Local Towns

Old Adaminaby and Adaminaby

Lake Eucumbene Units are located at the village of Old Adaminaby. The average height of Old Adaminaby is 1175m above sea level with the Units located at approximately 1230m above sea level.

John Cosgrove and Charles and Henry York were the first settlers in the area and they named one of their large land holdings Adamindumee (Aboriginal for either "a camping or resting place" or "place of springs"). This area was to be proclaimed as the town of Seymour on 25 March 1885. The name of Seymour had been used in 1860 when the town had been surveyed - but was never very popular locally. Less than a year later, public opinion prevailed, and on 9 October 1886 the township was renamed Adaminaby.

At the turn of the century Adaminaby was the same size as Cooma. It prospered until 17 October 1949 when the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme was officially announced in Adaminaby and the first explosion took place for the foundations of Eucumbene Dam. Plans were then made to move the town as the high water level of the new lake was to be above the town centre. Many of the original buildings at Adaminaby (over 100) were moved to the new site at the start of 1956. At this time the original town was then proclaimed Old Adaminaby and the site of the new town was proclaimed Adaminaby.

Four original buildings remained above the expected high water level - the Methodist Church which is now surrounded by attractive picnic grounds on the edge of the lake, the Old Schoolhouse which is the office and residence for the Caravan Park, and two other buildings which are still private residences.

The construction of the Eucumbene Dam wall was completed in 1958. The lake took several years to fill and slowly cover what was left of the old town. To this day, in drought, when the dam levels are low, it is possible to walk through the foundations and remanents of the old town.

Since the flooding, a new and attractive town has emerged on the uphill side of the original town. Despite its name, Old Adaminaby is modern, has picturesque views of the lake and the snow capped mountains, and is frequently covered in snow during the winter months. It offers a peaceful retreat with the opportunity of exploring the magnificent Lake Eucumbene with boat hire available through the caravan park.

The new town of Adaminaby (7km from Old Adaminaby) is renowned for its statue of the 'Big Trout' and being the fresh water fishing capital of Australia. It has a shopping centre capable of supplying all of your holiday needs and a great country pub. There is a swimming pool located in town, open during the summer months.

The race track (located on the Bolaro Road) was used in the filming of the motion picture 'Phar Lap'. Currently it hosts the prestigeous Adaminaby Races (the Adaminaby Cup) that are held on the last Saturday in November every year. This is a great day out for the entire family. During Easter each year the town holds an Easter fair with an Easter parade and picnic day on Easter Saturday each year.

Cabramurra

Cabrumurra is Australia's highest town (1488m above sea level). It is located approximately 20kms off the Snowy Mountains Highway from the turnoff located in Kiandra. The original township of Cabramurra was constructed to house Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme workers and their families. The town was modernised and rebuilt in the early 1970's and continues to function as accommodation for Snowy Hydo workers and their families.

If you are visiting the area, there is a general store located in the main complex that has a café serving a range of meals and refreshments, newsagency, fuel sales and souvenirs. The main complex also houses an inspiring photographic collection.

There is a Scout hall on the edge of town that many Scout groups both locally and interstate use as a base for cross country and downhill skiing trips.

Anglers Reach

Anglers Reach (1175m above sea level) is a picturesque fishing village located on the shores of Lake Eucumbene. It is located 10km from the Units along Anglers Reach Road. The township comprises a caravan park (offering boat hire, a small supermarket and a bottle shop), tourist village and various other forms of accommodation.

Other Towns

Other towns suitable for day trips from the Units include:

Berridale - 80km from Units along Snowy Mountains Highway and the Jindabyne Road

Tumut - 128km from Units along Snowy Mountains Highway

Cooma - 55km from Units along Snowy Mountains Highway