Berridale - The Heart Of The Snowys

Berridale’s picturesque rural setting presents a landscape of striking contrasts. Huge granite boulders and rock formations evoke an ancient lunar landscape, while towering poplars splash luminous greens, yellows and purples along the road to Jindabyne.

Originally founded as a settlement in the 1860s, with the dry climate proving good for growing marino wool, Scotsman William Oliver originally opened a roadside inn in 1870. Oliver's Inn still exists and you can stop there as you explore the town and its surrounds via the well-known Heritage Walk. Stop at The Inn for a beer and experience the town’s signature hospitality for yourself.

As the coldest climate vineyard in Australia, the Snowy Vineyard Estate is a popular stopping point. This vineyard specialises in semi-dry sweet and fruity wines that match perfectly with the lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea menus offered in the adjoining restaurant.

During the colder months the tiny town of Berridale is a popular pit stop for winter sports enthusiasts on their way to the slopes at Thredbo, Perisher, Smiggin Holes, Charlotte Pass and Guthega. Close to the main commercial hub of Jindabyne, Berridale is also the administrative centre of the Snowy River Shire so there’s plenty to do in town.

Several exciting events are held in Berridale throughout the year. The Easter and spring markets bring together local artisans and producers, as well as offering entertainment and rides for kids. The Eucumbene Trout Farm is a fantastic spot for fishing and tours, and also offers horse and pony rides in its extensive grounds.

Because of its popularity as a Snowy Mountains Crossroads, Berridale boasts many fabulous accommodation options to suit a range of budgets, including motels and self-contained apartments, to luxury hotels, cabins and cottages.

When passing through Berridale on your way to Jindabyne you must call in to see Pauline Coxon's Art Gallery. She is an Aboriginal artist who specialises in Biripi Aboriginal Contemporary Dot Art capturing Abstract Alpine Landscapes. Her work is truly unique, and not to be missed.

Pauline Coxon Art Gallery
Aboriginal Contemporary Art
Pauline Coxon
1 Park St, Berridale 2628
Mobile: 0468390515
Email: info@paulinecoxon.com
Website: www.paulinecoxon.com

Dalgety - On The Banks Of The Snowy River

Dalgety is a peaceful village on the Monaro Plains, and is the only remaining town on the Snowy River after the famous Snowy Hydro-Electric Scheme resulted in the flooding of nearby towns. Dalgety now thrives on its agricultural industry, including sheep, cattle, angora goats and llama farming.

Eight km towards Cooma, stop off for a sip at the Snowy Vineyard Estate. The vineyard was first planted in 1984; today, it's a must-visit for wine and beer lovers. The winery produces semi-dry and fruity wines, including Müller-Thurgau, Sylvaner and Riesling. The estate's microbrewery uses home-planted hops and water from the Snowy River to produce a variety of ales.

Once you've quenched your thirst, be sure to explore the natural wonders of Dalgety, including the rolling hills and incredible granite boulders that dot the area and are a stark contrast to the forest of the mountains and the coastal landscape of the South Coast.

The Dalgety Historic Town and River Walk is a popular tour for visitors wanting to learn more about the town, and The Dalgety Show is an annual event featuring animal stalls and pavilions; it's been running since 1945.

Adaminaby - Big Trout Country

The present township of Adaminaby was created when the Eucumbene River was dammed as part of the Snowy Mountains Scheme in 1958. Before the surrounding valleys were flooded, more than 100 buildings including most of the historic landmarks were dismantled and re-created at the site of the new town. The lakeside villages of Old Adaminaby and Anglers Reach offer magnificent lake vistas and relaxed accommodation while their proximity to Selwyn Snowfields makes the area a popular base for skiers and snowboarders during the winter season. Throughout the rest of the year, the area attracts visitors who are keen on horseriding, bushwalking, fishing, mountain biking and water sports.

The pristine lakes and rivers of the Snowy Mountains offer the best trout fishing in the State. In spring, summer and autumn, fishing for trout takes over as one of the most popular activities €“and Lake Eucumbene at Adaminaby is a prime fishing location. Remember: anglers must always carry an inland fishing licence available from service stations and tackle shops in the region. The Gaden Trout Hatchery, located on the Thredbo River near Jindabyne, is well worth a visit to see one of Australia's main centres for breeding and rearing cold water sport fish.

Be sure to breathe the crisp, fresh mountain air in Kosciuszko National Park, the largest national park in the State. Horse-riding is a popular activity around Adaminaby with horse treks and other experiences available for riders of all skill levels.

Bombala - Australia’s Platypus Country

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Bombala is a picturesque town that is known for its fine wool, beef cattle, timber and lavender production. It's not hard to make the most of the fresh country air with plenty of outdoor activities around Bombala - mountain bike trails and fly fishing for trout are very popular pastimes here. Horseriding, bushwalking and spotting resident platypus in local streams are also highlights.

The South East Forest National Park is a 20 km drive from Bombala with access from the Bucky Springs Road. Scenic drives provide access to some great picnic areas at Six Mile Creek, White Rock River, Big Jack and Myanba Creek. Car-based camping is also allowed at various locations and, from lookouts and viewing platforms in the park, you'll see beautiful old-growth forests, swamps, fern-filled gullies and waterfalls.

There are several great walks that traverse the area. Both the Swamp Walk around Nunnock Swamp and the Heritage Walk

The beautifully restored Early Settlers Hut, which dates back to the 1840s, offers a fascinating glimpse back into the early colonial life of the area. The remarkably preserved Bombala Historic Railway, which houses a small museum, or the Bombala Historic Engines Shed which showcases a handsome surplus of restored vintage era engines and equipment.

For accommodation Bombala offers a choice of hotels, caravan park, lodges and cottages. The township is around 80 km south of Cooma and 80 km west of the Sapphire Coast.

MUST DO
Picnic at Bombala Platypus Reserve
Stay at Heritage Guest House
Explore the Early Settlers Hut
Visit the Bombala Historic Engine Shed
Lavender House Lavender House
Early Settlers Hut Early Settlers Hut
Bombala Platypus Reserve Bombala Platypus Reserve

Bredbo - Village Of Poplars

Bredbo is a quaint rural village located in the Monaro, the heart of Merino Country, and has retained its old world charm and the true nature of Australian rural life.

The village began to support squatters’ runs established as Bredbow and Bridbot between 1848 to 1850. The Bredbo area prospered and was proclaimed a village in 1888.

Bredbo became a bustling village with several shops servicing local residents and graziers. Bredbo boasts a number of historic buildings one of which is the Bredbo Inn. This was one of the main stagecoach stops on the way to the South Coast or Snowy Mountains and later as a stop for railway travellers.

You can take a stroll for just a few minutes down to the Bredbo and Murrumbidgee Rivers where you’ll find some perfect spots for fishing or picnicking. Gold was discovered in the area in the late 1800s.

Michelago - Gateway To The Monaro

Michelago was one of the first places to be settled along the Monaro Highway.

From the highway, you will see St Patrick’s Catholic Church (built mid 1860’s). The town itself is located off the road complete with a pub, general store and many beautiful old homes.

The Michelago Pony Club is a great avenue for the local children to increase their skills and always a wonderful afternoon out for the whole family when they hold their Gymkhanas.

Nimmitabel - Dividing Of The Waters

Nimmitabel, first settled in the 1850’s is a small rural township of 300 people on the Great Dividing Range. It is located on the Snowy Mountain / Monaro Highways, the main routes to Bega and Bombala. It is 1070 metres above sea level. Once known as ‘Nimity Bell’ the name is said to mean ‘place where many waters start’.

In 1959 Nimmitabel was used as one of the locations for the filming, by Warner Brothers, of Jon Cleary’s novel, The Sundowners. Take the time to explore the historic village. Buildings of interest include Geldmacher House and Mill and Saint Andrew’s Catholic Church.

Numeralla - Where The Waters Meet

Numeralla was proclaimed as a village in 1885 although settlement commenced in the 1860’s. Numeralla and surrounding rural areas have a population of 350 and boast a Folk Festival which is held in January each year. The small village is situated on the banks of the Numeralla River, a popular spot with anglers and once a site for gold mining. Evidence of these times can be seen on the Badja River approximately three kilometres from town toward Countegany.

Follow the signs to nearby Wadbillaga National Park and the popular Cascades camping and picnic area, where there is an easy return walk to Tuross Falls. Please note this is a dirt road and can be unsuitable for two wheel drive vehicles in inclement weather. There are no services within the village, the closest you will find in Cooma.