Visit the Snowy Valleys

Tom's Outdoors operates from Tumut NSW, where we thrive in the mountains of Kosciuszko National Park and its surrounds. The rugged Snowy Mountains region and all the outdoor activities it offers allows us to live and breathe what we sell. 

Our mission at Tom's Outdoors is to get people outside to escape from the noise and clutter of our modern-day lives. And, there is no better place to relish the outdoors than in the Snowy Valleys. So, long story short, we really love our Snowy Valleys home and we love showing it off. See what all the fuss is about and scroll for all our favourite places. We hope to see you soon! #comefindus

Yarrangobilly

The spectacular limestone cliffs of Yarrangobilly Caves, in Kosciuszko National Park.

The Yarrangobilly area is bursting with things to do. It's a favourite amongst hikers, fly fishermen, families, campers and explorers alike. Explore six of Australia's most beautiful limestone caves and marvel at the stalagmites, stalactites, shawls and cave corals. The rugged karst landscape makes a backdrop for great walks, wildlife and birdwatching. The thermal pool, fed by a natural, mineral-rich spring, sits at a comfortable year-round 27 degrees. Visit in winter and snow may be falling, making for a magical swim.

Yarrangobilly is just over an hour drive from Tumut along the scenic Snowy Mountains Highway. 7.5 km north of the Yarrangobilly Caves entrance road is a campground beside historic Cotterill's Cottage, from here, you can fish the pristine Yarrangobilly River.  For more information, visit the National Parks Website. 

Tumbarumba 

Paddy's River Falls, near Tumbarumba.

Tumbarumba, tucked in the western foothills of the Snowy Mountains, is home to rivers, lakes, waterfalls and award-winning vineyards. Bring your bike and cycle along the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail, the only rail trail in NSW. Walk, cycle, push, stroll or roll along over 21 km of sealed track with gentle gradients and sweeping curves. You'll find yourself crossing bridges, passing through tunnels and admiring tree canopies all whilst absorbing the immense history of the area. The best part is, it's accessible to all including, wheelchairs and mobility scooters. 

Make a day out of it and go waterfall chasing to Paddy's River Falls. You can admire the falls from the lookout, just a few short steps from the parking area. For a closer look, follow the track a few hundred metres leading you behind the falls. Cool off after riding the rail trail by taking a dip at the base of the falls, followed by a picnic to refuel. 

Blowering 

Sharing food around the fire at Blowering Dam.

Blowering is one of the biggest Dams in NSW and our local go-to for camping, water sports and days in the sun. Plus, it's stocked with Murray cod, Golden perch and silver perch with some trout and other species present. There are plenty of accessible  campgrounds (book ahead with National Parks) and boat ramps surrounding the water. 

Get a better view of the dam from the Blowering Cliffs walking track, starting from Log Bridge, as you climb the hillsides to reach Blowering Falls. A longer walk that also boasts stunning views of Blowering and Tumut is the 11km return Warogong Sugarloaf walk. If you are after something more challenging, head off the beaten track and find your way up to Chimney Rock from the Snowy Mountains Highway.

Long Plain

Coolamine Homestead under a blanket of early morning frost. 

Hiking, biking, fishing, huts, caves, gorges and waterfalls, it's all down Long Plain Road on the High Plains of Kosciuszko National Park. There are so many places to camp whether it's beside a creek or hut. A favourite of ours for a quick nature escape is Millers Hut for it is secluded yet accessible. Long Plain Hut, Coolamine Homestead and Cooinbil Hut are also waiting to be explored.

The Clarke Gorge walking track at Blue Waterholes.

A must-do in the warmer months is Blue Waterholes and the Clarke Gorge walking track. The many water-crossings are made worthwhile by the indescribably breathtaking views through the limestone gorge. The short, 5km return Clarke Gorge walk finishes at the top of Cave Creek Falls. Bring your rod and you might catch trout in the waterholes along the creek. Learn more about Blue Waterholes here. 

Head to National Parks & Wildlife Services to start planning your trip down Long Plain Road. 

Tumut River

Floating down the Tumut River.

We can't talk about our favourite places in the Snowy Valleys without an honourable mention of the Tumut River, only a few hundred metres from our shop. It's deep, cold, fast and rough in sections but equally beautiful as it cuts through the rugged ranges and rolling hills of the Snowy Valleys. We took a 100 km journey down the river as it flows to Gundagai, which you can follow below. 

The Tumut River mostly flows through secluded farmland, meaning the best way to experience the river in its entirety is on the water. This is yet another reason why it is one of the best canoe trips in Australia and makes for such great fly fishing. The Tumut is one of the finest trout rivers in NSW. If kayaking or fly fishing don't interest you, take a walk along the river from town, passing through pretty parklands until it meets Riverglade Caravan Park and around to the Tumut Wetlands. Or, pack a picnic to enjoy by the cool river breeze out at the Lions Junction Park, where the Tumut River is joined by the Goobarragandra River.

We can only list so many of the wonderful Snowy Valleys experiences. Head to Visit Snowy Valleys to see more of what is on offer and start planning your trip. #comefindus