TOP 10 Things To Do In Junee: An (Almost) Locals Guide

Discover Junee’s top experiences! Haunted houses, chocolate factories & secret geocaches. Explore the top 10 things to do in this historic NSW town. Your ultimate guide inside! located in the Riverina region of New South Wales, Junee is a town where history, adventure and charm collide.

As residents of nearby Cootamundra my wife Amanda and I have spent countless weekends in and around Junee. Whether you’re a history buff, a thrill seeker or a family looking for affordable fun. This guide curated through firsthand exploration will help you make the most of your visit.

Best Things To Do In Junee: Our Top 10 Picks

1. Step Back in Time at the Junee Roundhouse Museum

Dominating Junee’s railway heritage the Junee Roundhouse Museum is a must visit. Built in 1942, this engineering marvel features a 100 foot turntable and houses restored locomotives that once powered Australia’s rail network. Volunteers, many of whom are retired railway workers, offer insights into the site’s wartime significance and daily operations. Don’t miss the chance to watch the turntable in action – it’s one of the few still operational in the Southern Hemisphere.

NSWGR 4401 At Junee

NSWGR 4401 At Junee

2. Brave the Haunts of Monte Cristo Homestead

Dubbed “Australia’s most haunted house,” Monte Cristo Homestead delivers spine tingling ghost tours every Saturday evening. Built in 1885, the property’s tragic history includes tales of accidental deaths and spectral sightings. Even sceptics will find the candlelit tours atmospheric, with original furnishings and a creeping sense of unease.
Note: Monte Cristo Homestead is currently closed.

3. Indulge at the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory

A hit with families the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory offers free tastings and guided tours. Watch artisans craft organic licorice and rich chocolates using traditional methods. The on-site café, The Mill Room, serves decadent desserts and coffee – perfect for refuelling after a morning of exploration.

Junee Chocolate & Licorice Factory

Junee Chocolate & Licorice Factory

4. Snap a Photo with the Ray Warren Statue

Sports fans will appreciate this bronze tribute to Ray “Rabbits” Warren, Junee’s legendary rugby league commentator. Located near the town’s main roundabout, the statue is a quirky nod to local pride and a quick stop for selfies.

5. Uncover Local History at Broadway Museum

Housed in a former department store, the Broadway Museum showcases Junee’s evolution through photographs, artefacts and wartime memorabilia. Highlights include vintage fashion displays and a recreated 19th century kitchen. Entry is free, making it ideal for budget conscious travellers.

6. Hunt for Hidden Treasures with Geocaching

For outdoor enthusiasts geocaching in Junee adds an adventurous twist to sightseeing. Using GPS coordinates, hunt for hidden caches around landmarks like the Roundhouse and Memorial Garden. Local favourites include the “Old Junee Kapooka” series, which combines history with scenic bushwalking.

Geocache Found Near Old Junee Cemetery

Geocache Found Near Old Junee Cemetery

7. Wander Through Belmore Manor’s Gardens

This 1896 manor blends grandeur with tranquility. While the interior is privately owned, the public can stroll its manicured gardens and admire the Victorian architecture. Keep an eye out for seasonal blooms and resident peacocks.

Junee Attractions At A Glance Infographic

Junee Attractions At A Glance Infographic

8. Splash Around at Junee Junction Aquatic Centre

Families love this recreational hub, which boasts a 50 metre pool, waterslides and a toddler splash zone. Pack a picnic – the adjacent park has shaded tables and barbecue facilities.

9. Reflect at Junee’s Memorial Garden

This serene space honours locals who served in World War II. The rose lined pathways and ANZAC memorial plaques offer a quiet retreat for reflection.

10. Have A Beer And A Meal At The Historic Commercial Hotel

End your day at Commercial Hotel, a pub serving hearty counter meals since 1891. Try the schnitzel or parmigiana, paired with a local ale. The rustic atmosphere and friendly staff embody Junee’s community spirit.

Junee Attractions At A Glance: A Comparison

To help prioritise your itinerary, here’s how key activities stack up:

Attraction Family Friendly? Cost (AUD) Time Needed
Junee Roundhouse Museum Yes $10 – $15 1.5 – 2 hours
Monte Cristo Homestead No (ages 12+) $25 – $35 1 hour
Licorice & Chocolate Factory Yes Free (tours $5) 1 – 2 hours
Geocaching Yes Free Flexible
Junee Junction Aquatic Centre Yes $6 – $10 2 – 3 hours

Where To Stay In Junee

Accommodation options cater to caravanners, campers and hotel seekers:

  • Commercial Hotel: (02) 6924 4224 Book here
  • Belmore Manor: (02) 6924 2222 Visit NSW
  • Junee Motor Inn: (02) 6924 1744 Website
  • The Crossing Motel: (02) 6924 3000 Website
  • Junee Caravan Park: (02) 6924 1316 Website

Where To Eat In Junee

From casual bites to hearty pub meals:

  • Junee Licorice Factory Café: (02) 6924 2933 Menu
  • Commercial Hotel Bistro: (02) 6924 4224 Commercial Hotel
  • Roundhouse Restaurant: (02) 6924 1403
  • Junee Bakery: (02) 6924 1447 Instagram

Why Junee Appeals To Caravanners And Campers

Junee’s compact size and mix of free/paid attractions make it ideal for short stays or weekend trips. The town’s railway heritage provides a unique backdrop, while geocaching and aquatic facilities cater to active travellers. Notably, its proximity to Wagga Wagga (30 minutes) and Cootamundra (40 minutes) allows easy integration into broader Riverina itineraries.

A Nice Fire While Camping At Junee Old Recreation Grounds

A Nice Fire While Camping At Junee Old Recreation Grounds

Final Thoughts On The Top 10 things To Do In Junee

Junee surprises visitors with its blend of history, quirkiness and natural beauty. Whether you’re marvelling at steam engines, hunting ghosts, or hunting geocaches, this town offers something memorable. As Amanda always says, “Junee proves you don’t need big cities for big adventures.”

Things To Do In Junee Photo Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Things To Do In Junee

What are the top things to do in Junee for history enthusiasts?

The Junee Roundhouse Museum and Broadway Museum are must visits. The Roundhouse showcases Australia’s railway heritage with working locomotives, while Broadway Museum highlights the town’s social history through artefacts and wartime exhibits. Ghost tours at Monte Cristo Homestead also offer a chilling dive into local legends.

Are there family friendly things to do in Junee?

Absolutely! The Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory offers kid friendly tours and tastings, while the Junee Junction Aquatic Centre has pools and waterslides. Geocaching in Junee’s parks and landmarks is another fun, free activity for all ages.

What unique things to do in Junee can’t I miss?

Don’t skip the Monte Cristo Homestead ghost tour (a spine tingling experience) or the Junee Roundhouse Museum’s operational turntable demonstration. Both offer insights into Junee’s quirky and industrial character.

Are there free things to do in Junee?

Yes! Explore Belmore Manor’s gardens, hunt for geocaches, visit the Memorial Garden, or browse exhibits at the Broadway Museum (free entry). The Ray Warren Statue is also a quick, cost free photo stop.

Can I combine things to do in Junee with nearby towns?

Junee’s central location makes it easy to pair with day trips. Wagga Wagga (30 minutes away) offers shopping and galleries, while Cootamundra (45 minutes) is famous for its cricket history. Plan a Riverina road trip to maximize your visit.

What’s the best time of year to explore things to do in Junee?

Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) offer mild weather ideal for outdoor activities like geocaching and garden strolls. Summer is perfect for the aquatic centre, while winter ghost tours at Monte Cristo add eerie charm.