Cooma

Cooma, the gateway to the Snowy Mountains, is a historic town where alpine charm meets pioneering spirit. Its wide, tree-lined streets and heritage buildings recall the ambitious Snowy Mountains Scheme, which transformed the region. Today, Cooma offers a blend of outdoor adventure, local history, and a welcoming café scene that makes it an ideal base for exploring the High Country.

Highlights & What to See

• Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre – Dive into the engineering marvel that is the Snowy Mountains Scheme with interactive exhibits and a virtual dam tour.
• Cooma Historical Museum – Housed in a charming 19th-century building, it showcases Aboriginal heritage, pastoral history, and the Snowy Scheme era.
• Mount Gladstone Lookout – A short drive from town centre offers panoramic views of Cooma, the surrounding plains, and the distant Snowy Mountains.
• Cooma Caravan & Tourist Park – Not just for campers; it's a great spot for a riverside picnic or a stroll along the Murrumbidgee River.
• Centennial Park – A leafy green space with a playground, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
• Local Cafés & Pubs – Try the famous Cooma Hotel for a classic country pub meal or grab a coffee at one of the artisan cafés on Sharp Street.

Suggested Time to Spend

Cooma is best enjoyed as a stopover of one to two days. Spend a morning exploring the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre and the museum, then take a leisurely drive to Mount Gladstone for sunset views. If you're heading to the ski fields or Kosciuszko National Park, use Cooma as a convenient overnight base before continuing your journey.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kosciuszko National Park – Australia's highest alpine park, offering skiing in winter and hiking in summer, including the Main Range Walk and Mount Kosciuszko summit.
• Jindabyne – A lively lakeside town with water sports, fishing, and stunning views, just 30 minutes south.
• Thredbo & Perisher – Premier ski resorts with year-round activities, from mountain biking to scenic chairlift rides.
• Snowy River National Park – Wild and remote, with deep gorges and the iconic Snowy River.
• Adaminaby – A quaint historic town with the Big Trout and access to trout fishing in Lake Eucumbene.

Please check official sources for current details.