Snowy Valleys
A vibrant country lifestyle in a beautiful natural environment.
Nestled in the rolling western foothills of the Snowy Mountains and framed by rugged snow capped mountains, Snowy Valleys Council offers a vibrant country lifestyle in a beautiful natural environment.
The key employer in the region is the timber plantation and processing industry. Other significant employers include agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, tourism, retail, Snowy Hydro Limited and a correctional centre.
The Shire is well serviced by quality health, education and community facilities, making it an excellent choice for a country lifestyle in a scenic natural environment.
Discover what it’s really like to make that change, read our articles about Snowy Valleys for news and personal stories from tree changers who live there!
Living & housing
Median house price
$373,000
Rent average
$360 pw
March. 2023 quarter, Rent and Sales Government Communities & Justice
Population
148842022 Regional Population, Australian Bureau of Statistics
Climate
The area’s cool mountain climate with high sunshine hours is favoured for cool climate wine growing, agriculture, horticulture and plantation forestry.
There are four distinct seasons marked by brilliant summer sunshine; a spectacular display of autumn leaves; winter views of snow capped mountains; and sparkling spring days.
Transport
Distance from cities
Snowy Valleys Council is halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, Canberra – 2 hours. Wagga Wagga – 1 hr from Tumbarumba and Tumut.
Public transport options
Daily direct flights from Wagga to Sydney and Melbourne
A CountryLink coach service connects to rail services destined for both Sydney and Melbourne 6 days per week.
Discover more
Health & medical
GPs
Tumut
Tumbarumba
Batlow
Adelong
Hospital
Multi-Purpose Service Centres (MPS)
Disability, Aged Care, Allied Health Services
- Tumut and Tumbarumba Community Services – provides community transport, meals on wheels, home maintenance, disability home renovations, social support and Group activities.
- Valmar Industries – provides disability and aged care employment, disability housing, disability transport, lifestyle skills and aged care support.
- Tumut and Tumbarumba Community Health Services – provides a range of health care services including community home nursing ,early childhood nursing and immunisation, disability day-care services and audiology and hearing screenings.
- Active Health Riverina, Tumut – provides physiotherapy, exercise physiology and group exercise.
Education
Tumut
- Bright Horizons Australia Childcare
- Little Possums Early Childhood Learning Centre
- Tumut Pre-School
- Tumut Kindy Early Learning Centre
- Tumut Vacation and After School Care
- Franklin Public School
- Tumut Public School
- McAuley Catholic Central School (K-10)
- Tumut High School
- Riverina Community College – Tumut
- TAFE NSW Tumut Campus
Adelong
- Adelong Pre School
- Adelong Public School
- St Joseph’s Primary School Adelong
Batlow
- Batlow Apple Tree Learning Centre – A community based long day care centre for children 6 weeks to 5 years.
- St Mary’s Catholic Primary School
- Batlow Technology School (K-12)
Tumbarumba
- Tumboosh – Council operated before and after school (and vacation) care.
- Carcoola Children’s Centre – Council operated long day care centre
- Tumbarumba Public School
- All Saints Primary School
- Tumbarumba High School
There is also a daily bus service to Wagga Wagga for residents wanting to send their children to one of Wagga’s catholic or independent high schools.
Recreation
Snowy Valleys Council is surrounded by a spectacular natural landscape of forests, mountains, streams and lakes that make it ideal for outdoor recreational activities. Some of the area’s recreational facilities include:
- Kosciuszko National Park
- Numerous mountain streams and lakes for fishing and boating
- Hume and Hovell Walking Track
- Selwyn Snowfields (one hour’s drive)
- Mountain bike trails
- Bicentennial Trail and other horse riding trails
- Excellent motorcycling roads
- Swimming pools
- Skate parks
- Children’s playgrounds
- Free camping grounds
- Gold fossicking areas
- Golf clubs
- Bowling Clubs
Attractions
Snowy Valleys Council’s main attraction is its pristine natural environment. It is tucked into the western foothills of the Snowy Mountains and is the gateway to some of Australia’s most spectacular alpine landscapes. It is surrounded by idyllic mountain peaks; natural bushland; expansive vineyards; lush agricultural pastures; and crystal-clear streams brimming with trout. The area is perfect for people who live an active outdoor lifestyle and enjoy activities such as bush walking, horse riding, skiing, fishing and cycling.
Careers
The softwood timber industry provides a robust economic base for the area, centred around the Visy and AKD softwoods processing mills in Tumut; and the Hyne mill in Tumbarumba.
Other key industries include agriculture, viticulture, tourism, retail, hydro-electricity generation and horticulture. Larger employers include Snowy Hydro Limited, National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Forestry Corporation of NSW, national retail chains and the Mannus Correctional Centre.
Learn More About Snowy Valleys
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Louise and David were both working at the University of Sydney and lived in inner-city Marrickville before a redundancy led to their ultimate country change in the Snowy Valleys.
