Bombala

See platypus in the wild

Bombala is known for the communities of platypus that live in the nearby rivers and streams, but these elusive duck-billed creatures can be tricky to spot. Early morning and late afternoon are your best bet and the place to see them is the Bombala Platypus Reserve, just out of town. A quiet and pretty place, the reserve has a viewing platform for platypus spotting as well as bird hides to watch the abundant birdlife. You may also get lucky along the 2.2km River Walk path beside the Bombala River.

Bombala Platypus Reserve, Bombala - Credit: Suzanne Dunning

History & heritage

To learn more about the platypus and other things to see and do in the region, visit the Bombala Visitors Centre. Here you can pick up a copy of A Walk Back in Time brochure and explore Bombala’s fascinating heritage and historic buildings around town, such as the 1930s Olympia Theatre, the Bombala Railway Station and Court House. There's also an extensive network of cycling trails running through the town and along the river.

Bombala Historic Railway, Bombala- Credit: Allen Simpson

For a glimpse into early settler life in the 1840s, visit the beautifully-restored Early Settlers Hut near the tiny village of Delegate, believed to be the first European dwelling on the Monaro Plains. Historians will love Crankies Plain Bridge over the Coolumbooka River. The bridge was built in 1892 and is of great significance as one of seven timber truss bridges in NSW. Lavender House is in the historic red brick St Joseph's convent and sells amazing locally-grown and made lavender products.

Early Settlers Hut, Bombala  - Credit: Nicole Plummer - Cooma VC

Ski fields & country shows

In the winter months, the ski resorts of Perisher, Thredbo and Charlottes Pass are around two hours’ drive away, making it easy to sneak in some skiing or snowboarding on world-class slopes. In spring and summer, the hiking and biking trails of the South East Forests National Park are blooming with wildflowers among the weathered snow gums.

Thredbo, Kosciuszko National Park

For a fantastic family day out, you can’t go past a traditional country show. The Bombala Show is held in March and highlights the region’s produce, as well as the exciting sheep dog trials, show jumping, fun rides and more.

Bombala Show, Bombala - Credit: Bombala Visitors Centre

Getting there & where to stay

Bombala is around five hours' drive from Sydney, just over six hours from Melbourne, 2 hours and 20min from Canberra, and one hour from Cooma. It's also within easy reach of the Sapphire Coast and the town of Merimbula is a little over an hour away. You can also fly into Snowy Mountains Airport or Merimbula Airport and rent a car for your holiday. Accommodation options suit various budgets, from riverside camping and caravanning to hotels, a motel, cottages and guesthouses such as the Heritage Guest House.