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.
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 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.
The Raglan Gallery and Cultural Centre showcases work by the region's established and emerging artists, from painters to ceramicists, potters, sculptors, jewellers, craftspeople and artisans.
Throughout the year the Raglan hosts numerous prestigious exhibitions including those for NAIDOC, Student Artscape, and the annual John Briscoe Awards competition. Its growing reputation also draws artists from interstate and overseas to exhibit in Cooma.
The Raglan hosts regular art classes and workshops and stocks a range of gift items and cards.
Built in 1854 by James Hain, the building was licensed as the Lord Raglan Inn. It was named after Lord Raglan who commanded in the Crimean War. It was also Cooma's first bank, a private hospital, a family home, and now an art gallery.
The Raglan still retains some of the original 100-year-old gardens and is supported by Volunteers, art lovers and the Snowy Monaro Regional Council.
Visitors can discover the stories behind the people, places and events that have helped shape NSW - where the history happened. A Blue Plaque visit offers more than sightseeing. It creates a direct connection between place and story, turning everyday locations into places of discovery. Each plaque reveals a unique piece of history, encouraging visitors to explore local areas from a new perspective and uncover stories they may never have known.
This blue plaque commemorates Professor Thomas Leech who was a renowned professor and head of the Scientific Services Division of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme, one of the largest engineering projects in the world at the time.
Visit the blue plaque at SMEC Fluid Mechanics Laboratory, 220–226 Sharp St, Cooma NSW 2630 and scan the QR code there to learn more.
Perched above Cooma, Nanny Goat Hill Lookout offers sweeping panoramic views of the town, the historic Royalside precinct, and the surrounding Monaro grazing country.
Part of the heritage-listed Lambie Town Walk, the lookout is home to a distinctive nanny goat sculpture created by local artist Chris Graham and is a popular spot to enjoy Cooma's history, scenery, and spectacular sunsets.
The Southern Cloud Memorial is dedicated to the airliner, Southern Cloud, which was one of Australia's greatest air mysteries. On March 21, 1931, the three-engine aeroplane disappeared without a trace on a flight from Sydney to Melbourne. It was Australia's first big civil airline disaster.
The mystery was solved 27 years later during the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme construction. On October 26, 1958, Tom Sonter, a carpenter, left his camp 15 miles from Happy Jacks and came upon pieces of rusted metal. The riddle of the Southern Cloud had been solved. The Southern Cloud lay on the southwest side of the densely timbered mountain ridge of the now Kosciuszko National Park.
The Memorial is made of concrete wings 40 feet across that soar from the blunt apex of a triangle. A grill encloses the face of the memorial and the recovered engine parts of the Southern Cloud and other historic relics. Recorded information is available, telling the story of the Southern Cloud. It was erected by the Cooma Lions Club.
A replica of the Southern Cloud plane is available to view at the Cooma Visitors Centre, as well as further information on the discovery.
A dog's dream!
This little shop is unique and very charming, full to the brim of quality dog accessories, health, wellbeing and foods plus some beautiful nifty giftware by their local artist.
The best thing of all is you can bring your dog! Or if you don't have a dog and you need a "dog fix" you can cuddle theirs, there is always one hanging around looking for love.
With loads of fancy, homemade and all-time favourite dog treats, they can even have a puppucino at the on-site cafe!
The dogs and humans can also be spoilt with barista-made coffee, shakes, smoothies, and sweets or even indulge in Kimmy's famous scones and jam.
Sit down or just hang out with the very friendly team who are just as crazy about dogs as you, they are also professionals when it comes to anything doggo.
The NSW State Correctional Museum is located at Cooma in the Snowy Monaro region of New South Wales. Adjacent to it stands Cooma Correctional Centre and other historic buildings.
There are often new features or additions to the museum such as the new permanent 'Caring for the Incarcerated’ exhibit.
If the history of crime and punishment or Australian history in general interests you, then the museum in Cooma is just the place for you to visit.
The museum displays a collection of objects relating to punishment and crime from the mid-19th century such as manacles and leg irons, convict and prisoner clothing, weapons and escape devices, photos and visual documentation.
Minimum security inmates are the tour guides through the museum with stories from convict period, great escapes and the gaol system today.
Inmate art and craft is on display with handmade items available to purchase from the gift shop.
There's a handy caravan street parking section at the front and wheelchair access is available throughout the museum.
Step back into Cooma's fascinating history at the historic Cooma Courthouse, an exceptional example of Victorian Mannerist architecture built from locally quarried stone. Designed by renowned Colonial Architect James Barnet in 1885, the grand courthouse features a striking arched entrance, beautifully detailed courtroom and coffered ceiling.
Set within formal landscaped grounds, the courthouse has remained in continuous use for more than 120 years, reflecting Cooma's importance as a regional centre during the growth of the Monaro's mining and agricultural industries. Explore the impressive architecture and discover an important part of Cooma's heritage. The courthouse is also featured on Cooma's historic walking trail, offering visitors the opportunity to admire its impressive architecture as they explore the town's heritage.
Discover this remarkable building and an important part of Cooma's history.
Centennial Park, located in the heart of Cooma, was originally designated as the town's market square in 1849. Today, it is a popular community gathering place, combining local history with family-friendly recreation.
The park features the Music Shell, built in 1959 as a sheltered entertainment venue, and the Avenue of Flags, commemorating the 27 nations whose workers contributed to the Snowy Mountains Scheme. Visitors can also explore the Cooma-Monaro Time Walk, a series of mosaics depicting the region's history, created in 1988 by local artist Chris Graham in collaboration with students from the local TAFE. A sculpture of the Man from Snowy River stands on a granite boulder near the Cooma Visitors Centre, while The Shearer by sculptor Rix Wright is located in the park's northeast corner.
Centennial Park is well equipped for families and travellers, featuring a large adventure playground with a dedicated toddler area, picnic tables, expansive open grassed spaces, and a partially fenced play area. Amenities include a baby change room, a bus shelter, and plenty of shaded areas, making it an ideal place to relax, enjoy a picnic, or let the children play.
Step back in time and discover Cooma's rich history on the self-guided Lambie Town Walk. Explore the town's most significant heritage landmarks on foot, by bicycle or by car, using the trail map available from the Cooma Visitor Information Centre.
The five-kilometre trail winds through residential streets, parklands and historic precincts, showcasing the people, places and events that have shaped Cooma. Established by the Goulburn Lands Office in 1985, the walk is named in honour of John Lambie, Commissioner of Lands.
Along the route, you'll visit the three National Trust-recognised Heritage Areas: the Court House precinct, dating from the 1860s; Lambie Street, Cooma's original commercial centre; and Church Hill, home to an impressive collection of nineteenth and twentieth century churches and educational buildings.
The walk also features many of Cooma's most notable landmarks, including Centennial Park, the Avenue of Flags, the Time Walk Mosaics, the Cenotaph, the historic Cooma Gaol and the Southern Cloud Memorial.
Located in the heart of Cooma within Centennial Park, the Cooma-Monaro Time Walk is a unique outdoor mosaic trail celebrating the rich history and heritage of the Snowy Monaro region. Created as a community project for Australia's Bicentenary in 1988, the mosaics were designed by Colour and Design students from Cooma TAFE using historical research provided by the Cooma-Monaro Historical Society, with support from local businesses, community groups and volunteers.
The Time Walk features a series of colourful mosaics depicting the people, places and events that have shaped the region. Themes include Aboriginal culture, early European settlement, pastoral and agricultural industries, bushrangers, mining, transport, education, tourism, the Snowy Mountains Scheme, Kosciuszko National Park, mountain life, local towns including Adaminaby, Jindabyne, Dalgety, Berridale, Michelago and Bredbo, and many other significant moments in the area's history.
Interpretive information is available from the Cooma Visitors Centre, located adjacent to one end of the Time Walk, making it the perfect starting point for exploring this fascinating journey through the region's past.
Frank Norris Park, commonly known as Norris Park, is a peaceful green space in Cooma, offering a relaxing place to enjoy the outdoors. Established as a memorial park in 1966 through the efforts of the Cooma Rotary Club, the park features open lawns, picnic seating, public barbecues, accessible public toilets and a covered gazebo.
Norris Park is also the starting point for the Cooma Creek Walk and Cycleway, a flat, paved and accessible route following the tranquil Cooma Creek. Along the reserve, visitors can enjoy native birdlife and insects, with 15 exercise stations located along the path.
The accessible route is suitable for wheelchairs, prams and families, with dogs welcome on leads. A wheelchair-friendly pathway, ramp and dedicated accessible parking space were developed through a partnership between the Cooma Lions Club and Snowy Monaro Regional Council.
Cooma North Ridge is a beautiful reserve of approximately 80 hectares with many tracks and trails to explore. Whether seeking a peaceful hike or simply a place to enjoy the natural beauty of the region, the north ridge provides a tranquil and scenic retreat.
It's an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts, with walking trails that provide scenic bush exploration. Birdwatchers and nature lovers will find plenty to admire, as the area is home to a variety of local wildlife, and flora such as the different varieties of native orchids.
The reserve is managed by a passionate committee who form the 'Friends of North Ridge Reserve'. The committee meets regularly and often hosts various events such as group walks, trail maintenance days and weed removal working bees.
Download the walking map online or visit the Cooma Visitors Centre for a hard copy.
The Cooma Monaro Railway is a Heritage Tourist Railway and Museum based in Cooma, New South Wales.
Housed in the beautifully restored Cooma Railway Station, the 'Travel for Pleasure' exhibit tells the story of the golden age of railway travel in NSW and the Snowy Mountains while the restored station offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time and explore an operational Signal Box, Station Masters Office and Waiting Room. Take a walk around one of the last remaining complete railway yards in NSW and climb aboard our steam locomotive, 3203.
Work is currently underway to return tourist trains to the rails with CPH Rail Motor shuttles to Snowy Junction before focusing on the restoration of tourist trains to Rock Flat, Nimmitabel and Bombala.
The Motoring Museum is the newest attraction. Combined with the main clubhouse, the Cooma Car Club is the perfect venue for other car clubs who use the extensive facilities created by members to hold their national events. Incorporated in 2002 as the Cooma Monaro Historic Automobile Club Inc., The family-oriented Club is open to all vehicle models and makes and other motoring of interest that are 30 years and older.
Explore the Snowy Mountains and the mighty Snowy Scheme. Take a virtual tour in a state-of-the-art immersive theatre. Experience how Snowy Hydro operates today and find out about the pumped-hydro expansion mega project, Snowy 2.0. Hear stories from former workers and the current workforce about life on the Snowy.
Recharge at the Discovery Cafe with a range of fresh, delicious bites and treats. Then, explore the Discovery Shop for innovative science and STEM-themed products.
Cooma Little Theatre is the heart of live performance in the Snowy Monaro and the region's only dedicated live theatre.
Established in 1955, this volunteer-run, not-for-profit community theatre has entertained audiences for decades with a diverse program of plays, musicals, comedies, dramas and family productions, alongside touring performances, concerts, film screenings and special events.
Located on Monaro Avenue in Cooma, the theatre offers an intimate and welcoming venue where visitors can experience local talent and enjoy quality live entertainment. Whether you're attending a performance or taking part in a production, Cooma Little Theatre is a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates creativity and community.
The Tadeusz Kosciuszko Monument was a bicentennial gift from the Federal Council of Polish Associations in Australia to the town of Cooma. Located at the northern entrance to Cooma the monument commemorates the discovery and naming of Mount Kosciuszko, and the contribution of Polish settlers to the Snowy Mountains Scheme.
There is an information turnout, and coach and car parking is available.
Discover creativity at its finest in the heart of Berridale Village with the Berridale Art & Craft Group Inc. Nestled in a quaint studio, the community of creatives welcomes visitors to explore a world of artistic wonders.
At the core of the collective is a commitment to making art and craft accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for everyone. The studio showcases a diverse range of talents: from textile artistry to porcelain mastery, broken ceramic mosaics, and soon, captivating photography.
The studio is open to the public every Saturday or visitors can arrange a visit by appointment. Whether one is drawn to cork leather handbags, Japanese Indenchu fabric creations, vegan leather designs, or the intricate beauty of Boro and Sashiko, there is something there to inspire and delight.
Just 2 kilometres from Berridale on the Kosciuszko Road, the 18-hole course offers golfers a scenic yet challenging experience. With gently undulating fairways lined by pine trees and greens maintained to an excellent standard, the course is suited to players of all abilities.
The layout features two distinct nines: the front nine demands accuracy with smaller raised greens, while the back nine offers larger, flatter greens with subtle breaks to test even the best putters. Players will also find a mix of shorter par 4s, testing par 5s, and par 3s that call for precision.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, the course provides a rewarding round in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Competitions run twice weekly on Wednesday and Sunday, open to players with handicaps.
Social golfers are welcome at any time.
Discover the rich history of the village of Nimmitabel by taking the Heritage Walk, which explores the township and can be completed in an hour or can be broken into shorter walks.
The walk encompasses Geldmacher House - circa 1863, the Town Well, the Old Mill - circa 1872, the beautiful St Andrews Church, Cenotaph and many other interesting features and buildings that make up the history of this lovely little village. There are also some lovely little shops and cafes to pop into along the way.
Information is available from the Cooma Visitors Centre, located on the corner of Centennial Park, Cooma, or the Nimmitabel Post Office.
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.
