Cooma: Heart of the Snowy Mountains

Nestled in the rolling hills of New South Wales’ Monaro region, Cooma stands as the proud capital of Australia’s alpine country. Located approximately 115 kilometers south of Canberra and 430 kilometers southwest of Sydney, this historic town serves as the administrative, commercial, and cultural hub of the Snowy Mountains region.

Historical Foundations

The Ngarigo people, traditional custodians of the Monaro plains, thrived in this region for thousands of years before European settlement. Their deep connection to this landscape is reflected in the name “Cooma,” derived from an Aboriginal word believed to mean “big lake” or “open country.”

European settlement began in the 1830s when explorers and squatters were drawn to the region’s vast grazing potential. The town was officially proclaimed in 1849, growing steadily as a regional service center. Cooma’s fortunes dramatically increased during the 1860s gold rush at nearby Kiandra, transforming it into a bustling supply point for prospectors seeking their fortune in the mountains.

The Snowy Mountains Scheme

Cooma’s defining chapter began in 1949 with the commencement of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme, one of the world’s most ambitious engineering projects. This massive undertaking, constructed between 1949 and 1974, comprises 16 major dams, 7 power stations, and 225 kilometers of tunnels, pipelines, and aqueducts.

Cooma was designated the scheme’s headquarters, causing the town’s population to swell dramatically. Over 100,000 workers from more than 30 countries contributed to the project, bringing unprecedented cultural diversity to this rural Australian town. This multicultural heritage remains one of Cooma’s distinctive characteristics, commemorated in the Centennial Park Avenue of Flags, representing the nationalities that contributed to the Snowy Scheme.

The Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma celebrates this engineering marvel through interactive exhibits, historical displays, and scale models that demonstrate how the system harnesses the power of melting snow to generate electricity and redirect water west for irrigation.

Geography and Climate

Situated at an elevation of 800 meters above sea level on the eastern edge of the Monaro plains, Cooma enjoys a distinct climate characterized by four clearly defined seasons. Summers (December-February) are generally mild to warm, with average maximum temperatures around 26°C (79°F), though occasional heatwaves can push thermometers above 35°C (95°F).

Winters (June-August) are cold by Australian standards, with frequent frosts and occasional snowfalls. Average winter minimums hover around -1°C (30°F), with some mornings dropping below -10°C (14°F). This climate creates the perfect training ground for winter athletes, with the Australian Institute of Sport’s high-altitude training facility located in nearby Jindabyne.

The surrounding landscape features undulating plains of native grasslands dotted with granite outcrops and bordered by mountain ranges. This geography creates a distinctive Monaro landscape famous for its golden hues and stark beauty, which has inspired generations of Australian artists and photographers.

Economy and Industry

Today, Cooma’s economy blends government services, tourism, agriculture, and emerging industries. As the administrative center for the Snowy Monaro Regional Council, government employment provides stable year-round jobs for many residents.

Tourism forms a crucial economic pillar, with Cooma serving as the northern gateway to the Snowy Mountains. During winter months (June-September), the town bustles with visitors heading to Australia’s premier ski resorts at Thredbo, Perisher, and Charlotte Pass. Summer brings adventure seekers pursuing mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and water sports on the region’s lakes and rivers.

Agriculture remains significant, predominantly focused on Merino wool production and beef cattle. The famous Monaro wool, grown in harsh conditions, is prized for its fine quality and durability. Many historic sheep stations surrounding Cooma have been held by the same families for generations, maintaining traditions of pastoral excellence.

Recent years have seen diversification into renewable energy, with several wind farm developments in the region and continuing expansion of the Snowy Hydro scheme through the Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project.

Cultural Life and Heritage

Cooma maintains a vibrant cultural scene unusual for a rural town of its size (population approximately 7,000). The Cooma School of Music and Snowy Monaro Regional Art Gallery showcase local and visiting talents, while the Lambie Town Walk guides visitors through historic buildings dating back to the 1860s.

Architectural highlights include the Cooma Courthouse (1889), a fine example of Victorian Classical style, and St Paul’s Anglican Church (1869) with its distinctive bluestone construction. The main street features numerous heritage buildings housing modern businesses, creating an atmosphere where past and present comfortably coexist.

The Cooma Monaro Railway preserves the town’s rail heritage, offering museum displays and occasional heritage train rides on preserved sections of the former Cooma-Bombala line, which ceased regular operations in 1986.

Annual events enliven the community calendar, including the Cooma Show (agricultural exhibition), the Snowy Mountains Country Music Festival, and the Festival of the Falling Leaf celebrating autumn colors.

Community and Demographics

Cooma’s population reflects its unique history, with demographic diversity unusual for regional Australia. Descendants of European migrants who worked on the Snowy Scheme maintain cultural traditions, evidenced in local cuisine, community groups, and occasional festivals celebrating Italian, German, Norwegian, and Eastern European heritage.

Educational facilities include several primary schools, Monaro High School, and a campus of TAFE NSW providing vocational training. Healthcare services center around the Cooma Hospital, though specialists typically visit from larger centers.

Like many regional communities, Cooma faces challenges including youth retention, healthcare access, and economic diversification beyond tourism. However, improved digital connectivity and growing interest in regional living following the COVID-19 pandemic have created new opportunities for population growth and economic development.

Gateway to Adventure

Cooma’s strategic location makes it the perfect base for exploring the diverse attractions of the Snowy Mountains region. Beyond winter sports, visitors can discover Kosciuszko National Park’s alpine wildflowers during summer, fish for trout in pristine streams, or explore pioneer heritage at historic mountain huts.

The town serves as the starting point for several touring routes, including the Snowy Mountains Highway westward to Tumut and the scenic Alpine Way connecting to Jindabyne, Thredbo, and ultimately to Victoria’s high country.

As climate change poses challenges to traditional winter tourism, Cooma and the broader region continue evolving their offerings to emphasize year-round attractions, positioning this historic town to remain the vibrant heart of Australia’s alpine country for generations to come.