Adaminaby

Adaminaby: A Winter Wonderland for Sports and Relaxation

Nestled in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales, Australia, Adaminaby stands as a testament to the resilience and spirit of a small mountain community. This charming town, relocated in the 1950s to make way for the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme, has reinvented itself as a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its proximity to some of Australia’s best skiing and snowboarding terrain, alongside its rich history and diverse accommodation options, Adaminaby offers visitors a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation against a backdrop of stunning alpine scenery.

A Brief History

Before delving into the winter sports and accommodation options, it’s worth understanding Adaminaby’s unique history. Originally situated on the banks of the Eucumbene River, the town was moved to its current location in 1957 when the original site was flooded to create Lake Eucumbene, Australia’s largest artificial lake. This relocation is commemorated by “Old Adaminaby,” a heritage site that emerges during periods of low water levels, offering a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past.

The town’s strategic repositioning has transformed it into a gateway to the Snowy Mountains’ winter playgrounds, particularly the renowned Selwyn Snow Resort, which sits just 40 kilometers away. This proximity has cemented Adaminaby’s status as a winter sports hub, attracting visitors from across Australia and beyond.

Winter Sports in and around Adaminaby

Selwyn Snow Resort

The jewel in Adaminaby’s winter crown is undoubtedly its access to Selwyn Snow Resort. After undergoing significant renovations following the 2019-2020 bushfires, Selwyn has reemerged as a family-friendly winter sports destination. The resort offers:

11 lifts serving 45 hectares of skiable terrain
A dedicated beginners’ area perfect for first-timers
Intermediate slopes that allow recreational skiers to build confidence
A terrain park featuring jumps, rails, and boxes for freestyle enthusiasts
Toboggan areas for those seeking simple snow fun without the technical skills required for skiing or snowboarding

The resort’s snow-making capabilities ensure reliable conditions throughout the season, typically running from June to September, making it a dependable option for winter sports enthusiasts planning their getaways in advance.

Cross-Country Skiing

Beyond downhill skiing and snowboarding, Adaminaby serves as an excellent base for cross-country skiing adventures. The Kiandra historic site, just a short drive away, offers well-groomed trails that wind through snow gum forests and open alpine meadows. These trails cater to all skill levels, from beginners seeking a gentle introduction to experienced Nordic skiers looking for challenging terrain.

The Perisher Cross Country Centre, accessible from Adaminaby, maintains over 100 kilometers of marked trails, making it Australia’s largest network of cross-country ski tracks. Visitors can rent equipment locally and even book lessons with certified instructors to perfect their technique.

Snowshoeing

For those seeking a more contemplative winter experience, snowshoeing has grown increasingly popular around Adaminaby. This activity requires minimal technical skill while offering maximum immersion in the winter landscape. Local guides lead expeditions through the pristine backcountry, where participants can spot native wildlife, photograph snow-covered eucalypts, and enjoy the profound silence of the alpine environment.

Several operators in Adaminaby offer snowshoe rentals and guided tours, with routes ranging from one-hour introductory walks to full-day adventures complete with mountainside picnics.

Ice Fishing

Lake Eucumbene, when frozen solid during particularly cold winters, provides opportunities for ice fishing—a unique activity in the Australian context. Anglers drill holes through the ice and fish for brown and rainbow trout, which remain active beneath the frozen surface. Local fishing guides can provide the specialized equipment needed and share their knowledge of the best spots and techniques.

Accommodation Options in Adaminaby

Adaminaby’s accommodation landscape has evolved to meet the diverse needs of its winter visitors, offering everything from rustic cabins to luxury lodges.

Luxury Lodges

For visitors seeking premium accommodation, Adaminaby and its surrounds offer several high-end options:

Lake Eucumbene Lodge: Perched on a hillside overlooking the lake, this luxury accommodation features spacious suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, private hot tubs, and a restaurant serving sophisticated Alpine-inspired cuisine using local ingredients.
Snowy Mountains Retreat: This boutique property offers individually designed chalets with designer furnishings, heated floors, and fireplaces. The on-site spa specializes in après-ski treatments designed to soothe muscles after a day on the slopes.
Alpine Heritage Lodge: Combining historical charm with modern luxury, this restored heritage building features plush bedrooms, a communal great room with an enormous stone fireplace, and a private chef who prepares multi-course dinners showcasing regional specialties.

These luxury options typically include ski storage, equipment drying rooms, and shuttle services to nearby resorts.

Mid-Range Accommodation

The majority of Adaminaby’s accommodation falls into the mid-range category, providing comfortable and practical options for families and groups:

Snow Gum Motel: This recently renovated motel offers clean, comfortable rooms with heating, hot showers, and continental breakfast. Its central location makes it convenient for accessing local restaurants and shops.
Eucumbene Trout Farm Cabins: These self-contained cabins include fully equipped kitchens, living areas with wood-burning stoves, and covered decks. The property features a trout farm where guests can catch their dinner.
Snowgoose Hotel: This classic country pub offers accommodation in renovated rooms above its warm, welcoming bar. The social atmosphere makes it popular with groups, and the hearty pub meals provide perfect refueling after winter activities.

These establishments typically offer family rooms or interconnecting options, making them suitable for groups traveling together.

Budget-Friendly Options

Adaminaby hasn’t forgotten visitors traveling on tighter budgets:

Adaminaby Caravan Park: Offering powered sites for caravans and basic cabins, this is the most economical option in the area. The communal kitchen and bathrooms are well-maintained, and the park is within walking distance of the town center.
Snowy Mountains Hostel: With dormitory-style accommodation and a handful of private rooms, this hostel appeals to younger travelers and solo adventurers. The communal spaces foster a social atmosphere where visitors can share tips and experiences.
Alpine Backpackers: This budget accommodation offers simple rooms and a large communal kitchen. Its affordable rates include a simple breakfast, and the operators organize regular shuttle runs to Selwyn Snow Resort.

Many budget properties offer equipment rental discounts through partnerships with local providers.

Unique Stays

For those seeking something different, Adaminaby offers several unique accommodation experiences:

Converted Railway Carriages: Several restored vintage railway carriages have been transformed into quirky accommodation, complete with modern amenities while preserving their historical character.
Yurts and Glamping: On the outskirts of town, an eco-retreat offers insulated yurts with wood-burning stoves, providing a blend of camping adventure and comfort suitable for winter conditions.
The Old Fire Station: This historic building has been converted into a characterful holiday rental, sleeping up to eight guests in a space filled with fire-fighting memorabilia and featuring the original pole between floors.

Practical Information for Winter Visitors

Getting There

Adaminaby is approximately 2.5 hours’ drive from Canberra, 5.5 hours from Sydney, and 7 hours from Melbourne. During winter, roads can be affected by snow and ice, so visitors should check conditions before traveling and ensure their vehicles are equipped with chains, which are often mandatory on mountain roads during the snow season.

Winter Preparations

The alpine climate requires specific preparations:

Layered clothing is essential, including thermal base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer garments
Sun protection remains important due to the reflective quality of snow and the intensity of UV radiation at altitude
Even visitors not participating in winter sports should bring sturdy, waterproof footwear with good traction
Accommodation should be booked well in advance, as Adaminaby fills quickly during peak winter periods, especially during school holidays and weekends

Beyond Winter Sports

While winter sports are the primary draw, Adaminaby offers additional attractions:

The “Big Trout,” a 10-meter sculpture commemorating the area’s fishing heritage
The Snowy Scheme Museum, documenting the engineering marvel that transformed the region
Local craft shops and galleries showcasing mountain-inspired art and products
Restaurants and cafes serving hearty mountain cuisine, from traditional roasts to sophisticated modern Australian dishes

Conclusion

Adaminaby has successfully transformed from a relocated rural town into a thriving winter sports destination that caters to a diverse range of visitors. Its combination of access to excellent skiing and snowboarding, varied winter activities, and accommodation options spanning the full spectrum from budget to luxury makes it an ideal base for exploring the winter wonders of the Snowy Mountains.

Whether you’re carving fresh tracks at Selwyn, gliding along cross-country trails through snow gum forests, or simply relaxing by a fireplace with a view of the snow-covered landscape, Adaminaby offers a quintessential Australian alpine experience that contradicts the country’s sun-and-surf stereotype. As climate change presents challenges to snow reliability worldwide, the town continues to adapt and innovate, ensuring its place as a beloved winter destination for generations to come.