Jindabyne Area

Feel the high-country high

Few high-country towns are as picture-postcard-perfect as Jindabyne, thanks primarily to its position on the shores of Lake Jindabyne, which seems to stretch endlessly to the horizon. You can choose your own adventure here – from sledding down Thredbo River to experiencing Man from Snowy River country on horseback – or opt for gentler pursuits, like trout fishing, country ambles or a long scenic drive.

Jindabyne highlights

Places to visit

Into the great outdoors

Gateway to the iconic Kosciuszko National Park, home to Australia’s highest peak, the Jindabyne region has long inspired Australian legends of mountain horsemen, such as Banjo Paterson’s The Man From Snowy River and Elyne Mitchell’s Silver Brumby books. You might even catch a glimpse of real life brumbies on a horse riding tour in the high country, with tour companies like Thredbo Valley Horse Riding.

Experience the beautiful Thredbo Valley with Thredbo Valley Horse Riding tour

Thredbo Valley Horse Riding, Jindabyne

In the wintertime, skiing and snowboarding are par for the course at nearby Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snow Resort. You can also experience backcountry adventures with Alpine Access Australia and K7 Adventures. In the warmer months, switch to hiking and biking the scenic mountain trails around Jindabyne and Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa.

Thredbo backcountry in Kosciuszko National Park, Snowy Mountains

Thredbo backcountry - Credit: Thredbo

Head to Lake Eucumbene for fishing, canoeing, kayaking or water skiing. Lake Jindabyne is another idyllic spot for fishing, boating and wakeboarding – you can even try fliteboarding with local Jindabyne adventure company, Rethynk Experience. They also offer hot air balloon rides over the region or you can take a scenic helicopter flight with Snowy Mountains Helicopters.

Food, wine & events

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 and for local ales, head to Jindabyne Brewing or Kosciuszko Brewing at the Banjo Paterson Inn.

Wildbrumby Distillery and Cafe - Alpine Way - Jindabyne

Wildbrumby Distillery and Cafe, Alpine Way in Jindabyne

In Dalgety, taste unique cold-climate wines and craft beers brewed straight from the Snowy River at the Snowy River Vineyard and Microbrewery or grab a bite to eat and a cold beer at local gem The Dalgety Brewing Company. In Berridale, drop into the Shut The Gate Wines cellar door and providore, where they sell fine drops from their winery in the Clare Valley, along with delicious gourmet groceries.

Selection of cheeses on board with wine glasses on table at Shut The Gate Snowy Mountains Cellar Door in Berridale, Jindabyne

Shut The Gate Snowy Mountains Cellar Door, Berridale

There are fantastic events throughout the year in the Jindabyne region, from music festivals in the snow season to traditional country shows like the Dalgety Show. See the mountain horseman ride in the Dalgety Team Penning horse riding event and the thrilling Man from Snowy River Rodeo. Mountain bikers will love the Snowies MTB Festival, a three-day mountain biking experience held in February.

Ladies Barrel race at Jindabyne's Man From Snowy River Rodeo in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains

Ladies Barrel race, Jindabyne's Man From Snowy River Rodeo - Credit: Jenny Solomon

Getting there & where to stay

The drive from Sydney to Jindabyne takes five hours, while it’s seven hours from Melbourne and two hours from Canberra. The slopes of Thredbo and Perisher are only 30-min drive from Jindabyne in good weather conditions. You can also park your car at Bullocks Flat and catch the Skitube alpine railway to Perisher and Blue Cow.

Jindabyne has a huge range of accommodation, including holiday parks, pet-friendly alpine lodges, hotels, apartments, cottages and B&Bs. There’s even a stunning new luxury glamping option at Freaks of Nature Retreat.