Dry Plain
NSW 2630 • New South Wales
About Dry Plain
Dry Plain is a small rural locality in the Snowy Monaro region of New South Wales, situated in the grasslands of the Monaro tablelands at an altitude of approximately 1,260 metres. It lies about 40 km northwest of Cooma, 24 km southeast of Adaminaby, and approximately 160 km south of Canberra. With a population of just 42 at the 2021 census, the locality covers a substantial 118.8 square kilometres of elevated grazing country in the Snowy Mountains foothills. The area falls within the Snowy Monaro Regional Council and is part of the Wallace County, Parish of Backalum.
Dry Plain is quintessentially high-country grazing land, characterised by open grasslands, cold winters, and scattered farming properties typical of the Monaro plateau. The nearby Snowy Mountains Highway provides the main road connection to Cooma and beyond. There are virtually no urban services within the locality itself, with residents relying on Cooma or Adaminaby for supplies and amenities. The area is known for its sweeping views, cold winters, and the peace of the high tableland, attracting those drawn to a true rural lifestyle. A small school operated briefly in the 1920s, reflecting the locality's long pastoral history.
Dry Plain falls under postcode 2630 and is governed by the Snowy Monaro Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Eden-Monaro, while state elections fall under the Monaro electorate.
Location
Ad
Income
ATO taxable income Postcode 2630
Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2630, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.
Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2630; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Snowy Hydro coach — Cooma / Adaminaby N/A – limited service
Commute to Cooma
🛣️ The Snowy Mountains Highway is the primary access route. Cooma is the nearest regional centre. No public transport serves the locality.
Dry Plain is a remote rural locality with no local services or public transport. Private vehicle is the only practical transport option for residents. Nearest town Cooma is approximately 40 km away.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Cooma Public School ICSEA 9716452 1933 114-132 Commissioner St
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Baroona Avenue
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Murray St
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Cooma North Public School ICSEA 9556452 1742 35 Baroona Ave
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Monaro High School ICSEA 97732 Mittagang Road
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Braidwood-Cooma Rd
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9 Richardson St
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Crime Statistics LGA-wide
These are the latest 2025 rates for the Snowy Monaro Local Government Area, which contains Dry Plain. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.
Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)
