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Big Trout 2024 — Image credit: Pete Wilson - Australian High Country Photography

Landmarks and Buildings

The Big Trout

The Big Trout is one of Australia's most recognisable roadside attractions and a beloved symbol of Adaminaby's identity as a premier trout fishing destination. Standing an impressive 10 metres high and weighing approximately 2.5 tonnes, the monument depicts a giant rainbow trout leaping from the water in a lifelike pose. Constructed from fibreglass over a steel and wire-mesh frame, its detailed scales and vibrant colouring reflect the trout that thrive in nearby Lake Eucumbene and the surrounding alpine waterways. Built in 1973 by local artist and keen fisherman Andy Lomnici, the sculpture was created to celebrate the region's reputation as one of Australia's finest trout fishing destinations. More than just a novelty attraction, the Big Trout has become an enduring icon of the Snowy Mountains, welcoming visitors to the town and symbolising the community's connection to fishing, tourism and the alpine landscape. It remains one of Australia's earliest and most famous "Big Things" and continues to be a favourite photo stop for travellers exploring the region. The Big Trout underwent a restoration project in 2024 by Sydney-based mural painter Ryan Loughnane.

Adaminaby NSW

0.1 km away

Surveyors camp — Image credit: Snowy Scheme Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Snowy Scheme Museum

The Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme commenced construction in 1949 and was completed in 1974. The Scheme has a story to tell like no other in Australian history. Set on a grand scale, it was a project ahead of its time, a perfect stage on which our post-war migrant workforce could perform. The Scheme includes massive irrigation systems feeding off the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers to generate clean renewable energy for the eastern States. The community-based undertaking to establish a Snowy Scheme Museum in Adaminaby, came to fruition on 15 October 2011, with an opening ceremony attended by the Governor General, Quentin Bryce. Its historically significant collection of in excess of 6000 iems which include machinery, vehicles, tools, instruments, laboratory equipment, artworks, maps, books, engineering drawings and documents. The Snowy Scheme Museum highlights the achievements of the Scheme construction workers and their families, the ingenuity, construction techniques and machinery, and the role the project played in the development of twentieth century Australia. The museum provides a multi-dimensional insight into the greatest engineering project ever undertaken in Australia and a monumental chapter in Australia's history.

Adaminaby NSW

0.1 km away

Lake Eucumbene

Natural Attractions

Lake Eucumbene

Located approximately 40 kilometres from Cooma at its closest point is Lake Eucumbene in the beautiful Snowy Mountains. It sits at an elevation of 1200 metres above sea level making it a pristine alpine lake. The closest town to Lake Eucumbene is Adaminaby. The dam construction was finished in 1958 creating the largest of the Snowy Scheme lakes. It holds around nine times the volume of water that Sydney Harbour does. This lake is one of the best fisheries in the Australian Highlands holding rainbow trout, brown trout and Atlantic salmon, the lake is regularly re-stocked with trout by NSW Fisheries which makes it a mecca for trout fishermen. In the summer months, there is a wide spectrum of sporting, freshwater fishing and tourist activities that are available all year round in the Snowy Mountains region of the Mount Kosciusko National Park.

Adaminaby NSW

8.8 km away

Kiandra heritage track

Natural Attractions

Kiandra heritage track

Kiandra Heritage Track is currently closed due to bushfire alerts. Take a beautiful and fascinating walk into the history of Kiandra, home to one of the shortest gold rushes in Australian history. Lasting from November 1859 to March 1861, at its peak in April 1860, up to 8,000 people were staking their hopes on the Kiandra diggings. Within a few years, they had given up and the population of this remote mountain town had stabilised at just 350. The short self-guided walk starts at the former courthouse, in the Kiandra Heritage precinct, and there are plenty of signs along the way to find out more about the history of the area and what life might have been like in this historic town.

Kosciuszko National Park NSW

20 km away

Yankee Hat Aboriginal Rock Art site

Natural Attractions

Yankee Hat

The Yankee Hat Aboriginal Rock Art Site is located within Namadgi National Park in the Gudgenby Valley. The rock art site and rock shelter is accessed via a 6.5 kilometre, 3 hour return walking track. Stroll through expansive grasslands, over a crystal-clear creek, and ever-present mountain views. View the rock art from a specially constructed steel viewing platform. The site also features interpretive signage and an elevated boardwalk. The self-guided walk starts from the Yankee Hat Carpark on Old Boboyan Road. The Yankee Hat Rock Art Site features some of the earliest rock art identified in the ACT. The figures in the rock shelter were painted over a period of hundreds or possibly thousands of years, as evidence from the site suggest that First Nations people were camping in the area as long as 3,700 years ago. The Yankee Hat Aboriginal Rock Art Site is protected. It is an offence to damage, disturb or destroy Aboriginal heritage places including objects. The Ngunnawal people ask that others respect the cultural protocols they have developed for Namadgi. Make sure you do not touch the art or the rock surface as oils from your skin will damage the paintings Visit the Namadgi Visitor Centre for the latest track conditions, weather updates, local information and detailed maps before embarking on any bushwalk. Drinks and snacks are available.

Tharwa ACT

27 km away

Kiandra heritage precinct — Image credit: DPIE

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Kiandra heritage precinct

Kiandra heritage precinct is open, but all precinct buildings remain closed due to severe fire damage. Kiandra was the birthplace of snow skiing in Australia and saw the shortest and coldest gold rush in 1860. A convenient stop along the Snowy Mountains Highway, its heritage buildings and walking track provide insights to the fascinating stories and life in the high country during the 1800s and early 1900s. Kiandra is also known as an access point to the renowned Australian Alps walking track, and many of central Kosciuszko National Park's walks, cycling and horse riding trails, fishing and camping spots.

Kiandra NSW

29 km away

Wild Things Anatomy — Image credit: Wild Things Anatomy

Spas and Retreats

Wild Things Anatomy

Leah and the Wild Things Anatomy team use the tools of breathwork, cold exposure and time in nature as the catalysts for freedom, contentment and a change in perspective for people’s lives. From two-hour workshops to six-day retreats and expeditions, these techniques will help you conquer the first level of spheres in your life – your mind, body and spirit. As a certified Wim Hof Method instructor, Leah has taught all around Australia and worldwide, including alongside Wim Hof himself in Thailand. She has also taken workshops in Europe and the USA. Leah has taught and trained mental health teachers and sufferers, athletes for optimal performance, doctors and scientists, people with autoimmune conditions, corporate clients, motivational speakers, and those wanting to simply improve their well-being.

Kosciuszko National Park NSW

29 km away

Selwyn Snow Resort

Natural Attractions

Selwyn Snow Resort

Come and play at this family-owned and operated winter wonderland, conveniently located between Cooma and Tumut. This popular resort has forgiving slopes for skiers and snowboarders, and a team of experienced instructors. Plus it's Australia's largest dedicated toboggan park. You'll find home base at the expanded Selwyn Centre, which houses all guest facilities and services in the 1 building. Head to the toboggan park and enjoy a ride on the 150m snow carpet, or learn to ski and snowboard with experienced instructors on the progressive terrain. You can also go snow tubing, snow shoeing and there are opportunities for cross-country skiing too. Relax at the end of the day with a steaming hot chocolate and remarkable views of snowbound Mount Jagungal and Tabletop. Take a break from the slopes to explore the nearby historic town of Kiandra, where Norwegian goldminers introduced recreational skiing to Australia in 1861 by fashioning skis from fence palings.

Kiandra NSW

31 km away

Four Mile Hut Walk — Image credit: NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Four Mile Hut Walk

This moderate walk sets out from the Mt Selwyn Resort carpark, along the access trail behind the resort, winding through snowgum forest to Mt Selwyn Radio Tower. Further along, the trees open up into vast sub-alpine grasslands with views of Tabletop Mountain and Mt Jagungal. The open plains are awash with wildflowers in summer, including golden-stemmed billy buttons and orange everlasting daisies. Birds are active in autumn and spring - keep an eye out for wedge-tailed eagles, flame robins and brown falcons. This track is also a great option for horse riding and mountain biking adventures. Turn right at the junction with Tabletop trail and follow for 1.3 kilometres to reach Four Mile Hut access trail, where you can spot faint remnants of the area's gold mining days. Four Mile Hut is 750 metres along the lightly marked access trail, by foot only. Built in 1937, by the last active gold miner in this area, the striking timber and tin strip hut is a scenic backdrop for a picnic to refuel before retracing your steps to the carpark.

Cabramurra NSW

32 km away

Goldseekers track

Natural Attractions

Goldseekers track

Follow this lovely self-guided loop track from Three Mile Dam campground as it meanders through snow gum woodlands, across snowgrass flats, and past an abandoned ore-crushing battery. The scenery is nothing short of spectacular here at any time of year. In spring, it’s remarkable for its carpet of wildflowers, with beautiful displays of yellow billy buttons, white silver snow daisies, and pink grass trigger plants. In winter, it becomes a pristine alpine cross-country skiing or snowshoe track, exciting enough to satisfy any snow-lover. Along the way, keep your eyes out for small mammals and birds that regularly visit here. The endangered eastern pygmy and ringtail possums make their homes in the hollows of old snow gums, as well as crimson rosellas and gang-gang cockatoos that feed on gumnuts and insect galls in the treetops.

Cabramurra NSW

35 km away

Cooma Golf Club

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Cooma Golf Club

Cooma Golf Club is an 18 hole golf course with bent grass greens and top class fairways and teems with abundant birdlife and wildlife. Enjoy the magnificent views across the rolling plains of the Monaro and out towards the mountains from the clubhouse and the course itself. Golf carts and equipment are available for hire. Cooma Golf Club is situated just three kilometres off the Snowy Mountains Highway, on the way to the beautiful fishing lakes, and of course the ski fields.

Cooma NSW

37 km away

Candula

Shopping and Markets

Alpine Apothecary

Alpine Apothecary is a modern Australian apothecary handmade in the Snowy Mountains, Australia. Herbs are grown, dried, infused and transformed into small batch products including herbal teas, botanical skincare, soaps, candles, balms, bath products, natural deodorants, shampoo bars, incense and home fragrance products. Private workshops on request Alpine Apothecary is open every Saturday.

Hill Top NSW

38 km away

Wallace Creek Lookout — Image credit: Photo: Murray Vanderveer

Natural Attractions

Wallace Creek Lookout

For scenic views with altitude, Wallace Creek lookout, in the Kiandra region of Kosciuszko National Park, offers spectacular alpine scenery. Within easy access from the carpark, this cliff-top lookout is moderately wheelchair-accessible and ideal for travellers of all ages. From the lookout, gaze across the grandeur of Great Dividing Range and the majestic Yarrangobilly River valley. In the distance, you’ll see the dramatic summits of the Talbingo mountains and Bogong Peaks. Keep your eyes peeled and you might see lyrebirds, or hear their call, echoing through the trees. It’s a great spot to get your bearings before exploring the park. 4WD enthusiasts can drive along Lobs Hole Ravine trail or, if you prefer a bushwalk, there’s nearby Goldseekers track.

Cabramurra NSW

38 km away

Entrance to the mountain bike trails at Mt Gladstone

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Mt Gladstone Mountain Bike Park

Located 3.5 kilometres west from Cooma, Mount Gladstone MTB Park offers 10 kilometres of purpose-built mountain bike trails through the scenic Monaro landscape. Riders can enjoy a variety of trails suited to different experience levels, with flowing tracks, natural terrain and panoramic views across the surrounding countryside. The park is a great way to experience Cooma's outdoors, with trails suitable for mountain biking enthusiasts looking for an active adventure close to town. The lookout on the top of Mount Gladstone offers views of the Monaro Plains, the extinct volcanoes called 'The Brothers' and the Snowy Mountains.

Cooma NSW

39 km away

Cooma from Mt Gladstone — Image credit: Cooma Visitors Centre

Natural Attractions

Mount Gladstone

The Mount Gladstone Lookout and Nature Reserve sits in 125 hectares of native bushland less than four kilometres from the edge of Cooma township and offers magnificent views across the Monaro Plains and to the peaks of the Snowy Mountains from the two easily accessible viewing platforms. The Mt Gladstone Nature Reserve is also a popular spot for walkers and mountain bike riding. Maps can be found at the Cooma Visitors Centre. There are toilets and barbecue facilities available along with car and coach parking.

Cooma NSW

39 km away

Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool

Natural Attractions

Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool

Set in a valley in the Yarrangobilly area of the Snowy Mountains, Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool is a peaceful natural retreat. The main pool is 20 metres long and 2.5 metres deep and flows like a gentle waterfall into a children's wading pool. A natural spring around 1 kilometre below the surface fills the pool with warm water that contains some minerals, keeping the temperature at 27 degrees Celsius all year. The pool is next to a picnic area with change rooms and toilets making it ideal for a day out. As you relax, look out for water dragons and platypus that enjoy the peaceful surrounds of the pool and nearby river. In summer, come for a quick swim and a picnic. In winter, experience the magic of floating in the warmth as mist rises from the water and snow blankets the ground around you. Access is via the short but steep thermal pool walk, or along Yarrangobilly River walk loop. If you have accessibility needs, please contact the Visitor Centre to enquire about access.

Yarrangobilly NSW

39 km away

Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool Walk — Image credit: NPWS

Natural Attractions

Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool Walk

Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool is fed by a natural spring. Accessible via a short walk, enjoy birdwatching en route before swimming in natural surroundings, near Tumut and Talbingo. It's a short but steep 700 metres to the thermal pool, which is permanently heated to 27 degrees by a natural spring. Measuring about 20 metres long and 2.5 metres deep, the main pool gently overflows like a waterfall into a children’s wading pool. In winter, it’s magical to float in the warmth, watching the steam rise from the surface of the water, with snow blanketing the ground around you. There’s a picnic area next to the pool, as well as changing rooms and toilets.

Yarrangobilly NSW

39 km away

Yarrangobilly Caves – Bluff lookout walk — Image credit: Copyright 2012 Murray van der Veer

Natural Attractions

Yarrangobilly Caves – Bluff lookout walk

While most of the walks around Yarrangobilly Caves meander down towards the river and thermal pool, this one heads up to Bluff lookout, and striding out here is a great way to work up an appetite. It can be quite a steep climb at times, but the rewards are many when you reach your destination. From Glory Hole carpark, follow the road up Yarrangobilly Valley. Take a detour along Jillabenan Cave access track to look down upon Harrie Wood gorge, before continuing a little further along the road to the Bluff lookout sign. The 150 metre track takes you to the lookout, perched high above Yarrangobilly Caves House, nestled into the valley. When you’re finished soaking in the view, the track heads 500m downhill to the picnic area behind the visitor centre, where you can cook up lunch on the free electric barbecues.

Yarrangobilly NSW

40 km away

Yarrangobilly Caves – Castle walk

Natural Attractions

Yarrangobilly Caves – Castle walk

A spectacular and inspiring walk for photographers, birdwatchers and bushwalkers, Castle walk, near Yarrangobilly Caves, follows Yarrangobilly River past Glory Arch and South Glory Cave. With the sight of spectacular limestone cliffs – where you may even discover ancient fossils – and the opportunity to combine it with a cave tour, this medium walk in the north of Kosciuszko National Park, delights in all seasons. Spend the warmer months swimming and fishing in the pristine mountain waters, while the currawongs and kookaburras chatter in the trees. Winter often blankets the area in snow and offers the chance to see glistening icicles clinging to the South Glory cave entrance. With overnight options at nearby historic Yarrangobilly Caves House and Lyrebird Cottage, you might be tempted to linger a while in the magnificent high country.

Yarrangobilly NSW

40 km away

Yarrangobilly Caves – Glory Farm walk

Natural Attractions

Yarrangobilly Caves – Glory Farm walk

This extension to the Yarrangobilly Caves – Thermal Pool walk (1.4 kilometre return) takes you past the popular thermal pool, to the site of one of the area’s historic farms. Stop for a dip in the natural spring waters of the thermal pool, then continue on this 1.2 kilometre return hike from the pool, along the eastern banks of Yarrangobilly River, to Glory Hole Farm. Henry Harris grew all the meat and vegetables for the Kiandra miners at his farm here in the late 1800s. There’s not much left of the farm these days – though you’ll see remnants of an old colonial oven, building foundations, and a small cemetery. The non-native plantings of the old farm are a strong contrast to the bushland, particularly during autumn when their leaves change colours. In the spring and early summer, the wattles bloom gold and the bitter peas yellow and red. For more information on the history of the Yarrangobilly Valley be sure to drop into the Yarrangobilly Caves Visitor Centre.

Yarrangobilly NSW

40 km away

Yarrangobilly Caves – River walk

Natural Attractions

Yarrangobilly Caves – River walk

You could easily do this walk in a couple of hours, but what’s the rush? There’s not a lot more enticing than a picturesque stroll along the Yarrangobilly River and a dip in Yarrangobilly's Thermal Pool. Starting from Glory Hole carpark, this walk links up with the Thermal Pool walk, making it a popular loop that can be walked in either direction. Head up the Exit Road to the thermal pool carpark, then descend into the valley to the pool and picnic area. Pack your swimsuit to enjoy a relaxing dip in the spring-fed thermal pool, before following the track as it meanders upstream beside the Yarrangobilly River. Look out for lyrebirds, superb blue wrens, crimson rosellas and king parrots. If you're lucky, you might even spot a shy platypus in the river. The track then climbs up to meet Glory Arch walk. Turn right to return to Glory Hole carpark, or head left to explore the lofty chambers of South Glory Cave on a self-guided tour (you'll need a ticket from the Visitor Centre).

Yarrangobilly NSW

40 km away

South Glory Cave — Image credit: OEH

Natural Attractions

South Glory Cave

Europeans first explored this underworld in 1834. Like them, you'll be awestruck by the immense size of its limestone chambers, decorations and rock piles. The cave is accessed along a 500m gravel track, taking you from Glory Cave carpark to Glory Arch, with its impressive opening to the sky. This self-guided experience means you can explore the cave at your own pace, with information signs throughout and sensor lights that switch on as you approach. You'll see the white formations of the Ice Age Chamber, others known as the Lamb's Fleece' and Judge's Wig', and even a daylight hole 55m above you. Combine your underground adventure with the scenic Yarrangobilly Caves river walk, and take a dip in the inviting Thermal Pool, which stays 27˚C year-round. You can also join guided tours of some of Yarrangobilly Caves' more intimate and delicately decorated show caves. Take a virtual tour of South Glory Cave captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Yarrangobilly NSW

40 km away

North Glory Cave — Image credit: OEH

Natural Attractions

North Glory Cave

Explore North Glory Cave by guided tour to glimpse a rarely seen underworld in Kosciuszko National Park. Only accessible by guided tour, a visit to this remarkable cave is a journey into a hidden world of vast chambers and stunning crystal features. Meet your guide at Glory Arch, the giant cave entrance with an impressive opening to the sky, the Glory Hole. From there you'll explore a series of enormous chambers seemingly fit for royalty like Queen's Chamber, with its immense stalactites and intriguing crystal formations. In Smugglers Passage look up to see the ancient spiral of a dry stream carved in the ceiling. Here the cave walls also bear signatures of European settlers written during colonial times. Helictite Chamber will delight you with its delicate crystal formations that glitter and point in every direction. Finally, you'll explore the mysterious Devils Kitchen, with its trove of stunning calcite crystals. If North Glory Cave has you curious to see more of this remarkable cave system, take a self-guided tour of South Glory Cave. This cave is located right next door and the self-guided tour is included in the price of your ticket. Back outside, there'...

Yarrangobilly NSW

40 km away

Jersey Cave

Natural Attractions

Jersey Cave

Jersey Cave boasts incredible cave formations 1.5 million years in the making. Cleopatra's Needle a 4 metre column that reaches the ceiling, rare displays of black and grey flowstones, and forests of stalactites and stalagmites, are just a few highlights of this 1.5 hour guided tour. One of the ancient limestone caves in northern Kosciuszko National Park, Jersey Cave's magical interior and setting make it popular with photographers, families, and visitors throughout the year. Above ground, the rugged karst landscape is a great backdrop for Yarrangobilly's walks, lookouts and outdoor Thermal Pool. Stay a few days at Caves House or Lyrebird Cottage so you can see it all. Take a virtual tour of Jersey Cave captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Yarrangobilly NSW

40 km away

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