Cabramurra

Perched at nearly 1500 metres above sea level, Cabramurra is Australia’s highest town — a remote, weather-beaten settlement that feels a world away from the coastal crowds. Built to house workers of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, this tiny village clings to the edge of the Snowy Range, surrounded by subalpine woodland and vast, empty horizons. It’s a place for travellers who crave solitude, crisp mountain air, and the raw beauty of the high country, with the Kiandra area’s gold-rush history and the Snowies’ best hiking trails right on the doorstep.

Highlights & What to See

• Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme – Explore the engineering marvel that shaped modern Australia; the Cabramurra township itself is a living museum of the scheme’s worker housing and infrastructure.
• Kiandra Historical Site – A short drive south, this ghost town was once a roaring gold rush settlement; wander the ruins and the historic cemetery, and learn about Australia’s first ski club.
• Mount Selwyn Ski Resort – A family-friendly, no-frills ski field that’s perfect for beginners and intermediates; summer access offers wildflower walks and mountain biking.
• Snowy River Way scenic drive – One of Australia’s great alpine drives, winding through snow gum forests, over mountain passes, and past glacial lakes.
• Yarrangobilly Caves – A series of spectacular limestone caves with guided tours, a thermal pool (year-round 27°C), and walking trails through the valley.
• Kosciuszko National Park – Cabramurra sits inside this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; access to the Main Range walk, Charlotte Pass, and the highest peaks in Australia.

Suggested Time to Spend

Cabramurra is a fleeting stop rather than a base — plan to spend 1–2 hours exploring the town itself (take photos of the historic cottages and the Snowy Hydro display). Most visitors use it as a lunch break or overnight pause en route through the Snowy Mountains. If you’re skiing at Mount Selwyn, a full day plus a night in town works well. For hikers aiming to tackle the Main Range, budget two to three days to combine Cabramurra with nearby trailheads.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Jindabyne – The main gateway to the Snowy Mountains, with accommodation, dining, and water sports on Lake Jindabyne; 45 minutes south.
• Thredbo – A world-class alpine village and ski resort, with year-round activities including the Thredbo Valley Walk and the Kosciuszko Express chairlift; about an hour south.
• Adaminaby – A charming historic town on the shores of Lake Eucumbene, known for trout fishing and the Big Trout statue; 30 minutes north.
• Cooma – The Snowy Mountains’ service hub, with the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre and excellent bakeries; an hour north-east.
• Kosciuszko National Park’s Main Range – Australia’s premier alpine walking area, with boardwalks to Mount Kosciuszko and stunning glacial lakes; accessible from Charlotte Pass (45 minutes south).

Please check official sources for current details.