The gateway to the Snowy Mountains, Cooma is a charismatic town on the doorstep of some of Australia’s best ski resorts. It not only boasts a rich history, but offers numerous ways to experience Kosciuszko National Park with horse riding, white-water rafting and fly fishing.

Things to do

Want to learn about the rich heritage of Cooma? Take the self-guided Lambie Town Walk, which showcases Cooma’s historic landmarks. Visit the mid-19th-century Court House Precinct and Church Hill, as well as the Cooma Gaol and picturesque Centennial Park.

Experience one of the engineering marvels of the modern world at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre. This state-of-the-art facility provides an interactive look at the history of the Snowy Hydro Scheme, its construction and how it’s operated today.

Kosciuszko National Park sprawls to the west of Cooma and is home to Australia’s highest peak and the iconic Snowy River. Hit the trails to explore its spectacular limestone gorges and waterfalls or get a bird’s-eye view on the chairlift at Thredbo ski resort.

Want to get your adrenalin pumping? Join an exhilarating white-water rafting trip along the Snowy River to experience Kosciuszko National Park from the water. You can also jump into the saddle to explore the pristine alpine landscapes of the region on horseback.

Getting there

Snowy Mountains Airport is the gateway to Cooma and is located 15 minutes’ drive from the town centre. Public buses connect Cooma with the surrounding area, with Canberra around 1.5 hours’ drive away.