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The Snowy Valleys is a region rich in history and was a meeting place for different Indigenous Nations for thousands of years. Aboriginal cultural tours are available via the Tumut Region Visitors Centre. Conducted by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Discovery Program, their guides are the traditional land owners the Wiradjuri who have strong connection to their country. These tours deliver an insight into how the local Aboriginal people interacted with and cared for their land, their traditional practices, the bush tucker they ate, the tools they used, and their spiritual beliefs from the Dreaming (Dream – Yarrudhang).

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Image: Destination NSW

In 1824, Hume and Hovell were the first Europeans to pass through the district and graziers soon followed, impressed by the abundance of fodder and water. The goal of their expedition was to find new grazing land, and an answer to the mystery of where New South Wales’s western rivers flowed. Graziers soon followed and sheep, cattle, a grab for land and inevitable settlement changed forever the lives of the indigenous people.

Gold exploration in the 1850’s lead to a rush of people to the area, and the settlement of many of the towns across the region. The remnants of this era can still be seen at Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins, and at Kiandra, in what is now Kosciuszko National Park. In Tumbarumba, many remained in the area when mining declined, farming the fertile soils and contributing to Tumbarumba’s mountain cattleman heritage. This heritage can be explored at Boggy Creek Shows.  The award winning show is every bit entertaining as it is educational, featuring the art of cattle mustering, sheep handling, working dogs, shearing, pack horses, whip cracking and talented horsemanship.

Image: Destination NSW

Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins, just north of town, is a state heritage listed site. A popular spot for hiking, picnicking and swimming, the walking tracks allow visitors to explore the ruins, while interpretive signage provides context.  The new Adelong Creek Walk allows for an easy walk from the falls to town, where the verandah-lined main street’s heritage buildings are listed by the National Trust (NSW).

Image: Destination NSW

Many visit our region to reconnect with their family history, whether it be from the gold rush period, or later during the construction of the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The historic cemeteries of the region are a place of quiet reflection as well as discovery. Museums in Tumbarumba, Batlow, Tumut and Adelong all provide a fascinating perspective on the area’s history, while the Pioneer Women’s Hut and National Quilt Museum in Tumbarumba is dedicated to the preservation of domestic objects belonging to rural families, especially women.

The construction of the Snowy Mountains Scheme led to a dramatic increase in the population of the region the 1960s. Cabramurra, Talbingo and Khancoban were originally built to accommodate workers and their families on the Snowy Mountains Scheme. Located at the Talbingo shopping complex, the Snowy Mountains Scheme Talbingo Visitor Display Centre provides information on the Tumut 3 Power Station, Scheme modernisation works, as well as displays and models of the Snowy Mountains Scheme. www.snowyhydro.com.au/our-scheme/visit-the-scheme/

A drive guide for discovering the Snowy Mountains Scheme is available here.

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Adelong Alive Museum

Adelong Alive Museum tells the stories of Adelong and district, beginning in the gold rush period of 1852 and continuing to the present day. This small but vibrant museum offers...

Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins

The Adelong Falls Gold Mill Ruins is a state listed heritage industrial site. Situated 1.5 kilometres from Adelong, and just over 20 kilometres from Tumut, it is a must see...

Adelong Falls Walk

The Adelong Falls walk from the town centre begins at the Adelong Alive Museum on the main street, leading to Travers Street and from there follows along the stunning Adelong...

Batlow Historical Society

Explore eclectic collections significant to the history of the Batlow region at the Batlow Historical Society. Experience the hardships of early pioneers and the drive of visionary Herbert Velvin Smith...

Hume and Hovell Track – Henry Angel Trackhead

The Henry Angel Trackhead is a popular camping area with quality facilities including electric and gas barbecues. It is located around nine kilometres from the town of Tumbarumba on the...

Kiandra Heritage Track

Kiandra heritage walk is closed due to severe fire damage. This short and easy walking track in central Kosciuszko National Park offered insight into Australian gold rush history. Take a beautiful and...

Our Snowy

Our Snowy provides industry-leading day tours and charters within Australia’s wonderful high country, the Snowy Mountains. Guided by an experienced local, discover a side of the Snowy Mountains you never...

Rustic Creations

Rustic Creations is a voluntary run, not-for-profit Art and Craft shop featuring a wide selection of lovingly hand crafted items. Paintings, clothing, woodwork, metalwork, leatherwork, pottery, woollens, homemade jams and...

Southern Cloud Memorial Lookout

Located just five kilometres from Tooma on the Tooma Road, the Southern Cloud Memorial Lookout offers magnificent views of Maragle and Tooma Valleys as well as the main ridge of...

The Dog on the Tucker Box

Since 1932, the Dog has sat beside the Hume Highway, a favourite stopping place for thousands of travellers. Originally set up to assist Gundagai Hospital, today the Dog still helps...

Truenorth Helicopters

Truenorth Helicopters specialize​ in Luxury Helicopter Adventures in the Snowy Mountains in NSW as well as other parts of Australia. Imagine exploring the picturesque vineyards and wineries of the high...

Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail

Officially opened April 2020 the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail is an absolute must-do when visiting the Snowy Valleys. A vibrant, revitalised trail for walking, cycling, pushing, strolling, peddling, rolling...

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