The Snowy Monaro region in New South Wales is home to several interesting museums that showcase various aspects of the area's history, culture, and technology. One notable museum is the Snowy Scheme Museum in Adaminaby, offering a comprehensive insight into the iconic Snowy Mountains Scheme. The museum features exhibits such as bulldozers, snowploughs, tunnel trains, and other vehicles used in the project, as well as items from the SMA laboratory, a Rock Bolt display, the original Snowy Scheme control panel, and various memorabilia and photographic displays.
Another museum in the region is the New South Wales State Corrective Services Museum in Cooma, which explores the history of crime and punishment in Australia, focusing on the convict period and the gaol system. The museum features a collection of objects related to punishment and crime, including convict and prisoner clothing, weapons, escape devices, photos, and visual documentation. Guided tours are offered by minimum security inmates, who share stories from the convict period, great escapes, and the current gaol system. Inmate art and craft are also on display, with handmade items available for purchase in the gift shop.
The Cooma Monaro Railway Museum, housed in the beautifully restored Cooma Railway Station building, is a heritage railway museum showcasing the history of railways in the region and offering a glimpse into the past with its impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits. The Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma is another museum worth visiting, providing a fascinating insight into the diverse history and culture of the Snowy Monaro region. These museums are must-visit attractions for any traveler exploring the area.