Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains — New South Wales

Jindabyne is a town located on the southern end of Lake Jindabyne, near the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales.

Before the 1960s, the town was originally located at a much lower point but it was transferred to higher grounds as the result of damming the Snowy River. The original Jindabyne is now located under the lake.

The town is now a popular holiday destination all year round. During colder months, the town is inundated with tourists wishing to go skiing at several ski resorts near the area, such as the Thredbo, Charlotte Pass, and Perisher Blue. These resorts also offer facilities for snowboarding.

At the Kosciuszko National Park, visitors can enjoy the outdoors to the fullest. It is ideal for getting familiar with nature, with numerous animals and birds calling it home. While within the park, visitors should take the time to explore the huts built by people in the past who frequent this park. Some of these structures are already partially damaged by natural forces, through a good number are still standing and are well-preserved by park management. Another way to enjoy the park’s scenery is to take helicopter flights over the park.

Adjacent to the national park is the Snowy Wilderness, where bird watching and animal viewing can also be enjoyed. Accessed through Barry Way, the area also offers opportunities for fishing, four-wheel drives, horse riding, hiking, and camping.

The area around the town also has several lookouts affording spectacular views all around. Examples of which are the Pilot, the Scammel's, and the Wallace Cragie Lookouts. Mountain bikes can also be hired for those wishing to go around on two wheels.

During summer, Jindabyne is also a popular destination for swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding, and other water sports. There are hire companies that rent out needed equipments and boats. The lake is also a popular fishing destination. Cruises are also offered aboard MV Kalinga to take visitors atop what used to be the main street of the town. The experience is especially memorable when done during twilight, when the water of the lake reflects the lights of resorts along its edges.

There is also the Gaden Trout Hatchery along the Perisher Valley Road, which is a major fish breeding site in the area. Though fishing is prohibited, visitors can still take relaxing strolls in its beautiful parkland beside the Thredbo River.

Those wishing to learn some fishing techniques can enroll at the Trout Fishing Adventures, a fishing school that features several dams designed to mimic different conditions of streams in the area. Besides fishing lessons, the establishment also offers accommodations.

Another interesting attraction is the Crackenback Cottage which includes a restaurant, bar, and a chapel that is ideal for weddings. The complex, located along the Alpine Way, also incorporates a large maze, said to be the largest in the southern hemisphere. The actual cottage is a historic structure built in 1884 and is located beside the restaurant.

A little bit further away from Jindabyne is the Yarrangobilly Caves. Though getting there takes more than 2 hours, visitors won’t be disappointed with the tours offered within these caves. The area also features a thermal pool which is open to the public.