Cooma & surrounds

Around town

Cooma itself is the largest town in the Snowy Mountains and home to the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre. Learn about the extraordinary Snowy Mountains Scheme, considered the greatest engineering project in Australian history, as well as its next phase, Snowy Hydro 2.0. Glimpse life behind bars at the NSW State Corrective Services Museum, which provides a fascinating insight into the 200-year penal history of NSW prisons from convict times to present day. 

Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre and Cafe, Cooma

Visit the Raglan Gallery and Cultural Centre to see works by local artists and admire the town from above at Nanny Goat Hill Lookout. Include a visit to Mount Gladstone Lookout, which is set on 125 hectares of native bushland and offers lovely panoramas over the Monaro Plains.

Just outside of Cooma, explore the history of the tiny village of Nimmitabel on the interesting Heritage Walk and stop for a drink at The Federal Hotel, Australia's highest continuously licensed hotel that dates back to 1890. In Adaminaby, you can admire the Big Trout and try to catch one of your own on Lake Eucumbene. Learn about the people behind the power at the Snowy Scheme Museum.

Big Trout, Adaminaby

In the great outdoors

The Cooma region has a vast array of things to do, from bushwalking and mountain biking in spectacular national parks to fishing in crystal-clear mountain rivers and lakes. Tackle white water rafting on the Snowy River with Alpine River Adventures or slip into the saddle to further explore the high country, with multi-day rides through Cochran Horse Treks, Reynella Rides and Yarramba Horse Riding.

Alpine River Adventures, Numeralla

The snow fields of Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass are around 90 minutes away, and Cooma is the place to pick up your hire gear and tyre chains. In summer, the lakes of the region are playgrounds for canoeing, swimming, water skiing and wakeboarding, with fly fishing a great activity on beautiful rivers and streams.

Charlotte Pass, Snowy Mountains

Food, drink & events

The Snowy Mountains Travellers Rest is a collection of historic buildings that have been lovingly restored, including a heritage inn built during the gold rush in 1861. Enjoy a Devonshire tea or barista-made coffee and browse the huge range of homewares, collectibles, and gifts. Truffle lovers should head to Bredbo and enjoy the ultimate truffle and wine experience at Macenmist Black Truffles and Wines.

Macenmist Black Truffles and Wine, Bredbo

Adaminaby is home to the Snowy Mountains Trout Festival, the thrilling Cooma Rodeo is on in February and in Nimmitabel, Steampunk at Altitude is a fun event in May. The Cooma Show is held in March each year, while the incredible Bredbo Sheep Dog Trials are held in November. The Bombala Show is also in March and highlights the region’s produce, as well as offering all the fun of a traditional country show.

Kallarroo Farmstay, Cooma - Credit: Beeba Photography

Getting there & where to stay

The drive from Sydney to Cooma is a little over four hours. From Canberra the drive is about 80 minutes and from Bega on the Sapphire Coast it’s 90 minutes. You can also fly into the Snowy Mountains Airport, which is just 15 minutes from town. From the airport, hire a car and explore the high country. The Cooma area has a range of accommodation including motels, hotels, farmstays, remote cottages and caravan parks.