How to get to Cooma

Located at the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, Cooma serves as the main gateway to the alpine region of New South Wales. This historic settlement attracts travellers with its atmosphere, making the question of how to get to Cooma relevant for nature lovers and skiing enthusiasts.

You can reach this colourful corner of Australia in various ways: by taking a direct flight, embarking on a picturesque drive by car, or choosing a bus service from neighbouring cities.

For those who value time, the optimal option is a flight to the regional Snowy Mountains Airport (OOM). It is located just a few kilometres from the city centre and receives regular flights, ensuring a fast and comfortable connection with major metropolises.

If direct tickets are unavailable, one can consider flying to neighbouring cities such as Moruya or Merimbula. From there, it is easy to reach the final destination by ground transport, enjoying views of the Australian nature along the way.

Direct rail service to the city of Cooma is absent, as there is no active railway station here. It is important to note that the nearest coastal cities, such as Moruya and Merimbula, are also not served by passenger trains.

Travellers preferring this mode of transport are recommended to take a train to Canberra, which is the nearest major railway hub. From there, one can make a convenient transfer to a bus heading directly to the Snowy Mountains.

Bus services connect the foothills with the coast, offering travellers affordable travel options. The fastest route runs from the city of Merimbula: covering 144 km will take just about 2.6 hours, making this option quite popular.

There are also services from the city of Moruya, however, tourists should be careful when planning: due to the specifics of the route network, a journey of about 292 km may stretch to 17.7 hours. It is recommended to check the schedule in advance and choose direct or the most convenient connecting trips.

Travelling by car is one of the most picturesque ways to reach the destination. The drive from the city of Merimbula will take just about 1.6 hours (129 km), allowing you to enjoy the changing landscapes from the coast to the rolling plains.

An alternative route from the city of Moruya will require a bit more time: covering 217 km will take approximately 2.7 hours. Roads in this region of Australia are generally high quality, but it is worth being mindful of local wildlife, especially at dusk.

When planning a visit to this region, it is worth considering its unique location in the foothills and the changeable climate. Here are a few practical tips that will make your trip to Cooma comfortable and safe.

1. Seasonal Clothing. Even in summer, evenings can be cool. Be sure to bring layered clothing and a windbreaker, and in winter — full warm gear.
2. Transport. Public transport within the city is limited. For maximum freedom of movement around the surroundings and national parks, it is highly recommended to rent a car.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but having some cash for small purchases in remote cafes is useful.
4. Sun Protection. The Australian sun is very active. Always use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear a hat and sunglasses, even if it is cloudy outside.
5. Caution on the Roads. Be extremely attentive when driving at dawn and dusk: at these times, kangaroos and wombats often come out onto the road, creating hazardous situations.
6. Connectivity and Language. The main language is English. In remote mountain areas, mobile coverage may work intermittently, so download offline maps in advance.

By following these simple recommendations, you can avoid minor inconveniences and fully focus on exploring the history of the Snowy Mountains and enjoying the magnificent landscapes.