There’s a whole world of new experiences beyond the snowfields for visitors heading south to the Snowy Monaro district.

THERE’S a whole world of new experiences beyond the snowfields for visitors heading south to the Snowy Monaro district.

Its regional council was established in 2016 and comprises the former Bombala, Cooma-Monaro and Snowy River Local Government Areas.

The Monaro region is a plateau area lying about 1000 metres above sea level, and is home to about 22,000 people.

“CityNews” spoke to some of the district’s leading businesses and attractions, who bring history and community together.

Stop, play and discover

THIS winter, take some time to relax at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma, says a spokesperson.

“Located about an hour from Canberra and en route to Kosciuszko National Park and the NSW ski fields, it is easily accessible and perfect for a behind the scenes exploration of one of the biggest engineering feats the world has ever seen,” they say.

“Learn more about the Snowy 2.0 mega-project, view a scale model of a tunnel-boring machine and discover Snowy Hydro’s role in Australia’s renewable energy future. Immerse yourself in our national story, or take a virtual flyover of the Snowy Scheme in our state-of-the-art theatre.

“Complement these experiences with a stroll through our interpretive display area and discover great innovation and ingenuity in our proud history, leading the way for our exciting future.”

The spokesperson says people can explore the interactive diorama of the Snowy Scheme and see how pumped-hydro and the National Electricity Market work when viewing the real-time screens.

“The Discovery Cafe is open daily. Enjoy a homemade pie, sausage roll or pastry, or choose from a variety of fresh sandwiches, delicious cakes and other sweet treats,” they say.

“We serve great barista-made coffee, organic teas, ‘infamous’ milkshakes and a range of iced and cold drinks. Enjoy your cafe experience inside or outdoors, where there is space for kids to run around.

“Our Discovery Centre shop has something for everyone with a range of books, clothing, local produce and souvenirs.

“There’s plenty of free car parking, bus parking, plus additional caravan and trailer parking. There is also a Chargefox Electric Vehicle charging station onsite. Disabled parking and wheelchair access is also available.”

Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre, 1 Monaro Highway, Cooma. Call 1800 623776, or visit snowyhydro.com.au

Crime through Australian history museum

OPENED in 2005, the Cooma Correctional Museum offers the history of Australia through correctional eyes, says statewide museum manager Andrew Weglarz.

“We show the history of correction in Australia starting from the First Fleet, up until today,” he says.

“People should come and visit us as a big-city museum in a rural setting, we’re only slightly off the main road.

“We have a working gallows, people can use a real trap-door, but we also have fire trucks and tractors from history.”

Andrew says they have serving minimum-security prisoners working as guides.

“We have done risk assessments with them, and they are coming to the end of serving their time,” he says.

“We also have a show of Aboriginal history.

“We’ve received a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, and some absolutely fantastic reviews.”

Andrew says he has been doing this work for eight years, having previously worked as a senior prison officer in the UK and in Canberra.

“My passion is the privilege I have been given to tell Australia’s history,” he says.

“I also set up displays in the reception area of some other correctional facilities too.”

Cooma Correctional Museum, 1 Vagg Street, Cooma. Call 6452 5974, or visit correctiveservices.dcj.nsw.gov.au

Tantalising distillery made with love

IN 2003, Wildbrumby Distillery first opened its doors, says director Brad Spalding.

“This remarkable establishment was founded by myself and my passionate wife, Monika,” he says.

“Our story began when I was a ski instructor in the picturesque Alps near Kitzbühel, Austria, and I crossed paths with Monika. It was then I also developed a profound fascination with the traditional art of crafting schnapps.

“In the early 2000s, we acquired a plot of land on the Alpine Way, ideally situated halfway between Jindabyne and Thredbo, with the added convenience of being only 10 minutes away from the Perisher Ski Tube.”

Brad says at the heart of Wildbrumby Distillery stands the original 150-litre Kothe Still, imported from Germany.

“The distillery has access to pristine Alpine water, organically grown fruit and native botanicals, which have become the inspiration behind our staples,” he says.

“Customers are treated to complimentary schnapps tastings at our distillery door, and they can indulge in a delightful Austrian-inspired lunch menu featuring dishes like veal schnitzel, spinach and ricotta dumplings and freshly rolled apple strudel.

“Our winter special is baked apple schnapps. This warming, seasonal schnapps embodies the sweet spirit of our home-grown pink lady apple. As a winter variety, our ladies snuggle up with cinnamon, cloves and star anise to create a sumptuous fireside schnapps.”

Wildbrumby Distillery, Alpine Way and Wollondibby Road, Crackenback. Call 6457 1447, or visit wildbrumby.com

Unforgettable aerial experience

SNOWY Mountains Helicopters has been offering unforgettable experiences for almost 20 years now, says charter manager and pilot Tyronne Fitzgerald.

“We give people the opportunity to see the vastness in and around the Kosciuszko National Park from an aerial perspective,” he says.

“No one knows the park from the air better than our pilots, so no one is better placed to show it to you.

“On top of scenic flights, we also offer experiences. One is a wilderness picnic, where we fly to a private hut where there is a sense of serenity, a cheese platter and wine, some waterfalls, flowers and beautiful snow.

“Or, we have a Snowy Hydro Scheme experience, where we fly people around and show them how it’s set up.”

Tyronne says he’s always had an interest in aviation, and he got his licence in 2018.

“I’ve never looked back, it makes me so grateful to be able to show people around such an incredible area,” he says.

“While our main office is Jindabyne Airport we can pick up from Canberra Airport. Weather plays a huge part, but we do our best.

“On a really clear day you can see halfway to the coast.”

Snowy Mountain Helicopters, Jindabyne Airport, 56 Tinworth Drive, Jindabyne. Call 1300 950718, or visit snowyheli.com.au

Indoor fun for the whole family

JINDABYNE Escape Rooms opened in September, bringing something new and exciting to do in town, says owner Judy Brown.

“We have two escape rooms, The Temple Room and Baker Street Mystery,” she says.

“All of our escape rooms are family friendly, and they are a perfect activity to do indoors as a change up from the snow or to keep you occupied on bad weather days.

“We recommend booking online so that people aren’t left waiting for the room to become available, but we have other puzzles and games to keep you occupied and to test your brain.

“We also have a treasure chest to break into, if you don’t feel like breaking out of one of our rooms.”

Judy says the staff and environment is welcoming and pleasant.

“Customers have said they’re becoming addicted, they keep coming back again and again,” she says.

“We’re encouraging visitors from Canberra, too. You’ll get bored of going to the same escape rooms in Canberra over and over again so come try out ours.

“We love hosting and the entertainment of running an escape room, and the rooms are very fun and exciting.”

And, Judy says attached to Jindabyne Escape Rooms is Jindabyne Lolly Shop.

“We have plenty of variety in store and we’re still stocking up,” she says.

“We’re getting stock in from local suppliers wherever we can.”

Jindabyne Escape Rooms, Shop 4/19 Snowy River Avenue, Jindabyne. Call 6456 1015, or visit jindabyneescaperooms.com.au

General store a community hub with a bit of everything

THE Michelago General Store offers a bit of everything, says owner Belinda Hayes.

“We’re a general grocer, liquor store, cafe and we offer stock feed, too,” she says.

“Our cafe has a very simple menu, but it’s all made on-site with bacon and egg rolls, cakes and sweets.

“We stock and use a range of local products, too. Whenever we can buy and supply or use local, we do, from honey and chocolate to candles and giftware.”

Belinda says the store has been open since 1989, as a hub for the community, acting as a post office as well.

“It’s also a great stopover for people travelling by,” she says.

“I took over in April. I was a public servant for ACT Health for 14 years, and my family decided to move to Michelago a few years ago.

“I decided it was time for a job change, and it was an opportunistic purchase.

“I still wanted to help the community, and this store was perfect for me, it really is a true hub for everyone.

“We have eight other staff, and we’re open seven days a week. My husband helps out and my eldest child helps, too, during the school holidays.

Michelago General Store, 50 Ryrie Street, Michelago. Call 6235 9017, or search Michelago General Store on Facebook.

Quiet listening to provide representation

MEMBER for Monaro Steve Whan says many “CityNews” readers in Queanbeyan, and the Monaro electorate, already know him well.

“I was first elected as Member for Monaro 20 years ago, representing the electorate until 2011 and then being a member of the NSW upper house until 2015,” he says.

“‘I didn’t take the decision to stand again lightly.”

Steve says after a much publicised and difficult start to the Monaro campaign, he spoke with many people about the state of NSW needing a different vision going forward.

“Once I decided to run, many local residents told me they wanted a local member who listened to people, and put issues like retaining and attracting teachers, nurses, paramedics and other essential workers at the top of their agenda,” he says.

“Not quite four months back in the role of member for Monaro, I am working at delivering election commitments and addressing some of the difficult long-term issues.”

Monaro is a diverse and exciting electorate, and Steve says there aren’t many roads that he hasn’t driven.

“Being in touch with issues from the Victorian border in the south to Queanbeyan, Bungendore and Braidwood in the north means a lot of driving (listening to my favourite music and sport), quiet on-the-ground listening, and providing representation when needed,” he says.

“My office is the first stop for people wanting to get a state issue addressed.”

Steve Whan, 213 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6299 4899 or visit stevewhan.com.au