
Drives New South Wales, Australia The Snowy Mountains and Canberra
Alpine Way: Jindabyne to Khancoban
Alpine Way · Jindabyne → Khancoban
The drive
The Alpine Way crosses Kosciuszko National Park for 107 km (66 mi) from Jindabyne to Khancoban. It follows the Thredbo River past Thredbo, then climbs to Dead Horse Gap at 1,580 m, where it crosses the Great Dividing Range. The drive has about 8,000 feet of climbing in all.
West of the gap the road descends toward the Murray side of the Snowy Mountains, falling to about 580 m at Murray Gorge before passing Geehi and reaching Khancoban. Bends are moderate, the descents are long, and the Snowy Mountains views open up on the way down.
The Alpine Way continues beyond Khancoban to the Murray River, but this drive ends in the town. Khancoban has a visitor centre on Scammel Street and a 24-hour vending machine that sells park passes.
Along the way
- Jindabyne (Alpine Way)
- Thredbo
- Khancoban (Alpine Way)
Good to know
- A national park vehicle entry fee applies, higher during winter, from the June long weekend to the October long weekend. Passes are sold in Khancoban at the 24-hour vending machines and at park entry stations.
- Two-wheel-drive vehicles must carry snow chains between Thredbo and Tom Groggin in winter, from the June long weekend to the October long weekend.
- Snow can close the road for short periods in winter; it is not shut seasonally.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NSW National Parks: Kosciuszko alerts.
Questions about this drive
How long does the Alpine Way take from Jindabyne to Khancoban?
Jindabyne to Khancoban on the Alpine Way is 107 km (66 mi) and takes about 1 hr 30 min.
Do you need snow chains on the Alpine Way?
Two-wheel-drive vehicles must carry snow chains on the Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin from the June long weekend to the October long weekend.
Is there a fee to drive the Alpine Way?
Yes. Kosciuszko National Park charges a per-vehicle entry fee, with a higher rate in winter, from the June long weekend to the October long weekend.
Is the Alpine Way open in winter?
Yes. The Alpine Way is not closed seasonally, but snow can close it temporarily, so check NSW National Parks and Live Traffic NSW.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.