There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Cooma into a quick city adventure. From OOM, the Taxi / Rideshare can get you into town in around 40 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Important Details Before You Go
Before heading into Cooma, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Australia vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Cooma is roughly 40 minutes from OOM via Taxi / Rideshare. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in AUD. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
What to See and Do in Cooma
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Cooma, two standouts are:
- Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre — Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
- Cooma Visitors Centre & Lambie Street Heritage Walk — No tickets or reservations needed — just explore at your own pace.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside OOM, you can spend time at Cooma Snowy Mountains Airport Kiosk or try Tarmac Viewing Area. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Eat
For food in Cooma, local travelers recommend Cooma Ex-Services Club. If you have time for a second stop, Grand Central Hotel Cooma is another popular pick.
Back at OOM, Cooma Snowy Mountains Airport Kiosk is the go-to. Airport Grab & Go Selection rounds out your in-terminal options.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
The most straightforward way into Cooma is the Taxi / Rideshare, which takes about 40 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 60 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the Taxi / Rideshare is usually the smarter call.
Planning Your Layover Spending
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Cooma:
Transport to the city and back runs about $9 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $17 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $36 USD total.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Cooma.
Luggage Storage at OOM
Specific locker facilities at OOM aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Cooma itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
WiFi at OOM should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Australia and you’re good to go.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at OOM include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Australia also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Cooma is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Cooma.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.