Every winter, thousands of travellers make their way to the Snowy Mountains for ski slopes, snowy landscapes and alpine adventures. But if you’re craving the charm of a quintessential country town as part of the journey, Cooma is well worth adding to the itinerary. Framed by sweeping Monaro plains and surrounded by mountain scenery, the town takes on a particularly cosy atmosphere during the colder months. Heritage buildings line the charming main street, while quaint cafes provide a welcome escape from the cold. With snow-covered peaks just beyond town and a distinctly alpine feel, the town is at its prettiest in winter. If you’re looking to plan an offbeat cold-weather escape, here are the best things to see, eat and do in Cooma this winter.
Things to do in Cooma in winter
This quiet slice of the Snowy Mountains offers plenty of adventure and cosy activities in the colder months. A good place to begin is the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre, which tells the story of one of Australia’s most ambitious engineering achievements. Through interactive displays, historic photographs and large-scale models, visitors can learn how the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme transformed the region and why it remains one of the country’s greatest infrastructure projects.
History enthusiasts will also enjoy the Corrective Services NSW Museum, with guided tours delving into more than two centuries of the state’s penal history. Housed beside the local correctional centre, the museum features everything from convict-era artefacts and historic prison uniforms to inmate artwork and stories from NSW’s prison system. Afterwards, stretch your legs on the Lambie Town Walk, a self-guided heritage trail that winds past some of Cooma’s oldest buildings, public monuments and leafy parks, including Centennial Park.
Cooma is home to stellar art galleries including the Raglan Gallery and Cultural Centre, which showcases works by local and regional artists inside one of Cooma’s oldest heritage buildings, and the Charles Davis Gallery, home to award-winning images capturing the dramatic alpine landscapes, native wildlife and brumbies that define the surrounding region.
Winter is also the perfect time to venture beyond town and spend your daylight hours outdoors. Cooma sits within easy reach of Kosciuszko National Park, making it the perfect base for exploring some of Australia’s most wonderful alpine scenery. Snow lovers will be spoilt for choice with Perisher, Thredbo or Charlotte Pass, just a stone’s throw from town. The region also offers scenic drives through the high country, lined with snow gums, mountain lookouts and snow-covered peaks along the way.
Other ways to enjoy the town
Cooma’s food scene packs a punch with plenty of cosy come-as-you-are spots to dine at. Start the day with breakfast and excellent coffee at local favourites, The Lott Cafe or 123 Coffee House before warming up with authentic Thai flavours at Pha’s Thai for lunch or dinner. If you’re after something quick before heading into the mountains, The Bakery Cooma is known for its freshly baked pastries and hearty sausage rolls, while the historic Alpine Hotel offers classic pub fare beside a crackling fireplace. Mezcals Tequila Bar & Restaurant is the place to go for cocktails and all-you-can-eat options, while Miss Heidi’s Tea House is a cosy spot nestled in the hills.
Shopping lovers will also find plenty to browse around town, from Birdsnest, the flagship store of the popular Australian clothing brand, to Made in the Monaro, which showcases handcrafted gifts, homewares and artwork by regional artisans, and Mainstreet Clothing for fashion and accessories. If you’re visiting on the right weekend, browse fresh local produce at the CMR Artisan Market or pick up handmade goods and gourmet treats at the Cooma Rotary Markets, both of which are popular fixtures on the town’s calendar.
Getting there
Cooma is a little over a 4-hour drive south of Sydney and approximately 90 minutes from Canberra, making it an ideal stop on a winter road trip through southern NSW. If you’re travelling from further afield, you can fly into Snowy Mountains Airport, around 15 minutes from town, and hire a car to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, NSW TrainLink operates coach services to Cooma from Canberra and other regional centres. Plan your travels on Transport for NSW.
