Fast facts
- Closest town to most of the NSW ski fields
- Expansive artificial lake surrounded by alpine scenery
- 457 km south-west of Sydney, population 4,400
Why go there
Like Adaminaby, modern Jindabyne was created in the late 1960s when the original town was relocated by the Snowy Mountains Authority for the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme.
The original town now lies under the waters of Lake Jindabyne.
Located 60 km from Cooma, the town attracts trout-fishing enthusiasts as well as winter-sports fans who don’t want to stay at the main ski-field resorts.
It’s a 30-minute drive to the snowfields from Jindabyne.
History
From the late 1820s, sheep grazing and agriculture were the main activities of the early European settlers in the area.
Polish explorer Paul Strzelecki extensively mapped the wilderness from 1839 to 1843, naming Mt Kosciuszko in honour of a Polish patriot.
Things to do
- Be overwhelmed by the monumental statue of explorer Paul Strzelecki on the shores of Lake Jindabyne.
- Travel the spectacular Alpine Way from Jindabyne to Khancoban.
- Ride the High Country like the ‘Man From Snowy River’.
Events
- Man From Snowy River Boxing Day Rodeo, in December, pits man against beast.
- The Flowing Festival, in February, celebrates with music and dance on the shores of Lake Jindabyne.
Don’t miss
- Adventure activities such as whitewater rafting and mountain biking.
- The view over Lake Jindabyne from Waste Point Lookout.
- The easy access to Thredbo and Perisher ski fields.
- The Gaden Trout Hatchery on the Thredbo River.
- The many shops offering ski and snowboard hire.
