Located in the Riverina region of New South Wales, the historic town of Junee is best known for its strong railway heritage, beautifully preserved historic buildings and a few unexpected attractions.
Originally established in the 1840s, the area began as large pastoral leases when European graziers moved into the region. The settlement, then known as Jewnee, gradually developed into a small township during the 1860s, with hotels and businesses opening to service travellers and local farmers.
Junee’s growth accelerated with the arrival of the railway in the late 19th century.
In 1876, entrepreneur Christopher Crawley purchased around 840 acres of land and helped shape the future of the town. As the railway expanded, Crawley subdivided his land and built the impressive Railway Hotel, which still operates today.
The hotel remains one of Junee’s most recognisable historic buildings, featuring ornate wrought iron balconies and original timber detailing.
Crawley later constructed an extravagant mansion overlooking the town known as Monte Cristo Homestead.
Built in 1885, Monte Cristo Homestead is a grand Victorian mansion complete with stables, servants’ quarters, workshops and formal gardens.
After the deaths of Christopher Crawley and his wife, the property sat largely unused for many years and eventually fell into disrepair.
Today the homestead has been carefully restored and operates as a historic attraction open to visitors. Monte Cristo has also earned a reputation as “Australia’s most haunted house”, with guided tours exploring both its history and the stories of unexplained happenings reported over the years.
The railway played a crucial role in the development of Junee, transporting passengers, livestock and grain across the region.
During wartime it also served as an important transport hub for troops heading north. In 1953, the construction of a large wheat terminal nearby further cemented Junee’s importance as a transport centre. Junee became known as ‘The Railway Town’.
Junee’s historic railway station, built in 1883, replaced an earlier timber building destroyed by fire. Designed with a French-influenced architectural style, the station once included formal waiting rooms, bedrooms and accommodation for travellers.
Today the station remains active, while surrounding buildings have been repurposed into cafés, shops and small businesses.
One of Junee’s most remarkable landmarks is the Junee Roundhouse, built in 1947.
The enormous circular building originally housed a 100-foot railway turntable and a 42-bay engine servicing workshop, making it one of the largest roundhouses in the Southern Hemisphere at the time.
Locomotives were serviced, cleaned and rotated on the turntable before heading back onto the rail network.
When railway operations declined in the 1990s, the site was scheduled for demolition. Local residents rallied to save the historic building, which now operates as the Junee Roundhouse Museum.
Visitors can explore:
The original turntable is still operational and occasionally used during restoration work.
Another unexpected attraction in town is the Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory, located inside the historic Junee Flour Mill.
Built in 1934, the flour mill was once one of the most efficient mills in Australia before eventually closing. The striking stone building has since been restored and transformed into a popular visitor attraction.
Visitors can watch how licorice and chocolate products are made, enjoy tastings and even take part in hands-on experiences making their own treats.
The owners also operate an organic olive farm nearby, which produces olive oil used in the licorice-making process.
Despite its modest size, Junee is rich in history and character. Many of its century-old buildings have been carefully preserved, giving the town a strong sense of heritage.
The heart of Junee sits around Station Square, where historic pubs, cafés and local shops still operate today.
For travellers exploring central New South Wales or the Riverina, Junee offers an interesting and worthwhile stop filled with railway history, local stories and unique attractions.
To find nearby caravan parks and camping options, explore Caravan & Camping NSW.
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