A stunning new booklet spruiking the best of what the Tumbarumba region has to offer is the first initiative of The Collective Road, a brainwave business venture of four local people determined to see their part of Snowy Valleys thrive. Photo: The Collective Road.
Tumbarumba, that hidden gem in the NSW Snowy Valleys, has unveiled an exciting new initiative that invites travellers to immerse themselves in the charm of the Australian countryside, discover its deep Indigenous heritage, and embrace a slower, more relaxed pace of life.
At the heart of this welcoming experience is The Collective Road, a business venture founded by locals Angela Lyons, Mellisa Meli, Merissa Raymond, and Tom Southwell, who were keen to see their region thrive.
They’ve kicked off in polished style with a stunningly-designed booklet, free of charge at local shops, hotels and motels, illustrated with striking photography from local artists which acts as an elegant but functional guide to everything the area has to offer.
The guide acts to help visitors uncover the best of the region – exploring Tumbarumba and the surrounding towns of Batlow, Khancoban, and Tooma – through an insider’s lens.
From breathtaking nature escapes to must-visit wineries, local dining, and the shops that distinguish the region, the booklet, or nifty guidebook, as the Collective Road calls it, also features a thoughtful list of must-visit places, tips for slowing down, and suggestions for how best to enjoy the beauty of the region’s landscapes, from sunrise hikes to stargazing nights.
The Hume and Hovell Walking Track, Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail, Paddys River Falls, Khancoban Dam, Yarrangobilly Caves, Pioneer Womens Hut and Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail and Forest are notable inclusions.
Supported by the Snowy Valleys Council and Tumbarumba Chamber of Commerce, it also offers comprehensive business, accommodation and dining listings, each with contacts and hours, along with suggestions for embracing the “country vibe”, which, of course, includes the region’s popular cool climate wineries.
And then there’s its tribute to Tumbarumba’s Indigenous roots.
A welcome from Ngarigo elder Uncle Craig Wilesmith honors the town’s place on Ngarigo land, known historically as Toomaroombah, meaning “Mother Earth is talking”.
For centuries, Tumbarumba served as a gathering point where five songlines converged, bringing together communities from far and wide for corroborees and rites of passage.
This sacred history gives visitors a deeper sense of the land they’re exploring and adds a layer of meaning to every scenic lookout and quiet forest walk.
And in a shrewd move, the back cover of the booklet doubles as a postcard that visitors can send free of charge from any postbox in Tumbarumba.
Tom Southwell of Johansen Wines said launching the booklet was about helping businesses in Tumbarumba and surrounds position themselves for long-term success as much as it was about helping visitors feel connected to this region in an authentic way.
“With so many new attractions on offer we are committed to ensuring local businesses thrive by capitalising on these developments to ensure every visitor can experience Tumbarumba like a local, exploring not just the sights but the community spirit while embracing its history,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, Melissa Meli of Tumbarumba’s Ray White Rural said being part of The Collective Road was about more than just one person or business. “It’s a united effort where each of us brings unique skills,” she said.
“The future of businesses in our region is incredibly bright. The team genuinely cares about the future of local business, and launching the booklet has been a great opportunity to celebrate our hard work.
“We’re thrilled when locals tell us visitors came to their business because of the booklet — that’s exactly the impact we wanted,” Melissa said.
Visitors to Tumbarumba region can also look forward to The Collective Road events including talks, workshops, and seasonal gatherings that foster community connection.
Angela Lyons said that was about capturing the essence of Tumbarumba’s hospitality.
“We want people to feel at home, to appreciate the slower pace, and to walk away with a deeper understanding of our land and culture.”
Local business operators are being encouraged to become members of the broader Collective Road Business Initiative, which allows them access to resources and tools to promote tourism, facilitate growth and to safeguard the future of their town.
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