A charming town situated in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains in southern NSW, Tumut is well-known as an outdoor activity destination, particularly for its fly-fishing. But what’s it like to visit Tumut with a dog? Find out what you can get up to with your dog at your side, plus tips on where to stay and dine out.
Driving to Tumut along the Hume Highway? Check out my guide to where to stop when driving along the Hume with a dog
Dog-Friendly Sightseeing Around Tumut
Top of the list for dog-friendly sightseeing in and around Tumut is exploring the picturesque local region on foot, alongside its rich history. Don’t also miss sampling the local produce, especially the local apples, beer and wine.
1. Stroll Along the Tumut River
Tumut is situated right on the banks of the Tumut River. A stroll alongside the river and through the Rotary Pioneer Park, underneath the many shady trees, makes for a pleasant excursion any time of year.
The River Walk in Tumut starts from the far end of Elm Drive, near the Tumut Turf Club and a chainsaw sculpture of a horse. It then passes through the Rotary Pioneer Park and the off-leash Bila Park, continuing onto Wee Jasper Road and the Riverglade Caravan Park.
Just under 2km long one way, dogs on a leash are permitted along the walk. Keep an eye out for the trees with botanical nameplates along the path.
Another nearby dog-friendly walk in Tumut is the Tumut Wetlands. With the entrance near the junction of the Snowy Mountains Highway and Gocup Road, there’s 1km of walking tracks meandering through a series of lagoons. Dogs need to be kept on a leash.
Check out more options for walks around Tumut.
2. Explore Adelong Falls Gold Reserve
Gold was discovered in the local area in 1852 and by 1876 the nearby town of Adelong was the third most productive gold field in all of Australia. These days there’s nothing left behind at the mining site but a handful of ruins, but a visit to the Adelong Falls Gold Reserve is still richly rewarding, partially due to the natural beauty of the spot.
While not a towering waterfall, there’s still quite a cascade passing through the gully of rocks, which was made use of for the gold mining operations. There’s a number of walks on offer at the reserve. Some explore the old mining ruins, including the heritage-listed stone ruins of the Reefer ore crushing mill, while others just take in the spectacular location.
Additionally, it’s possible to walk to the reserve from the nearby village of Adelong. The 2km long track is partially sealed and partially unsealed. It starts next to the Adelong Alive Museum and follows Adelong Creek, and recently sculptures have been erected along it.
Dogs need to be kept on a leash at the Adelong Falls Gold Reserve, although there are not signs stating this at the reserve.
3. Follow the Adelong Heritage Walk
The nearby village of Adelong actually predates the gold mining fields, with the settlement dating to around 1837. Despite this, the village is better preserved, with its charming main street lined with historic buildings, many dating back to the late 19th century.
A small brochure outlining a Heritage Walk through Adelong, with brief details of the old buildings, is available from local information centres. Alternatively, buy a copy of the more extensive Adelong Booklet from the Adelong Alive Museum or the Tumut Region Visitor Centre.
4. Explore the State Forests
There’s multiple state forests in the surrounding area, although sadly many were severely damaged during the 2020 bushfires. Unlike national parks, dogs are allowed in all state forests in NSW, making them a great destination for dog-friendly outings and walks.
One popular local spot to visit is the Pilot Hill Forest Park and Arboretum in the Bago State Forest, about 45 minutes south of Tumut and 20 minutes from Batlow along the unsealed Bago Forest Way. The park contains picnic and BBQ facilities. Take a walk along the new Nature Wellness Walk featuring sculptural elements, part of the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail (see more below).
It’s best to check in advance on the forestry website for whether any sections of the state forests are currently closed.
5. Taste the Local Produce
The area to the south of Tumut has long been a fruit-producing region. In particular, Batlow is a renown apple-growing centre. There’s a number of seasonal fruit stalls dotted around Batlow, where you can buy fresh fruit in season.
Perhaps stop by Mouat’s Farm Gate, located north of Batlow near the Big Apple and open daily. Alternatively, for some cider produced from the local apples, drop by The Apple Thief or Crafty Cider. The former has only recently opened from Wednesday to Sunday, while the latter is generally open for tastings and sales on the weekends. Probably leave your pup outside for these visits.
Heading further south, the Tumbarumba Wine Region is a cool climate wine growing region surrounding the town of the same name. While many of the grapes grown here are destined for wineries situated elsewhere in the country, there are some wine producers in the area and a handful of cellar doors open to the public. It’s best to enquire in advance whether they are open and if dogs are permitted.
Closer back in town, drop by Tumut River Brewing Co to taste their local beers, with dogs allowed in the outside covered area.
6. Follow the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail
During early 2022, an impressive new set of artworks appeared in the Tumut region. Created by the same team behind the popular Sculpture by the Sea exhibit in Bondi, the Snowy Valley Sculpture Trail currently features over 20 sculptures from both Australian and international artists.
The complete trail stretches for 100km between Adelong and Tooma, with most locations accessible to dogs. Tick off one or all of these seven locations:
- Adelong Creek Walk – The first 1km of this walk has been turned into a sculpture walk. Take a walk with your dog on a leash to check out the artworks, perhaps continuing on to the Adelong Falls Gold Reserve (see above).
- Batlow – Head to Pioneer Street in between b.Atelier and Batlow Library, plus look out for the sculpture on the northern entrance to town
- Bago State Forest – Follow the new Nature Wellness Walk featuring sculptural elements through this dog-friendly state forest, near the Pilot Hill Forest Park and Arboretum
- Tumbarumba Creekscape – Spot the sculptures at Goldfields Park on Hammonds Lane, the Shop Art Projects at 11 The Parade and the northern entrance to town
- Tooma – Sculptures can be found in front of Brigham House and Tooma Inn
- Sculptures are also located at three local wineries – Courabyra Wines, Johansen Wines and Obsession Wines – Double check when they are open for tastings, plus whether your dog is permitted to join you
7. Go Trout Fishing
The Tumut River which flows past the centre of Tumut is renown for its trout fishing. There are a number of accessible points along the river where the public can enjoy fly-fishing. Just double check the signs to see if dogs are permitted and keep your dog on a leash, particularly on privately-owned land.
8. Go for a Scenic Drive Through the Snowy Mountains
Tumut lies in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains and there’s a number of fine drives nearby passing through this alpine region. For starters, head south of town along the Snowy Mountains Highway. It’s a 90 minute drive to Adaminaby and the nearby Lake Eucumbene.
Note that much of this highway passes through the Kosciuszko National Park. Dogs are not allowed in the national park, but are fine when kept in vehicles on through roads, such as this one. Make sure you avoid any unnecessary stops in the national park sections of the road. Note that Yarrangobilly Caves and Thermal Pool are located within the park and aren’t dog-friendly.
An alternative option is to turn off at Kiandra and head south to Cabramurra. Once one of the highest towns in Australia, Cabramurra is also located within the national park. However, it’s possible to continue on to the small town of Khancoban, lying just south of the national park. It’s nearly a 2 1/2 hour drive to Khancoban along this route, but it’s possible to return to Tumut via the shorter 1 3/4 hr drive back through Tumbarumba and Batlow.
9. Visit Braymont Garden
About a 15 minute drive outside of Tumbarumba is the magnificent Braymont Garden. These privately-run gardens in a stunning setting are open to the public every Monday and Sunday, plus other days with advance bookings. Note that an entry fee applies and it’s best to check the opening hours in advance. Dogs need to be kept on a leash.
While visiting the gardens, another scenic spot to visit nearby are the Paddy’s River Falls. The falls are visible from a couple of lookouts, or follow the short track down to their base. There’s a picnic area next to the falls and leashed dogs are welcome.
Dog-Friendly Parks in Tumut
The area surrounding Tumut is home to two off-leash dog parks. In Tumut itself, head to Bila Park, just near the town centre on the banks of the Tumut River. There is also an off-leash dog park at Bicentennial Park in Tumbarumba. (Search for “Tumbarumba Dog Park” on Google Maps.)
When the dog park in Tumbarumba was set up, there was also a proposal for Golden Gully Park in Adelong and Reedy Creek Park in Batlow to also be designated as off-leash dog parks. However, these weren’t supported by the community.
Dog-Friendly Cafes in Tumut
One of the favourite dog-friendly cafes in Tumut is the Riverside Cafe, near the Racecourse. A beautiful grassy location, there’s plenty of outdoor tables. Enjoy just a coffee, or order a brekkie wrap or lunch (although be warned service can be slow). The cafe is open from Wednesday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch.
Dog-Friendly Pubs in Tumut
A great spot to head on the edge of town is the Tumut River Brewing Co, just across the road from the Visitors Centre. Open daily, dogs are allowed in the outside covered area, which is warmed by heaters during the cooler months.
As well an extensive range of their own beers (plus local wines and spirits), the brewery also specialises in pizza, including one with local Snowy Mountains smoked trout. Also on the menu are a wide range of burgers and sides.
At other hotels in the region, dogs are generally permitted in outdoor areas. For instance, head to the Oriental Hotel Tumut, where dogs are permitted on the front and back decks and water bowls are provided.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Tumut
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A highly recommend dog-friendly holiday option around Tumut is Elm Cottage. A 15 minute drive out of town, the five luxury self-contained cottages are set in a picturesque location near the Goobarragandra River. Each of the cottages are pet-friendly, including inside except for carpeted areas and furniture. Dog bowls, treats and poop bags provided, with no pet fee.
If you’d prefer to camp, the Riverglade Caravan Park is situated right on the edge of town, next to a wonderful stretch of the Tumut River and walking distance from the brewery. Pets are permitted on the campsites outside of Christmas and the Easter long weekend. It’s superbly located for both the River Walk and the walks around the Tumut Wetlands.
If you don’t require many facilities, a good nearby location is the Adelong Showground. With just toilets, water and a dump point onsite, no tents are permitted, but caravans and campervans are allowed. Beautifully maintained and free of charge, leave a donation and make sure you support the local businesses.
Another basic camping spot near Tumut is Jones Bridge, a short drive south of town with options on both sides of the river, accessed by the West and East Blowering Roads. With no toilet facilities, fully self-contained vehicles are permitted to stay for up to 48 hours, with donations welcome.
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About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.
I love this service and consult it every time we go on the road with our caravan, which is currently about three times each year. Our springer spaniel goes everywhere with us, so it’s wonderful to get your tips on places we’re going.
Thank you for doing this.
Judy
PS: Schnitzel is adorable.
Thanks Judy, Schnitzel sends kisses!
What a charming town Tumut is! It’s great to know that there are all sorts of things to do with a dog, and I’m sure we’ll be back to visit soon! Thanks for the post.
Thanks Frances!
I love your research and information! It certainly makes travelling with our two dogs so much easier and enables us to have as rich an experience as possible. Thank you so much
Thanks Pepi!