Wattle pollen colours the Snowy an impressive yellow-green colour, on the Snowy River, Cooma
Cooma Area
Gateway to goodness
Think of the Cooma region as the gatekeeper to the wonders of the Snowy Mountains that lie beyond. Stop here and relish the country town flavour that imbues everything from the cafes to the historic train station, from the galleries to the larger-than-life attractions (we’re looking at you, Big Trout). Fishing, ambling, horse riding, hot-air ballooning and plenty of off-leash walking with your favourite four-legged friend all await.
Highlights
Around town
Cooma itself is the largest town in the Snowy Mountains and home to the Snowy Mountains Hydro Discovery Centre. Learn about the extraordinary Snowy Mountains Scheme, as well as its next phase, Snowy Hydro 2.0. Glimpse life behind bars at the NSW Correctional Services Museum, which provides a fascinating insight into the 200-year penal history of NSW prisons from convict times to present day.
New South Wales Corrective Services Museum, Cooma - Credit: Cooma Visitors Centre
Visit the Raglan Gallery and Cultural Centre to see amazing works by local artists, and admire the town from above at Nanny Goat Hill Lookout. Include a visit to Mount Gladstone Lookout, which is located out of town in 125 hectares of native bushland and offers lovely panoramas over the Monaro Plains.
In the surrounding areas, the Nimmitabel Heritage Walk showcases historic sites around town, while in Adaminaby, you can see the Big Trout, and enjoy trying to catch one on Lake Eucumbene. A visit to the Snowy Scheme Museum is time well spent as well.
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.
Find out more about horse riding in the Snowy Mountains.
Alpine River Adventures, Cooma - Credit: Shane Pennicuik
The snow fields of Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass are around 90 mins 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 being 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.
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 great 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 is a little over four hours. From Canberra the drive is about 80 mins and from Bega on the Sapphire Coast it’s 90 mins. You can also fly into the Snowy Mountains Airport with Regional Express and Qantas offering flights in the winter months. 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.
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