About Cooma (The Heart of the Snowy Mountains)
Welcome to Cooma, our hometown and the gateway to the NSW Snowy Mountains. From the rolling plains of the Monaro, to the rugged mountain ranges of Kosciuszko National Park, Cooma is a little haven right in the heart.
An hour to the ski fields, an hour to Australia’s Capital City, and just over an hour to the beaches, we’ve got a little bit of everything at our doorstep. But it’s not just about what’s around us that makes this place so special, there’s plenty to love right here in Cooma! With that small town country charm, but enough to keep you entertained, here's a few of our favourite things to do around town - after a visit to our store, of course!
For The Coffee Connoisseurs
If you love coffee as much as we do, boy are you in for a treat! From ivy-lined courtyards to hole-in-the-wall style cafe's, it’s not hard to come by a tasty chino in Cooma...
The Lott Cafe
Breakfast, lunch, coffee - this is THE spot! With a strong focus on fresh local produce, The Lott Cafe serves up original dishes with flavours that pack a punch. The ambience and staff are warm and welcoming, and the coffee menu is fit for a connoisseur. This is one of our favourite spots in town!
The Courtyard Cafe
Whether you're grabbing to go, or enjoying the sun shine in the gorgeous, ivy-lined courtyard– you are guaranteed a delicious coffee, tasty snack and friendly service at The Courtyard Cafe.
Hit The Lookouts
Get up high to take in the stunning landscape of the Monaro! Our top pick is the Mount Gladstone Lookout which offers breathtaking views of the vast Monaro Plains and distant snow capped mountains. We also love Nanny Goat Hill which is right in the centre of town and offers extensive views of the earliest part of Cooma township and the surrounding grazing country. It’s also part of the historic Lambie Town Walk, anther must do when visiting Cooma.
Tuck in to the local cuisine
Cooma embraces its vibrant multicultural community through a wide array of dining options. Whether you crave a traditional wood-fired pizza, aromatic Thai dishes or flavorful Indian curries, Cooma's eateries have something to satisfy every palate...
Pha's Thai
Serving up authentic and seriously exquisite Thai flavours. Enjoy a specialty cocktail by the fire before taking your seat underneath the exposed timber rafters in the beautiful Pha's Thai restaurant.
Cisne Vietnamese Street Food
A popular lunch spot amongst locals, Cisne dishes up delicious Vietnamese street food including favourites like Bánh mì, Pho, rice paper rolls and bao buns. Enjoy a specialty coffee or Vietnamese coffee in house or on the go.
Rose's Lebanese
Serving authentic Mediterranean dishes that hero locally grown organic produce, Rose’s dishes up bold flavours in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.
The Alpine Hotel
The Alpine Hotel offers a relaxed "Country pub" feel atmosphere and brand new outdoor beer garden, enjoy all your tasty pub favourites and the best woodfired pizzas in town!
Indulge In Some Retail Therapy
If there's one thing we know a little bit about, it's indulging in some all important retail therapy! Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, a lover of unique gifts, or simply looking to explore local craftsmanship, Cooma has something for everyone...
birdsnest
With 9 exclusive labels, personalised styling advice and styled outfit inspiration, your Wardrobe Wingbirds are on a mission to help you find and LOVE your own style. In our one and only store you will find a curated selection of our latest items on display, however you also have access to the full range of items on our website with our unique picking system - allowing you to have the items delivered straight to your changeroom!
Your House
It's hard to leave without a little something for yourself or someone else. With a revolving collection of rustic homewares, furniture, jewellery and baby gifts, there's no doubt you'll be taking a little piece of Cooma home with you after visiting Your House.
Made In The Monaro
A stunning collection of locally crafted products, where you can explore their collection or enroll in one of their weekly workshops. Made In The Monaro is the perfect place to find gifts for yourself or someone special, or learn a new skill!
Local Markets
The Monaro’s finest flavors are available at the CMR Fresh Produce Markets held on the second Sunday of every month. Head trackside to the Cooma Monaro Railway Station and enjoy a lovely morning on the historical railway, with loads of fresh local produce available including coffee, fresh sourdough, fruit and vege, honey, chocolates, eggs, smoked trout and much more.
Additionally, the Cooma Rotary Markets are a treasure trove of hidden gems and is held on the third Sunday of every month in Cooma's Centennial Park. The markets boast a family friendly atmosphere. Enjoy some great food and coffee within the market place as you peruse a huge array of stalls showcasing local produce, arts & crafts, plants, bric-a-brac and more.
Explore the many galleries and museums
History buffs and art enthusiasts alike will find a plenty to explore when visiting Cooma. Whether you have an appreciation for history or a passion for art, Cooma's museums and galleries offer a captivating cultural experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the town's heritage and artistic spirit...
Charles Davis Photography Gallery
Located in a beautifully restored church in the main street of Cooma, enjoy the most popular and award winning works of renowned local nature photographer, Charles Davis.
Raglan Gallery & Cultural Centre
The Raglan Gallery & Cultural Centre showcases work by the region's established and emerging artists, from painters to ceramicists, potters, sculptors, jewellers, craftspeople and artisans.
Cooma Car Club Motoring Museum
Showcasing a collection of beautiful, rare vehicles and automobilia from the Monaro region, the Cooma Car Club Motoring Museum has a fully functioning 1950’s American diner. Open Tuesday, the first Saturday of the Month and by appointment only.
NSW Correction Services Museum
The NSW Correction Services Museum contains displays and artefacts from convict days to the present. Low security inmates will be your tour guide with inmate arts and crafts available for purchase.
Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre
The Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre offers a fun experience for the whole family with interactive displays, short films and hands-on exhibits and activities where you can learn all about the past, present and future of the mighty Snowy Scheme.
Get Out And Explore By Foot
Whether you prefer a gentle stroll or a more invigorating hike, Cooma's local walks provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate the stunning landscapes that surround the town...
Lambie Town Walk
Starting right outside your door on Lambie Street, Cooma’s original main street, this 5km self guided walk will take you around Cooma to three historic precincts - The Court House Precinct, Lambie Street Precinct and Church Precincts. Be sure to download the map.
Lambie Gorge Walk
Starting on the path along Cooma Back Creek at Cooma Showground (behind birdsnest), this walk takes you through a rocky bushtrack to the beautiful Lambie Gorge Lookout. Enjoy alpine floral, rock pools and discover an engineering landmark of national significance. See more here.
Mount Gladstone Nature Reserve
A popular spot for bushwalking, horse riding and mountain biking, the Mount Gladstone Lookout offers spectacular views across the Monaro Plains and to the peaks of the Snowy Mountains. There are a number of short walks to choose from within the reserve.
Love, the birdsnest birds x