Photo: Bidgee / CC BY-SA 3.0
Junee, a charming country town in the Riverina region of New South Wales, offers a delightful blend of railway heritage, historic architecture, and warm rural hospitality. Known as the 'Railway Town', it's a perfect stop for travellers exploring the inland route between Sydney and Melbourne, or as a day trip from Canberra.
Highlights & What to See
- Junee Roundhouse Railway Museum – Step inside a fully operational roundhouse with a turntable, home to vintage locomotives and rolling stock. Train enthusiasts will love the guided tours and occasional steam train rides.
- Junee Licorice Factory – A sweet-tooth's paradise, this family-run factory produces old-fashioned licorice and chocolates. Join a tasting tour and watch the confectionery being made.
- Monte Cristo Homestead – Australia's most haunted house, this eerie Victorian mansion offers guided tours that delve into its tragic history and paranormal tales.
- Junee Railway Station – Admire the grand 1880s station building, a fine example of Victorian Italianate architecture, and watch the daily XPT trains pass through.
- Broadway Museum – Housed in a former bank, this quirky museum showcases local memorabilia, vintage cars, and a recreated 1950s street scene.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors find a full day sufficient to explore Junee's main attractions. Start at the Roundhouse in the morning, then enjoy a licorice tasting before lunch. Spend the afternoon at Monte Cristo or the Broadway Museum. If you're a train enthusiast, consider an overnight stay to catch the evening goods trains and soak up the town's relaxed pace.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Wagga Wagga – The regional hub, 25 km north, offers the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, art galleries, and the Riverina wine region.
- Temora – Home to the Temora Aviation Museum, with a collection of flying vintage warbirds, about 45 km north-west.
- Cootamundra – Known for its historic main street and the birthplace of Sir Donald Bradman, 40 km east.
- Coolac – A tiny village with the fascinating Coolac Fossil Site, 30 km south-east.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Canberra — The 3B's / CC BY 2.0
- Wagga Wagga — Bidgee / CC BY-SA 3.0 au
- Temora — Mattinbgn / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Cootamundra — Mattinbgn ( talk · contribs ) / CC BY 3.0
- Coolac — AYArktos / CC BY-SA 2.5