Jindabyne to Perisher drive: Distance and driving time

The Jindabyne to Perisher drive is 34km long, with a driving time of around 29 minutes. Attractions along the Kosciuszko Road include the Gaden Trout Hatchery, Sawpit Creek waterfall and Rainbow Lake walking track.

One of the benefits of staying in Snowy Mountains ski hub town Jindabyne is that you can easily head to one resort one day, another the next.

The drive from Jindabyne to Thredbo, arguably the most famous ski resort in Australia, takes about half an hour. But you’re not that far away from Perisher either.

Jindabyne to Perisher distance and driving time

The Jindabyne to Perisher drive is 34km long, with a driving time of around 29 minutes. It’s all along Kosciuszko Road, which comes to a dead end shortly after passing the Perisher ski resort.

You can, however, make a thoroughly enjoyable day of this short drive. There are several road trip attractions on the way from Jindabyne to Perisher that make it enjoyable even if you’ve no intention of going skiing.

Jindabyne to Perisher drive: Lake Jindabyne and Thredbo River Picnic Area

The first section of the journey skirts the south-eastern edge of Lake Jindabyne. The Gaden Trout Hatchery, where you can learn about the trout breeding and fishing industry, is a short diversion away.

The Jindabyne to Perisher drive then reaches the Thredbo River Picnic Area, a delightful spot on the edge of the Kosciuszko National Park.

Kosciuszko National Park walks near Perisher

You’re soon inside the national park, and there are a couple of good walking tracks near the entry station. The Waterfall walking track is an enjoyable 6km loop and takes in the Sawpit Creek waterfall. Meanwhile, the shorter Sawpit walking track is a 2km circuit and acts as more of an Alpine scenery taster.

Later on, the Rennix walking track and Rainbow Lake walking track are also worth considering. Just before reaching Perisher, you’ll pass the Smiggin Holes Ski Resort, Perisher’s smaller cousin.

There are several accommodation options in Perisher, should you prefer to avoid the drive from Jindabyne. But there are more eating and drinking options in Jindabyne.