Dalgety

Highlights

History & highlights

The quiet hamlet of Dalgety has a surprising tale to tell. An idyllic spot on the Monaro Plains, surrounded by distant alpine peaks dusted in snow, the town was once in the running to become Australia’s national capital, narrowly losing out to Canberra. Today, it’s the only NSW town to sit on the banks of the Snowy River. Keep an eye out for platypus as you walk by the river – this is one of the state's best places to spot them in the wild.

Dip into days gone by on the Dalgety Historic Town and River Walk. An important river crossing on the stock route between Gippsland in Victoria and the Snowy Mountains, a punt once crossed the river before the bridge was built. You can pick up a map of the walk and explore historic buildings, including Buckley’s Crossing Hotel, built in 1889, and The Dalgety Bridge, built in 1888 and a feat of engineering in its day.

Scenic view of Dalgety Bridge built in 1888, Dalgety

Dalgety Historic Town and River Walk, Dalgety - Credit: Charles Davis

On the edge of the Snowy Mountains, Dalgety is well-positioned for skiers and snowboarders with Perisher and Thredbo about an hour away. In summer, the hiking and mountain biking trails in Kosciuszko National Park are also easily accessible. Enjoy pristine mountain lakes and streams, ideal for fishing, with rainbow trout, Murray cod and golden perch. Picturesque Lake Jindabyne is popular for water sports like kayaking, windsurfing, water skiing and wakeboarding.

Lake Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains

Food, drink & events

Head to the Dalgety Brewing Company to enjoy a range of craft beers brewed on site while the adjoining with farm animals in neighbouring paddocks add that authentic rural feel. Don’t miss the annual Dalgety Show, a traditional country show held each March, with farm animals, show jumping and plenty of fun activities for the kids. Watch the amazing skills of high-country riders and their magnificent horses at the Dalgety Team Penning.

Snowy Vineyard and Microbrewery, Dalgety

Getting there & where to stay

The drive from Sydney to Dalgety takes five hours and from Canberra two hours. You can also fly into the Snowy Mountains Airport near Cooma and rent a car for the 40-minute drive to Dalgety. For places to stay, enjoy riverside camping and cabins at the Snowy River Holiday Park, the only holiday park on the banks of the Snowy River, while charming Lachney Cottage is set on scenic acreage.