Tumut area

A place for all seasons

Whether you like crisp winter mountain air, the fiery colours of autumn, or immersing yourself in the water in the summertime, Tumut and surrounds is a place for all seasons. Sitting snugly at the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, and with an eponymous river at its heart, you can indulge your active self in pastimes like fishing, hiking, hang gliding, rock climbing, mountain biking and birdwatching, or just indulge generally along a farm gate trail on a scenic drive.

Highlights

Towns and villages

Nestled in the western foothills of Kosciusko National Park, the towns of Tumut and surrounds are perfect for getting back to nature. Tumut is the largest and a great starting point – with fly fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing and swimming all on offer – as well as guided tours, a number of fantastic cafes, an excellent brewery and accommodation ranging from luxury to glamping.

Nearby, the small town of Batlow is famous for its apples. Stop by one of the farm gates and stock up on fresh produce. Meanwhile, Talbingo is popular with those interested in fishing and water sports, located between Blowering and Talbingo dams.

Aerial overlooking the country town of Tumut

Township, Tumut

Outdoor adventures

Lace up your boots for bushwalking, mountain biking and horse riding in state forests and Kosciuszko National Park. Excellent walks include Landers Falls Lookout Walk, Blowering Cliffs Walking Track and Jounama Creek Walking Track as well as the Clark Gorge Walking Track. It is an easy stroll along Tumut River Walk to the bird-rich Tumut Wetlands.

The Bago State Forest runs from Batlow to Blowering Dam and is made for outdoor exploration. A new Sugar Pines grove has replaced the park’s iconic stand of sugar pine trees, which was sadly destroyed in the 2019/2020 bushfires. The visitor area has picnic tables, a nature playground and walking trail. Follow the Wellness Walk or Alpine Ash Walk through the Pilot Hill Arboretum and paddle a kayak on Paddys River Dam.

Sugar Pines, Bago State Forest, Laurel Hill - Credit: Josh Stephenson | Forestry Corporation of NSW

Skiers and snowboarders can add a snow component before or after a Tumut stay. Selwyn Snow Resort is just over an hour from Tumut, while Thredbo and Perisher are around three hours' drive. You can also access Charlotte Pass via a snowcat transfer from Perisher.

Tumut River Walk, Tumut

Dams and caves

The fishing is fantastic around Tumut, with pristine streams and lakes teeming with trout. Blowering Dam and Talbingo Dam are also popular for fishing and boating. After exploring the dramatic Yarrangobilly Caves which date back around two million years, have a dip in the nearby thermal spring waters where the water is a constant 27 degrees all year round.

Couple touring the Yarrangobilly Caves in Kosciuszko National Park

Yarrangobilly Caves, Kosciuszko National Park

Food, drink and events

Take a tour of the Tumut River Brewing Co. and taste delicious craft beers. In Batlow, visitors drive by the Big Apple and during the picking season, from February to late May, buy a stash of crunchy fresh apples at farm gates and roadside stalls, including Wilgro Orchards and Mouat's Farm.

The Falling Leaf Festival is one of the most popular in the area, held in April to celebrate the arrival of autumn and the amazing fresh produce grown here. Other great events include the Tumut Rodeo, the Batlow CiderFest and the Blues, Brews and BBQs music festival.

Bar menu displaying beer products brewed at Tumut River Brewing Co. in Tumut

Tumut River Brewing Co., Tumut

Where to stay

Accommodation in the Tumut area includes luxury lodges, farmstays, off-grid camping and classic country motels. Enjoy unmatched stargazing from the hammocks and outdoor bathtub at Kestrel Nest EcoHut, Australia's only Dark Sky Approved lodging. Relax by the river at Nimbo Fork, where the kitchen is run by the acclaimed Three Blue Ducks team. Families will love holiday parks like Reflections Tumut and Batlow Caravan Park.

Kestrel Nest EcoHut, Mount Adrah - Credit: Krestrel Nest EcoHut

Getting there

The Tumut area is around a four-hour drive from Sydney and around two hours' drive from Canberra. You can also fly into Wagga Wagga Airport and hire a car for the 90-minute drive.