Billed at the “Capital of the Snowy Mountains”, this alpine playground is full of classic Australian charm. In the wintertime it becomes a snow-covered wonderland with some of the best skiing and snow sports in the country, but in the summer it’s a lush, wildflower covered expanse of greenery and a mild climate that will have you enjoying a breath of cooler air. Make the time to get better acquainted with Cooma.
Say hi to the Nanny Goat
It’s always good to get a birds-eye vantage when planning an adventure, but in Cooma, you’ll want a goats-eye vantage instead. The Nanny Goat Hill lookout has scenic views over the older part of town and the pastoral green hills that characterise the surrounding area. There’s a charming sculpture of a Nanny Goat here made by a local artist, and even though there are some steep steps to climb the view is well worth it. It has a large car park, so this is a convenient drive-up attraction where you can stretch your legs and get some fresh air. In warmer months you might catch an ice-cream van here too, so enjoy a sweet treat while you take in the sweeping vista.
Lounge at the Library
The Snowy Monaro Regional Library is a great place to spend a few hours. Let the kids loose on the kids’ section and relax with a book on one of their comfy couches for a few hours. It’s free, and a relaxing way to recharge the batteries. During the school holidays, they have heaps of activities going on here, including some really fun crafting sessions that will keep your kids occupied and entertained. They have interesting events for adults too, including photographic exhibitions and talks, lectures and discussion groups. A number of local community groups make use of the meeting rooms here, and many welcome visitors, so ask the friendly librarians what’s happening while you’re there. In addition to books, the library rents out movies, games and music, and even toys and board games, so there’s lots to explore here.
Catch of the Day
The Eucumbene Trout Farm lets the family experience a fun activity with a delicious result. The six-hectare Stony Lake is well stocked, and you’ll be provided with a rod or fly reel to try your luck. If you have no luck in the lake, the owners will let you bag a catch in the “sure catch tank” so you won’t go hungry. They can filet your catch on the spot and you can use one of the barbeques to feast immediately, or take it home for dinner – fish just doesn’t get any fresher or more delicious than this. They do regular tours of the farm too, which is full of informative commentary about aquaculture, responsible fishing and the complexities of their operation with a strong focus on sustainability.
Huge Hydro
The area’s largest, and most impressive piece of infrastructure is the Snowy Hydro Scheme – one of the most impressive feats of engineering in the country. The Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre is a great place to explore more about energy, hydroelectricity and a whole lot more. It has a fully immersive state of the art theatre, and a number of exciting interactive displays where you can learn about the past, present and future of this behemoth. The Discovery Café is open every day for you to enjoy a cuppa.
