New South Wales (Snowy Mountains)
Jindabyne
Situated at the base of the Snowy Mountains, Jindabyne is the main shopping and accommodation centre for the ski resorts of Thredbo and Perisher-Blue. Although there is accommodation at the ski resorts many people choose to stay in Jindabyne as it is much cheaper, has a variety of attractions both day and night and is only 40 minutes away from either resort.

The town is situated on a picturesque lake which was man made after a dam was built flooding the valley in 1967. In the summer months the lake is a hive of activity with sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing and fantastic trout and salmon fishing.

Jindabyne has grown steadily over the years and now boasts many great shops and restaurants, 3 hotels and a variety of nightclubs. Ski and snowboard hire is also available at reasonable prices and transport to the ski fields runs every day during the winter.

A resort town at the man-made lake of the same name, JINDABYNE, 63km west of Cooma, is the jumping-off point for the ski resorts of Thredbo, a further 30km west, and Guthega, or up the Kosciuszko Road to Smiggin Holes and Perisher Valley (these two are also accessible by the Skitube – tel 02/6456 2010 to check times which vary throughout the year; $13–19 return). 

Jindabyne itself is entirely new, having been relocated when the Snowy Mountains Scheme dammed the Snowy River and drowned the first settlement, and the lake is now its main attraction: there’s good fishing, and in summer you can also swim and sail – most equipment is available to rent in the town. The Snowy River Information Centre is within the NPWS headquarters here (daily 9am–5pm; tel 02/6456 2444).

Lake Jindabyne
Lake Jindabyne is a major attraction during the summer months. The lake offers fantastic fresh water fishing for Rainbow and Brown Trout as well as salmon.
Waterskiing, sailing and windsurfing are all very popular sports enjoyed in Lake Jindabyne's aqua waters. Major sailing and waterskiing events are held on the lake each summer.

Alpine Way
From Jindabyne, the Alpine Way continues into the national park and up to Thredbo, a compact and attractive village, squeezed into a narrow valley beside the road and the Crackenback River, with alpine-style houses huddled against the mountainside.

Accommodation
  • Nettin Chalet, 24 Nettin Circuit, Jindabyne. Motel-style units, all with private balconies boasting lake and mountain views. Facilities include a bistro, bar, spa and sauna.
  • Snowline Caravan Park, junction of Alpine Way and Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne. Camping or cabins, and good facilities, including spa, sauna, café-restaurant and boat rental.
  • Snowy Valley Motel, Kosciuszko Rd, 9km east of Jindabyne. Motel with indoor swimming pool and sauna, as well as meals for residents and non-residents. Lots of big family rooms sleeping five – ask about backpackers’ specials in these.