8 places to camp in and around Jindabyne

Pitch a tent among snow gums and wake up to birdsong or fall to sleep to the rush of a river with these awesome Jindabyne camping and caravanning options.

During the summer months, camping in and around Jindabyne places you at the epicentre of outdoor adventure. There’s tranquil Lake Jindabyne for boating or kayaking, and Kosciuszko National Park, where you can set off on bushwalks and mountain bike rides. Come winter, you can hunker down in a cosy cabin or rug up in your van when it’s minus temps outside and be close to Thredbo and Perisher ski resorts without breaking the budget – and close to town for drinking and dining. Here, some of the best places for camping in the Snowy Mountains and Jindabyne.

1. NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park

Best for: families, couples, central location

Make this your base for an affordable snow holiday to Perisher Valley or Thredbo or as a convenient way to explore Kosciuszko National Park. It’s located smack-bang in the middle of town, within walking distance of shops, bars and restaurants, and on the edge of Lake Jindabyne, providing a pretty backdrop – particularly at sunrise and sunset – and easy access for launching your boat or kayaks during the warmer months.

The holiday park has both unpowered and powered campsites, some dog-friendly, as well as a range of cabins and villas, from affordable cabins with no ensuites to modern tiny homes and converted shipping containers – aka Glamtainers. There’s a drying room for snow gear, a camp kitchen with a pizza oven, e-bike hire, a kids’ playground and a communal campfire.

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2. Glamping in the Snowy Mountains

a couple enjoying wine and cheese in the Snowy Mountains — Keep cosy during the winter months in the Snowy Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best for: couples, seclusion, off-grid

Get back to nature with a stay in this off-grid safari-style tent nestled on a 30-hectare property on the Snowy River. It’s only a 10-minute drive from Jindabyne and just 20 minutes from Kosciuszko National Park, but it feels totally secluded.

The luxe tent comprises a plush queen bed, lounge, kitchenette with coffee machine, a gas heater, and a separate shower and toilet. There are dreamy views of the mountains from bed, and two outdoor tubs to melt into after time spent on the mountain. The Snowy River is a few hundred metres from your doorstep; the gentle sound of rushing water lulling you to sleep at night.

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3. Discovery Parks Jindabyne

the cabins at Discovery Parks Jindabyne — Discovery Parks Jindabyne is a convenient base near Kosciuszko National Park.

Best for: families, views, central location

On the edge of town and Lake Jindabyne, Discovery Parks has a range of accommodation from unpowered and powered sites to modern two-bedroom cabins with fireplaces. It’s a convenient base for heading up to ski fields and into Kosciuszko National Park.

It’s a great spot for families with kids, with entertainment such as outdoor lawn games, a tennis court, playground and bouncing pillow. There’s also a sauna, which is a welcome addition post-mountain, as well as barbecues and a kiosk. But the town of Jindabyne is also a short drive away to grab a bite to eat if you don’t feel like cooking.

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4. Thredbo Diggings Campground

fly fishing in the Thredbo River — Go fly fishing for trout in the Thredbo River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best for: families, groups, nature

This Kosciuszko National Park campsite is set on Thredbo River, a 20-minute drive from Jindabyne and a short drive to the ski fields, which during the summer months become hiking and mountain biking playgrounds. Pitch your tent under the snow gums and enjoy the panoramic mountain views. There are 41 campsites suitable for tents, camper trailers and caravans, with picnic tables, toilets and barbecues. Bring drinking water and firewood for the barbecues and fire rings.

The campground is the starting point for Bullocks Track, a five-kilometre return bushwalk that traces the river. It’s also nearby Thredbo Valley Track for family-friendly bike riding, alongside the river, through eucalypt forest and over suspension bridges. Or try your hand at fly fishing in the river, which is home to brown and rainbow trout – a satisfying dinner you can cook at the campsite.

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5. Ngarigo Campground

tents within a tall alpine ash forest at Ngarigo Campground — Spend your days and nights off the grid surrounded by nature at Ngarigo. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best for: families, groups, nature

Also located within Kosciuszko National Park on the Thredbo River, Ngarigo is nestled within tall alpine ash forest. Just as with Thredbo Diggings, you can fish for rainbow and brown trout in the river or set off on a bushwalk in nearby Thredbo Alpine Village, bike riding along Thredbo Valley Track or horse riding through the Snowy Mountains.

There are 30 campsites, with suitability for tents, camper trailers and caravans. The campground features picnic tables, barbecues and toilets. Bring drinking water and firewood for the barbecues and fire rings.

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6. Snowy River Holiday Park

Best for: families, seclusion, history

This holiday park is in the historic village of Dalgety, which is the only settlement left on the banks of the Snowy River after the Snowy Electric Hydro Scheme flooded the original towns of Jindabyne and Adaminaby in the 1950s. It’s a 30-minute drive east of the new town of Jindabyne and a peaceful setting to explore Kosciuszko National Park, whether that be skiing in winter or hiking and wildlife spotting in summer.

The pet-friendly park has self-contained cabins, powered and unpowered sites, dotted on the two-hectare property. There’s a drying room for your snow gear, a communal firepit, kitchen and barbecue facilities.

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7. Kosciuszko Tourist Park

a snowy landscape with horses at Kosciuszko National Park — Be surrounded by snow gums and wilderness at Kosciuszko National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Best for: families, nature, seclusion

Australia’s highest tourist park is located within Kosciuszko National Park, close to the ski fields and a 15-minute drive from Jindabyne. Surrounded by snow gums and lush bushland, it has unpowered and powered sites, simple cabins and two- to three-bedroom chalets that sleep between six and eight. Some of the two-bedroom chalets have been recently upgraded with modern furnishings and amenities.

There is a camp kitchen, a drying room for snow gear, and many of the sites and cabins have firepits. The location of the park means that during winter it can snow here, blanketing the surrounding landscape in white.

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8. Island Bend campground

camping under the stars at Island Bend campground, Jindabyne — Camp under the stars at Island Bend campground. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best for: families, seclusion, nature

This national park campground is located near Perisher, making it a great base for bushwalking, bike riding, fishing and skiing – if you are brave enough to camp in the snow! It is perched on the edge of the Snowy River, where you can canoe or swim when it’s warm. Just up the road, Guthega Power Station is the gateway to historic huts and there is plenty of backcountry hiking.

The campground has 70 sites, suitable for tents and camper trailers, as well as picnic tables, barbecues and toilets. You’ll need to bring drinking water and firewood for the fire rings.

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Discover the best things to do in Jindabyne

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

8 places to camp in and around Jindabyne

Pitch a tent among snow gums and wake up to birdsong or fall to sleep to the rush of a river with these awesome Jindabyne camping and caravanning options.

1. NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park

2. Glamping in the Snowy Mountains

3. Discovery Parks Jindabyne

4. Thredbo Diggings Campground

5. Ngarigo Campground

6. Snowy River Holiday Park

7. Kosciuszko Tourist Park

8. Island Bend campground

17 incredible stays in and around Jindabyne

Why winter is the best time to be on the New South Wales coast

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

Winter on the Central Coast

Winter in Wollongong