New South Wales · Attraction
Snowy Scheme Museum
Epic engineering, migrant stories
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
The Snowy Scheme Museum in Adaminaby tells the remarkable story of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme, built between 1949 and 1974 and recognised as one of the great engineering wonders of the world. Through photographs, machinery, personal artefacts and interactive displays, it brings to life the efforts of the 100,000 workers from over 30 countries who carved tunnels, dams and power stations through the high country.
The scheme comprises seven power stations, 16 major dams and 225 kilometres of tunnels, pipelines and aqueducts, and today generates clean renewable energy. The museum frames this engineering achievement within its human and social context: the project drew thousands of European migrants and former wartime enemies together, making it a pivotal chapter in Australia's multicultural history.
Key highlights include the original Snowy Scheme entrance arch relocated from Cooma North, a Welcome Wall of historical photographs, and outdoor exhibition spaces across a two-acre grounds. The museum is volunteer-run and maintains a personal, community atmosphere that larger institutions often lack.
The museum opens every weekend, with weekday visits available by prior arrangement. Adaminaby sits on the Snowy Mountains Highway, roughly 40 minutes' drive north of Jindabyne.
Scenic views
Lookouts near Snowy Scheme Museum.
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