Photo: Bidgee / CC BY-SA 3.0
Junee is a charming country town in the Riverina region of New South Wales, known for its rich railway heritage, historic architecture, and warm community spirit. With its classic main street, grand old pubs, and a surprising food scene, Junee offers a delightful stopover for travellers exploring southern NSW.
Highlights & What to See
- Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory – A must-visit for sweet tooths, this family-run factory offers free tastings of handmade licorice and chocolates, plus a fascinating look at the production process.
- Junee Railway Station – One of Australia’s finest examples of Victorian-era railway architecture, with its ornate tower and wrought-iron verandahs. It’s still a working station on the Main South line.
- Junee Roundhouse Railway Museum – Home to a fully operational roundhouse and turntable, this museum showcases vintage locomotives and rolling stock, with a chance to see restoration work in progress.
- Historic Main Street – Stroll along Lorne Street to admire beautifully preserved 19th-century shopfronts, including the iconic Monte Cristo homestead (a National Trust property) and several classic country pubs.
- Junee Rhythm & Rail Festival – If you’re visiting in October, this annual festival celebrates the town’s rail heritage with live music, markets, and train rides.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors find that half a day is sufficient to explore Junee’s key attractions – the licorice factory, roundhouse museum, and a walk down the main street. If you’re a railway enthusiast or want to linger over a pub lunch, a full day allows a more relaxed pace. Junee also works well as an overnight stop on a road trip between Sydney and Melbourne or as a day trip from Wagga Wagga (30 minutes north).
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Wagga Wagga – The Riverina’s largest city, with a vibrant arts scene, the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, and the beautiful Botanic Gardens.
- Temora – Home to the Temora Aviation Museum, a world-class collection of historic aircraft, about an hour’s drive west.
- Cootamundra – Known for its heritage-listed buildings and the birthplace of Sir Donald Bradman, with a charming main street and nearby vineyards.
- Coolamon – A tiny town with a famous wholefoods store and café, plus a restored 1920s cinema.
- Lake Albert – A popular spot for picnics, walking trails, and birdwatching, just south of Wagga Wagga.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.