Junee Roundhouse Museum Review: A Rail Enthusiasts Heaven

Our review of the Junee Roundhouse Museum: Step into NSW’s railway history with steam giants, diesel engines & a working turntable. Family friendly, budget friendly, packed with stories! As residents of Cootamundra just a 40-minute drive from Junee my wife Amanda and I have made the Junee Roundhouse Museum a staple destination for out of town guests over the past five years.

Located in the heart of the Riverina region, this museum isn’t just a relic of Australia’s railway history – it’s a living tribute to the ingenuity of steam and diesel eras. Here’s our candid review of its highs, lows and why it remains a must visit for caravanners, campers and history buffs alike.

A Glimpse Into The Junee Roundhouse’s Storied Past

The Junee Roundhouse isn’t merely a museum – it’s a monument to Australia’s railway golden age. Constructed during World War II and completed in September 1947, this engineering marvel was once the largest roundhouse in the Southern Hemisphere. Designed to replace an outdated depot, its 100 foot turntable and 42 repair bays serviced steam locomotives critical to NSW’s post war infrastructure.

By the 1990s, diesel locomotives dominated the rails, rendering the roundhouse obsolete. It closed in 1993, but thanks to grassroots efforts by volunteers and rail enthusiasts, the site reopened in 1994 as a museum. Today, it balances preservation with functionality: part of the facility still maintains active diesel engines, offering visitors a rare blend of past and present.

Inside The Junee Roundhouse Museum

What You Can Do At The Junee Roundhouse Museum

1. Explore Historical Locomotives and Rolling Stock
   The museum’s crown jewels are its meticulously preserved engines. Steam locomotives 2413 and 3609 stand as titans of the steam era, while diesel locomotive 4872 and U-set power cars showcase the transition to modern rail. Amanda’s personal favourite, the mail car, offers a tactile journey into 20th century communication, complete with original sorting equipment.
2. Witness the Turntable in Action
   Few experiences match the thrill of seeing the 100 foot turntable rotate a 120 tonne locomotive. During a few of our visits, we’ve timed our trips to coincide with maintenance sessions – still conducted here for operational diesel engines. Check the museum’s web site for updates.
3. Dive Into the Model Railway Display
   A highlight for families, the intricate model railway replicates Junee’s rail network in miniature. Kids (and adults) can operate trains via push button controls, making it a hands on crowd pleaser.
4. Join a Guided Tour
   While self guided exploration is rewarding, the volunteer led tours unlock hidden stories. On our last visit, a guide recounted how locomotive 3609 hauled wartime supplies through the Snowy Mountains – a narrative absent from placards.

The Good Points: Why The Museum Shines

1. Historical Authenticity
   From grease stained workshop tools to original blueprints, the museum avoids sterile displays. Climbing into the driver’s cab of locomotive 2413, you’re met with rusted levers and vintage gauges – a visceral nod to the past.
2. Passionate Volunteers
   The volunteers, many retired railway workers, infuse tours with firsthand anecdotes. One TripAdvisor reviewer noted, “Their enthusiasm is contagious – you leave feeling like part of the rail family.”_
3. Affordable Family Fun
   At $10 for adults and $25 for a family pass, it’s a budget friendly stop. Compare this to Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum ($15 adult entry) or the Australian Railway Historical Society ($12) and the value is clear.
4. Active Maintenance Hub
   Unlike static museums the Junee roundhouse’s ongoing use for diesel repairs adds dynamism. We’ve watched engineers weld and test engines – an unexpected bonus for engineering buffs.

Dave Taking The Kids For A Ride At The Junee Roundhouse

The Bad Points: Room For Improvement

1. Limited Opening Hours
   Open Wednesday to Sunday (10 AM – 3 PM) so the schedule clashes with weekend road trippers and it can get a bit busy. It’s never ever over the top busy though. A Monday closure means caravanning groups arriving early in the week often miss out.
2. Weather Woes
   The roundhouse’s open air design amplifies seasonal extremes. Summer visits demand hats and water bottles, while winter tours require jackets. As one Google Reviewer grumbled, “Loved the trains, but nearly melted in January.” As locals I can attest to the fact that yes it gets very hot at times in summer and it gets bloody cold in winter. However it is Australia, that’s how things are!
3. Sparse Amenities
   A small kiosk sells drinks but there’s no café. Pack a picnic or head to Junee’s Licorice Factory after your visit.

Visitor Essentials: Plan Your Trip To The Junee Roundhouse

Address: 92 Harold St, Junee, NSW
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 3 PM (closed public holidays).

Entry Fees:
Adult: $10
Concession: $5
Family: $25

NSWGR Garratt Class Locomotive Outside Of Cootamundra

Nearby Stays

• Junee Caravan Park: 5 minutes from the museum, with powered sites from $35/night.
• The Railway Hotel: A heritage pub offering cozy rooms ($110/night) and hearty meals.

Historical Engines And Rolling Stock

Locomotives

The following table lists just some of the locomotives on display at the museum. There are lots more than this however the ones listed are fan favourites.

NSWGR 4401 At Junee

Rolling Stock

Some of the historic rolling on display at the Junee roundhouse is listed below. There are loads more than this but the ones listed are very popular.

NSWGR S Class Wagon At Junee Roundhouse Museum

Why Junee Roundhouse Museum Matters Today

Beyond nostalgia, the museum plays a vital role in regional tourism. A 2022 report by Visit NSW highlighted its contribution to Junee’s economy, drawing 15,000 annual visitors. For caravanning families, it’s a strategic pit stop en route to Wagga Wagga or the Snowy Mountains.

Final Verdict: All Aboard for History At The Junee Roundhouse Museum

The Junee Roundhouse Museum isn’t flawless but its quirks add charm. Where else can you touch century old machinery, chat with ex-railway workers and watch a locomotive go for a spin on a turntable? For Amanda and I it’s a great example of community passion – and a reminder that history isn’t just preserved here; it’s kept alive.

Junee Roundhouse Railway Museum Photos