posted on July 5, 2024
Located in the Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales, the Jindabyne to Thredbo drive takes you through spectacular scenery and rugged landscapes. You’ll be treated to some of Australia’s best sights with alpine villages, ski resorts, touring routes, and the incredible panoramic views that Kosciuszko National Park affords.
While Thredbo is known for drawing locals and international tourists for the ski season, it’s open 365 days a year and is just as beautiful in the summer as in the winter.
If you’re wondering how to navigate its roads, what transport options are available, and possible alternative routes, we’ve got you covered:
- Drive from Jindabyne to Thredbo
- Bus from Jindabyne to Thredbo
- Private transfer from Jindabyne to Thredbo
- Cycle from Jindabyne to Thredbo
- Once you get there: A quick guide to Thredbo
Driving from Jindabyne to Thredbo
Want to drive from Jindabyne to Thredbo and take in all the scenic sights along the way? It might be short, but the drive features hairpin turns, dramatic views, and steep narrow roads. While a small, compact car can certainly manage this drive as well as a luxury SUV, be sure you’re prepared with snow chains and follow signage carefully if travelling during peak periods like the winter months.
- Total distance: 36 kilometres
- Total driving time: 32 minutes
- Suggested route:
- Head north on Kosciuszko Road towards Banjo Paterson Crescent.
- At the roundabout, take the second exit and stay on Kosciuszko Road.
- Turn left onto Alpine Way
- For 30.8 kilometres, continue on Alpine Way before turning right onto Friday Drive. You’ll then arrive at your destination.
- Best for: The Alpine Way is an incredibly scenic drive, offering plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and detours where you can venture to panoramic lookouts. From couples, solo travellers, to hikers and adrenaline junkies, you’ll be able to choose nearby hikes, lookouts, or scenic detours.
- Best vehicle for the drive: You can expect smooth, well-maintained roads for much of the journey from Jindabyne to Thredbo, making for a comfortable driving experience no matter what vehicle you choose. If you’re visiting during the winter months of June to October, all 2WD vehicles must carry snow chains to be granted entry to Kosciuszko National Park. While not mandatory, 4WD vehicles are also encouraged to carry snow chains. You’ll find 4WDs and cars with extras like snow chains on Turo!
- Driving conditions and driving during winter: You’ll find snow poles lining the road south of Thredbo that are painted orange. In case of white-out conditions, these allow drivers to get their bearings. If you’re unable to see the edge of your car or the next snow pole, we advise stopping your vehicle in a safe location off the road, putting your hazard lights on, and waiting for a break in the weather.
Before the Jindabyne to Thredbo drive: Getting to Jindy from Sydney
For those travelling from Sydney, you might first be wondering how to get to Jindabyne. Hire a car in Sydney on Turo and follow the directions below to ensure a seamless journey from Sydney to Thredbo. [NB Let’s internally link to our upcoming blog on this topic once live!]
- Total distance: 457 kilometres
- Total driving time: ~5 hours
- Suggested route:
- From Sydney, you’ll take the Western Distributor/A4 from Market Street.
- After 287 kilometres, take the M5 and Remembrance Driveway to Monaro Highway/A23 in Symonston.
- Then, continue on Monaro Highway before driving to Kosciuszko Road in Jindabyne.
Alternative itineraries: Turn your drive into a road trip
With its incredible alpine lakes, snow-capped mountains, and scenic routes, the drive to Thredbo is sure to be an unforgettable journey no matter which time of year you choose to go.
Whether you’re looking for spring wildflowers or chasing the latest ski run, the journey to your destination presents incredible views. Want to capture it for yourself? Consider these alternative routes that will allow you to take in the natural beauty of the Snowy Mountains before reaching your destination.
Alpine Way
This route takes in the highest section of the Great Diving Range and stunning landscapes, offering scenic views of the Snowy Mountain region and its surrounding towns.
- Total distance: 572 kilometres
- Total driving time: 6 hours 51 minutes
- Route:
- Sydney to Cooma: 397 kilometres, 4 hours 9 minutes
- Cooma to Jindabyne: 62.2 kilometres, 45 minutes
- Jindabyne to Thredbo: 36 kilometres, 31 minutes
- Bonus stop: Thredbo to Khancoban: 76.6 kilometres, 1 hour 25 minutes
- Top stops: Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre, Cooma Rotary Markets, Birchwood Cafe, Banjo Paterson Inn, Wildbrumby Schnapps’ Distillery & Cafe, Crackenback Valley, Charlotte’s Pass, and Eagles Nest.
Snowy Mountains Highway
No matter what season you make the journey during, the Snowy Mountains Highway route promises rolling mountains, sparkling lakes, and incredible towns specialising in delicious food and local produce.
- Total distance: 715 kilometres
- Total driving time: 8 hours 21 minutes
- Route:
- Sydney to Tumut: 411 kilometres, 4 hours 16 minutes
- Tumut to Tumbarumba: 66.8 kilometres, 53 minutes
- Tumbarumba to Jindabyne: 201 kilometres, 2 hours 41 minutes
- Jindabyne to Thredbo: 36 kilometres, 31 minutes
- Top stops: Yarrangobilly Caves, Snowy Mountains Cookies factory, Parc Cafe, Moonbah Huts, Johansen Wines, and Courabyra Wines.
How to get from Jindabyne to Thredbo: 3 alternatives to driving
When it comes to making a stress free journey from Jindabyne to Thredbo, driving is recommended – however, you’ll also find a range of alternative options to suit your needs. From private transfers to bus trips, here are your top options:
Bus to Thredbo
If you’re looking for public transport options to Thredbo, the bus is your best bet. Operated by Transport NSW, the Snowy Mountains Bus Service runs from 8 June to 6 October (however, dates are subject to change each year). While this is a popular option for most, there are other bus services that run on a consistent schedule year-round.
- Cost: A ticket from Jindabyne to Thredbo starts at $16 for adults, with children costing $8 for a one-way trip.
- Duration: The bus ride takes approximately 50 minutes, with boarding starting at Station Resort.
- Route: Boarding at Jindabyne begins at Station Resort, before stopping at:
- Reedy’s Cutting Road (+5 minutes from Station Resort)
- Gippsland Street (+8 minutes from Station Resort)
- Banjo Paterson Crescent (+11 minutes from Station Resort)
- Snowy Region Visitors Centre (+20 minutes from Station Resort)
- Bullocks Flat Ski Tube (+42 minutes from Station Resort)
- Schedule: The Snowy Mountains Bus Service takes passengers from Jindabyne to Perisher and Thredbo seven days a week. Services can be expected from 5:55 am to 5:45 pm.
- Tickets: With more people requesting bus services during the winter months, we recommend booking your ticket online ahead of time. The Snowy Mountains Bus Service also offers early-bird ticketing options with a significant discount, making it worthwhile to book ahead.
- Best for: Solo travellers and adventurers looking for a budget-friendly option to reach their destination during the winter months.
- Other options: For year-round bus travel from Jindabyne to Thredbo, consider these services:
- Greyhound Australia with daily services
- Oz Snow Adventures offers coach packages to Thredbo
- Ski Kaos with bus trip packages to Thredbo
- Snoexpress, which operates Friday and Sunday
Start your Jindabyne to Thredbo road trip by renting a car on Turo from a local host . Explore a variety of options, from sporty convertibles to spacious SUVs or eco-friendly EVs. Explore car rental in Jindabyne on Turo.
Private transfer to Thredbo
While bus services operate from June to October, you’ll be able to book a private shuttle service or transfer from Jindabyne to Thredbo year-round. These can be booked in advance and typically run multiple times a day to ensure convenience for travellers looking to make the journey.
- Cost: While rates vary depending on the private transfer company and services booked, you can typically expect to pay $240 for a private transfer from Jindabyne to Thredbo one-way with 1-4 passengers. For a transfer from Sydney to Jindabyne, you’re looking at $1,460.
- Services: You’ll find a range of private transfer services with friendly drivers available, each of which offers different costs and varied schedules. Consider the options below:
- Snow Alliance with private charters from Sydney, Canberra, Snowy Mountains Airport, Jindabyne, and Thredbo.
- Snowlink Shuttle
- Snowy Mountains Shuttles
- Snow Connect
If you’re starting this trip from Canberra, consider the wide range of rental vehicles available through local Turo hosts for your drive. Whether you’re looking for a rugged 4WD to tackle the Outback, a spacious SUV for family comfort, or an eco-friendly electric vehicle, Turo offers unique and reliable cars to suit your needs. Explore car rental in Canberra on Turo.
Cycle to Thredbo from Jindabyne (in Summer)
With its stunning alpine scenery, the journey from Jindabyne to Thredbo is primed for cyclists. You’ll experience challenging terrain including steep hills, descents, and hairpin turns, all of which make for an unforgettable experience for road cyclists during the summer months.
- Total distance: 46 kilometres
- Total cycling time: 3 hours 26 minutes
- Elevation gain: 752 metres
- Route:
- After turning right onto Kosciuszko Road, you’ll turn left onto Gaden Road and then right onto Thredbo Valley Track.
- Turn right onto Perisher to Bullocks Flat Walk/Thredbo Valley Track
- Stay on this route before turning right onto Thredbo Valley Track. You’ll then turn right onto Friday Drive.
- Turn right onto Mountain Drive before turning left onto Riverview Terrace.
- Continue onto Thredbo Walking Track before turning left to stay on Thredbo Walking Track.
- Turn right at Merritts Nature Track before turning left and arriving at Thredbo
Tip from the author: Want to experience the incredible mountain biking trails of the Snowy Mountains? Covering a distance of five to 37 kilometres, the Thredbo Valley track is one of the most iconic rides, with short technical sections making for a great adventure. Park fees apply, so be sure to book online.
A quick guide to Thredbo
Along with being home to Australia’s highest peaks in Kosciuszko National Park, the Snowy Mountains are a must-see destination for their diverse landscapes and incredible Australian Alps. On the drive from Jindabyne to Thredbo, you can expect to journey through undulating valleys and plains while taking in breathtaking views of glacial lakes, limestone caves, and woodlands.
Of course, the region is also renowned for its historic towns rich in cultural heritage. With plenty of space to roam, you’ll see plenty of kangaroos and wild brumbies amongst other native wildlife. And, during winter, you’ll be able to take in views of snow-capped peaks in this region of Australia’s high country. Known for its skiing and snowboarding opportunities, snow-sport enthusiasts can enjoy ski runs for all levels and abilities, as well as renowned restaurants, bars, and shops that are known for their atmosphere.
Before you hit the road or consider transport options to Thredbo, consider these tips and guidelines to ensure you’re prepared.
- Best time to visit Thredbo: Thredbo is open year-round and has several activities that suit each season. While winter is the most popular time to visit and brings large crowds to the region due to the snowfall and opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, summer is great for those looking to take up hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
- Accommodation: Once in Thredbo, you’ll find a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. The main types are hotels and lodges, with Thredbo Alpine Hotel being located in the heart of the village. The Denman Hotel and Candlelight Lodge are also top options for those staying overnight. For more budget-friendly options, consider Kasees Lodge and Aneeki Ski Lodge, while those wanting a luxury stay can venture to Pure Chalet and the Eastern Thredbo Village.
- Accessibility: With Thredbo situated within Kosciuszko National Park, all vehicles need to pay a fee to enter the park. We recommend purchasing your pass ahead of departure at the NPNSW website, particularly if you want an annual pass that allows for entry to all national parks in NSW for the year as this can’t be purchased at the park entry gates. Single entry will see you pay $22.
Top activities and things to do in Thredbo and its surroundings
Travelling with kids, alone, or with a partner? We’ve rounded up the top stops suited to your preferences to ensure you make the most out of your time in Thredbo.
Top stops for families
- Thredbo Valley Horse Riding: No matter the season, there’s plenty to do in Thredbo as you take in the lush surroundings. One of the best ways to explore the diverse landscape is on horseback, and Thredbo Valley offers horse riding for people of all ages and abilities.
- Perisher’s Skitube: Just a short drive from Thredbo, you’ll find another ski resort by the name of Perisher. With exceptional facilities for families and kids, the alpine railway known as the Skitube is a particularly popular experience for kids and proves to be great fun!
- Lake Jindabyne: At Lake Jindabyne, you can try your hand at a range of activities that include fishing, kayaking, cycling, and fishing. There’s also a playground, making it a great spot for a picnic with the kids.
- Yarrangobilly Caves: Take in the impressive limestone caves with a guided tour as you venture through scenic walking tracks and take a dip in the incredible thermal pool.
Top stops for couples
- Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery: Located between Jindabyne and Thredbo, be sure to visit this distillery for a tour where you can sample a range of award-winning schnapps boasting interesting flavours like pear, apple, and butterscotch.
- Lake Crackenback Resort: You’ll be able to enjoy mountain biking, scenic hikes such as the Bullocks Hut Walk, wellness activities like a massage and facial at the wellness centre, or indoor swimming.
- Tumbarumba Vineyards: Located in the Snowy Mountains, Tumbarumba is known for its cool-climate wines. Visit incredible wineries including the family-owned Courabyra Wines for a cellar-door tasting and delightful meals.
- Khancoban: With plenty of local events and markets throughout the year, Khancoban is a great spot for those looking to soak up the vibrant community atmosphere. There’s also the Khancoban Country Club for those wanting to play golf and plenty of scenic drives.
Top stops for solo travellers
- Scammells Lookout: Situated on the Alpine Way, you’ll pass Scammells Lookout before arriving at Thredbo. Be sure to stop and visit this incredible lookout spot which offers sweeping views of the Snowy Mountains and Mount Kosciuszko.
- Kosciuszko National Park: You don’t just have to ski to enjoy the beauty of Kosciuszko National Park. You’ll find incredible mountain biking tracks including Thredbo Valley Track and Thredbo Mountain Bike Park. There’s also the iconic Blue Lake Walk, and Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk for those who want an incredible hike.
- Hiking in Guthega: Located in Kosciuszko National Park, Guthega is the perfect base for those who want to explore more hikes in the area. Choose from easy to moderate options spanning five kilometres to 18 kilometres, such as Mount Twynam and Guthega to Charlotte Pass.
Final tips for your Jindabyne to Thredbo journey
For snow sports enthusiasts, adventurers, nature lovers, and those simply wanting to experience the atmosphere of Australia’s iconic Alpine region, the journey from Jindabyne to Thredbo promises unbeatable scenery and diverse landscapes. No matter your travel preferences, you’ll find a range of options that include private transfer and bus services to get you to your destination seamlessly.
But with plenty of detours to be made along the way and sights to see, it’s worth taking the time to explore at your own pace. With Turo, you’ll find unique cars you can’t find anywhere else, ready to be delivered to you from a local Turo host. Find your drive on Turo today.
Jess Campbell
Jess is Sydney-based and loves the outdoors. While she likes to think she has what it takes to compete on ‘ALONE’, her survival skills need some work. Born in Singapore and raised in South Africa, she’s hiked across Ireland, surfed in Hawaii, spent six months in Kenya and covered much of Africa. Having spent a year in the north of Spain, she’s resolved to come back to tackle the Camino de Santiago. Until then, you can find her providing the best snacks and playlists on Aussie road trips.
