Raelene’s Guidebook for Cooma and the Snowy Mountains
Cafes
I know people are passionate about their coffee and we love it served with a generous helping of local hospitality (and maybe a cake or two)!
The Courtyard has great coffee, tasty treats and light brunch. If the weather is nice, sit out in the courtyard that gives this place it's name. While you're there, duck in to the Flower Pantry next door, say hi to Gabby, and check out the gorgeous flowers and homewares.
The Courtyard Coffee Shop
84 Vale StThe Courtyard has great coffee, tasty treats and light brunch. If the weather is nice, sit out in the courtyard that gives this place it's name. While you're there, duck in to the Flower Pantry next door, say hi to Gabby, and check out the gorgeous flowers and homewares.
The Lott has great coffee and yummy food, good for breakfast, lunch and in between. The menu isn't extensive but it's hearty and delicious. A good choice if you have time to sit and relax.
7 locals recommend
The Lott Cafe
177-179 Sharp StThe Lott has great coffee and yummy food, good for breakfast, lunch and in between. The menu isn't extensive but it's hearty and delicious. A good choice if you have time to sit and relax.
Shopping
Nikki and Simon's carefully curated collection always holds something interesting or beautiful - it's hard to walk out empty handed. Many of the decorative pieces in The Old Kitchen are courtesy of this local business, and are all for sale.
Nightbird Cottage Antiques and Collectables
172 Sharp StNikki and Simon's carefully curated collection always holds something interesting or beautiful - it's hard to walk out empty handed. Many of the decorative pieces in The Old Kitchen are courtesy of this local business, and are all for sale.
Food scene
These are the places where we as a family go back to again and again because they have great food, great people and great atmosphere
Roses is a family run business and have been around for decades. The service is friendly and fast, and the food is generous and delicious. Our kids are always asking us to go there (though it may have something to do with the free arcade game in the kids room - Pacman anyone?). Try the lahum mishwa or if you're really hungry, go the banquet.
7 locals recommend
Rose’s Lebanese Restaurant
69 Massie StRoses is a family run business and have been around for decades. The service is friendly and fast, and the food is generous and delicious. Our kids are always asking us to go there (though it may have something to do with the free arcade game in the kids room - Pacman anyone?). Try the lahum mishwa or if you're really hungry, go the banquet.
We go to Coffeys for two reasons: yummy food (they do good chinese) and, in the warmer weather, one of the few places in town where you can sit outside and enjoy the views.
Coffeys Hotel
6 Short StWe go to Coffeys for two reasons: yummy food (they do good chinese) and, in the warmer weather, one of the few places in town where you can sit outside and enjoy the views.
The Alpine is iconic establishment in Cooma. The restaurant serves great meals, but be warned, you had better bring your appetite!
12 locals recommend
Alpine Hotel
170 Sharp StThe Alpine is iconic establishment in Cooma. The restaurant serves great meals, but be warned, you had better bring your appetite!
Amenities
All the unglamorous but essential town services you might need during your stay.
Hooks is the main chemist in town. They have a good range and quick and friendly service.
Hooks Pharmacy
140 Sharp StHooks is the main chemist in town. They have a good range and quick and friendly service.
City advice
What to pack
Pack for variable weather
The Snowy Mountains are an alpine region. That means it can get cold, even in summer. Regardless of the time of year, always pack something warm, just in case.
Getting around
Snow driving
If you're planning on heading up to the snow, make sure you're prepared. If you're not driving an AWD or 4WD vehicle you will be required to carry chains in Kosciuszko NP. Chains are available for hire at any ski hire business in town. Packing a small mat to kneel on and a pair of gloves in your car makes putting chains on much safer and easier.
Customs and culture
Business hours
Be aware that this is a regional area and business hours differ to the city and are dependent on season. Peak season in the Snowy is Jul-Oct, off-peak is the rest of the year. During peak, petrol stations and most ski hire will open late. The rest of the year, petrol stations close by 7. While supermarkets are open 7 days, most stores close between 12-2pm on Saturday and all day Sunday (in peak, some stores may trade slightly longer on Saturday).