Best Dog Friendly Accommodation Jindabyne – Unfortunately, the snowy mountains of the New South Wales Highlands are not the best habitat for dogs. Since most of the ski areas and attractions are located within Kosciuszko National Park, there aren’t many places to visit with dogs.
However, you can still stay outside in Jindabyne or the national park with your pup and enjoy some of the fun this alpine region has to offer. Here are my tips for visiting Jindabyne with your dog…
Best Dog Friendly Accommodation Jindabyne
So, now that dog walking and skiing are not allowed in Kosciuszko National Park, what should dogs in Jindabyne and the Snowy Mountains do?
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The most reliable snow in the Snowy Mountains is at the higher elevations of Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn ski areas, especially when natural snowfall is low and ski area operators must rely on artificial snow. While none of these ski areas allow dogs, they aren’t the only places to see snow on the mountains.
Snow falls at lower altitudes during the cold season, and you can also experience snowfall in the nearby town of Jindabyne – perhaps once or twice a year. While there may not be enough snow to ski or snowboard, sometimes playing in the snow with your pup is enough!
The most popular hiking trails in the Snowy Mountains are in Kosciusko National Park, which includes several trails to Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. However, there are some great walks around Jindabyne.
From Banjo Patterson Park in the center of Jindabyne, it’s an easy 3.5km walk to Discovery Parks – Jindabyne Caravan Park near the Thredbo turnoff (dogs are no longer allowed) .
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The route follows the picturesque shores of Lake Jindabyne and passes Jindabyne’s only Claypits recreation area for dogs. If you complete the entire walk, walk for an hour each way and keep your dog on a leash outside of off-leash areas.
Lake Jindabyne was formed as part of the Snowy Mountains Hydropower Scheme in the 1960s and is now renowned as a trout fishing resort. The lake is one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in New Wales and is home to brook trout, rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon.
Fishing is very popular during the warm summer months. You can fish from the shore, but it’s best to take a boat to the lake. If you don’t have your own boat and fishing gear, you can hire one from several shops in Jindabyne. Of course, your dog can join you, perhaps wearing his own life jacket.
Lake Jindabyne isn’t the only lake in the area that’s good for fishing, Lake Ecubine is also a popular fishing spot.
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There are a number of breweries and even a few wineries surrounding Jindabyne, so there’s no reason not to take your pup with you and try some of the local beers in the snowy mountains.
Jindabyne Brewing is located on the west side of town and is open Wednesday through Sunday. Dogs are allowed and there is a small menu offering everything from plates to schnitzel (including vegetarian options).
The Kosciusko Brewery is located on the lakefront at the Grand Banjo Patterson Inn. Dogs are not allowed at the brewery, which serves its famous Kosciuszko pale ale at many of its taprooms and dogs are allowed at outdoor tables.
Or, head out of town to Snowy Vineyard and Microbrewery, home of Dalgety Brewing Company. It’s a 40-minute drive from Jindabyne, but reviewers agree it’s worth the trip, especially for the ginger cider.
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Dogs are welcome and you can be greeted by Sadie, the resident pup on the farm. It is usually open from Wednesday to Sunday and also has a restaurant. The last section of the road is not closed and is best accessed via Bulgundara Road.
Shut the Gate Wines is located in the heart of Berrydale, just 25 minutes from Jindabyne. Berrydale is a passionate small wine producer in the Clare Valley and Snowy Mountains, with their cellar door located next to The Little Grocer. Make your choice and sit outside in the garden with the dogs, have a glass of wine and a plate of snacks.
Although dogs are not allowed in Kosciuszko National Park, it is OK to drive through the national park with dogs as long as you don’t stop along the way. There’s also no admission fee if you drive through the park without stopping.
From Jindabyne, follow the Alpine Way for 110 kilometers to Hankoban, close to the Victorian border. I find the most beautiful part of the trip is the first half of November, when you drive through Thredbo on the Great Dividing Range when the snow is still high and then shrouded in mist.
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The complete drive to Hankoban takes approximately 2 hours, where you can stop to rest or have lunch. There aren’t many options in Hankoban, so bring a picnic lunch.
After visiting Hankoban, you can return to Jindabyne the same way you came, or take a longer route back via Kiandra. (On our most recent trip, we actually went to Victoria.) I haven’t been to Kiandra recently, which runs through the former town of Cabramurra, but if I remember correctly , it’s more attractive.
From Hankoban, it’s about an 80-minute drive to Kiandra, near the Snowy Mountains Highway interchange. Then drive another 90 minutes back to Jindabyne. Total loop trip time is approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes.
Please note that some of these roads are closed during the winter and others may require snow chains. Best to go in the warm season.
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Jindabyne has two off-leash dog walking areas, perfect for your pup to work off some energy or take a leisurely walk.
The first area is located in the Claypits Recreation Area on the city’s western outskirts, on the same terrain as the disc golf course. There are several signs surrounding the off-leash area, outside of which dogs must be kept on a leash.
There is a second off-leash dog area along Pooh Bay. It is located on the east side of the city and south of the Carbon Crescent. Please see a map of both areas on the council’s website.
While visiting Jindabyne we had lunch at the Park Cafe next to the Snowy Visitor Centre. The cafe has several large outdoor tables and is dog friendly.
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This is a popular place and when busy you may have to wait a bit for an outdoor table. The café serves breakfast and lunch daily and is a great place to enjoy delicious coffee and tea.
The Birchwood Cafe outside the Snowy Visitor Center is another perfect cafe for breakfast. The cafe describes itself as Jindabyne’s “food hub” and serves breakfast, brunch and lunch daily and is fully licensed. There are some dog tables outside.
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There is a variety of dog-friendly accommodation in and around Jindabyne. During the winter, you can book a dog-friendly cabin. Although caravan and dog camping options are also available – warm weather is best!
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For year-round toast, consider Pender Lee. Located in Crackenbeck, close to the national park and a 15-minute drive from Jindabyne, there is a range of cabins, chalets and pet-friendly cabins for you to stay in. There is plenty of room for pets.
While pets must not be left unattended, one of six luxury pet enclosures, each with indoor and outdoor (heated) sections, can be reserved for a daily fee.
Another pet-friendly accommodation near Jindabyne is Touchdown Cottages. Six cabins are located in beautiful forest parkland, each cabin is off the grid and provides privacy. Only one dog is allowed per kennel, as long as it is house trained and socialized (with other dogs and children around).
Another nearby dog-friendly cottage is Tinkersfield. Also located in Crackenbeek, they have a collection of tall country houses that sleep 2 to 11 people. Each room blends rustic charm with modern conveniences. Please request pets when booking. They also have dogs who you have to leave when you leave – find out more.
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There are two caravan parks in Jindabyne. We stayed at the Jindabyne Discovery Park Hotel with our dog but they do not welcome pets.
Please stay at NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park with your dog. closer
