How much does a mountain change contribute to your work life and health? According to science, a lot.
Living in the mountains not only gives you 24/7 access to crisp, fresh air, but also lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease and respiratory infections. Besides, it’ll bring you peace, quiet, and wellbeing--the perfect circumstances for productive work.
If the idea of moving your digital nomad life to the mountains has been lingering for a while, this is your sign to pack up and go. For a six-month stay, we’d be crazy not to recommend that you head to the quaintest mountain towns in Australia.
We’re talking about the charming and picturesque towns of the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales. As the ideal places for working adventurers, the NSW towns will have you feeling one of two ways: aching to go back, or willing to stay permanently.
Jindabyne, NSW
Jindabyne is the perfect background for those who love camping, RVing, paddling, fishing, and of course, working peacefully. You’ll fall in love with Jindy’s breathtaking sceneries, and won’t run out of activities to look forward to when the shift is over.
For a mix of challenge and fresh air, go see and hike Mount Kosciuszko (Australia’s highest mountain!), which is a close drive from Jindabyne. Whether you’re taking someone with you or going by yourself, being at the top of Australia will be well worth the climb.
In colder months, Jindabyne makes the ideal accommodation area if you’re willing to enjoy a few days off work and go for a ski trip. Resorts close by include Perisher Ski Resort and Thredbo Village.
Conveniently, the town is where Jindy Workspace is located. It’s a co-working space with high-quality Wi-Fi, a welcoming business community, and ultra-modern meeting rooms for teams.
Or, if you’d rather stay in, you’ll find plenty of charming rustic cabins and wooden chalets available for booking. Although you’ll be working, it’ll feel like a holiday year-round.
Cooma, NSW
Located 116 km from Australian capital Canberra, the path to Cooma is a scenic drive through the B23 Monaro highway with a beautiful mountainous backdrop. You’ll enjoy every minute before you even get there.
Cooma is a small town for the digital nomads seeking quiet work, yet the largest town in the alpine region with plenty of activities like fishing and hiking. If you visit during the winter months, you can also have fun skiing and snowboarding.
Busy workday? Unwind on tracks like Lambie Gorge, where there’s a wealth of wildlife roaming around and striking lookouts like Mount Gladstone. At the top, you can treat yourself to some well-deserved coffee and great food before you go back to your accommodation.
History aficionados can cycle, walk, or drive 5 km through the Lambie Town Walk to learn more about Cooma’s historical highlights.
Adaminaby, NSW
Adaminaby is a well-known trout fishing centre. Lake Eucumbene is a prime fishing location, and also one of those places you’ll want to return to over and over. Even if you don’t catch anything, it’s still a sweet escape when you need a breath of fresh air.
You’ll find enough cozy cottages and lodges to enjoy home-cooked meals for a peaceful stay--and even more peaceful work. For convenience, you’ll want to find accommodations with free Wi-Fi and pleasing views, like the Gooandra Alpine Cottages.
The town is especially quiet during the snow season in case you’re looking to stay focused and enjoy yourself. Why not spend a day or two skiing at Selwyn Snowfields? It’s near both Adaminaby and Cabramurra, and a great winter activity for days when you’re off work.
Depending on where you’re staying, you might afford a panoramic lookout to the snow at Mount Selwyn. The scenery will definitely keep you inspired to get things done.
Tumut, NSW
“Tumut” is an Aboriginal word for "quiet resting place by the water". Need we say more?
Outdoor adventurers like you will love, love, love this place. Give your mind some rest by walking, running, or biking through the 3.5 km Tumut Riverwalk. Or maybe, treat yourself to a comfortable walk through Kosciuszko National Park, with nearby restaurants suitable for all pockets and taste buds.
There’s no shortage of pet-friendly logs, cabins, and RV parks in Tumut. Get quality work done while enjoying great amenities, like free, fast Wi-Fi and air-conditioned rooms.
Khancoban, NSW
Khancoban is a small lakeside town brimming with outdoor activities like horse-riding, kayaking, fishing, and when the time is right, skiing.
During your stay, take picturesque walks across Major Clews Hut and other trails, while relishing in beautiful views from the Snowy Mountains.
If you’ve brought a four-wheeled “friend” with you, Khancoban Lakeside Caravan Park is just the location. Park for free, take in marvelous mountain views and have access to cosy facilities throughout your stay.
You won’t run out of options whether you’re looking for 5-star accommodations or just a nice quiet place to get work done.
Ready to Take the Mountain Change?
If you praise silent work but can’t get enough of remarkable views and exciting activities, the Snowy Mountains will bring the work-life balance you’ve been craving.
Take the end of lockdowns as a cue for the trip of a lifetime. And remember: when work gets hard, there’s nothing a dose of nature can’t do to get you back on track.