Tumbarumba & surrounds

Enjoy a natural high

In the divinely beautiful Snowy Valleys, the Tumbarumba region is absolutely worth a detour. Mountain peaks, greener-than-green pastureland and crystalline streams form the backdrop for cool-climate vineyards, blueberry farms, a must-do rail trail for both walkers and cyclists, glorious gardens, a tumbling waterfall, and the enchanting hamlets of both Tumbarumba and Khancoban.

Highlights

Towns and villages

The towns of Tumbarumba and Khancoban are both delightful, oozing country charm. Tumbarumba was established during the gold rush in the 1850s, while Khancoban came about as housing for some of the many people who came here to build the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme. Learn about their fascinating history at the Snowy Hydro Khancoban Visitor Display and the Pioneer Women's Hut Museum.

Pioneer Women's Hut Museum, Tumbarumba - Credit: Lightbox Imageworks

Going bush

Get out and about in the great outdoors. There are fantastic bushwalks including the Major Clews Hut day walk near Khancoban, the many walks in Kosciuszko National Park, and you can follow the 1824 expedition route of famous explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell on a section of the Hume and Hovell Track. The new Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail is a 21km cycling or walking trail built along the former railway line that serviced the area in the ealy 1900s. The snow fields of the Snowy Mountains are within easy reach for a winter daytrip.

The high country is ideal for trout fishing too, with pristine melting snow flowing into the crystal-clear streams and lakes, including Paddy’s River Dam, Tumbarumba Creek and Khancoban Pondage. Going for a swim is also an option in the many lakes and rivers, with Paddy’s River Falls one of the most picturesque. Braymont Gardens is another photographer’s delight with its ‘tree church’ and magnificent gardens.

Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail, Tumbarumba - Credit: Tyson Mayr

Fine wines and craft spirits

The Tumbarumba wine region mostly produces pinot noir and chardonnay. You can visit cellar doors at Courabyra Wines, Johansen Wines or Obsession Wines. The region’s wines and produce are celebrated at Tumbarumba Tastebuds in October and Tumbafest in February. Pack a picnic of some of the region’s produce and a bottle of wine and spend the day going for a drive from Khancoban to Kiandra, via Cabramurra, Australia’s highest town.

If you are interested in small-batch craft spirits, head to Ladbroken Distillery Brewhouse. Sitting beside an idyllic stream, you can enjoy a gin tasting, workshop, tour and a cocktail with friends, or even spend the night at their Moonshine Cottage.