Visit the Historic SMEC Fluid Mechanics Laboratory – Where the Snowy Story Lives On

Step into the heart of Cooma’s engineering legacy and discover the vital role the SMEC Fluid Mechanics Laboratory played in shaping one of Australia’s greatest achievements — the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme.

This historic site stands as a tribute to the ingenuity, resilience, and determination of the original Snowy families — migrants, workers, engineers, and visionaries — who together built a project that changed a nation. Through interactive displays, preserved machinery, and storytelling that brings the past to life, visitors will uncover how innovation flowed through these walls and helped power Australia’s post-war progress.

Now being transformed into the Hydro1 Heritage Centre, this landmark will be more than a museum — it will be a vibrant, inclusive precinct where past and future meet. Come walk in the footsteps of pioneers, celebrate multicultural heritage, and be inspired by the spirit that built the Snowy.

Visit today — and become part of the story.

Marvel at the Original Physical Models That Shaped the Snowy Scheme

Explore the original hydraulic models used by pioneering engineers to test, design, and perfect the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme — long before digital simulations existed. These meticulously built physical models were created right here, within the SMEC Fluid Mechanics Laboratory, and played a crucial role in solving real-world engineering challenges.

Each model tells a story of innovation — from dam spillways and tunnels to valve systems and water flow simulations — offering a rare, hands-on glimpse into the problem-solving minds behind one of the world’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.

Whether you’re a curious visitor, an engineering enthusiast, or a proud descendant of the original Snowy families, these physical models are living artefacts of a project that transformed a nation.

See the ingenuity. Feel the legacy. Witness history in motion.

Hydro1 Heritage Precinct Development – Building a Legacy for Cooma

The development of the Hydro1 Heritage Precinct is more than a restoration project — it’s a bold step toward creating a vibrant cultural, educational, and community destination in the heart of Cooma.

Anchored by the historic SMEC Fluid Mechanics Laboratory, the precinct will honour the spirit of the Snowy Scheme and the generations of workers and families who made it possible. Through a blend of heritage preservation and forward-thinking design, the site will offer:

• A world-class heritage centre, showcasing the original physical models, engineering breakthroughs, and personal stories behind the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme

• Interactive exhibits and digital storytelling, bringing the past to life and inspiring future innovators

• Flexible community spaces, where locals and visitors can gather, learn, and celebrate

• Educational and tourism programs, engaging schools, researchers, and travellers alike

• An inclusive and accessible environment, designed to welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities

This transformative precinct will serve as a social, cultural, and economic catalyst — reconnecting Cooma with its hydro legacy while generating new opportunities for growth, learning, and pride.

The Hydro1 Precinct isn’t just about remembering the past — it’s about building a future Cooma can be proud of.

Honouring the People Behind the Power — SMEC and Hydro1 Employees

The success of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme was not only the result of bold vision and groundbreaking engineering — it was built by people.

The men and women who worked at SMEC and the Hydro1 Fluid Mechanics Laboratory were among the brightest minds and most dedicated professionals of their time. Engineers, model makers, researchers, technicians, and support staff brought this site to life with passion, precision, and purpose.

From designing intricate physical models to solving the complex challenges of water flow and pressure, their work formed the backbone of one of the world’s greatest infrastructure projects. They were innovators, problem-solvers, and quiet heroes whose contributions helped shape modern Australia.

We honour their legacy — and invite you to step into their world, see their work up close, and be inspired by the dedication, teamwork, and ingenuity that defined this remarkable chapter in our history.

To the SMEC and Hydro1 employees — we remember, we thank you, and we celebrate your lasting impact.