Getting to Jindabyne, Thredbo & Perisher

First step - Getting to Jindabyne By Car

If you are coming from Sydney the M5 has made the journey so much easier, as it quickly gets you out of Sydney and leaves you onto the main road to the Snowy Mountains the Hume highway. After Goulburn follow the signs to Canberra and veer off onto the Federal Highway.

Just before you get to Canberra you turn left onto Majura Rd which takes you past Canberra’s airport and through Fyshwick. Follow this road until you end up on Monaro Highway.

The rest of the trip to Jindabyne is pretty simple just follow the Monaro Highway all the way to Jindabyne.

Hire Cars - Tip
If you plan to hire a car be aware most car hire companies consider Jindabyne the start of snow line and in most cases you void your insurance going beyond this point.

Snow Chains
From Jindabyne you are required to carry snow chains. By law 4wd do not need to carry chains but if you are inexperienced in driving in the snow and/or have poor traction on your tyres it pays to get snow chains. I have driven in bad conditions in the snow and even with a 4wd you slip and slide all over the place and anyone can hit black ice and be sent into non stop spin.

So if you think I’ll just take a chance and not get snow chains remember conditions in the Snowy Mountains can change quickly from fine conditions to a blizzard in no time. It snows on average every month, even in summer so you can never be sure it won’t snow during your holiday.

Getting to Thredbo
Just outside of Jindabyne turn left onto the Alpine way and follow this road all the way to Thredbo. When you reach the first Thredbo sign turn right and head down to the front of the village and to the overnight car park. In most cases you can pull up closer to your lodge and drop off your gear but unless you find a legitimate park be aware the park rangers get up very early and fine all infringements. Not the best start to your hliday!

Getting to Perisher
Except for a handful of lodges parking in Perisher overnight is strictly forbidden and fines do apply.

By far the easiest option to get to Perisher is to catch the Skitube which is located on the alpine way (on the way to Thredbo). The Ski Tube runs every day but if you arrive at night you need to be aware that on;
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday nights,
Trains operate on an hourly basis on request between Bullocks Flat and Perisher Valley from 8pm to 1am the following morning. Train requests may be made in person at Bullocks Flat or by courtesy phone from Perisher Valley Service Terminal. Please note there are no train services between 2am and 5am on these mornings for reason of safety inspections.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights,
trains operate on an hourly basis on request between Bullocks Flat and Perisher Valley from 8pm to 6am the following morning. Train requests should be made as per the above procedure.

Note Arriving between 8.20am and 10.20am and departing between 3.32pm and 5.12pm no luggage is allowed so you must void arriving and departing around these times.

Over Snow:
Most lodges in Perisher are remotely located around the resort and so if there is snow in the village getting your luggage to your accommodation may require you to use Hans Over snow transport, which runs 24 hours out of the Perisher Ski Tube Terminal. Over snow is charged based on distance from Perisher Ski Tube to the accommodation and incurs much higher cost after midnight. It is essential if arriving very late to book over snow in advance.

Note some properties in Perisher provide their own over snow pickup service.

We hope these tips helps to ensure you get to Perisher, Thredbo & Jindabyne easily and safely.

About the Author:
If travelling is your passion and adventure your love, www.OnSnow.com.au is the best place to find both. Matthew Brown is a travel consultant and has wide experience in vacationing and guiding people about the best travel spots in Australia. If you want to make the most of your vacation, visit www.OnSnow.com.au.