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Jindabyne | The Ultimate Travel Guide

Where to stay, what to do and when to visit the gateway to New South Wales’ ski fields.

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Alex Keshen
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Conveniently placed between a handful of New South Wales' ski fields, Jindabyne is an ideal stepping stone to snow-filled adventures. Being a short drive away, it does offer more accommodation options – and more affordable ones – than staying right on the slopes and has easier access to amenities like large grocery stores.

Plus, there's a lot more to do in the Jindabyne area than just skiing and snowboarding at nearby Thredbo, Charlotte Pass and Perisher.

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Perisher vs Thredbo

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Perisher vs Thredbo

Getting to Jindabyne

Jindabyne is at least a two-hour trip from nearby cities, but there are a few options for getting there whether you want to drive yourself, take a coach or fly in.

How to get to Jindabyne from Canberra

  • Driving: If you're using your own car or a rental, the drive to Jindabyne from Canberra takes just over two hours, most of which is driving south along the Monaro Highway (B23) until you reach Cooma, then heading south-west along Kosciuszko Road (B72).
  • Coach: A public coach service run by Transport NSW is available from Canberra Station to Jindabyne, with the trip taking just over two hours. Murrays and Sno Express coaches also run a bus (where you can continue onto Perisher or Thredbo), but due to COVID-19, details about the journey for the 2020 snow season aren't yet available.

How to get to Jindabyne from Sydney

  • Driving: It's about a five-hour drive south-west from Sydney to Jindabyne along the M5, M31 and M23 until you reach Canberra – which is just over half way. You'll then continue along the B23 and B72 via Cooma.
  • Coach: Transport NSW runs a public coach service via Canberra, where you will need to change buses. Your journey to Canberra will be either on a bus or train, depending on your ticket. Murrays also runs a coach service to Jindabyne (where you can continue on to Perisher or Thredbo). This service is currently suspended due to COVID-19.

Flying: Direct flights to Snowy Mountains Airport, which is about 30 minutes from Jindabyne, are available with Rex. The flight from Sydney takes about an hour.

How to get to Jindabyne from Melbourne

  • Driving: The drive north-east to Jindabyne from Melbourne takes about 6.5 hours along the M1/A1, B500, C608 and Barry Way.
  • Coach: Direct coach services aren't available from Melbourne. Your options include taking a bus to Cooma or Canberra and connecting to Jindabyne via one of those cities.
  • Flying: No direct flights are available to Snowy Mountains Airport, but you can fly via Sydney. However, with the layover, it will work out to be about the same travel time as driving.

Alternatively, you can book private transfers on sites like Jayride or Viator from Snowy Mountains Airport, Canberra or Sydney. However, this will be the priciest option.

Getting around in Jindabyne (including to the snow)

Jindabyne town is relatively small, so if you're staying in the town centre you should be able to get to shops and restaurants by foot.

If you need to get from Jindabyne to the slopes at Thredbo or Perisher, you can either drive yourself or book yourself a seat on a shuttle – which could be the best option if you're not comfortable driving in snowy conditions.

How to get from Jindabyne to Thredbo

  • Self-drive: It's about a 30-minute drive from Jindabyne to Thredbo village, and the road can get snowy and icy in winter. You will be driving into Kosciuszko National Park, which requires a fee.
  • Mountains Group Australia Airport Shuttle: $50-$58 per seat to Perisher, or $200 for a private shuttle.
  • Snowy Mountains Shuttles: Daily shuttles available from $55 return (including National Park entry).
  • Snowlink Shuttle: Shuttles available from $50 plus National Park entry.
  • Snow Connect: Transfers available with pricing available when you request a quote for your ride.

How to get from Jindabyne to Perisher

To get from Jindabyne to Perisher, you can either drive right to the ski area, or just to the Skitube – which is a train that will take you to the resort.

If you choose to drive, you'll need to pay the National Park fee for your vehicle and you may need to put chains on your tyres. If you opt for the Skitube, you won't have to pay the fee and don't require chains.

  • Self-drive: It's a 30-minute drive from the town to Perisher, heading north along the lake and then into Kosciuszko National Park, where you'll need to pay the entry fee.
  • Snowy Mountains Shuttles: Daily shuttles are available from $25 return to the Skitube or $55 return to Perisher (including National Park entry).
  • Snowlink Shuttle: Shuttles are available from $20 each way to the Skitube or $50 plus National Park entry right to Perisher.
  • Snow Connect: Transfers are available with pricing provided when you request a quote for your ride.

What's there to do in Jindabyne?

Most winter tourism in Jindabyne is centred on the area's ski resorts – Perisher, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass.

Other than skiing and snowboarding, you can also go tobogganing, or just enjoy the apres-ski culture at the pubs, bars and restaurants in town after a day on the slopes.

In summertime, the Jindabyne area and nearby Kosciuszko National Park is an ideal spot to go mountain biking, bushwalking and horseback riding through the alpine landscape.

With plenty of walking and biking trails along the shore, like the Lake Jindabyne Foreshore Trail, Lake Jindabyne also has various boat ramps if you're keen to explore the area.

Ready to head to Jindy? See the latest Jindabyne travel deals:

Priceline.comPriceline.com

Up to 60% off Australia getaways

Available on select stay dates with Express Deals. Destinations include Sydney, Adelaide, Byron Bay, Thredbo Village, Sunshine Coast, Jindabyne, Perth, the Gold Coast and more.

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Expedia.com.auExpedia.com.au

Up to 10% off Jindabyne hotels

Available on select travel dates and includes breakfast and free cancellation on select hotels. T&Cs apply.

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WotifWotif

Up to 10% off Jindabyne holiday packages

Available on select travel dates when you book your flights and hotel together. T&Cs apply.

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ScooponScoopon

Jindabyne: Up to 51% off ski and snowboard hire credits

Voucher is for $100 credit to spend until 2 October 2021.

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Deal ends

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