Jindabyne, located in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, fishing, and camping. However, getting there can be a bit of a challenge for those coming from Melbourne or Sydney. In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to navigate your way to Jindabyne from either city, including transportation options, estimated travel times, and tips for making the journey as smooth as possible. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer holiday, this guide will help you get to Jindabyne with ease.

Melbourne to Jindabyne

Driving to Jindabyne from Melbourne

The most direct route to Jindabyne from Melbourne is via the Hume Highway. The drive takes around 8-9 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. It’s a scenic route through the Victorian High country and the Snowy Mountains. A great place to stop on the way is Bairnsdale or Tantangarra, depending. on the route.

• Pros: You have the flexibility to make stops along the way, and you can bring your own gear.
• Cons: The drive is long (about 8 hours) and can be tiring. Also, finding parking in Jindabyne can be challenging during peak seasons.
• Estimated travel time: 8 hours
• Cost: Depends on the cost of fuel, tolls, and parking

Flying to Jindabyne from Melbourne

The nearest airport to Jindabyne is in Canberra, which is approximately 150km away. You can fly from Melbourne to Canberra and then catch a connecting bus or hire a car to drive to Jindabyne.

In conclusion, there are multiple ways to get to Jindabyne from Melbourne, including by car, bus, train, and plane. The most direct route is by car, but bus and train services also offer a convenient option for those without their own transportation. Flying to Canberra and then taking a bus or car is also an option. There are mini-bus services that also operate during winter that can pick you up from the airport and drop you at your accommodation. Note that, depending on the time of year, snow chains may be required for driving in the mountain areas near Jindabyne, so plan accordingly.

• Pros: The quickest way to get to Jindabyne, you can fly into the closest airport, Canberra Airport, and then take a shuttle bus or hire a car to Jindabyne
• Cons: You will have to pay for a flight, it may be expensive, and you will have to check in your gear.
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours to fly to Canberra + 2 hours to Jindabyne
• Cost: Depends on flight costs and additional transportation costs

Catching the Bus to Jindabyne from Melbourne

There are several bus companies that operate daily services from Melbourne to Jindabyne. This is a convenient option for those without their own transportation. The journey takes around 12 hours.

• Pros: It is cheaper than flying and more comfortable than driving
• Cons: The bus ride can be long, and it may not be as flexible as driving or flying.
• Estimated travel time: 12 hours
• Cost: Varies depending on the bus company and the time of booking

Sydney to Jindabyne

Similar to getting to Jindabyne from Melbourne, there are several transportation options available for getting to Jindabyne from Sydney. These include:

Driving to Jindabyne from Sydney

The most direct route to Jindabyne from Sydney is via the Hume Highway. The drive takes around 6 hours and is a scenic route through the Southern Highlands. Alternatively, you can take the King’s Highway, which is a shorter but slower route. A great place to stop on the way is Canberra as it’s just about halfway between Sydney and Jindabyne.

• Pros: You have the flexibility to make stops along the way, and you can bring your own gear.
• Cons: The drive is long (about 5 hours) and can be tiring. Also, finding parking in Jindabyne can be challenging during peak seasons.
• Estimated travel time: 5 hours
• Cost: Depends on the cost of fuel, tolls, and parking

Flying to Jindabyne from Sydney

The nearest airport to Jindabyne is in Canberra, which is approximately 150km away. You can fly from Sydney to Canberra and then catch a connecting bus or hire a car to drive to Jindabyne.

The most direct route to Jindabyne from Sydney is by car, but bus services offer a convenient option for those without their own transportation. Flying to Canberra and then taking a bus or car is also an option.

• Pros: The quickest way to get to Jindabyne, you can fly into the closest airport, Canberra Airport, and then take a shuttle bus or hire a car to Jindabyne
• Cons: You will have to pay for a flight, it may be expensive, and you will have to check in your gear.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour to fly to Canberra + 2 hours to Jindabyne
• Cost: Depends on flight costs and additional transportation costs

Catching the Bus to Jindabyne from Sydney

There are several bus companies that operate daily services from Sydney to Jindabyne. This is a convenient option for those without their own transportation, and the journey takes around 7 hours. Greyhound and Murrays are good options to look at if choosing to take the bus.

• Pros: It is cheaper than flying and more comfortable than driving
• Cons: The bus ride can be long, and it may not be as flexible as driving or flying.
• Estimated travel time: 8 hours
• Cost: Varies depending on the bus company and the time of booking.

All of these options have their own pros and cons and the best option for you depends on your budget, time frame and comfort level. Some options will be better for families and groups and others will be better for solo travellers. Whatever option you choose, it’s always recommended to plan ahead, book in advance, and enjoy your winter trip!

Pro Tip: If you are travelling to Jindabyne for a holiday and want to stock up on food at the supermarket, it’s best to do your big shop in Canberra or Cooma. Jindabyne has 2 small supermarkets and the range is limited, so to avoid disappointment, bring your favourite food and drink items from home or from a larger city.