Scenic Drives from Jindabyne

Distance – 80klms round trip [summer only]

Driving Time – 1.5 hours

Highlights – After leaving Jindabyne you climb the mountains past Sponars Chalet. Built as the staff quarters for the Old Kosciuszko Hotel [now the parking lot for the Chalet], which burnt down in April 1951.

After leaving or going past Sponars look to your left just past the bridge and you may see a cross of wildflowers which blooms in spring. These were planted by an owner of a dog that perished in the fire and still bloom every year.

Stop at Charlotte Pass village at taking a stroll through the Kosciuszko Chalet [if open]. Built the same time as the Hotel by the NSW Travel Office. Drive to the turning circle and view the main range from the boardwalk lookout. Make sure you walk right to the end to view the Snowy River to Guthega!

Return to Jindabyne with a stop at the Eyre Kiosk for coffee!

Kosciuszko National Park spoils you with snow sports, walks and mountain biking in the Snowy Mountains. Go camping, explore caves, climb Australia’s highest mountain, or stay in heritage accommodation.

Park entry fees:

Winter peak (Alpine Way, Kosciuszko Rd and Link Road) From the start of June long weekend to end of October long weekend: $29 per vehicle per day (24hrs); motorcycles $12; bus passengers $11.45 per adult, $3.60 per child per day (24hrs).

Rest of the year (Alpine Way and Kosciuszko Road only) $17 per vehicle per day (24hrs); motorcycles $7; bus passengers $6.60 per adult, $2.20 per child per day (24hrs).

Distance – 20klms round trip [all year]

Driving Time – 10 minutes

Highlights – Take a picnic BBQ lunch to enjoy on the banks of the Thredbo River with BBQ’s provided

Get up close to a trout with a tour the Trout Hatchery

Ride bikes on the lower part of the Thredbo Valley Track and in the picnic area

Watch for live trout or salmon in the river

Float down the Thredbo River [summer only]

Distance – 85klms round trip [all year]

Driving Time – 1.5 hours

Highlights – Cross the Snowy River at Dalgety & stop for a swim

Have a drink or lunch in the Dalgety Pub

Take a quick tour of the Dalgety backstreets including the Old Courthouse on the hill

Drive through the open plains & sheep country of the Monaro to Berridale

Visit the shops & galleries at Berridale before returning to Jindabyne

Distance – 350klms round trip [year round]

Time – Full day [leave early] lunch at Merimbula or stay overnight in Merimbula

Highlights – Drive through the open plains of the Monaro to the rainforests of Brown Mountain. Then the lush Bega Valley opens below you before reaching the seaside town of Merimbula.

Whale watching in late September – October

The open unspoilt beaches of the Far South Coast

Enjoy fresh Pamula & Merimbula oysters & seafood at the seaside restaurants

Stroll the shoreline around Merimbula River or take a cruise

Have a round of golf at the many courses around Merimbula

Distance – 240klms round trip [ best in summer only]

Time – Full day [leave early] lunch at Adamindabyn Bakery or BYO Picnic for the caves

Highlights – The BIG Trout @ Adaminaby

Kiandra Gold town,

The caves & thermal pools

This full-day trip will take you from Jindabyne through the township of Adaminaby & onto the abandoned gold town of Kiandra where up to 30,00 miners once lived. Once at the caves you can enjoy a self-guided or guided cave tour or a swim in the Thermal pool. Return to Jindabyne along the same route.

Distance – 140klms round trip [summer only drive]

Time – 1/2 or all day [take a picnic lunch]

Highlights – The ghost town of Island Bend with its disused driveways and lawns

Guthega Power Station

The ski town of Guthega

Return to Kosciuszko Road via the Smiggins Link Road [dirt]

Travel onto Charlottes Pass via the Kosciuszko Road to view the main range and Mount Kosciuszko before returning to Jindabyne

Distance – 280klms round trip [summer only]

Time – all-day

Highlights – Dead Horse Gap – Wild brumby horses

Swampy plains campground & Geehi mountain hut

Scammels Spur Lookout

Murray One Power Station

Khancoban village for lunch

Return on the same route