Explore Australia

Jindabyne

Lake Jindabyne, Tourism New South Wales

Population 1902

Jindabyne, adjacent to the south-eastern section of Kosciuszko National Park (see Adaminaby and Thredbo) and just below the snowline, was relocated from its original site on the banks of the Snowy River to make way for the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme. Some 100 000 men from 30 countries worked for 25 years on the scheme, the largest engineering project of its kind in Australia. The original town was flooded, but a few of the buildings were moved to their current site beside Lake Jindabyne. The area is popular with skiers in the winter and with anglers, bushwalkers and whitewater rafters in the summer.

Visitor Information

Snowy Region Visitor Centre, Kosciuszko Rd; (02) 6450 5600

www.snowymountains.com.au

Nearby national parks

  • Kosciuszko National Park

    Kosciuszko National Park embraces the majestic grandeur of the high country. This is one of the world’s great national parks with its...more

  • Alpine National Park

    Alpine National Park embraces a majestic landscape of soaring mountain peaks, alpine meadows, undulating grassy plains, deep gorges and pure...more

  • Namadgi National Park

    Rolling grassy hills unfold towards the horizon, hardy snow gums create woodlands on the subalpine slopes and higher still are alpine...more

Nearby towns

  • Berridale

    This charming small town calls itself the 'Crossroads of the Snowy' and is a popular stopover point in winter between Cooma and the...more

  • Thredbo

    Thredbo, a mountain village in Kosciuszko National Park (see Adaminaby), is a unique year-round resort, with some of Australia's best...more

  • Adaminaby Intro

    Over 100 buildings were moved in the 1950s to Adaminaby's current town site. The remaining town and surrounding valley were flooded to...more

In Town

Walkway and cycleway: around Lake Jindabyne's foreshore, from Banjo Paterson Park on Kosciuszko Rd to Snowline Caravan Park. Winter shuttle bus service: several operators depart from various spots in town to Bullocks Flat and Thredbo; contact visitor centre for more information.

Nearby

Perisher The largest ski resort in Australia with an impressive 1250 ha of skiing area, Perisher caters for all levels of skier and snowboarder. State-of-the-art equipment includes many high-quality snow guns and Australia's first 8-seater chairlifts. The resort consists of slopes, accommodation, restaurants, bars and all the facilities and equipment hire needed to enjoy winter sports at Perisher and the nearby skiing areas of Smiggin Holes, Mt Blue Cow and Guthega. 30 km W.

Lake Jindabyne: well stocked with rainbow trout and ideal for boating, waterskiing and other watersports. When the water level is low, remains of the submerged town can be seen; western edge of town. Kunama Gallery: over 200 paintings by local artists and work by acclaimed water colourist Alan Grosvenor. Also panoramic views of Lake Jindabyne; (02) 6456 1100; 7 km NE. Snowy Valley Lookout: stunning views of Lake Jindabyne; 8 km N. Gaden Trout Hatchery: daily tours and barbecues along Thredbo River; (02) 6451 3400; 10 km NW. Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery: boutique schnapps made from seasonal fruits, with cafe and cellar door; Wollondibby Rd; (02) 6457 1447; 11 km W. Crackenback Cottage: local craft, maze, restaurant and guesthouse; (02) 6456 2198; 12 km SW. Sawpit Creek: the Kosciuszko Education Centre can be found here. The start of the Palliabo (walking) Track is at the Sawpit Creek picnic area; 14 km NW. Bullocks Flat: terminal for Skitube, a European-style alpine train to Perisher ski resort; operates daily during ski season; 20 km SW. Wallace Craigie Lookout: views of Snowy River Valley; 40 km SW. Charlotte Pass: highest ski resort in Australia with challenging slopes for experienced skiers. Magnificent 24 km walking track past Blue Lake in summer; 45 km W. Scenic walks: varying lengths; brochures from visitor centre. Alpine Way: 111 km road through mountains to Khancoban provides superb scenic touring in summer; chains frequently required in winter.

Fishing spots near town

Lake Jindabyne 5 km

Lake Jindabyne sits on the eastern edge of Kosciuszko National Park and rates as one of southern Australia’s best trout waters. The lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, and Atlantic salmon. Some of the... Find out more


Geehi 40 km

If you like the bush and clear mountain streams where you can fish for trout, then the Snowy Mountains offers excellent opportunities. Rivers up this way are part of our fishing folklore, particularly among fly-fishers.... Find out more


Indi River 47 km

Take the Alpine Way out of Khancoban and head about 50 km towards Thredbo, and you’ll come to Tom Groggin station. Locals say the river flowing alongside the station is the Indi River, but it’s marked on some... Find out more


Khancoban 50 km

Many trout fishers, particularly those adept with the fly, regard Khancoban as home base for trout fishing. The biggest water in the area is Khancoban Pondage, fed by the Swampy Plain River and Khancoban Creek. The... Find out more


Yaouk Valley 68 km

It was late autumn 1997 when I  arrived in Canberra to fish with  the late Chris Hole, fly-fisherman,  author and painter. Chris offered  to take me to some of his favourite trout streams that snake... Find out more


Nariel Creek 73 km

A favourite dry fly among fly-fishers casting to rising trout in the Snowy Mountains and north-east Victoria is the Geehi beetle. This marvellous pattern is named after a non- existent beetle. It’s a fly that trout... Find out more


Lake Dartmouth 97 km

Lake Dartmouth holds self-sustaining populations of both brown and rainbow trout. The lake was formed in 1979 when an embankment was built on the Mitta Mitta River. Trout and the threatened Macquarie perch thrived in the... Find out more


Omeo Valley 118 km

The Upper Mitta Mitta River at Angler’s Rest appears to go the ‘wrong’ way, as it travels south to reach Dartmouth reservoir, far to the north. It flows out of the Bogong High Plains and down the Omeo... Find out more


Lower Mitta Mitta 123 km

Wodonga-based fly-fishing guide Scott McPherson accompanied me on one trip on the lower Mitta Mitta. We were wading a stretch of river near Eskdale early in the morning. I recommend not only waders for this activity, but... Find out more


Merimbula 127 km

Most visitors on family trips arrive at Merimbula with at least one fishing rod on board. Some give priority to the boat and tackle, then try to fit the family in around them. A good boat ramp is situated near the... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Canoeing in the Snowys 5 km

It is certainly not the best spot in the country for canoeing and kayaking, but peaceful days can be had enjoying these activities on Lake Jindabyne, or more exciting adventures are possible on overnight excursions down... Find out more


Cross-country skiing 19 km

A delightful winter pastime, cross-country skiing is a mix of walking, gliding and skiing, and the basics are much easier to pick up than those of downhill skiing or snowboarding. You can undertake the activity at... Find out more


Bushwalking in the Snowy Mountains 30 km

There is almost no end to the hiking that can be done in the Snowy Mountains. There are hundreds of kilometres of hiking tracks, and infinite ways to wander through the hills. The most popular walks are to the top of... Find out more


Platypus-watching - Bombala 77 km

If you believe the hype, Bombala is the platypus capital of Australia and the locals stop just short of guaranteeing you a sighting. The best spot is the Platypus Reserve on the Bombala River (off Delegate Road) in the... Find out more


Burrowa–Pine Mountain National Park 89 km

Located near the New South Wales border, 430 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, and one of Victoria’s lesser-known national parks, this has some remarkable features. The granitic Pine Mountain is one of the... Find out more


Cycling - Bega Valley to Orbost 113 km

Back Pedal Cycle Tours is an eco-certified tour company that offers a great range of supported, safe and family-friendly cycle tours, from single-day excursions in the Bega Valley, through to the three-day ‘Border... Find out more


Rafting - Mitta Mitta and Murray Rivers 120 km

Adventure Rafting Victoria only takes a few months off, from April to June, and runs exciting day trips down the foaming Murray Gates, and two-night paddles down the Mitta Mitta, staying overnight in the legendary Blue... Find out more


Alpine National Park 125 km

Covering a vast 6460 square kilometres, this is Victoria’s largest national park and cradles the state’s highest mountains and dramatic alpine scenery, as well as the major downhill skiing resorts. The park... Find out more


Cross-country skiing - Victoria's High Country 130 km

The home of our national cross-country team, Falls Creek is probably the best place to crosscountry ski. It has 65 kilometres of groomed tracks, catering to beginners and intermediate skiers, as well as marked trails on... Find out more


Picnicking around Canberra 134 km

There are many great places to unpack a picnic in the Australian Capital Territory, from the copious native areas in the Australian National Botanic Gardens, to the bird mecca of Jerrabomberra Wetlands on the Molonglo... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Royal Canberra Golf Club (Westbourne course) 130 km

When the site for the nation’s capital was selected in 1909, it was mainly rolling grassy plains with few trees. Little was known about what species might flourish in Canberra’s environment. The federal... Find out more


Narooma Golf Club 138 km

Narooma is a small coastal haven with world-class beaches. It has become renowned for the whales, seals and penguins attracted to the pristine waters offshore. But one of the town’s major attractions remains its... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

Mario’s Mineshaft Restaurant and Bar

Mario’s Mineshaft serves warming feasts to happy diners in a friendly and inviting atmosphere. Stop in for a gourmet pizza or comfort-food pasta, or indulge in the all-you-can-eat Italian buffet. For a lighter... Find out more


Nearby breweries

Wig & Pen Brewery/Tavern 134 km

Canberra may well claim to be the real ale capital of Australia on the strength of this single brew-pub, which sees more pints of hand-pumped ale pulled than any other joint in the land. From the well-balanced and... Find out more


Bright Brewery 153 km

The original Bright Brewery shut down in 1916 and this modern incarnation was started by a quartet of ‘ale changers’ – couples David and Julie Cocks, and Scott Brandon and Fiona Reddaway – some 90... Find out more


Bridge Road Brewers 174 km

Ben Kraus originally trained as a winemaker but his head was turned in the direction of craft brewing during a stint working in Western Australia’s Margaret River region. The cluster of microbreweries in this... Find out more


Jamieson Brewery 242 km

Looking for a drawcard to attract tourists to their Victorian High Country pub, owners Jeff and Jeanette Whyte installed a microbrewery into the Jamieson Hotel and started knocking out house beers in 2001. The equipment... Find out more


Campsites around town

Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat (southern section) 9 km

Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat offers a wide range of comfortable accommodation, from cedar cabins and chalets (some with spas) to caravan and tent sites. Facilities include a camp kitchen, drying room and laundry.... Find out more


Island Bend camping area (southern section) 17 km

This former Snowy Mountains Hydro camp is located near the Snowy River, 23 km north-west of Jindabyne. Sites here are either in clearings where the old camp buildings were on the hill, or lower down near the upper... Find out more


Thredbo Diggings camping area (southern section) 19 km

Steer clear of drinking the river water here – bring your own water, along with firewood. Access is via the Alpine Way, 1.4 km from the park entrance.... Find out more


Ngarigo Rest Area (southern section) 22 km

There’s a short walk from car to tent here, although cars and small campervans and trailers can easily access the carpark. It’s 3.6 km from Thredbo Diggings and 24 km south of Jindabyne. Access is via the... Find out more


Jacob's River camping area (southern section) 38 km

Summertime offers fishing and swimming in the river next to this pleasant camping spot, 53 km south of Jindabyne. It’s near where the Jacobs and Snowy rivers meet, off Barry Way. You can boil/treat the river water... Find out more


Geehi Flats camping area (southern section) 40 km

On the winding Alpine Way, 31 km south of Khancoban, Geehi Flats camping area isn’t recommended for large caravans and camper trailers. Despite this, the old Snowy Mountains Hydro camp spot is popular in summer for... Find out more


Leatherbarrel Creek Rest Area (southern section) 41 km

You’ll need to bring your drinking water and firewood to this camping area, 16 km west of Thredbo on Alpine Way. Note: the Alpine Way is a narrow winding road, parts of which are unsuitable for large campervans or... Find out more


Halfway Flat camping area (southern section) 41 km

This is a popular picnic and camping area offering swimming, fishing, paddling and walking. It’s 55 km south of Jindabyne near the Snowy River. You’ll need to supply your own drinking water and firewood.... Find out more


Keebles Hut camping area (southern section) 41 km

Renowned as one of the best huts in the national park, Keebles Hut was built in 1942 and has been an extremely popular camping area since its amalgmation into the national park in the 1970s. It’s next to the Geehi... Find out more


Old Geehi Hut camping area (southern section) 42 km

The river here is a refreshing escape from the heat of summer; alternatively, you can drop a line in or go for a paddle. It’s off the Alpine Way; access unsuitable for 2WD vehicles. Bring your own drinking water... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Rainbow Pines Tourist Caravan Park 42 km

This is a popular holiday park where trout fishing, sailing and canoeing are all available. It is on the shores of Lake Eucumbene, about 7 km from the Snowy Mountains Highway. A minimum-length stay applies in all... Find out more


Cooma Snowy Mountains Tourist Park 48 km

This park is located on the south side of town alongside the Monaro Highway. It is popular during the winter months with visitors to the Snowy Mountains and the ski fields. There are very good facilities and it is a good... Find out more


Colac Colac Caravan Park 74 km

We like this spacious park that is 7 km west of town, under large shady trees and alongside a popular trout stream. The budget-priced park in ‘Man from Snowy River’ territory has basic amenities and is ideal... Find out more


Bega Caravan Park 113 km

This well-managed park alongside the Princes Highway is on the southern approach to Bega. There are large grassy sites, modern amenities and pets are welcome. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Tathra Beach Family Park 126 km

This good quality, absolute beachfront park is located in the heart of Tathra. Just stroll to the beach from your site or take a short walk to the town centre, restaurants or club. Bookings are required in peak periods... Find out more


Seabreeze Holiday Park 126 km

This is a very good quality park located across the road from the surf club, and just a stroll to local eateries. The features here are outstanding and include Austar television cabled to every site. Bookings are... Find out more


Merimbula Beach Holiday Park 128 km

Perched on a headland looking out to sea, this quality park is in a great position. It has an excellent range of facilities including a shop and takeaway food. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length... Find out more


Discovery Holiday Parks – Pambula Beach 128 km

This beachside park is one of our favourites in the popular family holiday region of the south coast of New South Wales. It has a pool complex, a licensed restaurant and spotless amenities, and is a great family park.... Find out more


Canberra South Motor Park 130 km

This large, older-style park is on the south side just a few kilometres from Canberra. For those navigating with a GPS, the park has no street number but is opposite number 250. A minimum-length stay applies at Easter... Find out more


Queanbeyan Riverside Tourist Park 131 km

This park is set in a lovely location on the banks of the Queanbeyan River, just a short stroll from the heart of town. It is easily accessible from the highway and is often very busy.... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Jindy Inn

Jindy Inn offers simple accommodation with wonderful views over Lake Jindabyne. There is a variety of comfortable ensuite guest rooms available, all centrally heated, and with a patio or balcony. A licensed restaurant... Find out more


Wanderers Retreat

Wanderers Retreat offers no-frills bed-and-breakfast or self-contained accommodation with warm and friendly service. Guests taking the B&B option have a choice of three bedrooms: a double, queen and king. The queen... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Alpine Habitats, near Jindabyne 10 km

Opened in 2007, these 18 cleverly designed two-bedroom buildings are linked underground by massive worm farms that digest all the compostable waste on the site. Set amid gnarled black sallees and other snow gums, the... Find out more


Arthur’s Cottage, Cudgewa 81 km

This historic mudbrick, two-bedroom cottage was built around 1897, but now has solar-powered lights and a gas kitchen. It sits quietly on the Cudgewa Creek, with platypus drifting past. You will need to bring your own... Find out more


Jacarri Eco-Cottage, Goongerah 103 km

This rustic little cottage in East Gippsland sleeps four, and has solar power and a dry composting toilet. It has been built with sustainable timbers and uses a water wheel to fill the water tank. Organic fruit,... Find out more


The Odd Frog, Bright 153 km

This place comprises five funky new luxury studios on a 4-hectare Land for Wildlife property. The studios have been architecturally designed to have minimal impact on the environment, with thought even given to their... Find out more


Adobe Mudbrick Holiday Flats, Mallacoota 159 km

These 12 rustic mudbrick flats were ecologically designed to avoid the need for air-conditioning, and have solar hot water and rainwater tanks. The 32-hectare surrounds are managed as a Land for Wildlife property,... Find out more


The Buckland, Bright 159 km

With the same architect as The Odd Frog, The Buckland’s four luxury studio retreats have similar eco-design principles, and thousands of trees have been planted on the site. They are also powered by green energy.... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Mount Gladstone Lookout Rest Area 45 km

T/O 4 km W of Cooma (L) or 47 km SE of Adaminaby (R) Small area 1.5 kilometres south of the highway at the lookout. Good facilities. Limited shade. NOTE: Steep access road. GPS: S36 15.04 E149 04.42... Find out more


Adaminaby Park Area 48 km

Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S35 59.822 E148 46.467  ... Find out more


The Rest House Park Area 58 km

28 km W of Adaminaby (L) or 63 km SE of Talbingo (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S35 53.45 E148 32.24... Find out more


Nimmitabel Park Area 60 km

South side of town Parking area at Lake Williams. Good facilities. GPS: S36 30.903 E149 16.928... Find out more


Kiandra Park Area 62 km

35 km NW of Adaminaby (R) or 56 km SE of Talbingo (L) Parking area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S35 52.323 E148 29.718... Find out more


Fred Piper Memorial Lookout Park Area 76 km

14 km W of Bemboka (L) or 62 km E of Cooma (R) Very small parking bay adjacent to the highway at the lookout. GPS: S36 35.841 E149 26.647... Find out more


Yarrangobilly Village Camp Area 86 km

65 km NW of Adaminaby (L) or 26 km SE of Talbingo (R) Large grassed area just off the highway on the banks of the river in Kosciuszko National Park. Limited shade. GPS: S35 39.122 E148 27.742... Find out more


Bemboka Rest Area 89 km

East side of town Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. NOTE: Camping and showers available for a fee. GPS: S36 38.127 E149 34.696... Find out more


Talbingo Park Area 97 km

West side of town Parking area on the shores of the lake. GPS: S35 34.801 E148 17.808... Find out more


Jounama Creek Camp Area 98 km

T/O opposite Talbingo turnoff Large grassed area located on the edge of a creek 500 metres east of the highway in Kosciuszko National Park. NOTE: access road unsealed. GPS: S35 33.929 E148 19.908... Find out more


Yolde Camp Area 102 km

7 km NW of Talbingo (L) or 34 km SE of Tumut (R) Very small secluded area well off the highway surrounded by scrub in Kosciuszko National Park. GPS: S35 32.295 E148 17.718... Find out more


Yachting Point Camp Area 106 km

12 km NW of Talbingo (L) or 29 km SE of Tumut (R) Large open grassed area just off the highway on the shores of Lake Blowering in Kosciuszko National Park. Limited shade. GPS: S35 30.654 E148 16.015... Find out more


Humes Crossing Camp Area 109 km

16 km NW of Talbingo (L) or 25 km SE of Tumut (R) Large grassed area just off the highway on the shores of Lake Blowering in Kosciuszko National Park. Limited shade. GPS: S35 28.382 E148 16.591 ... Find out more


Bega Lookout Park Area 110 km

5 km N of Bega (R) or 72 km S of Narooma (L) Small area just off the highway at the lookout. GPS: S36 38.692 E149 49.430... Find out more


Quaama Rest Area 111 km

31 km N of Bega (R) or 46 km S of Narooma (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S36 28.110 E149 51.979 ... Find out more


The Pines Camp Area 112 km

19 km NW of Talbingo (L) or 22 km SE of Tumut (R) Large grassed area just off the highway on the shores of Lake Blowering in Kosciuszko National Park. Limited shade. GPS: S35 26.868 E148 17.079... Find out more


Log Bridge Creek camping area 115 km

23 km NW of Talbingo (R) or 18 km S of Tumut (L) Large area located well off the highway in Kosciuszko National Park. GPS: S35 25.311 E148 16.765... Find out more


Yellowpinch Dam Rest Area 117 km

32 km N of Eden (L) or 22 km S of Bega (R) Small area located 1 kilometre off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S36 51.068 E149 48.765... Find out more


Oriental Claims Park Area 121 km

107 km SE of Bright (L) or 2 km NW of Omeo (R) Small picnic area at a historical site beside a creek 500 metres off the highway. NOTE: Unsealed access. GPS: S37 06.465 E147 34.560... Find out more


Lookout Rest Area 125 km

102 km SE of Bright (L) or 7 km NW of Omeo (R) Small area just off the road at the lookout. GPS: S37 07.605 E147 32.070... Find out more


Tambo River No.1 Rest Area 125 km

33 km S of Omeo (L) or 88 km N of Bairnsdale (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S37 18.168 E147 45.091 ... Find out more


Tumut Park Area 128 km

Middle of town Small town park adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S35 18.308 E148 13.667 ... Find out more


Tambo River No.2 Rest Area 130 km

49 km S of Omeo (L) or 72 km N of Bairnsdale (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S37 24.276 E147 50.096... Find out more


Victoria Falls Camp Area 131 km

89 km SE of Bright (L) or 20 km NW of Omeo (R) Small secluded campground 600 metres off the road. Limited shade. NOTE: Unsealed access. GPS: S37 05.622 E147 25.503... Find out more


Bodalla Forest Park Rest Area 135 km

9 km N of Narooma (L) or 32 km S of Moruya (R) Large secluded area in the forest. Very good facilities and shade. GPS: S36 09.063 E150 05.729... Find out more


Mystery Bay Camp Area 136 km

T/O 68 km N of Bega (R) or 9 km S of Narooma (L) Small shady campground located on the foreshore at a secluded beach 2 kilometres east of the highway. Limited facilities. Good shade. GPS: S36 18.032 E150... Find out more


Corunna Lake Park Area 136 km

71 km N of Bega (L) or 6 km S of Narooma (R) Very small area just off the highway on the shores of the lake. GPS: S36 16.016 E150 07.742... Find out more


Holbrook Park Area 136 km

Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the information centre and submarine display. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S35 39.355 E147 26.224 ... Find out more


Bemm River Rest Area 137 km

45 km E of Orbost (R) or 30 km W of Cann River (L) Small area 300 metres off the highway in the forest. Good shade. GPS: S37 37.799 E148 53.224... Find out more


Bellbird Creek Rest Area 138 km

39 km E of Orbost (R) or 36 km W of Cann River (L) Small parking area next to the hotel. Good shade. GPS: S37 39.132 E148 49.058  ... Find out more


What's on around town

Speed and Marathon Championships: Lake Jindabyne; Jan.

Flowing Festival: music and dragon-boat races: Feb.

Lake Light Sculpture: Apr.

Snowy Mountains Trout Festival: fishing competition throughout region; Nov.

Boxing Day Rodeo: Dec.

comments powered by Disqus