Best Things to Do in Jindabyne for a Perfect Weekend Away
Experience the best that the Snowy Mountains have on offer with this guide to the best things to do in Jindabyne.
Perched on the edge of Kosciuszko National Park, Jindabyne is as scenic as they come, boasting prime views of the pristine lakes and rivers that run through the Snowy Mountains. It’s also close to major ski resorts like Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte, making it a great base for a weekend of skiing, snowboarding and all things après.
The once-sleepy spot is a destination in its own right with plenty to keep you busy. Look no further for your hitlist of the best things to do in Jindabyne.
Best Things to Do in Jindabyne: Eat
Sundance Bakehouse
If you’re heading to the mountains and plan on being out and about all day, head to Sundance to pick up some gourmet sandwiches. Sundance Bakehouse can also sort you out for hot coffee, freshly baked bread rolls, pastries and deliciously chunky pies.
6 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne
Birchwood
Sit down to a hearty breakfast at the super-popular Birchwood. The cafe’s menu changes with the seasons but always features healthy dishes and plenty of gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options. It's exceptionally cosy inside and is a great place to while away a few hours if you need a battery recharge.
3/3 Gippsland Street, Jindabyne
Cocina
Cocina is a lively eatery serving Mexican classics and the best margaritas in the mountains. You can choose from small plates, tacos and burritos alongside an extensive drinks list. We recommend the tequila flights for the best sample of what's on offer.
Shop 5/33 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne
Cafe Darya
Taste-test Persian cuisine at Cafe Darya, a longstanding local haunt. The dishes are rich and brimming with beautiful spices, and the eatery is BYO beer and wine. You can expect plenty of fresh coriander, parsley, dill, mint, saffron and turmeric. The walls are decked out with Persian crafts, creating a cosy atmosphere to unwind in after a big day.
Snowy Mountains Plaza, 3 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne
Tracie’s Cafe
Do what the locals do and pop into Tracie’s Cafe. An unassuming spot next to the service station, the cafe is a bit of an insider secret, selling hot drinks, homemade cakes, biscuits, pies, and sandwiches.
Sitchu Tip: Don't leave without trying the famous Jindabyne Love Cake!
Shop 3, Snowy Valley Centre, Kosciuszko Road, East Jindabyne
Best Things to Do in Jindabyne: Drink
The Wild Brumby Distillery
Sample the swathe of yummy schnapps at The Wild Brumby Distillery with a complimentary tasting and pick up a bottle to take home. Don't miss the butterscotch - it's their most popular flavour! The food here is also phenomenal with a real homemade feel (in the best way) featuring classic Austrian dishes ranging from veal schnitzel and gulasch to freshly rolled apple strudel. After your meal, stroll through the Sculpture Garden to admire the art inspired by the alpine landscapes of the Snowy Mountains.
Alpine Way &, Wollondibby Road, Crackenback
Banjo Paterson Inn
For local beer and colourful cocktails, head to the Banjo Paterson Inn, affectionately dubbed ‘The Banj’ by locals. Along with a pub area, the inn has a cocktail bar and a nightclub where DJs spin the decks on weekends.
Attached to The Banj you'll find Australia’s first mountain brewery-slash-pub, Kosciuszko Brewing Company, With 600-litre brewing tanks tucked below the bar, it’s the freshest pour in town.
1 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne
Best Things to Do in Jindabyne: Explore
Kosciuszko National Park
Home to Australia's highest peak, Mt Kosciuszko, and the largest national park in the country, there are endless ways to experience the outdoor magic and rugged beauty of Kosciuszko National Park.
Enjoy winters at its best, from the charming Thredbo Village, cross-country ski trails at Perisher and snowy fun at Charlotte Pass. But, the fun doesn't stop when the snow does! With bike trails, hiking, scenic lookouts and rapids at Thredbo River, secure your national park pass any time for year-round adventures.
Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
Snowy Wilderness
See the rugged landscapes up close and sign up for a horse trek or 4WD tour with Snowy Wilderness. Half and full-day rides and epic multi-day treks are on offer, plus a beautiful homestead and high country lodges to rest and restore.
2911 Barry Way, Ingebirah
Snowy Heli
Soar over the peaks of the Snowy Mountains with a helicopter ride from Snowy Mountains Helicopters. This company offers 30- and 60-minute trips, along with a quick 10-minute jaunt above Lake Jindabyne.
Jindabyne Airport, 56 Tinworth Drive, Jindabyne
Lake Jindabyne
Follow the path that winds around the lake and you'll spot sculptures, monuments and artworks that tell the story of explorers and the Snowy Mountains Scheme. During the warmer months, water sports become a daily activity, and you can windsurf and sail on the lake, or even try a water e-bike, available for hire from Sacred Ride. The lake is also a lovely place to enjoy a picnic should you fancy a bit of downtime.
Best Things to Do in Jindabyne: Experience
Alpine Yoga
For a virtuous start to the day, twist, bend and stretch your body with a yoga class at Alpine Yoga. Try a yin, morning flow or restorative class and lap up the mountain views.
7 Baggs Street, Jindabyne
Shop Jindabyne Village
Apres-She and Design Detail are beautiful boutiques for clothing, homewares and gifts, while you can stock up on snacks and groceries at The Market Jindabyne. The shelves are lined with whole foods, including vegan eats and treats, and a coffee bar on-site serves smoothie bowls and nutritious bites.
Jindabyne Disc Golf
Frisbee golf is growing in popularity, and you can play it yourself at the Jindabyne Disc Golf Centre. Make your way around this 18-hole course for a round of golf that's far from boring, before hitting the slopes in the afternoon.
Foreshore Park, Jindabyne
Things to do in Jindabyne: Stay
Hamilton House
This luxury villa stay boasts mountain views and beautiful interiors, providing a perfectly cosy couple's retreat. Close to Lake Jindabyne and the slopes, you have everything you need at Hamilton House for the ultimate snow weekend.
Book your stay at Hamilton House
8245 The Snowy River Way, Jindabyne
Common Kosci
There is something so special about staying in a timber cabin, even more so when that cabin is nestled in NSW's Snowy Mountains. The cabin sleeps up to six and is located just 10 minutes from town - exceptionally convenient. You can expect all the creature comforts in your cosy escape including a cedar-clad hot tub, an outdoor fire pit, a skylight for alpine star watching and a hammock. Every detail is thoughtfully curated from the Leif bath and body products to the selection of teas.
Book your stay at Common Kosci
Jindabyne (exact location provided upon booking)
Rydges Horizons Snowy Mountains
On the fringe of the lake and looking like it belongs in a Christmas movie, the Rydges Horizon Snowy Mountains is a four-star self-contained property with lovely, luxe touches like an indoor heated pool and a balcony in every room to take in the surrounding beauty.
Book your stay at Rydges Horizon Snowy Mountains
Book your stay with Booking.com
10 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne
Has our edit of the best things to do in Jindabyne got you ready to explore more? You should check out our Thredbo guide or head straight to our Destinations page for even more wanderlust and inspiration.
