Cooma

Cooma is the gateway to the Snowy Mountains, a town that blends alpine heritage with a frontier spirit. Its wide main street, lined with historic stone buildings, hints at the ambitious Snowy Mountains Scheme that shaped modern Australia. Here, you'll find a relaxed country vibe, excellent cafes, and a front-row seat to some of the continent's best outdoor adventures.

Highlights & What to See

• Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre – Dive into the engineering marvel of the Snowy Mountains Scheme with interactive exhibits and a virtual helicopter ride over the dams.
• Cooma Heritage Trail – A self-guided walk past 30 historic sites, including the courthouse, railway station, and the striking St Paul's Anglican Church.
• Mount Gladstone Lookout – A short drive or steep walk rewards you with panoramic views over Cooma and the surrounding Monaro plains.
• Cooma Cottage – The former home of explorer Hamilton Hume, now a museum offering insight into early colonial life.
• Snowy Mountains Scheme Museum – Housed in a former hotel, this museum tells the story of the 100,000 workers who built the hydro scheme.
• Local produce and cafes – Sample artisan cheeses, cool-climate wines, and hearty fare at spots like the Lott Café or the Cooma Hotel.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a day exploring Cooma's museums and heritage trail, but it also works well as a base for two to three days if you plan to ski at Perisher or Thredbo, hike in Kosciuszko National Park, or fish the Eucumbene River. If you're on a road trip between Sydney and Melbourne, an overnight stop is ideal.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kosciuszko National Park – Australia's highest peaks, alpine walks, and winter snow sports, just 30 minutes south.
• Jindabyne – A lively lake town with water sports, cycling trails, and ski accommodation, 20 minutes away.
• Snowy River National Park – Wild river gorges and remote bushwalking in Victoria, an hour's drive.
• Canberra – The national capital's museums, galleries, and Parliament House, 90 minutes north.
• Adaminaby – A charming historic town on the shores of Lake Eucumbene, perfect for trout fishing.

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