Planning to drive from Jindabyne to Perisher this winter? Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re a seasoned snow chaser, knowing how to get to Perisher and where to park can make or break your day on the slopes.
With Perisher’s carparks filling up fast—especially on weekends—getting the timing and prep right is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about Perisher parking, driving from Jindabyne, and what to expect on the road.
🕓 How Early Should You Leave Jindabyne?
The simple answer? Before sunrise.
Perisher’s carparks, especially at Perisher Valley, fill up quickly on weekends and peak school holiday dates. Once full, the road from Jindabyne to Perisher (Kosciuszko Road) may close to private vehicles at Sawpit Creek, and you’ll be turned around or forced to take the Skitube.
Recommended Departure Times:
- Weekends: Leave Jindabyne by 7:00am
- Weekdays: 6:30–7:00 AM is usually safe
- School Holidays: Treat weekdays like weekends!
🚧 Pro tip: If you arrive after 7:30 AM on a busy weekend, expect limited parking or potential road closures.
🅿️ Where Can You Park at Perisher?
There are a few parking options depending on where you’re skiing or snowboarding:
1. Perisher Valley Carpark
- Closest to the base of the main lifts
- FREE all-day parking (included in your park entry)
- Fills first — especially by 7:30 AM on busy days
2. Smiggin Holes Carpark
- Smaller, but a good option for beginners or those in lessons
- Also fills early, but slightly later than Perisher Valley
3. Guthega Carpark
- scenic but longer drive- especially in the snow.
- Limited spots, best for advanced skiers
💡 Keep in mind: All carparks require you to pay the Kosciuszko National Park entry fee ($29/day per vehicle or use your annual pass).
❄️ Do You Need Snow Chains?
If you’re not driving a 4WD or AWD vehicle, yes—you must carry snow chains when heading up to Perisher during the snow season (June to October). It’s the law in NSW National Parks.
Chain Info:
- 2WDs: Chains must be carried and may need to be fitted in snowy conditions.
- 4WD/AWDs: Exempt from chain requirements, but still drive with caution.
- Chains can be hired at:
⛓️ Hot Tip: Practice fitting chains before you hit the road—your fingers will thank you when it’s minus two degrees. – BUT DO NOT PUT THEM ON TO DRIVE UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO.
🧭 How Long Does It Take to Drive from Jindabyne to Perisher?
On a good day:
- Jindabyne to Perisher = approx. 35–45 minutes
- Add extra time for:
- Road conditions (snow, ice, or fog)
- Chain fitting stops
- Traffic congestion on busy days
The earlier you leave, the smoother your ride. Latecomers often get stuck in long queues or redirected to Skitube.
🚆 What Happens If the Road Closes?
If Kosciuszko Road is closed to private vehicles due to capacity or conditions, don’t panic. You have two main options:
1. Take the Skitube from Bullocks Flat
- Located before the National Park entry
- Ample parking
- Fast access to Perisher via train (20 minutes)
2. Snowy Mountains Bus Services
- Several operators run shuttles between Jindabyne and Perisher
- Great if you don’t want to deal with parking at all
- Look for Snowy Mountains Shuttles, Snow Connect, and Snowlink
📋 What to Pack for the Drive
Make your early-morning start smoother with this quick checklist:
- ✅ Full tank of fuel (no fuel at Perisher)
- ✅ National Park entry pass
- ✅ Snow chains (if driving 2WD)
- ✅ Snacks and water
- ✅ Proper winter clothing (including gloves for chain fitting)
- ✅ Windshield scraper or brush
- ✅ Tunes for the ride 🎵
📩 Final Tips: Avoid the Parking Panic
Perisher is one of Australia’s best alpine playgrounds—but only if you can get there in time! Don’t let a full carpark or closed road ruin your powder day.
Here’s the quick recap:
- ⏰ Leave Jindabyne before 7:00 AM on weekends
- ⛓️ Carry snow chains if your vehicle is not 4WD
- 🚫 If roads are closed, head to Skitube or jump on a shuttle
- 📲 Subscribe to weather and road condition alerts
🏔️ Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Snow Trip
Want to stay ahead of the weekend chaos?
👉Download PERISHER’s app for road status updates, snowfall reports, and alerts.
👉 Or book your accommodation now—the closer you are to the mountain, the more sleep you get!
The Snowy Social 
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