Note: Due to bushfire damage and coronavirus lockdown rules, some activities may be restricted.

Sports, mountain scenery, history, craft or culture - there's plenty for you to enjoy.

History

Adaminaby was where the famous Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme began. The Scheme created one of the engineering wonders of the modern world. It also brought together people of many cultures as never before.

There's plenty to discover about this engineering masterpiece which transformed a nation.

Today SnowyHydro manages the extensive, integrated water and hydro-electric facility. You can visit their information centres or drive to many of the key locations of the Scheme.

The town of Adaminaby was moved from one side of the Great Dividing Range to the other, as the Scheme took shape. This created a unique township.

The area is also steeped in older history - from the Aboriginal groups who lived here or visited for the Bogong moth feasts, to pastoralists and gold diggers.

Our heritage

Adaminaby's iconic 'Big Trout'

Her Story: Designed by local artist Andy Lominici, this magnificent 10 metre fibreglass sculpture was officially unveiled by the Hon. Tom Lewis, NSW Minister for Lands and Tourism on Sat. 3rd Nov 1973. Over the last 40-odd years she's required several upgrades.

The Big Trout is located on the Snowy Mountains Highway in Adaminaby. There are bbq facilities, playground and public toilets near the Trout, and local shops and eateries are only a short stroll away.

The spectacular Adaminaby Curtain

These magnificent handmade Stage Curtains are a highlight of any visit to Adaminaby.

The Curtain's Story:

The curtain was designed for the stage of the Adaminaby School of Arts and Community Hall  by 2 local artists, James Meverley and Barbara Gough.

It features Adaminaby, Lake Eucumbene and the mountains, highlighting the region's four distinctive seasons and unique history.

It took 2 ½ years to complete, with 85 adults and 31 school children involved in its production.

It consists of two functioning stage curtains with a total length of 9m. The Governor of NSW, Professor Marie Bashir officially opened the Curtain on 19th May 2004.

To book to see the Stage Curtain, please phone the Hall Manager (0490 063 114).

National Parks

Both the northern section of the Kosciuszko National Park and the Namadgi National Park  are within easy reach of Adaminaby.  These National Parks are full of hidden treasures.

There are some restrictions on access and some road closures, due to bushfire damage. Snowy 2.0 construction and covid-19 regulations also have an impact but there is still plenty of room to explore. Check with NPWS.

See and experience:

• unique Snowy Mountains native wildlife
  
• descendants of the brumbies that inspired 'Banjo' Paterson's great poem 'The Man from Snowy River'
• historic huts which provided shelter to the early settlers
  
• Kiandra and its guided walk - goldrush history and the place where skiing started
• historic Currango and Coolamine Homesteads, to see how the first pastoralists lived
• Yarrangobilly Caves: Visit South Glory and Jillabenan caves, swim in the Thermal Pool, have a BBQ, and take in the scenery. Easter update here.
  
• beautiful Blue Waterholes and the spectacular limestone gorges and caves of Coolemon Mountain.
  

Fishing

If you are keen on fishing, the Snowy Mountains are a great place to be. Find out more.

Horseriding

Bolaro near Adaminaby was the home of Charlie McKeachnie, one of the candidates for the title of 'the real Man from Snowy River'.

Ride the high country trails on your own horse. Or let our horse trekking specialists expertly guide you on their mountain horses through country that you can't see anywhere else in Australia.

Adaminaby Pony Club caters for young riders in the district, and its annual gymkhana is well known for its friendly atmosphere.

Mountain bikes

The northern end of Kosciuszko National Park, the shores of Lake Eucumbene and Namadgi National Park are ideal for mountain biking.

Bushwalking

There are many walks to suit all ages and levels of fitness in Kosciuszko National Park and Namadgi National Park. Walk through sub alpine snow gums, open treeless valleys and forested country. In spring and early summer you can see spectacular alpine wildflowers.

Kiandra Heritage Track (1km round trip): Kiandra was the scene of intense gold fever from 1859 to 1861 - in 1860 up to 10,000 people were on the diggings living under canvas. This self-guided walk offers interpretative signs along the way, providing information about many of the major buildings, life and folklore of historic Kiandra.

Goldseekers' Track (3km round trip): this track begins opposite the southern entrance to Three Mile Dam. Its features include an abandoned ore crushing battery, snow grass flats and snow gum woodland. This is also a popular cross-country ski trail during winter.

Snow sports

Spend the day at the Selwyn Snowfields resort, head out on cross country skis or play in the snow at Kiandra. Visit our Snow page.

Flying

At the Adaminaby Kennedy Airfield where the Snowy River Aviators and the Ultralight Flying Obsession are located, you can arrange a flight to see our amazing landscape from the air.

Find out more

Motor bikes

The Snowy Mountains Highway offers motor bike enthusiasts one of the great Australian riding experiences and the locals will welcome you too.

Sightseeing

Kosciuszko and Namadgi National Parks offer many picnic spots. Enjoy the mountain views, the clear air and our unique flora and fauna.

Yarrangobilly Caves and Thermal Pool is an easy drive from Adaminaby and Lake Eucumbene.

Visit Kiandra Goldfields, the old Currango and Coolamine homesteads in Kosciuszko National Park and Brayshaws Hut in Namadgi National Park, for an insight into pioneering life in the mountains.

The Old Adaminaby Cemetery tells us the family names and some of the history of the early settlers and their descendants.

When Lake Eucumbene is low you can see old building foundations, evidence of the former site of Adaminaby.

Drive through the rolling landscape of the Monaro or the alpine ash forests and snowgums of the mountains. Spot brumbies on the high plains.

Maps of some popular local drives

Creative arts

Write, draw, paint, photograph

The mountains are a wonderful place to relax and wax creative. Photographers and artists can never tire of the light and colour in the high country as the seasons go by.

Join a local art group, craft group or book group.

Paint that view, write your novel or just pick up a bundle of books from the Adaminaby Op Shop and unwind before a log fire.

Old Post Office Arts and Crafts, Adaminaby

Community owned & managed shop selling locally produced arts, crafts & photos. Open Friday - Tuesday, 10am - 3pm.

Swimming

Adaminaby Swimming Pool and toddlers' pool are open in the warmer months for lap swimming, lessons or water fun.

Bowls

Adaminaby Bowling Club on the Snowy Mountains Highway offers both social bowls and keen competition.

Golf

Adaminaby Golf Course is a unique 9 hole course set in the High Country.

Pump track

Adaminaby Sportsground has a great pump track for kids... check it out!

Tennis

Public tennis court is available at the Adaminaby Sportsground.