It’s always a good time of year to visit Jindabyne – world-class winter activities, a summer of fun on Lake Jindy, spectacular spring wildflowers and wildlife, a kaleidoscope of colors as fall approaches, and outdoor adventures for every type of traveler.
Jindabyne is a charming lakeside town nestled on the border of Kosciuszko National Park, an easy driving distance from Sydney (470-km), Melbourne (600-km), and the capital city of Canberra (180-km). Aside from an abundance of activities in the great outdoors, visitors are welcomed with charming cafes and restaurants, award-winning distilleries, wineries and breweries, fun events, and some of Australia’s best music festivals.
Four seasons of unique experiences, adventures and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of daily living await in Jindabyne, a destination of its own and your gateway to the Smoky Mountains of NSW.
Winter Activities In The Snowy Mountains Of NSW
June to August
Average Temperature: 9° C
Jindabyne is the closest town to Australia’s ski resorts and the ultimate basecamp for adrenaline infused winter sports in the Snowy Mountains of NSW. Thredbo Resort and Perisher Ski Resort are a short, scenic 30-minute drive from Jindabyne with ski seasons opening in June and running through October (dependent on snow conditions). The peak ski conditions in the Snowy Mountains are in July and August and Jindabyne quickly gets booked up with winter sports enthusiasts – if you’re planning a ski trip to the Snowy Mountains, be sure to book your Jindabyne accommodation well in advance!
Snow lovers flock to Jindabyne not only for day and night skiing at the Snowy Mountain ski resorts (and world-class backcountry ski touring) – Jindabyne offers endless opportunity to play outdoors in the winter months, from winter fishing on Lake Jindabyne, snowy horse rides through the outback, and snowshoeing the trails to bucket-list white water rafting experiences on the icy waters of the Snowy River (the best time to see wildlife!).
Start planning your winter holiday in the Snowy Mountains today with our guide to the top winter activities in Jindabyne and the best holiday homes near the Snowy Mountain ski resorts.
Winter Events & Festivals in the Snowy Mountains
June: Perisher Peak Festival – Australia’s Coolest Music Festival
August: Snowtunes Music Festival (On hold due to Covid-19).
Summertime On Lake Jindabyne
December to February
Average Temperature: 23-26° C
Tourism is picking up again fast in Jindabyne, so start planning your summer holiday on Lake Jindabyne soon! While the winter season draws snow lovers to the famous slopes of the Snowy Mountains, the summer months are a delight for outdoor adventurers, of all types!
Lake Jindabyne is the main attraction in the summer months. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil kayak or SUP adventure or exhilarating wakeboarding and water sports – you’ll find all kinds of tours, activities and boat rentals along the shoreline making it easy to get on the water. Start your day with a sunrise SUP yoga glass, spend the day playing on the lake, or end your day on a scenic sunset cruise. Lake Jindy is the place to be this summer!
From Lake Jindy to the wilderness of Kosciuszko National Park. For a unique Snowy Mountain experience, heading out with a guide is always first prize! Saddle up for a horse ride through the High-Country, strap on your boots and hike the secluded trails, rock climb Australia’s highest mountains, fly-fish the lakes and streams, and challenge yourself on Jindabyne’s world-class network of mountain biking trails. If you prefer to explore alone – the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift at Thredbo is open to hikers and mountain bikers year round where an outdoor playground awaits.
Alpine Country Holidays have a holiday home not just for your Snowy Mountain ski trip but for your summer adventures too! Book your stay direct and get 10% off your summer holiday to the Snowy Mountains!
Summer Events in the Snowy Mountains
December: The Man From Snowy River Rodeo
February: Lake Jindabyne Dragon Boat Challenge
February: Snowies MTB Festivals
Spring & Autumn in Jindabyne
Spring: September to November
Autumn: March to May
Average Temperature: 12-21° C
The spring and autumn months make up Jindabyne’s shoulder season – fewer crowds and a higher chance of staying in your dream holiday home that was booked up over peak season! The weather is gorgeous with cool mornings and evenings (perfect for cozy fires!), and perfect daytime temperatures to still get on the lake, mountain bike the trails, or horse ride and bushwalk in the outback. These are the best seasons for a scenic drive from Jindabyne with trails for four-wheeling – and endless photo opportunities of blooming spring wildflowers or vibrant fall foliage that drapes the Snowy Mountains in Autumn.
Our local outfitters, activity providers and tour guides don’t shut down in the quieter seasons. It’s the best time of year for fishing in Jindabyne and whitewater rafting the Snowy River, and you’ll find a fun round of golf at the Thredbo Golf Course, full moon hikes to the summit of Mt. Kosciuszko, eco-tours at Lake Crackenback, and endless opportunity to explore the NSW Snowy Mountains out of season.
Spring & Autumn Events & Festivals
November: Snowy Mountain Trout Festival
March: Snowy Classic Cycle Event
April: This is Just a Tribute – Australia’s first major multi-day outdoor festival
