The historic Junee Hotel
With its rich history, cultural attractions and picturesque landscapes, Junee in the New South Wales Riverina region boasts a diverse range of offerings for short-term visitors as well as those who like to linger and explore a little longer.
It’s easy to fall in love with Junee. This quaint and pretty town in the NSW Riverina is brimming with history and charm at every turn and is a popular destination for travellers who appreciate its heritage and unique natural attractions.
At the start of spring, the region explodes into colour as the surrounding hills of vibrant yellow canola fields make for stunning scenic drives and memorable photographs.
Whether you’re a food lover, a history buff, a heritage architecture aficionado or an adventure seeker, this unique town and its vibrant community welcomes visitors to experience the charm and hospitality of Junee, to explore all it has to offer and support the local economy.
Aerial view of the town
Junee was established as a vital railway town in the late 19th century, quickly becoming a major railway hub due to its strategic location. This heritage is still evident today in the beautifully preserved Junee Roundhouse Railway Museum, one of the few surviving roundhouses in the southern hemisphere. The town’s growth was also supported by its agricultural heritage, with wheat and wool production playing a significant role in shaping the region’s identity.
If you’re just visiting Junee for a weekend, highlights include the Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory, Junee Roundhouse Railway Museum and the haunted Monte Cristo Homestead. If you’d prefer a longer stay, there are plenty of opportunities to delve deeper into the town’s history, enjoy local walking trails, visit nearby historic pubs, explore neighbouring towns such as Temora and Coolamon, and participate in community events and festivals.
Main attractions
Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory
Junee caters to all types of travellers and, for families, one of the town’s major drawcards is the Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory where sweet lovers can tour the factory, enjoy the hands-on experience of making their own chocolate and sample delicious organic products.
Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory (Image Allison Watt)
You could spend hours here. The factory was established by local organic wheat and spelt farmer Neil Druce. One day his small onsite mill broke, and he went hunting for a flour mill to continue milling his products. He discovered a five-storey abandoned flour mill just up the road in Junee, which was built in 1935. Neil was instantly charmed by the building and thought it could be more than just a flour mill. He purchased the old mill in 1988 and the first batch of licorice, of which flour is one of the main ingredients, was produced in 2001. Chocolate production began in 2003.
Today the factory produces licorice and chocolate five days a week, selling its delicious goodies Australia-wide and internationally. The factory employs 60 local people and is hub of activity with guided tours, hands-on chocolate experiences, a licensed restaurant and live music to relax to in the alfresco dining areas set in lovely gardens.
After a visit to the chocolate factory, the kids can burn off their excess energy at the Junee Skate Park or have a splash and swim at the Junee Junction Recreation and Aquatic Centre.
The Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory is one of the town’s major drawcards
The Athenium Theatre
Couples will enjoy strolling through Junee’s charming heritage streetscapes, visiting historic pubs, relaxing at quaint cafes, natural beauty and perhaps taking in a classic film or live show at the historic Athenium Theatre.
The Athenium Theatre is a beautifully restored 1920s cinema which stands as one of the main centrepieces of Junee’s cultural scene, and offers a fantastic mix of classic films, live performances and community events to keep everyone well entertained.
For more than 50 years before the start of television in 1964, cinemas in rural towns would provide not only entertainment but cultural learning in behaviour, design, fashion and current events. As such, the Athenium Theatre served as the ideal location for live entertainment as well as social events, such as balls and receptions.
The Athenium Theatre is undergoing a significant refurbishment, which will enhance its facilities and expand its capabilities to include live shows, film screenings and community gatherings, further establishing the theatre as a key cultural venue in the region.
The Broadway Museum
Housed within the old Broadway Hotel (built in 1914), the Broadway Museum also offers an engaging look at local history and features exhibits on Junee’s past and heritage.
The historic Broadway Hotel
Bethungra Spiral
Railway buffs who visit the area will not want to miss the Bethungra Spiral, a marvel of railway engineering which is a must-see for train enthusiasts as well as those who love experiencing breathtaking views. A spiral (sometimes called a spiral loop or just a loop) is a technique employed by railways to ascend steep hills, and the heritage-listed Bethungra Spiral is located on the Main Southern line between Junee and Cootamundra and carries the northbound track, forming a part of the Sydney to Melbourne rail corridor.
The Bethungra railway spiral
GasWorks Garage Museum
Car enthusiasts should definitely add the GasWorks Garage Museum to their Junee bucket list. This hidden gem is a fantastic showcase of vintage cars and machinery and provides a nostalgic look at automotive history. The garage is located right next door to the Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory and boasts a unique collection of classic Fords along with many other vehicles of interest. You may not see shiny, perfectly restored vehicles, but all are in their original condition and each one has a special story that brings them to life.
One of the Fords at the Gasworks Museum
A visit to the garage is a great day out for the entire family. The friendly staff have a passion for cars and are eager to guide visitors through and explain all about the cars in the collection.
Junee Roundhouse Railway Museum
A visit to Junee isn’t complete without visiting the Junee Roundhouse Railway Museum, one of the town’s major tourist attractions.
Officially opened in September 1947, the Junee Roundhouse was the largest roundhouse in the southern hemisphere and the last steam depot built in New South Wales. As steam made way for diesel power the roundhouse was modified accordingly, and the steam facilities were removed. But the main feature — the original round structure — still stands. Centred around the unique 100ft (30.5m) turntable are two sheds and 42 tracks including the high roads and machine shop.
The Roundhouse steam depot was the largest of its type in the southern hemisphere
A locomotive and carriage at the Roundhouse Museum
The roundhouse is occupied by the Regional Heritage Transport Association — which operates the museum — as well as the Junee Railway Workshop, a local company that maintains and repairs rolling stock and locomotives for hire and for other operators.
Monte Cristo Homestead
Known as Australia’s most haunted house, the historic Monte Cristo Homestead (built in 1884-85) provides a unique glimpse into colonial history and supernatural lore. The grand homestead is privately owned, but it is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday and public holidays from 10am–3pm.
Junee Hotel
When you need a break from all the exploring that you’ve done around Junee, head to the historic Junee Hotel on Seignior Street to enjoy a refreshing drink, a hearty lunch, a delicious dinner or a place to rest for the night in the boutique accommodation.
Built in 1878, the Junee Hotel is one of the town’s oldest commercial buildings and has been welcoming travellers and locals for well over 100 years. This unique watering hole, which has been maintained to retain its original character and loads of charm, offers the perfect blend of history, comfort, and country hospitality.
The hotel prides itself on its delicious meals — hearty breakfasts, light lunches and gourmet dinners — all made from fresh local ingredients and lovingly prepared by the talented chefs.
The hotel offers many places to relax, whether it’s the grand front verandah, side room, front and back dining rooms or the beer garden where pets are welcome.
Outdoor highlights
Nature lovers can enjoy a stroll through the town’s tranquil parks and gardens, including the serene Junee Wetlands and Junee Park Dam, perfect spots for birdwatching and relaxing.
Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a round at the Junee Golf Club. The Ray Warren Statue celebrates one of Australia’s most beloved sports commentators, adding a touch of local pride.
Statue of Ray Warren with the railway station in the background
Community hubs
The Junee Library serves as a vibrant community hub with programs for all ages, while the Bethungra Olde School T-House offers a delightful country experience with homemade gourmet treats and a touch of history.
The Junee Library and Visitor Information Centre
Events and festivals
Junee has an events festival that will entice many visitors. The annual ‘Christmas on Broadway’ celebration in November marks the start of the festive season with great food, live music and entertainment that brings the whole town together. The Junee Show is held every October (this year’s taking place on 26 October), features agricultural displays, entertainment and family-friendly activities. The Illabo Show was also held in October (12 October 2024), only a short drive (approximately 16-minutes) from Junee, and offered a range of local exhibits and attractions, showcasing the best of the surrounding rural community.
Junee’s Christmas on Broadway celebration is in November
How to get there
Junee is easily accessible by car or train. From Sydney, take the Hume Highway towards Gundagai and turn off towards Junee. If you’re coming from Melbourne via the Hume Highway, you’ll enjoy a scenic five-hour drive, which is perfect for those who want to explore the best of the Riverina region. From Canberra, it’s a short two-and-a-half-hour drive, making Junee an ideal weekend getaway destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
On the way to Junee along the Hume Highway, travellers can stop at Gundagai to see the iconic Dog on the Tuckerbox monument and explore Temora for its Aviation Museum. Wagga Wagga, the largest city in the region, offers beautiful botanic gardens and art galleries, making it an ideal stopover. Don’t miss Coolamon Cheese, an artesian cheese maker in Coolamon (30-minute drive west of Junee) where you can sample a range of artisanal cheeses and explore the charming town. On the other side of Junee, Bethungra Dam is a great spot for picnicking, fishing, kayaking and/or camping, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
If you want to leave the car and van behind for a change, Junee is well-serviced by the Country Link XPT train, which offers a picturesque and relaxing journey, with connections from both Sydney and Melbourne.
Junee is accessible by train
Where to stay
There are accommodation options to suit all styles and budgets in Junee. Caravanners and campers are well-catered for at the Junee Tourist Park, which provides powered and unpowered sites with excellent facilities, including a swimming pool and camp kitchen.
For those seeking more rustic camping experiences, Bethungra Dam offers free camping sites with scenic views, perfect for fishing and kayaking. Sandy Beach Reserve and Junee Golf Club provide primitive camping options, ideal for a peaceful retreat.
Viewing platform at Bethungra Dam
If you’re travelling sans-van, the Crossing Motel, Junee Motor Inn, Commercial Hotel, Illabo Hotel and Junee Hotel all offer comfortable stays with a warm country hospitality vibe.
When to visit
There’s no bad time of year to visit Junee, with each season offering something special. But if you’re in search of a particularly beautiful time of year to visit, then spring and autumn are the best bet, with mild weather and vibrant landscapes. In spring the Canola Trail comes to life, while autumn beckons in crisp air and stunning foliage, creating a picturesque and colourful backdrop for exploring Junee’s historic and natural attractions.
Canola fields explode into colour in Spring
More information
If you want to make the most of your visit to Junee, then be sure to drop in at the Junee Visitor Information Centre, which can be found at the Junee Library on Lorne Street. Here, the helpful staff will be able to provide you with personalised recommendations on places to visit as well as maps and information about local attractions, events and dining options. The staff are always eager to help you discover the best of Junee and ensure that your visit is enjoyable and memorable. By supporting local businesses and exploring its vibrant community, you’ll be contributing to the growth and prosperity of this gorgeous and unique little town.
Put it on your travel itinerary and let Junee welcome you and showcase all that the charming town has to offer.
Junee Visitor Information Centre
92 Lorne Street, Junee NSW 2663
P: 02 6924 2111
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 1pm
Sunday: 10am – 2pm
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