Jindabyne and surrounds
Thredbo Valley Horse Riding, Thredbo Valley
Jindabyne & surrounds
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 kayaking down the Thredbo River to exploring Man from Snowy River country on horseback – or opt for gentler pursuits, like trout fishing, country ambles and a long scenic drive.
Highlights
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. Banjo Paterson’s The Man From Snowy River and Elyne Mitchell’s Silver Brumby ran free in these wild ranges. 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, Thredbo Valley
In the wintertime, skiing and snowboarding are par for the course at nearby Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snow Resort. You can also set out on backcountry adventures with Alpine Access Australia and K7 Adventures. In the warmer months, switch to hiking and biking along the scenic mountain trails around Jindabyne or try out the many outdoor activities on offer at Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa.
Head to Lake Eucumbene for fishing, canoeing, kayaking or water skiing. Lake Jindabyne is another idyllic spot for fishing, boating and wakeboarding. See the Snowies from above on a scenic helicopter flight with Snowy Mountains Helicopters – you can even touch down for a private champagne picnic at a remote mountain cabin. After a busy day of outdoor activities, soothe your muscles in the infrared saunas and float tanks at Revive.
K7 Adventures, Thredbo
Food and wine
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 Snowy Way Brewing at the Banjo Paterson Inn. Join a guided tour with Sip the Snowies to sample the best of the region in a day.
Wildbrumby Distillery, Crackenback
In Dalgety, taste craft beers brewed straight from the Snowy River at 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 gourmet goodies at The Little Grocer.
Shut The Gate Snowy Mountains Cellar Door, Berridale
Events in Jindabyne
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 thrilling Man from Snowy River Rodeo. Mountain bikers will love the Snowies MTB Festival, a three-day mountain biking event held in February.
Snowies MTB Festival, Crackenback - Credit: Jeff Kingston
Where to stay
Jindabyne has a huge range of accommodation, including holiday parks, pet-friendly alpine lodges, hotels, apartments and B&Bs. Luxurious cottages are dotted throughout the lush bushland, like Mill Cabin, Common Kosci and Crafters Cabins. There’s a stunning glamping option at Freaks of Nature Retreat or get a slice of country life at Avonside Alpine Estate, a postcard-perfect working farm.
Avonside Alpine Estate, Avonside - Credit: Avonside Alpine Estate
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 a 30-minute 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.
