Harro's Guide To Jindabyne

Jindabyne
Jindabyne is a small, vibrant town in the heart of the Snowy Mountains, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Jindabyne, a man-made lake formed as part of the historic Snowy Mountains Scheme. The lake is fed by the Snowy, Thredbo, and Eucumbene Rivers, making it a hotspot for trout and salmon fishing. Known for its proximity to Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, Jindabyne is a year-round destination that serves as the perfect base for exploring the Snowy Mountains. Winter brings a bustling crowd of skiers and snowboarders, while summer sees mountain bikers, hikers, and anglers flock to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re here for adrenaline-packed activities or a relaxed escape by the water, Jindabyne offers something for everyone.

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Summer Activities

Jindabyne transforms into a mountain biking haven in the summer, with trails catering to beginners and seasoned riders alike. The Hatchery Bay Trail is a must-try, offering a scenic 5 km ride along the lake, passing through grazing paddocks full of cows and along the Western side of Lake Jindabyne. For those seeking more adrenaline, Thredbo’s famous downhill tracks are just a 20-minute drive away, featuring over 20 trails accessed via chairlifts. Among these is the iconic Thredbo Valley Trail, a 35 km journey through alpine terrain, crossing suspension bridges and offering stunning views of the Thredbo River. Harro's offers a daily shuttle to the TVT trailhead so you can leave your car and enjoy the trail. Whether cruising by the lake or tackling thrilling descents, mountain biking in this region is an unforgettable adventure.

Hiking
Jindabyne and its surroundings are perfect for exploring on foot, with trails ranging from leisurely lakeside strolls to challenging alpine hikes. Start with local gems like the Foreshore Park Trail, a paved path winding along Lake Jindabyne, or venture further to Sawpit Creek for its waterfall walk. Kosciuszko National Park offers iconic trails like the Blue Lake Trail and Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk. These hikes showcase breathtaking alpine landscapes, making them a favourite for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Fishing & Watersports
Lake Jindabyne is a fisherman’s dream, teeming with trout and salmon and surrounded by absolutely beautiful spots to cast your line. Bring your gear or rent locally to try shore fishing or head out on the water with a rented boat to find some secret spots. The rivers around Jindabyne are also a great place to flyfish with many anglers hiking along the Thredbo River hoping to catch the elusive Rainbow Trout. Summer also brings an array of watersports, from wakeboarding to kayaking, for those wanting a splash of excitement.

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Winter Adventures

Skiing & Snowboarding
Winter transforms Jindabyne into the ultimate snow sports hub, drawing skiers and snowboarders to nearby resorts like Perisher, Thredbo, and Charlotte Pass. Each resort offers terrain for all skill levels, as well as lessons for all ages. Snowfall begins around June, with chairlifts spinning by the long weekend, and the energy in town ramps up as visitors arrive from across Australia and the world. Thredbo’s après-ski scene and Perisher’s vast skiable terrain ensure every winter enthusiast finds their happy place. For those looking to mix things up, cross-country skiing offers a peaceful escape into the snowy wilderness.

Snowshoeing & Backcountry Touring
For adventurers seeking something off the beaten path, snowshoeing and ski touring are exciting ways to explore the Snowy Mountain's pristine backcountry. Gear rental is available at Harro's, making it accessible even for first-timers. Thredbo’s guided backcountry tours are particularly popular, offering a safe and informative way to experience untouched alpine landscapes. Remember to plan carefully and lodge trip intentions if heading out solo.

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Where to Eat

Coffee & Cafés
Start your day with a caffeine boost from Jindabyne’s many cafes. Grab a coffee and indulge in a hearty breakfast at Birchwood Café, known for its ever-changing specials and baked treats. For a simple toastie and coffee, ESS Board Store serves coffee alongside their ski & snowboard store, while CBD Coffee morphs from a bustling café to a lively cocktail bar as the day unfolds.

Restaurants
Dining in Jindabyne is a treat, with options to suit every craving. Banjo Patterson Inn serves classic pub fare like chicken parmigiana alongside brews from its on-site Kosciuszko Brewery. Takayama brings a taste of Japan to town with ramen, JFC, and Katsu curry inspired by ski trips to Hokkaido. For Italian, Stacks serves homestyle sourdough Pizza, La Famiglia dishes out traditional Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta, while Bebita’s burritos and tacos are big, fresh and made with love.

Harro's Favourite Food & Drink Spots

Coffee & Breakfast

ESS do a great coffee, toastie and you always seem to bump into someone you know!

F2 serve up a tasty brekky wrap and coffee any way you like.

Bebita do a HUGE breakfast burrito, fresh juice and Acai bowls and can cater to just about any dietary requirement! Their GF Brekky tacos are delicious!

Parc do a tasty sit down brekky and always have yummy specials.

 

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Getting to Jindabyne

Jindabyne is easily accessible by car, just 2 hours from Canberra or 5 hours from Sydney. From Melbourne, the drive takes about 7 hours via the Hume Highway or the Alpine National Park. Cooma Airport, 30 minutes away, offers flights during peak seasons, making it even easier to reach this adventure-packed destination. Once you’re here, it’s all about the mountains, the lake, and making unforgettable memories.