Fast facts
- Small country town on the western foothills of the Snowy Mountains
- Rolling countryside, framed by rugged snow-capped mountains
- 511 km south-west of Sydney, population 1,500
Why go there
This charming town is unspoilt and virtually untouched, off the major highways and lying in a pleasant position with the dramatic peaks of the Snowy Mountains to the east. There are bubbling streams, green fields and a peaceful, gentle ambience that’s a relaxing balm to city-jangled nerves.
History
Explorers Hume and Hovell passed through the area in 1824 and settlement began in the 1830s. Gold was discovered in the 1850s and Tumbarumba was surveyed in 1859.
Things to do
- Walk the Hume and Hovell Track, which takes in goldmining sites and waterfalls.
- Picnic by the majestic Paddy’s River Falls, 15 km south.
- Taste the delicious pinot noir and chardonnay of the region at cellar doors, open year-round.
Events
- Tumbarumba Rodeo attracts the finest thrillseekers in the region on New Year’s Day.
- Tumbafest, a celebration of music and culture, is held in February.
Don’t miss
- The many historic Victorian-era buildings on a self-guided tour.
- Glenroy Pioneer Women’s Hut with its great collection of local historical artefacts.
- The peaceful tranquillity of wilderness areas.
- The trout-filled creek that winds through the town’s parklands.
- Fossicking for gold and sapphires in the area.
- Sugar Pine Walk, a magnificent walk through a short stand of pine trees.
