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Getting Jiggy in Jindabyne

Joanna Johnson

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Trout, snow and outdoor adventure - this interesting little town is full of fun for everyone.

Getting Jiggy in Jindabyne

Modern day Jindabyne is a neat little town surrounded by beautiful scenery. It’s nestled at the end of Lake Jindabyne and on the edge of the world heritage listed Kosciuszko National Park. The original settlement, located on the far side of the dam, was drowned by the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electricity Authority in the late 1960s and is now the foundation for the tiny settlement of East Jindabyne. In fact some of the roads in East Jindabyne still disappear into the lake to continue as underwater roads in Old Jindabyne.

Jindabyne is associated with the earliest settlers in the Snowy Mountains, with wheat and sheep being the main early staples. The gold rush of 1859-60 gave the area a brief boost resulting in the establishment of a general store, school, Police Station and post office. The decision to release trout into the Snowy River in 1894 began a tradition which continues today.

The town as we know it today owes its existence to the proximity to Perisher Blue and Thredbo – two great ski resorts – as well as its fantastic facilities for trout fishing. The options for staying in Jindabyne are many with everything from European styled ski chalets, to modern townhouses and apartments. Basing yourself in town is the best way to explore the region both in summer and winter.

Summer Fun

With its breathtaking scenery and clean fresh air, there are lots of outdoor adventure activities to engage in. Canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting and waterskiing are just some of the ways to enjoy the river and lake. Boating, in particular with the inclusion of a fishing line, is a favourite pastime in these parts. There’s also tuition available in the old-fashioned art of fly fishing to snag a sensational trout.

If you’ve head enough of the water, don an Akubra and head high into the mountains on a horse, re-living a scene from The Man from Snowy River. A walk to Mt Kosciuszko is also a must do activity. A round trip from the most accessible spots is about 14km and is within the capabilities of most reasonably fit people. Mountain biking is a great way to get the adrenalin pumping as you hurtle down the many tracks in the area.

Winter Adventure

Lying just below the snow line, only half an hour drive from Thredbo and Perisher, Jindabyne is close enough to be a good base for the ski fields and many thousands of holiday-makers like to call it home each year, if only for a short time in winter. It offers much cheaper accommodation than on-mountain but has all the facilities and fun of a ski village. There are lots of clubs, pubs and restaurants, the most famous of which is the Jindabyne Hotel (or ‘Jindy Pub’ to regulars); it offers great live music and good cheap food.  So whether you ski like a pro, snowboard like an amateur or après-ski like a princess, Jindabyne is a great place to base yourself for a snow holiday.

Recently named number 32 in the top 100 places to visit by Australian Traveller Magazine, Jindabyne has an interesting history and lots to offer as a holiday destination all year-round.

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