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Photo: The Snowy Hydro Information and Education Centre.
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Touring Australia: Visiting the Snowy Mountains Scheme
Great for families: You can visit the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma, NSW.
Within the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre there are extensive displays, photos, working models and interactive exhibits which show the engineering that went into the project.
There are films you can see about this grand project and hands on exhibits about the environment, the history and power generation.
The Story
In 1949, The Snowy Mountains hydroelectricity and irrigation complex was built, creating 7 power stations and 16 major dams. Digging through mountains, the complex uses some 145 kms of trans-mountain tunnels and 80 kms of aqueducts.
Two of the power stations are underground. A tremendous achievement of its time, it marks the post war era in Australia.
Cooma NSW
Cooma NSW: It began growing as the centre of the Monaro Grasslands, where a thriving sheep and cattle industry emerged. After World War II Cooma was at the centre of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme, supporting the thousands of workers who came from all over the world to work here.
Cooma is still regarded as one of the most multi-cultural towns in rural Australia. See Cooma on the Map: Snowy Mountains Map.
Snowy Mountains
On the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales (ski and snow sports alpine country) you can find accommodation to suit almost any budget.
Located here are alpine mountain resorts set in stunning locations, luxury hotels near the snowfields, charming bed & breakfasts, caravan parks, serviced apartments, camping, pub stays, homesteads and holiday lettings.
Note: During winter (June - August) the snow fields become ever popular, so it is important to book ahead. You will find summer here is also popular with those wanting to explore the region.
Cooma Visitors Information Centre
Enquire at the Cooma Visitors Information Centre about the many national parks, activities, things to do, camp sites and picnic areas, lakes, unique flora and fauna in the Snowy Mountains, Capital Country and on the Sapphire Coast. 119 Sharp Street, Cooma. Phone +061 2 6450 1742.
Main Photo: The Snowy Hydro Information and Education Centre.