Photo: Bidgee / CC BY-SA 3.0
Junee, a charming town in the Riverina region of New South Wales, is a delightful detour for travelers exploring the Hume Highway. Known for its well-preserved heritage architecture and the impressive Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory, this town offers a sweet taste of rural Australia. With its friendly locals and relaxed pace, Junee is a perfect stop for a few hours of indulgence and history.
Highlights & What to See
- Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory – Housed in the historic 1940s flour mill, this factory offers free tastings of handmade licorice and chocolate. Watch the process through viewing windows and stock up on unique treats.
- Junee Railway Station – A grand example of Victorian architecture, this station is one of the finest remaining in NSW. Even if you're not catching a train, it's worth a photo stop.
- Junee Athenium Theatre – This beautifully restored art deco cinema screens current movies and hosts live performances. Check the schedule for a dose of local culture.
- Junee Historic Walk – Pick up a map from the visitor centre and explore the town's heritage buildings, including the courthouse, post office, and banks.
- Monte Cristo Homestead – Just outside town, this historic homestead is reputedly Australia's most haunted house. If you're into ghost stories, book a night tour.
Suggested Time to Spend
Junee is best enjoyed as a half-day stop. Arrive mid-morning to tour the licorice factory, wander the main street, and grab lunch at a local café. If you're a railway enthusiast or want to do the full historic walk, allow three to four hours. Overnight stays are rare but possible if you're keen on a ghost tour at Monte Cristo.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Wagga Wagga – 25 minutes south, this regional city offers museums, galleries, and the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens.
- Temora – About an hour north, home to the Temora Aviation Museum, a must for aviation buffs.
- Cootamundra – 45 minutes east, known for its heritage buildings and the birthplace of Sir Donald Bradman.
- Coolamon – A short drive west, with a historic main street and the Coolamon Cheese Factory.
- Narrandera – 1 hour west, on the Murrumbidgee River, offering river walks and the Fivebough Swamp bird hide.
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
- Wagga Wagga — Bidgee / CC BY-SA 3.0 au
- Temora — Mattinbgn / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Cootamundra — Mattinbgn ( talk · contribs ) / CC BY 3.0
- Coolamon — fir0002 flagstaffotos [at] gmail.com Canon 20D + Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 / GFDL 1.2
- Narrandera — Bidgee / CC BY-SA 3.0 au
- Monte Cristo Homestead — Bidgee / CC BY-SA 3.0