Lake Hume, Bowna (Image Matt Beaver Photography)
If you’re looking for a detour off the Hume Highway that’s filled with history, hospitality and natural beauty in spades, then the Greater Hume region of NSW has you covered.
Tucked against the Murray River in southern NSW, Greater Hume is rich with beautiful towns, villages and natural landscapes just waiting to be explored. From a real submarine parked in the heart of Holbrook to the bushranger tales and pioneer history that echo across the countryside, there’s no shortage of stories to discover. Whether you’re making a quick detour from the highway or embarking on a full regional road trip, the Greater Hume’s five main towns — Culcairn, Henty, Holbrook, Jindera and Walla Walla — are well worth exploring.
This is a place to slow down, immerse yourself in history, enjoy true-blue country hospitality that makes visitors feel like locals and explore the great outdoors at your leisure.
Step back in time
History is woven through Greater Hume, from fascinating museums and heritage sites to stories embedded in the landscape. For travellers interested in exploring Australia’s rural past and unique local tales, the region offers plenty of opportunities to step back and connect with its past.
The HMAS Otway, Holbrook
One of the most unique and memorable historic sites in the area is the HMAS Otway submarine that sits right in the centre of Holbrook. Within the museum visitors can explore the submarine’s main passage, officer’s wardroom and periscope views of the town.
Next door, the Holbrook Submarine Museum is open daily and offers interactive exhibits and wartime memorabilia, including a hologram telling the story of Lieutenant Norman Holbrook, the town’s namesake, a torpedo and a WWII British submarine ‘Jolly Roger’ flag.
HMAS Otway, Holbrook (Image Simon Dallinger)
Jindera Pioneer Museum
Step inside the Jindera Pioneer Museum to explore early settler life through restored buildings and more than 400 displays. Highlights include a small wattle and daub hut — one of the oldest in the Albury district — and relocated structures like Wagner’s Store, the Huon Post Office and the Original Blacksmith shop. Each site offers unique insight into the daily lives of the German migrants who made the area their home in 1867 after travelling from Adelaide in horse-drawn wagons.
The museum precinct covers two acres of gardens and exhibition spaces and is open daily from 10am–3pm.
Jindera Pioneer Museum (Image Matt Beaver Photography)
Headlie Taylor Header Museum
Henty earned its place in agricultural history thanks to local farmer Headlie Taylor, who invented the header harvester — a machine that changed grain harvesting worldwide by cutting grain heads cleanly rather than stripping them. Taylor developed the header in a blacksmith shop and unveiled it at the 1914 Henty Agricultural Show, quickly drawing attention. By the early 1920s, his invention was being produced and used widely, reshaping farming practices.
Today, the Headlie Taylor Header Museum in Bicentennial Park preserves this legacy, featuring the original header, the blacksmith shop, early farm tools, and more. Visitors can learn about Taylor’s impact through displays, with guided tours available by appointment.
Headlie Taylor Header Museum, Henty
Morgan’s Lookout, Walla Walla
Australia’s bushranger history is woven into the landscape, and in the Greater Hume, that story comes to life at Morgan’s Lookout, just outside Walla Walla. This rocky outcrop was once used by the infamous ‘Mad Dog’ Dan Morgan as a hideout and lookout point to evade the police, thanks to its commanding views over the surrounding landscape.
Morgan’s Lookout (Image Mark Jesser)
Today, it’s a scenic picnic and walking spot, with a short climb to the top featuring panoramic views across the region. In the area around the lookout, you’ll also find caves and rock shelters believed to have been used by Morgan during his time on the run.
Further afield, two markers near Henty and Culcairn note the sites where Sergeant Smyth and John Maclean, respectively, were fatally wounded by Morgan — adding a sombre but fascinating layer to the region’s bushranger past.
Spirit of Wymah Ferry
One of the region’s hidden gems is the Wymah Ferry — a heritage-listed cable ferry that has been operating since 1946. Connecting Wymah in NSW to Granya in Victoria, it offers a unique way to cross the mighty Murray River while taking in the surrounding scenery. It’s also one of only two surviving ferries still crossing the Murray, with the other being the Speewa Ferry near Swan Hill.
Wymah Ferry (Image Matt Beaver Photography)
Outdoor adventures await
While the region is home to some key towns and many villages, for the most part it’s known for its rolling landscapes just waiting to be explored. It’s a natural playground for those who love outdoor adventures, so bring your walking shoes, bikes, kayaks and more to make the most of it.
Woomargama National Park
If you’re keen to get back to nature, this national park delivers in spades. Covering more than 20,000 hectares, it’s one of the largest protected areas in the region and a great spot for walking, camping, four-wheel driving, bike riding and wildlife watching.
There are two campgrounds suitable for tents and camper trailers, and a number of trails weave through the park’s hills and valleys. Keen hikers can tackle a section of the Hume and Hovell Track — a 426km multi-day route between Yass and Albury that passes right through the park.
Birdwatchers will be right at home here, with the chance to spot species like the regent honeyeater, superb parrot and powerful owl. Horse riding is permitted on park trails, but pets (aside from certified assistance animals) aren’t allowed.
A visit to the Yambla View ‘Wambariga’ Lookout is a must — the recently developed, accessible platform offers wide views over the surrounding countryside.
Yambla View ‘Wambariga’ Lookout, Woomargama National Park (Image Matt Beaver Photography)
Woomargama sits about 40 minutes from Holbrook, just east of the Hume Highway. And for those after something a little more refined, Flyfaire Winery nearby offers long lunches and romantic tastings with a bushland backdrop.
Lake Hume
Lake Hume is one of Australia’s biggest water storages and links the Murray and Mitta Mitta rivers and is popular for water sports, fishing and relaxing by the water in warmer months. It’s 15 minutes from Albury–Wodonga and 25 minutes from Jindera, with nearby towns offering supplies and picnic spots.
For those keen to cast a line, Murray cod, rainbow trout, redfin and golden perch are regular catches — just make sure you have a valid NSW or Victorian fishing licence and abide by all recreational fishing rules.
The Trek — German settler driving trail
The Trekkers Trip — or ‘The Trek’ — is a scenic self-guided drive tracing the path of early German settlers through the Greater Hume region. The complete loop takes about 90 minutes to drive but allow 3–4 hours to explore stops like the Jindera Pioneer Museum, Morgan’s Lookout and Gum Swamp Reserve. The route links charming towns and historic sites, offering a relaxed way to soak up local history and countryside views.
Wetland wanders
Greater Hume is home to two natural wetlands — Doodle Comer Swamp near Henty and Gum Swamp Reserve outside Walla Walla. When filled after decent rain, these swamps attract abundant birdlife and nature lovers.
Gum Swamp offers year-round opportunities for walking, picnicking, horse riding and birdwatching. When water levels are high, it also opens up for canoeing and kayaking adventures.
Doodle Cooma Swamp provides a peaceful setting to spot waterbirds and other wildlife, with paddling available when the swamp is full.
Walla Walla Shared Bike Path (Image Matt Beaver Photography)
Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre
Located in Burrumbuttock, Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre combines a public park, botanic garden and learning space — a standout stop for anyone exploring the area, plus it’s free! The four-hectare site showcases native plants, wetlands, natural woodland and easy walking trails, with extensive signage highlighting the local flora and environments. Facilities include a picnic area with barbecues and public toilets.
Once a stock reserve and public watering place, the centre now invites visitors to stroll past a large dam and carefully tended garden beds.
Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre (Image Matt Beaver Photography)
Country hospitality
You won’t be short of great places to eat in Greater Hume. Whether you’re after the best pie or parma in the region or simply want a great coffee and a friendly chat, Greater Hume delivers. Warm country hospitality and a genuine welcome are what these towns and villages pride themselves on.
Here are some local favourites:
- Gerogery Hotel: Enjoy fantastic food and take it to the next level with the hotel’s challenge meals.
- Holbrook Hotel: Owned by a local grazier, this hotel serves elevated farm-to-table dishes that showcase the best of the region’s fresh produce.
- Flyfaire Winery: Nestled near Woomargama National Park, this winery offers tastings and a small menu in a peaceful bush setting — ideal for a relaxed afternoon or couples seeking something special.
In the main towns and villages, most cafes and bakeries serve a great cuppa, classic pies, sandwiches and sweet treats to fuel your travels. Many clubs open for dinner several nights a week, usually offering great-value meals in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
J & B’s Cafe, Holbrook (Image Lea_Bickley Photography)
Town by town
Greater Hume’s five main towns each bring their own unique character, history and attractions. And alongside the region’s many smaller villages, these towns offer a solid mix of essential services, accommodation options and local hot-spots like family-friendly pubs, bakeries and cafes to keep your travels interesting.
If you’re heading north along the Hume Highway, a good route through the region is Jindera, Walla Walla, Culcairn, Henty and then Holbrook. Travelling south? Just reverse the order and rejoin the highway at Albury.
Holbrook: ‘The Submarine Town’
Just off the Hume Highway, Holbrook is an easy stop for anyone travelling between Sydney and Melbourne — and a handy base if you want to unhitch and explore the region unladen. With the HMAS Otway sitting in pride of place, it’s no surprise how Holbrook earned its nickname: ‘The Submarine Town’.
A great place to begin is the Greater Hume Visitor Information Centre, located alongside the Holbrook Submarine Museum.
Other highlights around town include:
- Woolpack Inn Museum
- National Museum of Australian Pottery
- Holbrook Hotel
- Riverina Hotel
- Ian Geddes Bush Walk
- Boutique shopping on the main street
Holbrook is also an approximately 30-minute drive from Woomargama National Park, making it a good launchpad for nature-based day trips.
Holbrook Submarine Museum (Image Matt Beaver Photography)
Woolpack Inn Museum, Holbrook (Image Lea_Bic Photography)
Henty: ‘Home of the Header’
Famous for its annual Machinery Field Days — one of the largest events of its kind in the country — Henty is a welcoming rural hub just 17km north of Culcairn or 60km south of Wagga Wagga along the Olympic Highway.
The town earned its place in agricultural history thanks to Headlie Taylor’s revolutionary header harvester, and its nickname is a fitting nod to this legacy.
It’s a peaceful spot to pause, take in the local history, and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Places worth visiting include:
- Headlie Taylor Header Museum
- Ed’s Old Farm Machinery Museum
- Doodle Comer Swamp Nature Reserve
- Doodle Cooma Arms Hotel
Culcairn
Set beside Billabong Creek, Culcairn is a vibrant rural town with strong agricultural roots. With heritage buildings, local services, and a peaceful caravan park right by the creek, it’s a relaxed base for exploring the area.
Some top spots to check out include:
- Culcairn Bike and Walking Track: a 7km loop starting at the southern end of the sports precinct, this gentle trail passes historic buildings and open farmland. Walk or ride the full loop or tackle it in sections with rest stops along the way.
- Station House Museum: discover the town’s rail heritage at this restored home of Culcairn’s stationmasters, occupied from 1883 to 1979.
Other attractions include the Culcairn Golf Club, Culcairn Bowling and Recreation Club, and Hub n Hive, a boutique store featuring local giftware and clothing.
Hub n Hive, Culcairn (Image Matt Beaver Photography)
Walla Walla
This peaceful country town has plenty to offer those who love history, art and the outdoors. Just outside town, Morgan’s Lookout is a must-visit for those keen to explore the region’s bushranger connections and take in sweeping views from the top of the rocky outcrop.
Within Walla Walla itself, the standout feature is the Walla Walla Water Tower Mural, completed in 2022 by artist Damien Mitchell. Located on Short Street, the mural brings the town’s story to life, showcasing native flora and fauna including a kangaroo, flying fox, lizard and pink and grey galahs.
Walla Walla Water Tower Mural (Image Matt Beaver Photography)
Other points of interest include:
- Walla Walla Bowling Club
- Gum Swamp Reserve
Jindera
Jindera is the southernmost town in the proposed Greater Hume loop, blending small-town charm with a rich settler history.
After exploring the Jindera Pioneer Museum precinct, take a stroll through Pioneer Park to see the Jindera Pioneer Cairn — a monument honouring the early German settlers who arrived in the 1860s after travelling by wagon from South Australia.
Jindera Pioneer Museum (Image Matt Beaver Photography)
The town also has an adventure playground for travellers with kids, peaceful streets and local cafes perfect for a bite or a cuppa. Its location makes it a convenient stop for those wanting access to Lake Hume without staying in the busier lakeside towns and villages during the warmer months.
Where to camp
Whether you’re detouring off the Hume or heading inland for a regional caravanning trip, Greater Hume offers plenty of camping options to suit all styles and budgets.
- Woomargama National Park: Managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the park has two campgrounds: Samuel Bollard Campground and Tin Mines Campground. Both are suitable for tents, camper trailers and vehicle-base camping and are 4WD access only. Facilities include picnic tables, barbecues, drinking water and non-flush toilets. Pets are not permitted. No camping fees, but a $6 booking fee applies via the NPWS website.
- Holbrook Motor Village: Offers a wide range of accommodation from cottages to powered and unpowered caravan and camper trailer sites, including drive-through spots for large RVs. Pet-friendly options available.
- Culcairn Caravan Park: A quieter, smaller park located beside Billabong Creek, just minutes from the town centre and bowling club.
- Lake Hume Holiday Park: Positioned lakeside in Bowna, this park features powered sites and good amenities, perfect for those planning to relax by the water or explore nearby Woomargama National Park.
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Primitive camping: For a more basic experience, several free or donation-based campgrounds and rest areas are scattered around towns and villages, including:
- Henty Showground Camping
- Burrumbuttock Primitive Camping Ground
- Jindera Primitive Camping Ground
- Walla Walla Camping Ground
Lake Hume Holiday Park, Bowna (Image Matt Beaver Photography)
Best time of year to visit
Greater Hume is a rewarding destination any time of year, but spring and early autumn are particularly appealing thanks to milder weather and a lively events calendar. The region hosts a variety of community festivals and agricultural shows, with one of the biggest highlights being the Henty Machinery Field Days every September.
Spring and autumn bring mild days, crisp evenings and stunning landscapes — wildflowers burst into bloom in spring, while autumn transforms the countryside with vibrant hues.
Summer can get warm, but there are plenty of ways to cool down, including swimming pools and easy access to Lake Hume and the Murray River.
Winters are chilly, with crisp days and cold nights. If you enjoy bundling up and watching mist drift over Lake Hume, then this season has its own special charm.
Fishing along Billabong Creek, Culcairn (Image Matt Beaver Photography)
Key events for 2025 include:
- Henty Machinery Field Days: 23–25 September 2025
- Culcairn Agricultural Show: 4 October 2025
- Burrumbuttock 150 Celebrations: 4–5 October 2025
- Walbundrie Show: 6 October 2025
Putting the great in Greater Hume
Whether you love immersing yourself in the history of a region, exploring the great outdoors or getting to know the locals, the Greater Hume region is a haven for roadtrippers.
If you like a region where heritage is part of daily life, where the roads aren’t crowded and campsites offer a peaceful escape, then the Greater Hume is a worthwhile place to spend a few days — or longer — on the road.
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