Cooma is a town in the south of New South Wales,
Australia. It is located 114 kilometres (71 mi) south
of the national capital, Canberra, via the Monaro
Highway. Cooma is also on the Snowy Mountains
Highway, connecting Bega with the Riverina. The
town of Cooma has a population of 6,301. Cooma
is the main town of the Monaro region. It is 800
metres (2,620 ft) above sea level.

Cooma has developed a growing tourism industry
as it became the main rest stop for many
travellers heading to the NSW snow fields during
the winter months. As a result, the town
nicknamed itself the 'Gateway to the Snowy
Mountains'.