Jindabyne () is a town in south-east New South Wales, Australia that overlooks Lake Jindabyne near the Snowy Mountains, in Snowy River Shire. It is a popular holiday destination, especially in winter, due to its proximity to several ski resorts throughout the Kosciuszko National Park, including Thredbo and Perisher Blue. Both resorts are approximately 30 minutes drive into the park, although require the payment of park entry fees ($27 per vehicle per day[1]) and the compulsory carrying of snow chains in winter. However, Jindabyne also attracts tourists in summer with Lake Jindabyne popular for activities such as fishing, water skiing and wakeboarding. At the 2006 census, Jindabyne had a population of 1,903 people.[2] The town's name is derived from an aboriginal word meaning 'valley'.[3]
It is one of the highest settlements of its size in Australia, at 918 metres above sea level.[4] Light snowfalls sometimes occur during winter. In mid-July in 2004 and 2005, snow fell up to half a metre following freak snowfalls over a large area of New South Wales. Originally situated on land that is now part of Lake Jindabyne, the township was transferred to its present location in the 1960s due to the damming of the Snowy River as part of the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The town is heavily tourist-oriented with a large range of snow-sport rental outlets and accommodation facilities - prices can be heavily increased during the peak winter season, although generally remain lower than outlets within the national park and ski resorts.
Jindabyne has been the setting (and shooting location) for two recent feature films, the multi AFI-winning Somersault in 2004 and Jindabyne in 2006.
Jindabyne is connected to the surrounding area by Kosciuszko Road, the Alpine Way and the Barry Way.
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Jindabyne Central School (public) and Snowy Mountains Grammar School (private) serve as the towns educational facilities, with both schools taking in students from years kindergarten through to year 12.
Radio stations in Jindabyne include: