Getting to Perisher Valley
& Festival Transport Information for Artists and Volunteers

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AN A4 VERSION OF THIS INFOMRATION YOU CAN PRINT

IF YOU DECIDE TO DRIVE UP PLEASE ALSO READ THE SAFE DRIVING IN THE SNOW INFORMATION BELOW and at: http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/snowdriving.html

All roads lead to Jindabyne and then you have 2 options – Skitube or drive into the National Park and the snowfields.

The Skitube is a safer option in regard to not needing chains, antifreeze for your car and getting you directly to the Festival Office and the Transport Team.

However larger bands with a lot gear may consider driving up through the National Park to Smiggin Holes Carpark. It will ultimately depend on the weather and forecasts. If you choose this option then call (1300 811 324) when you are leaving Jindabyne to try and arrange transport to meet you at the Carpark when you arrive.

Either way you will have transport provided when you arrive.

The Skitube and National Park Entry is free for all artists and their party that were pre-notified. You name should be on lists at both locations.

Once you arrive head for the Festival Office on the ground floor of the Skitube Terminal to get wristbands and make transport arrangements. The merchandise shop is there also as well as the Volunteer Centre if you are helping out as well.

If you need to call then firstly try the Festival number which will be based with the Transport Team – 1300 811 324, then try David 0409 57 1788. If totally desperate call Barney from Perisher 0411 189 974

Try and do all your transport request forms for your performances when you arrive to ensure they are booked in.

DIRECTIONS FROM MELBOURNE

There are 2 options (note Adelaide artists should use route 1).

• MELBOURNE / ALBURY / TUMUT / PERISHER - Google Maps 9 hours 5 minutes or

• MELBOURNE / BAIRNSDALE / BOMBALA / DALGETY / PERISHER - Google Maps 8 hours 20 minutes

1.       Melbourne / Albury / Tumut / Adaminaby / Jindabyne then Skitube Terminal
TRAVEL TIME by Google Maps 9 hours 5 minutes

Google link - http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=melbourne&daddr=tumut+to:Unknown+road&geocode=FT0Ev_0dpPWjCCn3TbrStUbWajGQzYwhdVYEBA%3BFTVZ5f0dxrfVCCkhIEf7ABsYazEw70OQtAkGBA%3BFXjo0_0ddhHZCA&hl=en&mra=dme&mrsp=2&sz=13&sll=-36.425703,148.519878&sspn=0.097377,0.186596&ie=UTF8&ll=-35.815586,147.88147&spn=1.570186,2.985535&z=9

2.       Melbourne / Bairnsdale / Bombala / Dalgety / Jindabyne then Skitube Terminal
TRAVEL TIME by Google Maps 8 hours 20 minutes

Google Link - http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=melbourne&daddr=bairnsdale+to:Unknown+road&geocode=FT0Ev_0dpPWjCCn3TbrStUbWajGQzYwhdVYEBA%3BFb_Xvv0dZq7MCCkN5sYy0n4vazFg3KAwpHkFBQ%3BFXjo0_0ddhHZCA&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=-35.915747,148.634033&sspn=3.145207,5.971069&ie=UTF8&ll=-37.326489,147.139893&spn=3.088199,5.971069&z=8

Option 1 – Jindabyne to Skitube Terminal to Perisher

The Skitube Terminal at the bottom of the mountain is located on Alpine Way (road to Thredbo from Jindabyne). Distance is 19km from Jindabyne about 16 minutes.

Skitube is free for all artists and partners / kids that have notified previously.

• Park your vehicle(s).

• Go into terminal and get some trolleys.

• Take to your car and load up your gear.

• Catch the Skitube up to Perisher.

• You will come out at the Skitube Terminal. Festival Office is on Ground Floor.

• Get your wristbands

• Book your transport to your accommodation / venue.

   

Option 2 – Jindabyne to the National Park to Smiggin Holes (Perisher)

Stay on the Kosciuscko Road and enter the National Park. Stop at the Entry Gate and get your names checked off the list. Distance 29km and 22 minutes – depends on the weather conditions!!!!

Note: Yyou will need Snow Chains for normal vehicles, also anti-freeze for engine.

You will be able to park at Smiggin Holes Carpark, weather permitting.

Call 1300 811 324 for transport arrangements from the Carpark to your accommodation or venues. Try and do this at Jindabyne – reception will come and go on the mountain road.

Another option is to come up with the gear, unload and then send someone back down the mountain and go to the Skitube Terminal.

Safe Driving in the Snow

Here is some information extracted from the RTA website - please go to the website and read the full information.

Driving in the snow can be challenging, especially if you are not used to the icy conditions. The following tips will help prepare you and your car for the trip.

Have your vehicle checked

Snowfield conditions may highlight any existing minor faults, particularly in the electrical system so it is essential to thoroughly check your vehicle before leaving home.  Have your tyres, battery, brakes, cooling system, engine and windscreen inspected.

Add anti-freeze

Add anti-freeze to your engine radiator. You'll need to match the amount of anti-freeze to the capacity of the coolant system. If this isn’t done and the coolant freezes, the engine block and radiator may crack, leaving you stranded with an expensive repair bill. Most modern cars use coolant with wide temperature capabilities, but you'll need to check with your service provider if special coolant is needed.

You should also add anti-freeze to your windscreen washing fluid to prevent it freezing on the windscreen when driving.

Use cold-weather diesel

Diesel ‘waxes’ at low temperature which blocks the fuel system and immobilises the vehicle. If you drive a diesel vehicle, ensure you use fuel formulated for use in cold conditions, such as ‘Alpine Diesel’. This is only usually available close to the snow fields, so plan your journey to arrive with plenty of room in your fuel tank for this fuel.

Allow enough time for your trip

Ensure you allow enough time for the trip. Weather can change quickly in mountainous areas, with a corresponding effect on the roads and travel speed. Also, if the RTA declares a ‘snow chain day’, there can be delays in accessing snow chain bays to fit and remove chains, and the process itself can take a considerable amount of time.

Avoid travel fatigue

Most people have to travel a considerable distance to get to the snow fields. Ensure you have regular breaks to ‘stop, revive and survive’.

Even allowing for delays and distance to travel, driving to and from the snow fields can be more tiring than normal driving given the possible difficult conditions encountered – bad weather, darkness and narrow, winding roads. You are more likely to become tired because of the amount of activity you pack into a short period of time, especially at weekends. Be aware of the signs of travel fatigue and stop and rest as soon as you feel tired even if you have not scheduled a break.

Prepare for emergencies

In case of an emergency carry a torch, blanket, dry clothes, tow rope, spade, wheel chocks and first aid kit.

When you're there

Parking

It is important to park only in designated parking areas and follow the directions of parking attendants. It may mean a slightly longer walk but it’s better than finding your car damaged at the end of the day by snow clearing vehicles.

Don't apply the handbrake

Moisture can freeze cables and brake linings. Instead, chock the wheels, but don’t use rocks as they may damage snow clearing machines.

Leave the car in gear

Leave the car in gear with the front wheels turned away from the slope. Remove wheel chocks from parking area when leaving.

Apply your chains

Even if chains were not required to enter the area, it may be advisable to fit them when parking. It is easier to do this early in the day rather than later when weather conditions may have changed.

Clear ice from windows and mirrors

Clear all glass and mirrors of ice before attempting to drive away from snowfields. Carry an ice-scraper to clear the bulk of the snow, ice and frost, and use the vehicle's heater and fan in conjunction with the air conditioner.

Protect your windscreen wipers

If you're parking for an extended period, lift wipers off your windscreen or place them in a plastic bag so they won't stick to the glass.

Warm your engine

Warm the engine for a few minutes before driving off.

Snow chains

Snow chains are recommended by the RTA when driving in poor snow conditions to assist drivers and reduce accidents. When driving in the Alpine Region, the RTA has identified possible snow and ice risk sections with yellow lane line marking and signposting.
 
National Park regulations state that all vehicles (except four wheel drive vehicles) entering the National Park must carry chains when driving through designated 'snow and ice' risk sections. Snow and ice risk sections are identified by black and yellow signs within the Kosciuszko National Park. The current designated 'snow and ice' risk sections are:

• Alpine Way – Thredbo to Tom Grogin

• Kosciuszko Road within the National Park boundary

• Guthega Road within the National Park boundary

When directed by signs or an authorised officer, fit the chains to the vehicles driving wheels. Generally, this will be at special chain fitting bays along the route.

Make sure you fit the chains to the driving wheels, which are the back wheels on rear wheel drive cars and front wheels on front wheel drive cars. If in doubt, check in the car user’s manual or your service provider.

Make sure the chains you buy or hire are suitable for the wheel diameter and tyre size of your vehicle. If possible, practise fitting the chains in good conditions, so that you understand how to fit the chains and won't be placed in a difficult situation in bad weather conditions.

To be effective, some part of the chain must be in contact with the road surface at all times. Some types of snow chains, such as certain ladder chains, should not be used as the spacing between the chain ‘rungs’ can be excessive and allow the bare tyre contact with the road surface.

Tyre pressure should be 25 PSI or higher when using chains. Tyre manufactures recommend that cars with radial tyres shouldn't travel faster than 40 km/h when fitted with chains. Stop and check the tension of the chains after driving about 200 metres.

Remove the chains immediately when you are told it's safe to do so.

Random chain inspections will take place throughout the ski season and fines exceeding $300 will be issued to drivers who fail to comply with National Park regulations on the use of snow chains.

Chain bays are located on Kosciuszko Road at:

• Sawpit  Creek

• Wilsons Valley

• Dainers Gap

• Prussian Creek

• Chain bays are located on the Alpine Way at:

• Penderlea

• Thredbo Diggings

• Ranger Station