Cooma Suburb Profile

If you’re a snow lover, chances are you’ve stopped in Cooma on your way to the ski fields. The name Cooma is believed to have been derived from the Aboriginal word “Coombah,” meaning “big lake” or “open country,” and that sets the tone for what living in Cooma is like—a harmonious blend of natural beauty and community spirit.

Living in Cooma means being in the largest town in the Snowy Mountains region, set against a stunning backdrop of rolling plains, trout-filled rivers, and snow-capped peaks. Its prime location—just over an hour’s drive to Canberra and Thredbo/Perisher ski resorts or an hour and a half to the Sapphire Coast—makes it ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With Kosciuszko National Park nearby, adventure always beckons.

Cooma has grown significantly in recent years, mainly due to the revival of the Snowy Hydro Scheme 2.0, which has attracted new residents from Sydney and Canberra. Cooma’s real estate market offers a variety of homes, from federation-inspired colonial sandstone houses along leafy Lambie Street to modern residences in Cooma East. The town’s central area has inter-war Californian bungalows, while Cooma North is known for 1950s fibro homes.

The town has a thriving community with popular local businesses like The Lott Cafe, Pha’s Thai, and Birdsnest Clothing, along with landmarks like the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre. Living in Cooma offers a perfect mix of rural charm, convenience to larger capital cities, and outdoor adventure.