Junee

Junee, a charming railway town in the Riverina region of New South Wales, offers a delightful blend of heritage architecture, locomotive history, and surprisingly good food. Its wide main street is lined with grand 19th-century buildings, a legacy of the gold rush that never quite happened. For international travellers, Junee is a perfect stop on a self-drive itinerary between Sydney and Melbourne, or as a day trip from Wagga Wagga. The town’s standout attraction is its enormous, still-operating roundhouse, but it also boasts a thriving café scene and a surprising connection to licorice.

Highlights & What to See

• Junee Roundhouse Railway Museum – One of the largest surviving railway roundhouses in Australia, this working museum lets you walk among historic locomotives and watch the turntable in action. The sheer scale is breathtaking.
• Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory – Housed in a former flour mill, this factory offers free tastings of old-fashioned licorice and handmade chocolates. The café serves excellent coffee and licorice-infused treats.
• Broadway Museum – A quirky collection of vintage cars, motorbikes, and memorabilia crammed into an old theatre. It’s a nostalgic trip through mid-20th-century Australia.
• Junee Historic Railway Station – A beautifully restored Victorian-era station with a striking clock tower. The platform is a great spot for train-spotting on the main southern line.
• Monte Cristo Homestead – Just outside town, this 1885 mansion is reputedly Australia’s most haunted house. Even sceptics will appreciate the period furnishings and eerie atmosphere.

Suggested Time to Spend

Junee can be comfortably explored in a half-day. Start at the Roundhouse (allow at least 1–2 hours), then stroll the main street for coffee and a licorice fix. If you’re a railway enthusiast or want to take a guided tour of the homestead, allocate a full day. The town is compact and walkable, so you won’t waste time driving between sights.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wagga Wagga – 30 minutes north, the Riverina’s largest city offers galleries, riverside walks, and a vibrant food scene.
• Temora – 45 minutes north-west, home to the Temora Aviation Museum with flying vintage warbirds.
• Cootamundra – 40 minutes east, birthplace of Sir Donald Bradman, with a heritage-listed main street and the Bradman Museum.
• Coolamon – 20 minutes north-west, a tiny town with a superb farmers’ market and a historic cheese factory.
• The Rock – 30 minutes south, a striking granite outcrop with walking trails and panoramic views.

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