Fast facts
- Historic village, proposed site for nation’s capital
- Tranquil location on the banks of the Snowy River
- Population 75
Why go there
Today this peaceful village is the only remaining town on the Snowy River. Dalgety survived after the Snowy Mountains Scheme was built and the old towns of Jindabyne and Adaminaby were flooded.
Dalgety was gazetted as a site for the national capital in 1904, just a few years after Federation. The granite outcrops that surround the town make a dramatic natural feature, giving it the moody atmosphere that was captured in Ray Lawrence’s thriller, Jindabyne.
History
Aboriginal communities used to travel from the coast to the high country during summer. Dalgety was known as a friendly meeting place, with local Aborigines sometimes camping for weeks waiting for the spring thaw to ease.
Originally known as Buckley's Crossing, Dalgety was a major river crossing for cattle runs in the 1850s. The town missed out on becoming the nation’s capital in 1905 when Canberra was selected.
Things to do
- Enjoy the pretty scenery on the tourist drive that takes in the nearby Snowy towns of Berridale and Jindabyne.
- Go swimming in the Snowy River and keep an eye out for platypus.
- Take the historic town and river walk to see the remaining heritage buildings in this idyllic country setting.
Events
- Snowy Mountains Regional Food Fair in October
- Snowy River Festival, three days in November for the best skilled horsemanship, local heritage and bush culture
- Dalgety Show, the "biggest little show on the Monaro", held on the first Sunday in March
- Vauxhall Car Rally in January
Don’t miss
- Buckley’s Crossing Hotel for a beer and historic photographs
- Regional fresh produce from Iona Gardens
- Dalgety House, the oldest in the village
- Platypus viewing in the shallows of the Snowy River
