Guide to Cooma New South Wales Australia

Things to Do

Cooma provides a diverse array of activities and experiences that cater to all types of travelers, from adventure seekers to history buffs. The town’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring both the Snowy Mountains and its own unique attractions.

Explore the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre

One of Cooma’s standout attractions, the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre, is a must-visit for anyone interested in Australia’s industrial and engineering history. The centre features interactive displays, detailed models, and videos that explain the construction and significance of the Snowy Mountains Scheme. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the hands-on exhibits, and history enthusiasts will appreciate the depth of information provided.

Outdoor Adventures

For those who love nature and adventure, Cooma offers access to some of the most stunning landscapes in New South Wales. The Snowy River is perfect for kayaking or fishing, while the surrounding hills and valleys provide excellent opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. Guided tours are available for activities such as birdwatching and eco-tours, offering insight into the region’s unique flora and fauna.

During winter, guided snowshoeing tours and cross-country skiing in the nearby national parks provide a thrilling way to experience the snow-covered wilderness. Local tour operators can tailor adventures to suit various skill levels, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy the great outdoors.

Scenic Drives and Day Trips

Cooma is the starting point for some of the most scenic drives in the Snowy Mountains. A popular route is the Alpine Way, which takes you through quaint villages such as Jindabyne and onto Thredbo, with breathtaking mountain views at every turn. Alternatively, head south to the Monaro High Plains, where vast, open landscapes and historic homesteads offer a glimpse into Australia’s pastoral heritage.

For those interested in history, a day trip to the town of Nimmitabel, just 20 minutes from Cooma, offers a peek into the region’s colonial past. Stop by the historic buildings and enjoy a quiet afternoon tea in this charming village.

Guided Tours and Experiences

Cooma is home to several operators offering guided tours, ensuring visitors can make the most of their stay. Some popular options include:

• Cultural Walking Tours: Explore Cooma’s historic landmarks, including heritage buildings and the Avenue of Flags, with a knowledgeable guide who shares stories of the town’s development.
• Alpine Wildlife Tours: Venture into nearby national parks to spot kangaroos, wallabies, and even wild brumbies in their natural habitat.
• Food and Wine Experiences: Visit local wineries and farms to sample the region’s fresh produce, artisan cheeses, and fine wines. Some tours include hands-on cooking classes or tastings of locally brewed beers.

Relax and Rejuvenate

If you’re seeking relaxation, Cooma has plenty to offer. Centennial Park provides a serene space to unwind, with its picturesque gardens and shaded seating areas. During the warmer months, the park often hosts live music events and markets, adding to its charm.

The town also boasts several wellness retreats and day spas where you can enjoy massages, facials, or yoga classes. These experiences are perfect for recharging after a day of exploring.

Cooma is an excellent destination for families, with a variety of activities to keep children entertained. The Cooma Railway Museum provides a fun and educational experience, showcasing vintage locomotives and offering train rides on special occasions.

In addition, families can enjoy picnics at local parks, or take part in seasonal events like the Cooma Show, which features rides, livestock displays, and community stalls. Many local businesses also run workshops for kids, such as pottery or craft-making sessions.

Cooma offers a wealth of experiences, making it a destination where visitors can explore, learn, and relax. From thrilling outdoor adventures to enriching cultural tours, there’s no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in this dynamic and welcoming town.

eyond the well-trodden paths and popular attractions, Cooma offers unique experiences that often go unnoticed on top travel websites. These hidden gems provide a chance to connect with the town’s culture, history, and natural beauty in a deeper and more personal way.

Art and Culture Scene

Cooma boasts a growing arts community that is often overlooked. The Raglan Gallery and Cultural Centre, set in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, is a hub for local artists and creatives. The gallery hosts rotating exhibitions featuring works from regional artists, including paintings, sculptures, and photography. It also holds workshops and events where visitors can learn directly from the artists themselves.

For a touch of history, visit Lambie Street Museum, a lesser-known spot showcasing Cooma’s heritage through fascinating artifacts, documents, and displays. The museum captures the everyday life of early settlers, providing an intimate perspective on the town’s past.

Exploring Lambie Town Walk

While many visitors are drawn to Cooma’s central attractions, the Lambie Town Walk offers a more relaxed and immersive way to explore the area’s history. This self-guided walking tour takes you through 19 points of interest, including historic buildings, churches, and old homesteads that date back to the 19th century.

The walk is designed to highlight Cooma’s architectural heritage and the stories of its early residents. Along the way, you’ll encounter quiet lanes and scenic spots perfect for a peaceful stroll or a picnic.

Culinary Surprises

While Cooma is often associated with hearty, traditional fare, the town has a surprising array of culinary delights for food lovers. Hidden gems like Pha’s Thai Kitchen serve authentic and flavorful dishes that rival those in major cities. For something sweet, Kettle & Seed offers artisanal chocolates, house-made cakes, and specialty coffees in a cozy setting that invites you to linger.

Cooma’s burgeoning local food scene includes pop-up markets and small producers offering everything from organic honey to craft brews. Visiting these venues not only satisfies your taste buds but also supports the local economy.

Unique Wildlife Experiences

Cooma is a fantastic place for wildlife enthusiasts, and many of its natural wonders fly under the radar. While kangaroos and wallabies are common sightings, a walk or tour in the surrounding bushland might also reveal echidnas, wombats, or even the elusive platypus in nearby streams.

For a truly unique experience, consider joining a guided brumby-spotting tour. The Snowy Mountains region is home to Australia’s wild horses, and these tours offer an ethical way to observe them in their natural environment while learning about their significance in Australian folklore.

Community-Led Experiences

Engaging with Cooma’s community is one of the best ways to uncover its hidden treasures. Keep an eye out for local workshops, such as traditional crafts, sheep-shearing demonstrations, or even farm-to-table cooking classes that teach you how to prepare meals with fresh, local ingredients.

During certain times of the year, Cooma’s residents host festivals and small-scale events that offer a glimpse into the town’s vibrant community spirit. The Cooma Monaro Railway Group, for instance, occasionally organizes heritage train rides and events that give visitors a chance to relive the golden age of rail travel.

Stargazing and Nighttime Adventures

While Cooma’s natural beauty shines during the day, its clear night skies are equally mesmerizing. Away from the light pollution of larger towns, Cooma is a fantastic spot for stargazing. Visitors can join local astronomy clubs for guided stargazing nights or simply bring a blanket and enjoy the constellations on their own.

For an unforgettable evening experience, consider an after-dark wildlife tour. Guided by experts, these tours take you into the bush to spot nocturnal animals like gliders, possums, and owls, revealing another side of Cooma’s rich ecosystem.

A Haven for Geology Enthusiasts

Cooma’s surrounding landscapes are a treasure trove for geology enthusiasts. The area is rich in fascinating rock formations, and you can often find evidence of ancient volcanic activity or glacial movements that shaped the region. Taking a guided geology tour or exploring on your own with a map can reveal the hidden stories behind the landscapes you see today.