Junee, New South Wales - Licorice, Railways & Heritage Buildings

Wander * Explore * Discover
May 12, 2025
4 min read

Updated: 6 hours ago

Junee, New South Wales - Licorice, Railways & Heritage Buildings

Set in the heart of the Riverina, in New South Wales, Junee is a town where history still runs right through the centre — quite literally. Located around 450 kilometres south-west of Sydney and just 40 kilometres from Wagga Wagga, Junee is best known for its rich railway heritage, beautifully preserved historic buildings, and relaxed country charm.

Once a major railway junction on the Main South line connecting Sydney and Melbourne, Junee played a vital role in Australia’s transport history — and the railway still operates through the middle of town today, dividing Junee into its distinct east and west sides.

First Impressions of Junee

During our stay in Junee, we explored the much-loved Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory, spent time at the incredible Junee Roundhouse Railway Museum, and wandered both sides of town admiring heritage buildings, leafy parks, and quiet streets that tell stories of a busy past.

Visiting the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory

One of Junee’s most popular attractions is the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory, housed inside a striking five-storey flour mill built in the 1930s. Open daily from 9:00am to 4:00pm, it’s hard to miss — and even harder to leave without a bag of treats.

Inside, you can watch organic licorice and chocolate being made, browse the retail and gift stores, or sit down for breakfast or lunch at the licensed café and restaurant, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

Right next door is the Classic Car Garage, where a small donation lets you wander among an impressive collection of classic cars — a fun bonus stop while you’re already in the area.

Exploring the Junee Roundhouse Railway Museum

The Junee Roundhouse Railway Museum is the heart of Junee’s railway story. Usually open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm, the roundhouse originally opened in 1947 as a state-of-the-art steam locomotive servicing facility.

At the time, it was the largest circular railway roundhouse in the Southern Hemisphere. Today, half of the building operates as a museum, while the other half is still used to service locomotives — keeping the railway very much alive.

Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of steam and diesel locomotives, passenger carriages, and railway memorabilia. Many of the trains can be climbed aboard, and informative signage explains their role in Australia’s rail history.

A standout is the Junee Accident Train, stationed here since 1947. Only five were ever built, and this is the last fully operational example in existence.

Wandering Along the Junee Heritage Walk

Junee’s railway line divides the town into an East Side and a West Side, and both are packed with well-preserved historic buildings, parks, and gardens dating back to the late 1800s.

East Side Highlights

Junee Railway Station – Built between 1883 and 1885, this heritage-listed Victorian station is still in use today. Inside the beautifully preserved building, with its six-metre-high ceilings and original fittings, you’ll find a café and gift shop.
Loftus Hotel – Directly opposite the station, this grand building dates back to 1896 and is one of Junee’s most impressive landmarks. Today, it offers accommodation that retains the charm of its 19th-century origins.
Commercial Hotel – Originally built in 1882, partially destroyed by fire in 1914, and rebuilt in Federation style in 1915.
Post Office – The heritage-listed post office on Lorne Street was constructed in 1888.
Former School of Arts Building – Built in 1903 in the Beaux Arts style.
Memorial Park – A lovely spot to relax, featuring rose gardens, BBQs, picnic tables, and toilets.

West Side Highlights

The western side of Junee is characterised by wide streets, formal gardens, and more striking heritage buildings.

Hotel Junee – Originally the Railway Hotel when it opened in 1878, the current Art Nouveau-style building dates from 1911.
St Joseph’s Catholic Church – Built in 1930, its twin towers are a prominent feature on the Junee skyline.
Athenium Theatre – Opened in 1929, this beautiful Art Deco theatre operated until 1972 and is one of only three intact country movie theatres of its kind.
Broadway Hotel – Built in 1914 and operating as a hotel until 1999, it now houses a museum.
War Memorial – Set within a central garden strip filled with roses and seating, the memorial was built in the 1920s to honour those who served and died in World War I.

Why Junee Is Worth the Detour

Junee is a town that wears its history proudly. From working railway infrastructure and one-of-a-kind museums to grand hotels, theatres, and sweet-scented chocolate factories, it offers far more than you might expect at first glance. Whether you’re following railway history, exploring heritage streets, or simply enjoying a relaxed Riverina pace, Junee is a destination that invites you to slow down, look closer, and appreciate the stories built into its streets.