Jindabyne Area

Explore the magic of this beautiful high-country region, with its scenic lake and rolling hills dotted with boulders against a backdrop of the majestic Snowy Mountains. Alpine town Jindabyne is the perfect base to explore the nearby villages and spectacular mountain scenery, from the pristine ski slopes in winter to the picturesque hiking and biking trails in summer.

Lake Jindabyne, Jindabyne

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.

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 - 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.Pinot’s, a new wine bar that opened in 2021, is already a hot favourite with the locals. Try Australian schnapps from locally-sourced fruit at the Wildbrumby Distillery, and enjoy strolling around the beautiful grounds and sculpture gardens. For local ales, head to Jindabyne Brewing or Kosciuszko Brewing at the Banjo Paterson Inn.

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.

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

Getting there

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.