Snowy Mountains Scheme

Stretching across the high country of New South Wales, the Snowy Mountains Scheme is one of the world's most ambitious engineering feats—a network of dams, tunnels, and power stations that carved a new landscape and powered a nation. Today, it's a fascinating destination where human ingenuity meets alpine wilderness. You can tour the hydro-electric infrastructure, learn about the multicultural workforce that built it, and explore the rugged national parks that surround it. Whether you're a history buff, an engineering enthusiast, or simply after epic mountain scenery, this is a place that rewards curiosity.

Highlights & What to See

• Cooma Visitors Centre – Start here for the full story, with interactive exhibits, a model of the scheme, and a short film that brings the project to life.
• Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre (Cooma) – Dive deeper into the engineering with working models and displays on the tunnels and power stations.
• Lake Jindabyne – A vast artificial lake created by the scheme, perfect for kayaking, fishing, or a scenic drive along its shores.
• Kosciuszko National Park – The scheme is intertwined with this park; hike to Australia's highest peak or ski in winter at Thredbo or Perisher.
• Selwyn Snow Resort – A family-friendly ski field that owes its existence to the scheme's water management.
• Adaminaby – A charming town that was relocated when Lake Eucumbene was filled; visit the Big Trout and the Snowy Scheme's old workers' cottages.

Suggested Time to Spend

To do justice to the Snowy Mountains Scheme, plan at least two days. Spend the first day in Cooma exploring the visitors centres and taking a guided tour of the Tumut 2 Power Station (book ahead). On day two, drive the Alpine Way to see the scheme's infrastructure in the landscape—stop at Lake Jindabyne, then head into Kosciuszko National Park for a short walk or a scenic chairlift ride. If you're keen on hiking or skiing, add another day or two to explore the park properly.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Thredbo – A year-round alpine village with hiking, mountain biking, and Australia's highest restaurant.
• Perisher Valley – The largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere, connected to the scheme's power supply.
• Yarrangobilly Caves – Limestone caves in Kosciuszko National Park, with a thermal pool for a post-exploration soak.
• Canberra – The national capital, two hours north, with museums and galleries that contextualise the scheme's role in nation-building.
• Batlow – A fruit-growing town on the western slopes, known for its apples and the historic Batlow Hotel.

Please check official sources for current details.