The beautiful Tumut River flows along the edge of the town offering quiet walks, kayaking, trout fishing and the laid back ambience that only the gurgle of flowing water can create.
Tumut’s History
Tumut – a name derived from an Aboriginal word meaning “a quiet resting place by the river”- is a picturesque hub in the western foothills of the Snowy Mountains. Tumut’s modern history began when explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell came across a lush green valley, through which meandered a large river, in November 1824. The Hume and Hovell Track, a hiking trail which runs for 426km between Yass and Albury, now crosses the Snowy Mountains Highway 11kms southeast of town.
Tumut’s first settlement was Mill Angle and the first bridge over the river was built in 1850. A flood two years later consolidated the various hamlets into one village and Tumut as it is today was born.
Things to Do in Tumut
The Tumut River Brewing Co inhabits a former tyre shop on the corner of Tumut’s major intersection. Since opening at their current premises two years ago, the “two mates [who] wanted to make great beer” have received multiple tourism awards – locally, regionally, and at a state level, to go alongside their award-winning beers, and offers brewery tours at selected times.
Tumut’s many parks, including Lion’s Junction Park at the junction of the Tumut and Goobarragandra Rivers, offer a range of popular recreation and picnic spots. The Tumut Labyrinth for Peace provides a quiet place for reflection at Pioneer Park. The Tumut Broom Factory, producing millet brooms since 1946, is open to the public and located on Adelong Road, opposite the Tumut Region Visitors Centre.
Tumut’s Montreal Theatre
Tumut’s Montreal Theatre, circa 1929, is one of the few remaining art deco picture theatres in New South Wales, and is classified by the National Trust of Australia (NSW). Volunteers and significant community support bought the theatre “back to life” in 1995, and a dedicated group of volunteers continue to maintain and operate it. Regular theatre and musical events are staged and movies are screened weekly.
Places to Stay in Tumut
Stay right by the water in the caravan park, explore the wetlands on foot or bike, picnic in one of the riverside parks or try your hand at fly-fishing.
A wide selection of accommodation options are available in Tumut, including B&Bs, motels, hotels, apartments, cabins and camping, with pet-friendly accommodation also available. Be aware that in peak periods (such as Easter), accommodation can be scarce so it’s a good idea to plan and book in advance.
Places to Eat in Tumut
Tumut offers a range of dining options, from wonderful cafés offering healthy meals and treats, to counter meals at one of Tumut’s pubs, there’s something to tantalise every tastebud. Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Thai food await you in Tumut’s main street, while pizzas, burgers, and other takeaway options are all available in town. Bakeries offer old favourites and great new tastes. Tumut Golf Club’s restaurant is open Thursday to Sunday, and the Bowls Club restaurant Wednesday to Sunday.
Events in Tumut
Towards the end of January, cyclists from across NSW head to Tumut for the Tumut Cycle Classic, raising money for Tumut Hospital while enjoying the beauty of Tumut and surrounds. Participants of a range of ages and abilities ride along country roads to marvel at the splendour of the Snowy Mountains Scheme at Blowering Dam.
In March, Tumut hosts Rock the Turf at the Tumut Turf Club. This family-friendly festival sees some of Australia’s best rock bands perform among the historic stands of Tumut Racecourse.
Lanterns on the Lagoon, held in September, is Tumut’s Spring Festival. Sculptures made from recycled and natural materials are displayed in Pioneer Park – the lagoon providing a beautiful backdrop for the works of art, which are lit by solar lighting. Lanterns made from recycled milk containers are released on the lagoon before dusk.
Tumut’s Services
Services available include banks, chemists, doctors, a hospital, service stations, supermarkets, takeaways, mechanics and vehicle repairs, camping and outdoor adventure stores, hardware, and a range of specialty retailers.