Locals in this NSW town live the perfect balance between mountains and the beach

By
Karen Hardy
January 27, 2025
There’s more to the vibrant town of Jindabyne than offering easy access to the ski slopes. Photo: Destination NSW

The vibrant town of Jindabyne is the gateway to Australia’s alpine playground, offering easy access to the slopes of Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte’s Pass.

But there’s so much more to “Jindy” than the winter months, with mountain biking, hiking, fishing, water sports and horse riding favoured during the warmer weather.

The view over Jindabyne and its lake on a cool summer's day. Photo: Getty

Jennie Mooney and her family have been in the area since 2013, initially as live-in managers of The Man from Snowy River Hotel in Perisher.

Her children attended Snowy Mountains Grammar School, and in 2020, the family moved into town.

“The town’s grown significantly since we first came down here,” she says. “Particularly after the pandemic, as people chose to make a tree change into the clean mountain environment.”

Hiking in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains attracts locals and holidaymakers. Photo: Destination NSW

The family has just opened Cocina, a Mexican restaurant in the heart of town, offering an authentic menu and a drinks list centred on tequila.

“There are some good restaurants and bars in Jindabyne,” she says.

“Wildbrumby Distillery with its famous schnapps, gin and Kosciuszko Vodka is a great spot and Jindabyne Brewery is a favourite meeting place for a few drinks after work.”

And while Jindabyne is only 30 minutes from the ski fields, “people forget it is just a short two-hour drive down to Pambula for a dip in the ocean,” says Mooney.

The Wildbrumby Distillery & Cafe is a unique, boutique schnapps distillery located on the Alpine Way in the picturesque Thredbo Valley. Photo: Destination NSW

“Lots of our friends have houses at the coast and live the perfect balance between mountain time and beach time.”

In 2014, the median house price in Jindabyne was $360,000, a decade later it’s $1.27 million.

But agent Dani Kell from Belle Property says the market is a “bit soft” at the moment, with plenty of opportunities for both home owners and investors.

“Whether you’re local, a tree-changer or a lifestyle investor, it’s a good time to have a look at Jindabyne,” she says.

Mooney says it’s hard not to be seduced by the mountains.

“That’s why we’re here. Mountain air is good for the soul.”

The popular Thredo Valley Track is a walk and bike track that runs from Thredbo to Jindabyne through Lake Crackenback, NSW. Photo: Getty

My local

With Dani Kell, Belle Property Snowy Mountains

Coffee fix

Birchwood Cafe on Gippsland Street is a charming spot that offers a welcoming atmosphere with a focus on great coffee – from Single 0 – and wholesome, flavourful food.

Birchwood Cafe is a popular spot. Photo: Birchwood Jindabyne.

Best eats

Cocina is a new restaurant offering Mexican cuisine with a super sharing-style food menu and delicious cocktails with a focus on tequila and mezcal. There’s a real atmosphere and vibe.

Cocina Mexican Restaurant opened recently in Jindabyne. Photo: Supplied

Favourite street

When the cherry blossom trees bloom on Munyang Street, there’s no prettier street in Jindabyne.

 

Homes for sale in Jindabyne

NEW Guide $2,350,000
274 McGuffickes Road, Jindabyne NSW 2627
6
3
6
View property

This family home is situated on 40.5 hectares with mountain views. Boasting five bedrooms and open-plan living areas with a feature fireplace and dream kitchen.

The wraparound verandah is home to a built-in hot tub, perfect after a day on the slopes. There’s also a fully self-contained tiny home, perhaps for guests or an extra income during the season.

$1,200,000
5/10 Nettin Circuit, Jindabyne NSW 2627
4
2
4
View property

This four-bedroom townhouse is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts thanks to internal access to a double garage that offers ample space for bike, ski, and board storage.

It comes fully furnished with a tenancy until October, generating a solid income of $870 per week. “This townhouse is an excellent investment opportunity or a future family haven,” says the agent.

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