How to get to Jindabyne

Jindabyne is a picturesque gateway to the Snowy Mountains and Kosciuszko National Park, located in the state of New South Wales. This cozy lakeside town attracts travelers year-round: skiing enthusiasts in winter, and fishing and hiking fans in summer. You can get to Jindabyne by car along beautiful mountain roads, by scheduled bus, or by combining a flight with a ground transfer.

Since the town of Jindabyne itself does not have an airport, travelers must choose one of the nearest aviation hubs. The most convenient option for most tourists is flying into the capital, Canberra (CBR), where the airport receives many scheduled flights and is about a two-hour drive from the resort.

For those wishing to be closer to the mountains, regional airports are suitable: Cooma (OOM), located just 50 km away, or coastal Merimbula (MIM). From all these points, you can comfortably continue your journey via rental car or transfer, as the airports are well-connected to the tourist zone.

Railway tracks do not run directly to the town of Jindabyne, so a train journey will require a transfer to a bus. The optimal route for railway enthusiasts lies through Canberra, where NSW TrainLink trains arrive daily from Sydney.

Regular bus services depart directly to the Snowy Mountains from the railway station in Canberra (Kingston Station). This allows you to combine the comfort of a train with a scenic bus ride, avoiding the need to drive yourself.

Bus service is a popular way to get to Jindabyne, especially during the height of the winter season. Regular services depart from the city of Canberra: buses cover the distance of about 180 km in approximately 2.5–3 hours, offering passengers comfortable seats and mountain views.

The fastest route connects the resort with the town of Cooma — a trip of about 60 km will take just around an hour. There are also services from the coast, for example, from the town of Merimbula, which is convenient for those travelling along the ocean.

Travelling by car offers complete freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy the Snowy Mountains landscapes at your own pace. The quickest drive is from the town of Cooma: the 62 km journey on a quality road will take less than an hour (about 0.8 hrs).

The road from the capital, Canberra, spanning 179 km, will require slightly over two hours (2.1 hrs). If you are driving from the ocean side, the scenic route from the town of Merimbula (173 km) will take approximately 2.2 hours, revealing breathtaking views of the changing landscapes.

A trip to Jindabyne is an immersion into the world of the Australian mountains, where nature dictates its own rules. To ensure your holiday is as comfortable and safe as possible, we have prepared a list of practical tips.

1. Clothing appropriate for the season. The weather in the mountains is changeable. In winter, warm, waterproof clothing and thermal underwear are essential, while in summer, do not forget to take a windbreaker for cool evenings.
2. Transport. Public transport within the region runs infrequently. For freedom of movement between the lake and the ski bases, it is highly recommended to rent a car.
3. Winter driving. During the winter season (June–October), snow chains are mandatory for 2WD vehicles on roads within the national park. They can be rented at petrol stations along the way.
4. Caution, wildlife! Be extremely attentive on the roads at dawn and dusk: kangaroos and wombats are active at these times, and the risk of collision is very high.
5. Sun protection. UV levels in the mountains are extremely high. Always use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, even if it is cloudy outside.
6. Park fees. To enter Kosciuszko National Park, you are required to purchase a pass (Park Pass), which can be bought online or at the visitor centre.
7. Connectivity. Mobile network coverage is good within the town itself, but the signal may drop on remote mountain roads. We recommend downloading offline maps in advance.
8. Finances. The official currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but a small amount of cash may be useful for small kiosks.

Following these simple recommendations will help you avoid unnecessary hassles and focus on the beauty of the Snowy Mountains and active recreation.