Snowy Mountains cruises start with the water itself: big lakes made by a mid-century engineering project, and a handful of glacial tarns high on the Main Range.
This page covers the lakes and rivers worth knowing, a private tour, a place to stay at Jindabyne, and the climate and distances that shape a trip. Check current boating options and prices with local operators or through Visit NSW, the official state tourism site.
Waterways behind Snowy Mountains cruises
The range's best-known waters are man-made. The Snowy Mountains Scheme, which began in 1949, dammed the Snowy River to provide water for irrigation and hydroelectricity. The principal lakes it created are Lake Eucumbene, Blowering Dam, Talbingo Dam, Lake Jindabyne and Tantangara Dam.
The Scheme was huge. By 1974, 145 km of tunnels and 80 km of aqueducts connected sixteen dams, seven power stations and one pumping station. The American Society of Civil Engineers has rated it a world-class civil engineering project.
Towns under the lakes
Some of those lakes sit over former settlements. The townships of Adaminaby, Jindabyne and Talbingo were inundated when Lakes Eucumbene, Jindabyne and Talbingo were created.
Rivers that start here
The mountains also feed the Murrumbidgee and Murray rivers, through the Tooma River, Whites River and Yarrangobilly River.
Glacial lakes of the Main Range
Mainland Australia's five glacial lakes are on the Main Range: Blue Lake, Lake Albina, Lake Cootapatamba, Club Lake and Headley Tarn. Blue Lake is the largest and is one of the headwaters of the Snowy River.
These tarns date from the last ice age, which peaked about 20,000 years ago. They are best seen from the shore, and reaching them suits the summer season for Kosciuszko summit walks. For more ideas, see our Snowy Mountains activities page.
A private tour of the region
The Snowy Mountains NSW Private Tour 3 Days with pick up and drop off runs for 3 days, from AUD 1575. Ask the operator what the itinerary includes before booking. More choices sit on our Snowy Mountains tours page.
Where to base yourself near the water
Jindabyne, known locally as Jindy, is the gateway to the Snowy Mountains. It sits on the shore of Lake Jindabyne, a short drive from the slopes of Thredbo and Perisher.
For a caravan or cabin stay, Discovery Parks - Jindabyne offers powered sites and cabins. Contact the park for current rates and availability. Other options are on our Snowy Mountains accommodation page.
Weather for time on the water
This is an alpine region, so even summer days are mild rather than hot. Averages for the area (1991 to 2020) are below.
| Month | Max C | Min C | Rain mm | Rain days | Sunny days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18.9 | 7.5 | 87.1 | 10.7 | 29.4 |
| February | 17.9 | 7.1 | 86.6 | 10.1 | 26.3 |
| March | 15.2 | 4.9 | 66.5 | 8.4 | 28.8 |
| April | 11.0 | 1.7 | 58.0 | 8.2 | 27.0 |
| May | 6.9 | -1.0 | 65.3 | 9.3 | 25.7 |
| June | 3.6 | -2.8 | 99.2 | 11.5 | 20.9 |
| July | 2.4 | -4.1 | 94.3 | 12.5 | 24.0 |
| August | 3.4 | -4.2 | 110.0 | 13.3 | 25.8 |
| September | 7.0 | -2.2 | 106.8 | 12.6 | 26.9 |
| October | 10.7 | 0.0 | 109.8 | 12.9 | 28.8 |
| November | 13.7 | 2.8 | 117.9 | 13.2 | 28.1 |
| December | 16.2 | 5.0 | 102.1 | 11.9 | 28.8 |
January and February are the warmest months, with highs of about 19 and 18 degrees. From June to August maximums sit between 2 and 4 degrees and nights fall below freezing. Snow normally melts by November, though it can occasionally linger.
Getting there by road
| Route | Distance | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Snowy Mountains to South Coast | 335 km | 294 minutes |
| Jervis Bay to Snowy Mountains | 365 km | 317 minutes |
| Snowy Mountains to Wollongong | 448 km | 342 minutes |
| Orange to Snowy Mountains | 472 km | 393 minutes |
| Snowy Mountains to Sydney | 489 km | 370 minutes |
| Blue Mountains to Snowy Mountains | 536 km | 421 minutes |
| Central Coast to Snowy Mountains | 541 km | 422 minutes |
| Mudgee to Snowy Mountains | 582 km | 479 minutes |
The Alpine Way and Snowy Mountains Highway are the major roads through the region. For wider planning, start with the Snowy Mountains travel guide. Background on the range is also on Wikipedia.
Frequently asked questions
Which lakes did the Snowy Scheme create?
The principal lakes are Lake Eucumbene, Blowering Dam, Talbingo Dam, Lake Jindabyne and Tantangara Dam.
Where are the glacial lakes?
Blue Lake, Lake Albina, Lake Cootapatamba, Club Lake and Headley Tarn are on the Main Range. Blue Lake is the largest.
Where is a good base for the lakes?
Jindabyne, on the shore of Lake Jindabyne, is the gateway to the Snowy Mountains and a short drive from Thredbo and Perisher.
