Laurel Hill Tourist Guide

Your tourist guide for Laurel Hill provides you with the essential travel resources to plan your holiday!

A Hidden Alpine Escape in the Snowy Valleys

Tucked high in the cool mountain air of the Snowy Valleys, Laurel Hill is one of New South Wales’ most enchanting forest destinations—an alpine haven where towering pines, crisp breezes, and peaceful walking trails create the perfect nature‑rich escape. This secluded pocket of the region feels worlds away from everyday life, offering travellers a rare blend of tranquillity, adventure, and breathtaking scenery.

Laurel Hill is best known for its dramatic forests, including the iconic Sugarpine Walk, where century‑old pines rise like cathedral pillars above a soft, dappled forest floor. The scent of pine needles, the hush of the canopy, and the play of sunlight through the trees create an atmosphere that feels almost magical. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature.

Nearby, the Pilot Hill Arboretum adds another layer of beauty, with diverse tree species, gentle walking paths, and peaceful picnic spots. Whether you’re exploring with family, seeking a romantic nature escape, or travelling solo, Laurel Hill offers a refreshing blend of serenity and adventure.

Things to Do

  • Walk the Sugarpine Walk – Experience one of Australia’s most photographed forest trails.
  • Explore Pilot Hill Arboretum – Wander through curated plantings and enjoy a quiet picnic.
  • Visit Asgard Nursery & Tea Room – Relax with a warm drink surrounded by colourful blooms.
  • Picnic at Lochinvar – Unwind beneath shady heritage trees in a tranquil forest setting.

How to Get There

Laurel Hill is located in the Snowy Valleys region of southern NSW, approximately 30 minutes from Tumbarumba and just over an hour from Wagga Wagga. The drive winds through rolling farmland and cool‑climate forests, making the journey part of the experience.

Best Time to Visit

Laurel Hill is beautiful year‑round:

  • Autumn brings golden light and crisp air.
  • Winter offers misty mornings and occasional snowfall.
  • Spring and summer deliver lush greenery and ideal walking conditions.

EventON Calendar

The following towns are located within the same region of Laurel Hill

Laurel Hill Tourist Information Centre

The Tumbarumba Visitor Information Centre is the main visitor hub for the Snowy Valleys region’s southern end, supporting travellers exploring the western side of the Snowy Mountains, the Tumbarumba wine region, and the upper Murray valleys. It’s an essential stop for anyone touring between Batlow, Tumbarumba, Tooma, Jingellic, Khancoban, and the western approaches to Kosciuszko National Park.

Key Details

  • Name: Tumbarumba Visitor Information Centre
  • Address: 10 Bridge Street, Tumbarumba NSW 2653
    (Located in the centre of town, near shops, cafés, and the creekside parklands)
  • Phone: (02) 6948 3333
  • Opening Hours:
    • Typically 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday
    • 10:00am – 2:00pm on weekends (seasonal variations possible)
  • Facilities:
    • Visitor centre with maps and displays
    • Local produce and regional wine information
    • Toilets nearby
    • Parking for cars and caravans
    • Access to Tumbarumba Creekscape and town centre

The centre is operated by Snowy Valleys Council.

What Area It Caters For

The Tumbarumba Visitor Information Centre supports a large and diverse region of alpine foothills, vineyards, forests, and high‑country touring routes.

Tumbarumba Township

Information on:

  • Tumbarumba Creekscape and walking trails
  • Local cafés, pubs, and accommodation
  • Tumbarumba Museum and heritage sites
  • Events such as Tumbafest and Tumbarumba Tastebuds
  • Local wineries and cellar doors

Tumbarumba is known for cool‑climate wines, berries, and scenic mountain landscapes.

Snowy Valleys Region (Southern Half)

The centre provides information for:

  • Tumbarumba
  • Batlow
  • Tooma
  • Jingellic
  • Rosewood
  • Khancoban (shared with Alpine Way region)

This includes:

  • Scenic drives
  • Waterfalls (e.g., Paddy’s River Falls)
  • Wineries and farm‑gate produce
  • Historic gold‑rush sites
  • Forests and nature reserves

Kosciuszko National Park (Western & Southern Approaches)

The centre supports visitors heading to:

  • Khancoban
  • Geehi Flats
  • Tom Groggin
  • Scammell’s Lookout
  • Alpine Way touring route
  • Main Range access from the west

It provides:

  • Park information
  • Road and weather updates
  • Camping and hiking advice

This area is popular for 4WD touring, fishing, and alpine scenery.

Snowy Hydro & High Country Touring

The centre provides information on:

  • Snowy Hydro power stations (Murray 1 & Murray 2)
  • Alpine Way touring route (Khancoban ↔ Thredbo)
  • Tumbarumba ↔ Tooma ↔ Corryong scenic loop
  • Snowy Mountains Highway connections

Outdoor, Adventure & Nature Travellers

The centre supports:

  • Hikers
  • Cyclists (including the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail)
  • 4WD travellers
  • Anglers (Murray River headwaters, Swampy Plains River)
  • Campers and caravanners

It provides:

  • Track maps
  • Seasonal closures
  • Fire and weather alerts
  • Back‑country safety information

Services Provided

  • Maps, brochures, and regional guides
  • Information on wineries, farm gates, and local produce
  • National park and touring advice
  • Road, weather, and safety updates
  • Information on accommodation, dining, and events
  • Souvenirs and local products

Traveller Facilities Nearby

  • Parking for cars and caravans
  • Public toilets
  • EV charging in Tumbarumba
  • Close to cafés, shops, and the creekside park
  • Easy access to the Tumbarumba–Rosewood Rail Trail

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