Cooma

Cooma, a lively town in the Snowy Monaro region, is the gateway to the Snowy Mountains and Kosciuszko National Park. With its alpine character, historic streetscape, and proximity to world-class skiing, hiking, and fly-fishing, Cooma is an essential stop for anyone exploring the high country. The town's pioneer heritage is evident in its well-preserved buildings, while a thriving café scene and local produce make it a welcoming base for adventure.

Highlights & What to See

• Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre – An interactive museum that tells the story of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, one of Australia's greatest engineering feats.
• Cooma Heritage Trail – A self-guided walk past historic buildings, including the courthouse, churches, and the iconic Cooma Hotel.
• Mount Gladstone Lookout – A short drive or walk offering panoramic views of the town, the Monaro plains, and the Snowy Mountains.
• Cooma Cottage (Yass) – A historic homestead once home to explorer Hamilton Hume, now a museum with period furnishings and gardens.
• Kosciuszko National Park – Just south, this park offers year-round activities: skiing in winter, bushwalking and mountain biking in summer, and spectacular wildflowers in spring.
• Snowy River – Renowned for trout fishing, with guided tours and fly-fishing schools available.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least a full day to explore Cooma itself and its immediate attractions. If you plan to venture into Kosciuszko National Park for hiking or skiing, budget two to three days. A relaxed pace includes morning coffee at a local café, the Discovery Centre, the heritage trail, and an afternoon drive to a lookout or short walk. For multi-day trips, base yourself in Cooma and day-trip to Thredbo, Perisher, or the Snowy River.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Jindabyne – A scenic lake town 30 minutes south, perfect for water sports, fishing, and access to the ski resorts.
• Thredbo & Perisher – Australia's premier alpine resorts, about an hour's drive, offering skiing, snowboarding, and summer mountain biking.
• Adaminaby – A small historic town on the shores of Lake Eucumbene, famous for trout fishing and the Big Trout statue.
• Berridale – A charming village with a historic pub and a gateway to the Snowy Mountains, ideal for a quick stop.
• Kosciuszko National Park – The park itself is a must-combine, with highlights like Charlotte Pass, Blue Lake, and Mount Kosciuszko summit walks.

Please check official sources for current details.