Jindabyne and its surrounding areas are full of activities in summer and winter; however, sadly, most people only visit Jindabyne for the ski season. And although winter is a fabulous time to visit because of the spot to both Thredbo and Perisher ski resorts, there are so many other fun things to do around Jindabyne when the sun is shining. 

When the snow melts, the snowy mountain area becomes one ample adventure land with many exciting things to do. So ditch the ski jacket, replace it with a T-shirt, and find out below why the Jindabyne and its surrounding area are great places to visit all year round.

What to know before you go to the Jindabyne

Where is Jindabyne?

Jindabyne is approximately a 5-hour drive from Sydney CBD or a 2-hour drive from Canberra. This great little town is found in the Snowy mountain region of New South Wales. 

The town of Jindabyne (once located where Lake Jindabyne stands today) was established in the 1960s at its present location. Although the poem “The man from the snowy river” by Banjo Patterson can be seen sprinkled all around this town, the poem was not set in the area; he only refers to where “the man Snowy River is from originally. 

Snowy Region Visitors Centre

Your first stop in the Snowy Mountains region should be at the Snowy Region Visitors Centre, which is open from 830am to 5 pm daily and can be found at 49 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne NSW 2627. Pick up all the information you need to enter the Mount Kosciuszko National Park area.

Getting around 

If you plan to drive to Jindabyne from Canberra or Sydney and want to do it at your own pace, hiring a car is your best option. You can catch public transport and then book a shuttle bus between destinations. 

Fun things to do in Jindabyne 

Visit Lake Jindabyne 

Whether you spend the entire day by Lake Jindabyne or head there for a quick dip, you can not go past spending a little time in this beautiful scenic area during summer. If swimming is not your thing, hire one of the many water sports toys or bring your own to splash around on Lake Jindabyne. 

Recommendation: Spend the day, take a picnic, enjoy your hand at some water sports and go for a walk on the concrete walking trail. 

Climb Mount Kosciuszko 

If you want to climb Australia’s tallest mountain, it is best to do it in the warmer months. Because, way before ski season starts, the path is partially closed due to the weather conditions. However, you can still climb it partially by catching the ski lift halfway up and then walking the rest of the way. 

Check the weather before you start your hike because even if it is spring or Autumn and the weather is warm, it might still be snowing at the top. 

Recommendation: Enjoy a well-deserved delicious lunch at the Eagles Nest Restaurant just before the ski lift. It is Australia’s Highest Restaurant! Open 10 am to 3 pm daily.

Go horse riding 

Whether you are a novice or have been riding horses as early as you remember, there is Something for everyone at the Thredbo Valley horse-riding (centre). Thredbo Valley Horse Riding can be found 13 km (12 minutes drive) from Jindabyne at Pender Lea Chalets, 1056 Alpine Way, Crackenback.

Recommendation: For the entire horse riding experience, try their “from the ground up” package and learn everything from caring for a horse to riding it.

Hike in the Kosciuszko National Park

If you are still in the mood for hiking, why not try the Dead Horse Gap walking track? It is an ideal 5km (each way) walk with views over Crackenback Mountain and Thredbo valley. It can be done in totality in under 3 hours (approximately 2.5 hours), depending on your walking pace and how often you might stop.

Recommendation: Do you want to see it all but don’t have the time? Why not see it all from above with a scenic Snowy Mountains Helicopter ride?

Fuel your love of mountain biking

Thredbo Mountain Bike Park (MTB) is open from November to April. You will find everything you need to fuel your mountain bike passion. There are cross-country trails, exciting jumps and experienced instructors on hand for every level of mountain biker. 

Recommendation: Stay at Lake Crackenback Resort and spa for your one-stop-shop experience. From mountain biking to trout fishing, this place has it all. 

Taste the local products

Head over to Wildbrumby Distillery and Cafe, where you can taste first-hand the local Snowy Mountains-inspired gin, schnapps, vodka and its very own gluhwein (smouldering wine). The distillery and cafe are open from Thursday to Monday and can be found on Alpine Way, Thredbo.

Recommendation: Check online before you go to see if any local events are happening at Wildbrumby Distillery and Cafe while you are there.

Discover your inner child

Enjoy a day out bobsledding with or without the kids. First, ride the Alpine Bobsled at the Merritts Nature Track. This 700-metre bobsled will surely put a smile on everyone’s face as it races down the twists and turns this track offers.

Then, after your morning of bobsledding, continue onto either Jindabyne skatepark or Thredbo skatepark and fulfil your yearning need for adrenalin and adventure.

Recommendation: If spending a day with the kids or being a kid for a day is what you are after, try your hand at Disc golf, where you can play a round of 18 holes amongst nature with fantastic mountain views. 

Try your hand at fishing. 

Fishing is permitted from October to June, where you can try your hand at fly fishing in the Thredbo river giving lake fishing for trout a go at Lake Eucumbene. If you fancy fishing on your own, a fishing licence is required. You can purchase a licence online from the Service NSW website.

Recommendation: If you have never fished before or would like to learn how to fly fish, learn from a professional who can help you with the basics.

Accommodation

Banjo Patterson Inn

A great place in the heart of Jindabyne is at 1 Kosciuszko Road. The Banjo Patterson Inn is not only a great place to sleep in a fabulous location, but it is also home to the Kosciuszko brewhouse. 

Thredbo Alpine Hotel

You can not get a better location for your Mount Kosciuszko climb than the Thredbo Alpine Hotel, as it is just metres from the base of the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift. Rooms are basic; however, they are cosy and fit the requirements for a day of hiking. 

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

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