Exploring Old Adaminaby: A Weekend Of History & Wild Horses

Explore Old Adaminaby NSW: Discover its drowned history, explore the cemetery, spot wild brumbies, find geocaches and camp by Lake Eucumbene. Last Sunday Amanda and I packed the car with Mum for a day trip to Old Adaminaby, a historic town in the Snowy Mountains.

What began as a casual drive turned into a journey through Australia’s engineering triumphs, Australian heritage and stunning alpine landscapes. From geocaching in forgotten cemeteries to spotting wild brumbies here’s why Old Adaminaby deserves a spot on your travel list.

Old Adaminaby Townsite

Old Adaminaby NSW: A Town Submerged, A Legacy Preserved

Nestled along the Snowy Mountains Highway, Old Adaminaby’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. Established in 1830, the town thrived as a staging post during the Kiandra gold rush. But in the 1950s, progress demanded sacrifice: the original settlement was flooded to create Lake Eucumbene, a cornerstone of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme.

Today, parts of the “drowned town” resurface during droughts revealing remnants of its past. Stone foundations, fence lines and even old machinery. As we stood by the lake’s edge, Mum recalled stories of families who relocated to “New Adaminaby” in 1956–58, their homes either moved or left to vanish beneath the water. The weight of history is palpable, especially when contrasted with the serene beauty of the lake.

Key Insight: the towns submersion wasn’t isolated. Jindabyne met a similar fate, but both towns became linchpins in Australia’s largest hydroelectric project, which powers over 500,000 homes today.

Old Adaminaby Cemetery: Where History Meets Geocaching

Our first stop was the Old Adaminaby Cemetery, a haunting yet peaceful site overlooking the lake. Many original graves were relocated, but those remaining – some dating to the 1800s offer glimpses into pioneer life. Amanda noticed weathered headstones marking children’s graves. A stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by early settlers.

Here’s where modern adventure intersected with history: we hunted for geocaches! Using the Geocaching app, we found hidden containers near the cemetery and along Yens Bay Road. Mum loves coming geocaching with us. It’s a brilliant way to engage kids (or curious adults) with local heritage.

Pro Tip: Download geocache coordinates beforehand as mobile reception here is patchy.

Graves In Cemetery

What Did We Find Geocaching Around Old Adaminaby NSW

1. We Found View to die for 5 | GC967VG
   What a view TFTC
2. Found Y Cooloowine? | GCA7JEY
   What a beautiful country we live in TFTc
3. We Found Old Adaminaby | GC867K6
   Great hide TFTC
4. Found Drowned Town | GC120JN
   Great history here TFTC

Cotterills Cottage And Delanys Hut: Time Capsules In The High Country

Driving west on the Snowy Mountains Highway, we paused at Cotterills Cottage and Delanys Hut. These old timber and stone shelters, (some rebuilt after bushfires) once housed stockmen and gold miners. Delanys Hut rebuilt by National Parks after a bushfire with its iron roof and open fireplace felt like stepping into a Banjo Paterson poem.

Fun Fact: Over 200 historic huts dot Kosciuszko National Park. Each tells a story of survival in Australia’s rugged alpine environment.

Cotterill’s Cottage 1899 Yarrangobilly Snowy Mountains Highway Kosciuszko National Park Snowy Mountains NSW Australia

Wild Brumbies Near Kiandra Goldfields: A Photographer’s Dream

Near Kiandra, we spotted a herd of wild brumbies grazing beside the highway. These descendants of escaped colonial horses have roamed the Snowies for generations. We pulled over cautiously – they’re majestic but unpredictable. Amanda captured stunning shots of them doing their thing.

Insight: Brumby management remains contentious. While they symbolise freedom, their environmental impact sparks debates about culling and relocation.

Wild Brumbies Snowy Mountains Highway Kosciuszko National Park Snowy Mountains NSW Australia

Old Adaminaby Weather: Prepare for Four Seasons in a Day

At 1,160 meters above sea level, The weather here is notoriously fickle (and wild). On previous visits we’ve had sunshine, drizzle, snow and a chilly wind all before lunch! Winters dip below freezing, while summers hover around 20°C. Snow can fall anytime, even on Christmas Day (as it did in 2009).

Packing Essentials

• Layered clothing
• Waterproof jacket
• Sturdy hiking boots

Check the [Bureau of Meteorology](http://www.bom.gov.au/places/nsw/adaminaby/) forecast before heading out.

Rainbow Pines Tourist Caravan Park: Your Alpine Basecamp

Though we day tripped, Old Adaminaby Caravan Park (Rainbow Pines) is ideal for extended stays. Located on Lucas Road, it offers:

• Powered sites ($35/night) and cabins ($120/night)
• Heated amenities, fishing gear rentals and a camp kitchen
• Proximity to Lake Eucumbene’s trout rich waters

Hosts Michael and Sal’s warmth earned them a 2023 Travellers’ Choice Award. Book early during trout season (November–April).

Fishing on Lake Eucumbene: A Trout Angler’s Paradise

Lake Eucumbene, the sprawling centrepiece of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, has earned its reputation as one of Australia’s premier trout-fishing destinations. Known for its healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout, the lake attracts anglers year round, with fish often exceeding 5 kilograms. Boat and shore-based fishing both yield results, though locals suggest trolling with lures like Tassie Devils or casting spinners near submerged timber for the best catches.

Winter sees dedicated fishers braving icy winds for trophy-sized trout, while spring and summer offer milder conditions. Ice fishing occasionally occurs when surface waters freeze – a rare but thrilling experience. The lake’s deep, cold waters, fed by snowmelt, create ideal conditions for trout breeding, with Fisheries NSW regularly stocking the area to maintain numbers.

Licences are required and can be purchased online via the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Popular access points include Anglers Reach and Yens Bay, where facilities like boat ramps and picnic areas cater to day-trippers. For those without gear, nearby towns like Adaminaby offer tackle hire and guided tours. As one local operator notes: “You might leave empty-handed, but you’ll always leave hooked on the scenery.”

Getting to Old Adaminaby: Scenic Routes from Major Hubs

Why Visit Old Adaminaby? Key Takeaways

1. Historical Significance: The town’s sacrifice fueled a renewable energy revolution.
2. Outdoor Adventures: Fishing, hiking and geocaching abound.
3. Wildlife Encounters: Brumbies, wallabies and wedge-tailed eagles call this region home.

Grab your map, pack the thermos and uncover the layers of Old Adaminaby where history isn’t just remembered; it’s experienced.

Research Sources
1. Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme History
2. Lake Eucumbene Fishing Guide
3. Old Adaminaby Cemetery Guide
4. Rainbow Pines Caravan Park
5. Bureau of Meteorology: Adaminaby Forecast
6. Geocaching in NSW
7. Kiandra Brumbies Conservation

Old Adaminaby Photos

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs About Visiting Old Adaminaby