Tooma: Valley, History and Markets

Tooma lies in the Tooma Valley, halfway between Corryong and Tumbarumba. The valley is known for cattle, dairy farming, sheep farming and grass seed production. This agricultural character gives the destination a rural setting; the history of its buildings and events in the village offer other perspectives. If you’re looking for a hotel for a trip to Tooma, consider whether you’re especially interested in the valley, local heritage or a market or event date.

Historic buildings

Tooma Hall is located in the Tooma Recreation Reserve. Volunteers from the local community built it, and the hall opened in 1953. Tooma Hotel was built as early as the 1870s. In the Tumbarumba Local Environmental Plan 2010, it is listed as local heritage item I2 on Possum Point Road. Another historic landmark is Brigham House: the building was formerly the Tooma Store, built in 1879. The hall, hotel and former store represent different chapters in the village’s history.

Art and landscape

Sculptures by artists from 14 countries can be seen in the hamlet of Tooma as part of the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail. Nearby, the Southern Cloud Memorial Lookout is on Tooma Road. It offers panoramic views across the mountain ranges where the aircraft disappeared. The two places offer different highlights: the sculptures are the focus in the hamlet, while the lookout offers views across the mountains. If you’re interested in art or landscape, these are two different aspects of the area around Tooma.

Markets and events

The Three Bridges @ Tooma Boutique Markets are held every year on the first Saturday in November. If you’d like to plan your trip around market day, check the exact date in advance. Market areas are located on the banks of Tumbarumba Creek and on the road in front of Tooma Inn and Brigham House. The offering includes more than 30 market stalls, local produce, food and live music; details may vary from one market to the next. With its connection to Brigham House, the event brings a venue together with a building that has its own history in the village.

The annual Tooma Easter Gymkhana is a family event. It celebrates a tradition of skilled horsemanship passed down through generations. Alongside the November market, it provides another recurring occasion in the annual calendar: the gymkhana connects the event with equestrian tradition, while the markets have their own focus on stalls, produce, food and live music.

Practical information for getting around the village

A public toilet block was installed in the village in April 2019. It was intended for tourist traffic, families using the parkland and visitors to the Three Bridges Markets. Together with the markets’ location by the creek and in front of Tooma Inn and Brigham House, this information helps you get your bearings among the village’s places of interest. This gives you specific points to consider when planning: Tooma’s location between Corryong and Tumbarumba, historic buildings, art and views, as well as events and their respective themes and dates.

For the broader travel overview: Tumbarumba Shire Council.