Trail mix: Wheels in motion for Jindabyne’s new adventure park

Already known for its alpine trails, crisp air and big-country scenery, Jindabyne is set for a major upgrade, in the form of a purpose-built mountain bike and adventure park. 

About a five hour drive from Sydney, the new park will sit just 3km west of the popular alpine town and aims to draw riders, runners and adventure-seekers to the region throughout the year, boosting its tourism numbers outside ski season.  

The ABC reports that the Australian Sports Commission estimated in 2024 that 470,000 people a year participate in mountain biking, double that of 2018, and studies have shown it brings significant health benefits. It’s also an ideal opportunity for connection, with each other and with nature. 

When finished, the new park is expected to include 20km of trails, adventure and recreational facilities, a functions and events centre, eco accommodation and amenities to support everything from casual weekend rides to major events. 

As part of a $242 million investment under the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct to boost Jindabyne’s economy and tourism, the NSW Government is inviting experienced operators to register interest. Construction is still a few years off, but early planning and site preparation are already under way. 

Expanding an already popular trail network 

The Snowy Mountains already attract riders from across the country for their mix of natural terrain and built trails. Jindabyne, Thredbo and Lake Crackenback have long offered some of the best mountain bike trails around, with a blend of flowing singletrack, scenic lakeside loops and gravity runs that keep both cross-country and downhill riders happy. 

The new park will build on that reputation, adding new layers of terrain designed to cater to a broader range of riders, from families and beginners through to technical and endurance riders. The aim is to design it as a hub that connects with existing networks, creating the potential for multi-day rides across the region without the need to shuttle between trailheads. 

For locals, it means new opportunities for jobs and tourism year-round. For visitors, it means a more complete adventure destination, tying together the best of the alpine landscape with the growing popularity of mountain biking. For My NRMA Rewards Members, the new park will be yet another reason to enjoy membership benefits by staying at Jindabyne Holiday Park. 

How Jindabyne stacks up against other trail towns 

Across Australia, towns like Derby in Tasmania and Bright in Victoria have shown what can happen when mountain biking is properly invested in. Trails bring people, and those people bring energy, businesses and year-round tourism. 

Already one of our top adventure destinations for families, Jindabyne already has the advantage of established infrastructure, a strong tourism base and scenery that rivals anywhere in the country. If the new park delivers on its promise, it could elevate the Snowy Mountains to the same status as those benchmark destinations. 

What’s next 

Detailed design work and environmental assessments are continuing, with the NSW Government to confirm the final layout and operators closer to the build phase.  

It’s not something riders can roll into this summer — the park will take several years to complete — but its announcement has already sparked interest among local businesses, event organisers and cycling groups keen to see how the plan develops. 

In the meantime, riders can still explore the existing networks around Jindabyne, including popular trails like Hatchery Bay, Copper Tom and Mill Creek, or head higher up to Thredbo’s lift-accessed downhill runs for a dose of alpine gravity. 

More questions? Visit the Jindabyne Mountain Bike and Adventure Park FAQs page here.