Jindabyne Jindabyne

Your ultimate guide toJindabyne

Jindabyne is the service town for Australia’s Alpine ski resorts. Whether you are skiing Perisher or Thredbo, drop into Jindabyne for some retail therapy, a hearty meal or a warming drink with the locals. In summer, the crisp mountain air of the alpine region attracts hikers and water enthusiasts. Lake Jindabyne is an expansive blue body of water, perfect for water skiing, wakeboarding, boating and fishing.

Things to Do in Jindabyne

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Visit the Snowy Region Visitor Centre to learn about the rich history of the area. The Jindabyne Dam is part of the Snowy Mountains Scheme and detailed information is signposted around the area. To warm up after a long day on the slopes, visit the stunning Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery and try the range of schnapps and gin.

If you continue down the same road, you’ll find Thredbo Valley Horse Riding. You can imagine that you are Clancy of the overflow, exploring the rugged mountain ranges searching for the colt who got away.

Skiing & Snowboarding

To save you lugging carloads of gear across the country on your annual ski trip, hire everything you need once you get to town. Staff at the Shed will inspire you with their travel tales from ski resorts all over the world while they help you. The folks at BP Ski Hire can help with snow chains and also sell affordable accessories. The Base Ski and Snowboard Centre in town can sell you lift tickets and advise you on the best runs while you’re organising your board hire.

Bushwalking & Hiking

Mt Kosciuszko, Australia’s tallest mountain at 2228 metres, attracts hikers in every season. The summit walk is accessible only on foot, ensuring it is a pristine habitat for the native wildlife. The 18.6 km track starts and finishes at Charlotte’s Pass and takes between 6 and 8 hours. The shorter walk is only 9km and is relatively easy.

There are a number of points near Jindabyne where serious hikers can join in to the Australian Alps walking track which stretches across three states; from Walhalla, in Victoria, through the snowy mountains and across to the ACT. This challenging 655km walk showcases Australia’s magnificent alpine environments.

The region is teeming with bush walks and hiking trails. Up to date information on track closures and warnings is available on the Alpine National Park’s website. Remember to notify rangers of your intentions to hike and camp in the region, especially if you are hoping to experience some off track walking and camping.

Museums & Galleries

The Kunama Snowy Mountains centre for the Arts is a state of the art gallery which showcases the works of painters, sculptors and authors. Landscape artist, Alan Grosvenor, showed his work here for the last forty years of his life and his work will remain as a permanent part of the exhibition.

The town of Cooma is a 45 minute drive from JIndabyne and home to a number of museums. For more art and culture, stop in at the Raglan Gallery. If you’re interested in seeing displays of information and artefacts from convict days until the present visit the Corrective Services Museum NSW.

When to visit Jindabyne

Every season offers something marvellous for tourists in the alpine region. The winter snow sports are a drawcard, but when the snow thaws the wildflowers bloom and bushwalking season begins. By high summer, the Jindabyne Lake is awash with boats and water sports. Autumn is a peaceful time in the mountains where the days are still warm but the nights charmingly cool, allowing the lighting of the open fires which grace most properties in the town.

Autumn/Winter

Autumn is a delight for visitors in Jindabyne and photographers flock here to capture the brilliant skies and the blossoming of gold that settles over the trees. As the weather cools then turns to winter, Jindabyne begins to attract the hard core snow lovers. The skiers, the boarders, the campers and the racers all tumble into town, brimming with energy and a zest for life that is fuelled by a love of carving up the slopes. Jindabyne is a major service centre for the Alpine ski resorts so you’ll need to plan and book well in advance if you have a preferred type of accommodation.

Spring/Summer

Once the excitement of the ski season has diminished after the last snow of the season, the spring and summer sports are embraced by the locals and guests of Jindabyne. Mountain bike riders share the bush tracks with avid bird watchers and hikers. Get your pack on and lace your boots for a mountain adventure.

Monster Sports hires out all the gear you’ll need for hiking, kayaking or outdoor adventure activities during the fun summer season. Take one of the many hiking tracks in the alpine region and admire the intricate beauty of the snowgums. Their branches snake upwards and outwards, home to King-Parrots, Crimson Rosellas, Kookaburras, Gang-gang Cockatoos.

Jindabyne Accommodation Options

From family friendly holiday parks to exclusive luxury pads, Jindabyne has the perfect place to snuggle up in winter and relax outdoors in the summertime.

Hotels

Named for the Australian poet who drew heavily on the characters and the topography of the Snowy River region to create his work, the Banjo Paterson Inn has budget accommodation as well as self-contained apartments for hire.

The Lake Jindabyne Hotel/Motel is located lakeside, close to town. With dart and table tennis competitions held regularly, this fun hotel is a beacon for families and groups. The restaurant serves satisfying meals with a charming view of the lake.
For a more upmarket hotel experience, look at Rydges. With an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, games room and bar, this is self contained accommodation with all the perks of hotel life.

Lodges

The Kookaburra Ski lodge is a homely mix of pine panelled walls and bunk beds. Comfortable and fun for a skiing holiday, you can bring the whole family here and relax.
Rivergum Lodge is charming. With its cedar walls and striking slate floors it’s the quintessential snowy mountains holiday spot. Famous for their hearty meals and vibrant atmosphere, staff provide an all-you-can-eat breakfast before you head out to the ski fields.

Offering exquisite European style accommodation, Troldhaugen Lodge is a luxurious, cosy place to relax after a day in the great outdoors. The charming balustrades and window shutters make you feel as though you’re stepping in to another world.

Holiday homes

Jindabyne has a full range of holiday homes available to rent for short or long stays. Whether you‘re after budget bunk beds for you and your friends, family homes for multi generational groups, or a romantic rustic cottage in the hills, you will find your Alpine holiday dream home. Moonbah Huts, a few minutes drive out of Jindabyne, will make you feel like you’re living in a Banjo Paterson poem. Think roaring fires, stunning skies and breathtaking alpine scenery. Visitors can leave their phones and devices in the car and immerse themselves in the rhythms of country life.