Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre

Perched on the edge of the Snowy Mountains, the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma is a fascinating gateway to one of Australia’s greatest engineering feats. This interactive museum and visitor centre brings to life the epic story of the Snowy Mountains Scheme – a post-war project that diverted rivers through the mountains to generate hydroelectricity and irrigate the dry inland. Through engaging exhibits, a giant model of the scheme, and a powerful audio-visual show, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for the 100,000 workers who tunnelled through granite to build 16 dams, 7 power stations and 225 kilometres of tunnels. It’s an inspiring stop that blends history, technology and the rugged beauty of the Snowy region.

Highlights & What to See

• Interactive Exhibits: Dive into the engineering marvel with hands-on displays, including a walk-through tunnel replica and a virtual tour of the power stations.
• Snowy Scheme Model: A massive, detailed 3D model of the entire scheme, with lights and animations that explain how water flows through the mountains.
• The Big Country Show: A 20-minute multi-screen film that tells the human and environmental story of the scheme – inspiring and moving.
• Hydro Lab: Experiment with water flow and electricity generation in the kids’ activity zone – fun for all ages.
• Outdoor Lookout: Step onto the viewing platform for panoramic views of the Snowy Mountains and the Cooma township.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours to thoroughly explore the exhibits, watch the film and enjoy the views. If you’re a keen history or engineering buff, you could easily stretch this to half a day, especially if you combine it with a self-guided walking tour of Cooma’s heritage-listed buildings. The centre is open daily from 9am to 5pm, and it’s a perfect break on a road trip through the Snowy Mountains.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Cooma Township: Explore the historic main street, with its gold-rush-era architecture, cosy cafes and the Cooma Visitors Centre.
• Snowy Mountains Highway: Drive north towards Adaminaby and the Snowy River for alpine scenery, trout fishing and the Snowy River National Park.
• Kosciuszko National Park: Just a short drive away, this World Biosphere Reserve offers year-round adventures – from skiing at Thredbo and Perisher to summer bushwalking and mountain biking.
• Jindabyne: A lively lakeside town 30 minutes south, perfect for watersports, dining and panoramic lake views.
• Lake Eucumbene: Australia’s largest artificial lake, created by the Snowy Scheme – great for fishing, camping and boating.

Please check official sources for current details.