Prepare to be amazed by the Snowy Mountains, a hidden gem nestled in Australia's heart! This breathtaking region, known as 'the Snowies', is a true adventure paradise, especially during the summer months.
The Snowies are located on the traditional lands of the Ngarigo people, accessible via the Monaro Highway, a mere six-hour drive from Sydney and a three-hour journey from Canberra. I, a local resident of Jindabyne, often referred to as 'Jindy', have explored various parts of Australia and found my haven here. With its majestic mountains, serene lakes, meandering rivers, and enchanting alpine vegetation, Jindabyne is a nature lover's dream come true.
One of the highlights is Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's highest peak, easily accessible via the Kosciuszko Express chairlift from Thredbo. The region boasts two renowned ski resorts, Perisher and Thredbo, both conveniently located within a half-hour drive from Jindabyne.
While many perceive the Snowies as a winter destination, its true magic unfolds during the summer. It transforms into an adventure playground, offering world-class mountain biking, thrilling horse riding, scenic hiking trails, lake sports, and whitewater rafting. The weather is simply perfect, and with fewer tourists, you can enjoy a peaceful and family-friendly atmosphere.
Food Scene:
For a truly scenic picnic experience, head to Berridale, just a 25-minute drive from Jindabyne. The Little Grocer at Shut the Gate wines offers an array of excellent regional produce. Fill your basket with fine wines, delicious cheeses, cured meats, and fresh bread. You can even picnic on the winery grounds, and on the first Friday of each month, they host live music at the cellar door.
If you're a pizza lover, you're in for a treat! Berridale is currently witnessing a wood-fired pizza war. Out of Bounds, operating from a van on a Berridale property, has been a local favorite for years. However, the recent opening of Stacks Pizza in Jindy has caused quite a stir in the community. Their pepperoni pizza is a must-try!
The Snowies also embrace a strong Japanese influence, thanks to the many seasonal ski workers who travel from Japan for the Australian winter. For a unique dining experience, visit the izakaya-style Takayama Restaurant Bar in Jindabyne. It offers the best food in town, perfect for a fun group night out or a solo diner seeking a satisfying ramen topped with juicy pork. Be sure to book in advance!
About 20 minutes from Jindabyne, you'll find Perrotta's Italian restaurant at the Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa, which opened in 2024. Their delicious pasta, especially the rigatoni with vodka sauce, is a local favorite. The restaurant often sources seafood from the far south coast of New South Wales, renowned for having Australia's finest oysters. It's an intimate setting, ideal for a romantic date, offering wine pairings and a scenic alpine atmosphere.
For a more casual coffee break, visit ESS Board Store, serving Allpress coffee. Birchwood Jindabyne is the place to go for specialty coffees and an all-day menu with Indian and Japanese-inspired lunches. Tea enthusiasts should head to The Market Jindabyne, where they can create their own tea blends. It's also an excellent spot to work privately, and the deli offers great picnic supplies.
Nature's Wonders:
My top recommendation, often missed by visitors, is a canoeing trip across Lake Jindabyne to Lion Island nature reserve. It's a secluded beach with a breathtaking mountain view, and the snow-melt water provides a refreshing dip on a hot summer day. You can rent canoes from Sacred Ride, and the lake is usually calm unless it's windy.
Mountain biking is the summer sport of choice in the Snowies. The Thredbo Valley track in Kosciuszko National Park offers a bonanza for bikers, with sections suitable for experienced, intermediate, and beginner riders. Bikes can be hired from Harro's.
Floating down the Thredbo River on a lilo is an absolute must. Start your journey at the Gaden trout hatchery and end at the Thredbo River picnic area. The river is lined with majestic oak trees, and the springtime scenery, with fresh snowmelt, is especially lush. There's also an easy hike from the hatchery to the picnic area.
For a unique wildlife encounter, head to Bullocks track in the national park, where you have the best chance of spotting platypuses in the pools around the Thredbo River. As summer approaches, they emerge from their burrows in the late afternoon and playfully swim in the water. Just remember to be quiet, as they are shy creatures!
The Main Range walk in Kosciusko National Park takes you to five stunning lakes, including my personal favorite, Lake Albina. The Blue Lake is Australia's largest glacial lake and offers a beautiful sight. It evokes a Scottish highlands vibe, and many hikes branch off from this area.
Jindabyne Nightlife:
For a vibrant atmosphere and dancing vibes, the young and hip flock to Holly's. DJs regularly perform sets in the beer garden, and there's even a food truck on site. For a more intimate setting, Bar Lula serves European-style small plates and hosts acoustic live music. It's a popular spot for first dates.
The Banjo Paterson Inn, located lakeside and known as 'the Banj', caters to all demographics. It offers accommodation upstairs and a brewery downstairs, attracting cyclists and hikers for a well-deserved beer after their outdoor adventures. The restaurant serves delicious family meals, including burgers, pizza, and ice cream. It's also the go-to spot for late-night revelry.
Inspiration for Outdoor Adventures:
In summer, the Snowies become Australia's version of Queenstown, New Zealand. Our culture here revolves around outdoor activities, and we have some fantastic tour providers to enhance your experience.
Cochran Horse Treks offer customized treks lasting from three to seven days, tailored to guests' horseback abilities. Led by Peter Cochran, a fifth-generation mountain horseman with deep knowledge of the area, these treks include packhorses, billy tea, campfires, and camp oven-cooked dinners.
Whitewater rafting on the lower Snowy River is an exhilarating experience. You might even spot wild brumbies running through the landscape. Venture Outdoors Co. offers excellent guided rafting trips.
Thredbo Resort organizes new moon stargazing hikes. Starting at dusk, you'll pass rocky granite outcrops, running rivers, and the scenic Lake Cootapatamba. Guides set up a hot chocolate experience at Mount Kosciuszko, where they'll point out constellations and current astronomical events.
Accommodation Options:
For a dog-friendly stay, Big Yard Farm, located a 25-minute drive from Jindabyne, offers private access to trout fishing along the Mowamba River, home to wombats, kangaroos, and platypuses. It accommodates up to six people and features open fireplaces, a well-equipped kitchen, and a cozy atmosphere.
If you prefer a more secluded experience, consider opting for a private cabin in the bush, away from the ski resorts. Big Yard Escapes offers tiny houses close to Thredbo and Perisher, with large windows framing the stunning alpine outlook. Crafters cabins, located in the bushland beneath Crackenback Peak, are fully off-grid, utilizing rainwater, solar power, and thermal mass walls for heating. Close to Jindabyne, Common Kosci provides a contemporary take on the Aussie bush shack, featuring hammocks, comfy sofas, floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor hot tubs, and underfloor heating.
For car campers, Thredbo Diggings in Kosciuszko National Park is an excellent choice. Hikers should consider Wilkinson's Creek for a beautiful camping spot. Be sure to read the camping restrictions in advance and always inform someone of your plans and expected return time.
So, are you ready to explore the Snowy Mountains and discover its summer magic? The choice is yours!
