banjo Paterson Inn.

Wildbrumby Distillery, Jindabyne

Follow your nose to the delectable range of oven-fresh breakfast pastries on offer at Nimmitabel Bakery. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee is just as difficult to resist at Birchwood, where you can also fill up before a big day in the great outdoors on cheese toasties, muesli bowls, moreish breakfast salads and more. Cosy up at the end of the day at Bacco Italian Restaurant, which has been preparing pizzas and pastas for more than 25 years; kids are well catered for with a dedicated menu of tasty bites. 

Bacco Italian Restaurant, Jindabyne - Credit: Bacco Italian Restaurant

Exciting events

Mountain bikers will love the Snowies MTB Festival, a three-day mountain biking extravaganza held in Jindabyne each February. The Snowy Classic cycling event, which starts and finishes at Lake Jindabyne, is a great new addition to the event calendar. Don’t miss the thrills and spills of Jindabyne’s Man from Snowy River Rodeo in December.

Man From Snowy River Rodeo, Jindabyne - Credit: Jenny Solomon

Where to stay

Jindabyne has a huge range of accommodation options including holiday parks, chalets, hotels, luxury homes, cottages and B&Bs. The sprawling Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa is on the edge of the Kosciuszko National Park and ideal for both winter and summer stays. Avonside Alpine Estate is a postcard-perfect working farm hosting two- and three-bedroom eco-friendly cottages. Or soak up the similarly scenic setting at Ecocrackenback, as you warm up by the fire in one of its 18 self-contained cabins.

Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa, Crackenback

Getting there

Jindabyne is a five-hour drive from Sydney, seven hours from Melbourne and just two hours from Canberra. The slopes of Thredbo and Perisher are only a 30-minute drive from Jindabyne in good conditions and the Bullocks Flat Skitube station is 20 minutes away, with plenty of parking. From 8 June to 6 October 2024, the Snowy Mountains Bus Service is a public transport option for customers travelling from Jindabyne to Perisher and Thredbo resorts seven days a week during ski season, with extra services during school holidays and peak periods.