Things To Do
in Cooma

A regular market (check dates) with local produce, baked goods and small food stalls—good for seasonal fruit, vegetables and handmade treats.

Occasional weekend stalls near the main street where locals sell preserves, baked goods and snacks—great for sampling regional flavors.

People are casual and friendly—greetings like 'G'day' or 'hello' are common; use first names quickly in conversation when appropriate.

Small towns can have limited opening hours—plan ahead for shops, cafés and services that close earlier than in cities.

The area is on Ngarigo country—treat cultural sites and stories with respect and follow signage and local guidance.

On rural roads, give way to farm vehicles and stock, watch out for wildlife and follow speed limits—locals expect cautious driving.

Tipping in Australia is not obligatory—service workers are generally paid living wages—though leaving small change or rounding up for exceptional service is appreciated, especially in restaurants.

Cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless payments (EFTPOS, Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely accepted; cash is still useful for small purchases in markets and some pubs. ATMs are available in town but may charge fees for some cards.

Summers are generally warm and dry with cool nights; UV is strong—sunscreen and a hat are essential. It’s a good time for alpine wildflowers, lake activities and hiking, though occasional thunderstorms can occur.

Crisp, clear days and colourful foliage at higher elevations make autumn a scenic time for drives and photography; temperatures drop noticeably overnight.

Winters are cold—frost and snow are common in the high country and occasional snowfalls can reach Cooma; roads to the ski fields get busy and may require chains. Bring warm clothing and check road/weather conditions before travelling.

Spring sees melting snow, budding landscapes and variable weather—ideal for waterfalls and early wildflowers, but be prepared for muddy tracks and changing conditions.

The local regional airport close to town; has had seasonal and regional flights in the past—check current schedules as services vary by season and operator.

Major regional airport about 1.5–2 hours’ drive north-west of Cooma with frequent domestic flights and good road links; a common arrival point for international visitors connecting through Sydney or Melbourne.

Regional airport further south-west (around 2–3 hours’ drive) offering limited domestic services—an alternative depending on travel plans.

Australia’s major international hub ~4–5 hours’ drive from Cooma; a longer drive but often used by international visitors when combined with car hire or connecting domestic flights.

A significant portion of the population is involved in agriculture, pastoralism and local services, often with multi-generational ties to the region.

Historical post-war migrants who worked on the Snowy Mountains Scheme contribute to a multicultural legacy—European influences are still visible in local culture and events.

The Monaro region is on traditional Ngarigo country; Indigenous history and culture are important to the area.

During winter and peak holiday periods the population increases with visitors and seasonal workers supporting tourism and hospitality.

Rugby league has strong community participation in NSW country towns with local clubs and weekend matches during the season.

Australian Rules is also played locally and attracts community support for regional competitions.

In winter, many locals and visitors participate in skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts; the industries are important to the local economy.

With a strong rural and pastoral culture, equestrian events and pony clubs are popular in the Monaro region.

Options are available at cafés and some pubs but can be limited—look for salads, vegetable mains, eggs and cheese dishes; calling ahead helps.

Vegan choices exist but are fewer than in big cities; cafés sometimes offer plant-milk for coffee and a few vegan-friendly dishes—bring snacks if you have strict needs.

Many cafes and pubs can provide gluten-free options or substitutes—inform staff about intolerance and ask about cross-contamination if severe.

Standard procedure is to inform staff of allergies; small-town kitchens are usually accommodating but always double-check ingredients.