Cabramurra

Perched at 1,475 metres in the Snowy Mountains, Cabramurra is Australia's highest town. Built for the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, this tiny alpine settlement offers a glimpse into a unique engineering heritage amid stunning high-country scenery. The crisp air, vast eucalypt forests, and proximity to Kosciuszko National Park make it a rewarding detour for those exploring the Snowy Mountains.

Highlights & What to See

• Cabramurra Lookout: Sweeping views over the Tumut River valley and surrounding peaks, especially spectacular at sunrise or after a dusting of snow.
• Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme: Visit the informative displays at the Cabramurra Community Centre, which detail the town's role in this massive post-war engineering project.
• Kosciuszko National Park: The town is a gateway to the park's northern reaches, with hiking trails through snow gum woodlands and alpine meadows. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular.
• Selwyn Snow Resort: Just a short drive away, this family-friendly ski field offers downhill skiing and snowboarding in the colder months, and mountain biking in summer.
• Yarrangobilly Caves: A 30-minute drive north leads to these limestone caves with guided tours and a natural thermal pool for a soak.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is enough to explore Cabramurra itself, including the lookout and community centre. However, to fully appreciate the area—adding a hike in Kosciuszko National Park or a visit to Yarrangobilly Caves—plan for a full day. If you're skiing at Selwyn, you'll want at least a full day on the slopes. The town has limited accommodation, so many visitors base themselves in Tumut or Cooma and make a day trip.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tumut: A charming town 45 minutes north, known for its historic main street, trout fishing, and the Tumut River Brewing Co.
• Adaminaby: About an hour south, this lakeside village is a base for fishing on Lake Eucumbene and exploring the Snowy Mountains Scheme.
• Cooma: The Snowy Mountains hub, an hour east, with the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre and excellent cafes.
• Kiandra: A historic gold-rush ghost town and the birthplace of Australian skiing, located 20 minutes south via unsealed roads (check conditions).
• Mount Kosciuszko: Australia's highest peak, accessible via a walk from Thredbo or Charlotte Pass, about 1.5 hours south.

Please check official sources for current details.