Best Dog Friendly Accommodation Jindabyne

Best Dog Friendly Accommodation Jindabyne – Unfortunately, the Snowy Mountains of the NSW high country are not the most dog-friendly destinations. With most of the ski fields and attractions in Kosciuszko National Park, there aren’t many places for dogs to go.

However, it is still possible to stay in Jindabyne or outside the national park with your pup, and enjoy the surrounding delights of this alpine region. Here are my tips for visiting Jindabyne with a dog…

Table of Contents

So, given that dogs don’t enjoy the walks and ski slopes of Kosciuszko National Park, what are dog-friendly things to do in Jindabyne and the Snowy Mountains?

Best Cabin Rentals In Jindabyne, Nsw, Au 2024

The most reliable snow in the Snowy Mountains is found at higher altitudes at Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Ski Fields, especially in years when less natural snow falls and ski field operators must rely on man-made snow. While none of these ski resorts allow dogs, they aren’t the only places in the Snowy Mountains that experience snow.

During the colder seasons when snow falls at lower elevations, you can also experience snow in the nearby town of Jindabyne, perhaps once or twice a year. Even if there isn’t enough snow for skiing or snowboarding, sometimes there is enough snow to have a fun time playing in the snow with your pup!

The most popular snowy mountain walks are in Kosciuszko National Park, especially the many walks to Mt Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak. However, there are also good walks around Jindabyne.

It’s an easy walk along a paved pedestrian and cycle path that starts at Banjo Patterson Park in central Jindabyne and runs 3.5 kilometers to Discovery Parks – Jindabyne Caravan Park (no dogs allowed) near the Thredbo exit.

Overnight Hiking With My Dog On The Hume & Hovell Track

A beautiful walk along the shores of Lake Jindabyne, the route also passes through Jindabyne’s only dog exercise area, the Claypits Recreation Area. Allow about an hour to walk each way if you complete the entire walk, and keep the dog on a leash outside in an off-leash area.

Lake Jindabyne was developed in the 1960s as part of the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme and is now known as a trout fishing destination. One of the largest freshwater reservoirs in all of NSW, the lake has populations of brown trout and rainbow trout, as well as Atlantic salmon.

Fishing is especially popular during the warm summer months. It is possible to fish from the shore, but it is better to go out to the lake by boat. If you don’t have your own boat and equipment, boats and fishing equipment can be rented from many shops around Jindabyne. And of course, your dog is welcome to come with you, probably wearing his life jacket.

Lake Jindabyne is not the only lake in the area with good fishing, as Lake Eucumbene is also a popular fishing destination.

Dog Friendly Winter Escapes

With many breweries and even wineries located around Jindabyne, there’s no reason not to try some local beers while you’re in the Snowy Mountains, with your pup by your side.

Jindabyne Brewing is located on the western edge of town, open Wednesday to Sunday. Dogs are allowed on leashes, and there’s also a small menu of food options, from forage plates to schnitzels (including a vegan option).

Kosciuszko Brewery is located inside the grand Banjo Patterson Inn, next to the lake. Although dogs are not allowed in the brewery, the local famous Kosciuszko Pale Ale is served in several bars in the area, where dogs are allowed at outdoor tables.

Alternatively, head out of town to Snowy Vineyard and Microbrewery, home of the Dalgety Brewing Company. It’s 40 minutes from Jindabyne, but reviewers unanimously voted it worth the trip, especially for the ginger cider.

Choosing Jindabyne Cabins

Dogs are welcome, and the farm’s resident puppy, Sadie, can be welcomed. Usually open from Wednesday to Sunday, there is also a restaurant. The last part of the route is not closed, with the best access from the road to Bulgundara.

Just 25 minutes from Jindabyne, in the heart of Berridale, is Shut the Gate Wines. A passionate small wine producer from the Clare Valley and Snowy Mountains, Berridale’s cellar door is co-located with The Little Grocer. Choose to sit outside in the dog-friendly garden with a glass of wine and a plate of tapas.

Although dogs are not allowed to visit Kosciuszko National Park, it is fine to drive through the national park with your dog in the car, as long as you do not stop along the way. If you drive to the park without stopping, you don’t have to pay the entrance fee.

From Jindabyne, they will travel 110km to Khancoban, near the Victorian border, along the Alpine Track. I think the best part of the trip is the first half, when you drive to Thredbor, which is still heavily snowed in November, and then the Great Dividing Range, shrouded in fog.

Find Holiday Cabins & Accommodation In Jindabyne From $201!

The whole trip to Khancoban takes about 2 hours, where you can rest or have lunch. There aren’t many options in Khancoba, so maybe pack a picnic lunch.

After visiting Khancoban, you can return to Jindabyne by the same route, or you can return to Kiandra via the longer circuit. (On our last trip we continued through Victoria.) I haven’t recently driven the road to Kiandra, which passes through the ancient village of Cabramurra, but if my memory serves me correctly, it’s even rarer.

Allow about 80 minutes to drive from Khancoban to Kiandra, near the junction of the Snowy Mountains Highway. Then another 90 minute drive back to Jindabyne. Total driving time for the loop is around 4 hours 40 minutes.

Note that some of these roads are closed during the winter months, and snow chains may be required on other roads. It is best driven in the warm months of the year.

Casa Della Vita

Jindabyne has two off-leash dog exercise areas for your pup to let off some energy or just take it easy on a leash.

The first site is at the Claypits Recreation Area, on the western edge of town, which is the same land as the disc golf course. There are some signs at the edge of the off-leash area where dogs must be kept on a leash.

There is also a second off-leash dog area at Pooh Bay Foreshore. It is located to the south of Cobbon Crescent, in the east of the town. For maps of both areas, see the city’s website.

While visiting Jindabyne, we ate at the Parc Cafe, next to the Snowy Region Visitor Centre. The cafe has several large tables outside where dogs are allowed.

Top Of The Range Jindabyne

A popular spot, you may have to wait a while if a table outside is occupied. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, the cafe is also a great place to enjoy delicious coffee and chai.

Another dog-friendly cafe perfect for brunch is Birchwood Cafe, located behind the Snowy Region Visitor Center. The self-proclaimed ‘foodie hub’ of Jindabyne, the cafe is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is fully licensed. There are plenty of dog-friendly tables outside.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using the links.

There are dog friendly lodges in and around Jindabyne. During the winter months, book a dog house. Although there are dog-friendly caravan and camping options, it’s best if it’s warmer!

Jindabyne Furnished Monthly Rentals And Extended Stays

For a year-round topping option, consider Pender Lea. Located in Crackenback, on the outskirts of the national park and a 15 minute drive from Jindabyne, they offer a range of chalets, chalets and cabins so pets are welcome inside with you. There are many places to explore animals.

While no pets are allowed, one of its six luxury pet enclosures, each with an indoor and open section (complete with heater), can be reserved for a daily fee.

Another great pet friendly option closer to Jindabyne is Touchdown Cottages. Six cottages are set in a beautiful bush park, each off the grid and with plenty of privacy. A maximum of one dog is allowed per cottage, as long as they are house trained and socialized (like other dogs and small children in the area).

Another dog friendly home in the area is Tinkersfield. Also located in Crackenback, they have a range of tall cottages sleeping between two and eleven. Each one combines rustic charm with modern comfort. Request to bring a pet when booking. They also have cages if you need to get out and about – ask for more details.