It was a welcome retreat returning to our cabin at Discovery Parks after an exhaustive day of activities. We had traveled for a relaxing break by the lake, however found ourselves seduced by the Snowy Mountains and its wealth of outdoor recreation.
We flicked on the TV and collapsed into the couch – the weather would be sunny tomorrow too. There was the choice of bushwalking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, horse riding, visiting the National Park, or water-sports on the lake.
Personally though, I was keen to dedicate a day to something people don’t often travel to do – searching for relics from the old town of Jindabyne; an alpine town at the bottom of a lake.
Swallowed by flood water in the 1960s when the Snowy River was dammed as part of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, the town was abandoned and rebuilt on higher ground. The ruins have been submerged for over 50 years, though occasionally when lake levels are low, out from the depths comes the remnants of the old Catholic Church. Unbelievable to imagine the remains of a whole town beneath your water skis!
Jindabyne & the Snowy Mountains
For those scratching their head at the prospect of snow in Australia, it may not fit with the stereotype of a wide brown land, but it’s true. In winter, Jindabyne is a base for Australia’s most popular ski scene, and attracts the world’s best skiers and snowboarders as well as local enthusiasts who travel to Kosciuszko National Park for the snow.
Though in summer it becomes a world class destination for mountain biking, white-water rafting, horse-riding and bushwalking. You can marvel at the 440 million year old stalagmites and stalactites of Yarrangobilly Caves, or take a dip in the thermal pool, constantly at 27 degrees. You can take a mountain drive to local wineries, restaurants and galleries, or rent out kayaks and canoes for a leisurely day on the lake.
There’s a lot to do in the snowy mountains; far more than we managed to fit into our three day break. Though if we did one thing well, it was choosing a centrally located base.
Discovery Parks Jindabyne
Situated right on the shore of Lake Jindabyne, with the town’s bike path winding through the center of the park, Discovery Parks Jindabyne was an obvious choice for accommodation, offering a mix of self contained villas and cabins, and powered caravan / camping sites.
And this is the first thing which set the holiday park group apart. As the largest owner / operator of lifestyle holiday parks in Australia they truly achieve accommodation options to suit everyone. Whether you’re seeking 4.5 star family luxury by the water or a simple camp site for two in the middle of nowhere, they cater to everyone within the one park.
We opted for a superior cabin; a spacious two bedroom apartment, self contained with everything you need to achieve a relaxing home away from home.
It was a comfortable, clean and affordable, and we were impressed with the modern living and airy open plan design. There was a full kitchen, living space, air-conditioning, parking, and a sensational deck which overlooked the lake, where I felt I could laze away the days.
Click on Individual Images to Enlarge
The Grounds
The grounds themselves are expansive, and tempt you with plenty of reasons not to leave the site. There is an outdoor BBQ area with idyllic picnic areas speckled around viewpoints which overlook the lake. Wandering to the shore of Lake Jindabyne, Discovery Parks has a boat ramp and boat hire, and plenty of people were fishing within the park.
As with most holiday parks, there is the obligatory jumping pillow and playground, though also a spa/sauna, impressive games room with arcade games and billiards tables, and a tennis court. The grounds were perfectly manicured, and the autumn leaves splashed color into each persons day. A life size outdoor chess set sat outside reception, and you could pick up walking trails from outside your cabin door which wound around the lake.
So you can understand how it was impossible to take in everything in a short 3 days. Though it’s the sign of an incredible trip; wishing you had time to extend your stay.
Click on Individual Images to Enlarge
Practical Information
Discovery Parks Jindabyne is located at 6532 Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne NSW. Office hours are from 9am – 5pm, if arriving after hours the staff will contact you to advise access to your keys via a locked security box.
Internet access is available in the amenities block in the center of the park. Cell reception is spotty, however my phone worked as a hotspot for WiFi in the cabin itself.
With over 60 park destinations across Australia, Discovery Parks have sought out the most outstanding locations; from the outback to the water front or nestled within national parks. Visit www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au to find accommodation for your next holiday.
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16 Comments
Never realized this was in Australia. Not sure why. This is pretty cool though.
Discovery Parks are a great option for Australia, and yes, the Snowy Mountains are Aussie all the way!
Discovery Parks – Jindabyne looks so comfortable and pleasant. I like the furniture too. This a perfect getaway destination.
The furniture is great – very modern, though comfortable enough to make you feel at home – we love Discovery Parks :)
First of all, I never knew that Discovery Parks has over 60 park destinations! Snowy mountains does look a bit different than the typical landscape. Good to know you could hotspot.The Internet is a key thing to us lol!
Yep, they’re all over the country :) Which is great because it makes it easy to be loyal to an accommodation group – we like knowing that we’re always going to get the same high standard of accommodation each time :)
Yes, my Telstra hotspot works wonders for times where I find myself without connection. It’s great!
We have so much more of New South Wales to explore, we’ve mainly stuck to the coastal border so far. No suprisingly I’d only thought of the Snowy Mountains as a winter destination but it looks fabulous with some autumn colour and perfect for hiking, biking and kayaking at this time of year which would suit us perfectly.
Definitely a destination in its own right in summer too :) Hope you have the chance to travel soon!
Discovery Parks in Jindabyne looks like a beautiful place to spend a few days! I could totally see relaxing in that cabin or getting out into nature and hiking and biking in summer or snowboarding in winter. It’s cool that there are things to do any time of year there!
Absolutely Jen, the surrounds are absolutely gorgeous – and not bad having a view of the lake from our room! Definitely a year-round destination which is great :)
What a great place! And I love that they have so many different options for guests to choose from. Sounds like you guys found something right in the middle, which is probably what I’d go for too. And thanks for the info about the cell phone reception!
Absolutely – Discovery Parks is so great for accommodating everyone regardless of preference of a tent or a fully functional apartment. And the parks are huge and sites set up really well so there’s a lot of space :)
I was definitely scratching my head. I never associated snow with Australia. When I think of the outback I think of a dry, hot desert type environment. But not just snow, skiing. Wow I feel silly. I really like the Superior Cabin. From the pictures it looks so cozy. I’m not sure I would want to leave….but then you mentioned outdoor BBQ and fishing. I’m sold.
Haha don’t worry, many people don’t! But yes, we have a really diverse landscape in Australia, it’s such a large continent, so the desert is definitely one aspect, though jungles and snow (in winter) form part of the big picture too :)
We loved our Superior Cabin, it’s so cozy and has everything you need to make you feel like you’re at home. So highly recommend! But yes, there are a lot of activities just on the doorstep which will force your hand to head outdoors :D
I have never been to Australia but it has an amazing place like Discovery Parks Jindabyne is awesome! These scenes look so peaceful and enjoyable. Thanks for sharing your experiences :)
Hope you have the chance to visit Australia soon :)