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The Visitor Information Centre (VIC) in Junee is staffed by volunteers who give their time throughout the month to help visitors find their way around the area.  Our volunteers form a key part of our successful tourism program in Junee.  You could say they are the heart of Junee. Roger Quine has been volunteering for the community since he left school and has been with the VIC since it opened.  He loves working at the VIC where he controls the supply of tourist information literature and brochures.  Roger loves chatting to the visitors, especially those from overseas.  Recently he enjoyed talking with a German couple who were spending 6 weeks touring Australia.  He loves exploring other cultures and introducing the Aussie culture to tourists.  He gets a good buzz from sending them away... Read full blog post

Junee’s heritage will be brought to life thanks to a new heritage project, which will be launched in July. The Junee Heritage Project, which is currently in development, will promote Junee as an important heritage town and provide visitors with informative boards and signs at key locations and attractions around the shire. A range of new and improved self guided walks and themed heritage tours will also be developed to take full advantage of the Shire’s rich history and the demand for heritage tourism experiences in the Riverina. Junee Shire Council’s Tourism Development Officer, Linda Tillman, said the project aims to provide visitors with a more in-depth heritage tourism experience and ensure that Junee is promoted as a heritage destination. “The Junee Heritage Project will incorpo... Read full blog post

Junee Business and Trades recently welcomed some new members to their executive committee.  We are fortunate to have the services of Annette Pollard from Remax EDGE, Brian Higginson from Ag'N'Vet, Michael Commins of Commins Hendriks Solicitors and community member Leonie Cooper. Michael Commins has accepted the role of Treasurer. The new committee is very keen to further the work of the previous members and boost the opportunities available to business and industry within Junee.  You may see them walking the streets, introducing themselves to businesses and talking with them about the issues that are impacting on business at the moment. If you are in business, we encourage you to become a member of Junee Business and Trades.  It is an investment in the future of your business and you... Read full blog post

The Australian Property Investor Magazine has named Junee, NSW as one of Australia’s hottest locations for cash flow property, coming in at number seven on a list of 35 hotspots around the country. Positive cash flow occurs when a property’s income through rent exceeds the expenses such as loan repayments and maintenance. According to the Australian Property Monitor, Junee’s median house price is $177,000 with rental prices averaging $220 per week. The magazine sites Junee Shire as the second highest yielding local government area in NSW with investors having the potential to earn a 7.9% profit. Junee provides an exciting prospect for investors wishing to generate income through their property purchases. Industry is thriving, employment opportunities are great and the town's location ... Read full blog post

Junee was originally occupied by the Wiradjuri tribe until it was allocated as a pastoral lease called the ‘Jewnee Run’. The name came from the Aboriginal word meaning ‘speak to me’. Junee had many names including Crawley’s Town, Dobbyn’s Town and Loftus.   In 1866, the town had a population of 12 but it grew rapidly after reef and alluvial gold was discovered in the late 1860s. The mines at Old Junee and Junee Reefs were mined until around 1880.   In 1863, famous bushranger Ben Hall and his gang raided the village. Hall, Johnny Gilbert and John Vane held up Hammond's store while Michael Burke and John O'Meally bailed up Williams' Pub.   In 1876, Christopher Crawley acquired the land that was to be the current site of Junee. Crawley built a two roome... Read full blog post

Junee Shire is a bird watcher’s paradise and is home to a variety of aquatic environments which attract many different species of birds.  If you are interested in bird watching, Junee is a must visit! Junee’s Urban Wetlands are full of plant and animal life including turtles, frogs and a large bird population. In fact, they are home to more than 30 species of bird which come to nest and feed within the wetland environment, including: Great Egret • White-faced Heron • Pied Stilt • White Ibis • Straw-necked Ibis • Yellow Billed Spoonbill • Black Duck • Grey Teal • Australian Hobby • Nankeen Falcon • House Sparrow • Spotted Crake • Magpie • Magpie Lark • Black-shouldered Kite • Swamp Harrier • Spotted Harrier • Australian Wood Duck • Coot • Masked Plover • Clamorous Reedwarbier • Purple ... Read full blog post

Junee gained a lot of attention at the Riverina Regional Tourism stand at the Melbourne Caravan, Camping and Touring Supershow that took place at Caulfield Racecourse from 8 to 14 March.  It was great to see that many of the visitors to our stand were familiar with Junee and our attractions. Some were recent visitors to the town and others had not been in many years. Many were putting Junee on their travel list for 2012! Tina Jones, Executive Officer of Riverina Regional Tourism, said she was pleased with the response at the show. “We only needed 35 genuine enquiries to get a return on our investment in the show and we had many more than that.  The timing of the show was great, given the recent flood activity in the region. It was the perfect opportunity to educate consumers and enco... Read full blog post

Junee Tourist Park is under new management! Geoff Greenhill and Shelley Rowland have experienced their first summer as owners of Junee’s picturesque caravan park and have big plans for its future. Geoff and Shelley’s vision includes turning the tourist park into a community by building on the camaraderie that the grey nomads bring. They believe the grey nomads’ sense of fun, adventure and sharing is what every visitor to their caravan park should experience. “We love the location and atmosphere of the park and have some great plans for its future, including the introduction of more on-site cabins and new activity areas that both children and adults can enjoy,” Shelley said. “We also plan to make over all of the existing cabins and expand the camp kitchen. We see the kitchen an... Read full blog post

Check out some of the fun of the Festival in the 2012 Rhythm 'n' Rail Festival photo gallery! As you can see, we experienced the full four seasons over the weekend, but the thousands of people that braved the weather reported that a good time was had by all!

Here's to a bigger and better (and drier!) 2013 Festival!

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The weather may have been wet but it didn’t dampen the spirits of attendees at the Junee Rhythm ‘n’ Rail Festival on the weekend! For the thousands of people who did brave the wild weekend weather, Junee’s businesses, residents and operators treated them to the ultimate in country hospitality and showed them that the town knows how to celebrate – rain, hail or shine! Some of the Festival highlights included: Mr Percival entertained a crowd of around 70 people at the GEO Grand Opening event at the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory, which was officially launched by Mr Tim Fisher AC. The Tin Hare Shuttle was kept busy taking Festival visitors to and fro in the style of bygone days, a highlight being the Junee to Cootamundra shuttle via the Bethungra Rail Spiral. ... Read full blog post

This weekend's Rhythm 'n' Rail Festival will be too good to miss and not even the weather will be able to stop it! Starting on Friday 2 March, the Festival weekend will be filled with food, song, exhibitions and our special railway heritage. While the Festival celebrates our rhythm, we don't intend to be 'Singing In The Rain'! We have a wet weather plan in place so that our outdoor markets and the attractions inside the Festival precinct will be able to go ahead even if the weather is poor. You won't have to miss out on any of your favourite stalls or displays! Most of the events and activities will be held indoors or undercover and won't be affected by the weather. Find out the latest program updates and venue changes by checking the Program page of the website. This weekend is goi... Read full blog post

The people of Junee and train enthusiasts throughout Australia, look forward to the Rhythm ‘N ‘Rail Festival every year. One of the highlights of the festival is the official opening celebration. This year, the Grand Opening Event on Friday 2 March is being sponsored by the festival’s major sponsor, The GEO Group Australia.  The GEO Group doesn’t just operate here in Junee:  it is involved in the community.  With GEO as sponsor, the opening celebration will be a night that you don’t want to miss! The GEO Festival Grand Opening begins at the Athenium Theatre, 6pm Friday night when it is formally opened by our Patron, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and train enthusiast, Mr Tim Fischer AC.  The Gala Opening will be a cocktail style event, filled with live music, fine canapés,... Read full blog post

There are still a couple of days left to take a winning shot and submit it to the Rhythm ‘N’ Rail Festival Photography Competition. All entries must be lodged at the Junee Library or Junee Shire Council offices by 5pm on Friday 24 February. The competition is open only to amateur photographers (any person who does not derive their primary income from a photography business) and the work has to be original and created by you with no outside assistance.  There are four classes of entry. Rhythm Print – All photos in this class must relate to music or song and their performance.   Rail Print – Your photos must relate to the railway, its heritage or their operation. Open Print – You may choose your own topic. Junior Print – Open to children of 16 years and under, you ... Read full blog post

After two years in the pipeline, Gaylene and Garry Crabtree proudly opened the Bethungra T-House on Sunday 5 February to a crowd of nearly 300. The T-House is located in the old Bethungra school house, which Gaylene and Garry have transformed into a unique tourist attraction. As well as serving delicious coffees, teas and tasty treats, visitors will be able to purchase a range of locally produced items such as jams, chutneys and hand-crafted gifts. A highlight of the T-House is the Memorabilia room, which displays items from the old school house and other historical items from the area. So next time you're travelling down the Olympic Highway, pop into the T-House at the Temora/Junee/Cootamundra junction and enjoy this great new attraction of the Junee Shire. Read the story from the ... Read full blog post

Junee's hallmark music and train festival, Junee Rhythm 'n' Rail, is on in just 24 days, and the Committee is thrilled to announce its Festival Patron, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and train enthusiast, Mr Tim Fischer AC. Born in Lockhart, Mr Fischer’s love of trains began as a small boy and developed into a lifelong passion. Throughout his decorated career, Mr Fischer has remained connected to the rail industry, holding many related positions and acting as Patron for a number of not-for-profit rail organisations. In his role as Patron, Mr Fischer will officially open the Festival at the Grand Opening event on Friday 2 March, participate in the festivities over the weekend and provide advice and recommendations on the Festival into the future.  It is a privilege to step ... Read full blog post

The Junee Poker Run and Blues Night was held on Saturday 4 February to raise money for Can Assist Cancer Network. More than 300 bike enthusiasts participated in the Poker Run and nearly 200 attended the Blues Night, raising around $20,000 for the cause.

Well done to everyone involved and keep your eyes peeled for details of the 2013 event.

Check out the news story that featured on Prime 7 below.

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Junee's renowned music and train festival, the Junee Rhythm 'n' Rail Festival, has just launched its online ticket sales (cue cheers and fireworks!). Tickets can now be purchased for the following events via the online ticketing system: Grand Opening Event - Friday 2 March Tin Hare Train Shuttles - Saturday 3 to Sunday 4 March Wind in the Roundhouse Concert - Saturday 3 March Junee Lamb Dinner - Friday 2 to Saturday 3 March Junee Lamb Dinner and Concert Shuttle Combo - Saturday 3 March Visit the Buy Tickets Now page for all the details and to purchase your tickets.     Read full blog post

The Junee Rhythm 'n' Rail Festival attracts thousands of people to Junee, which means highway traffic and lots 'No Vacancy' signs! We highly recommend that you plan your trip early to ensure the most convenient and enjoyable stay in Junee. Our new mini site is a great resource to get you started, so make sure you check it out. How to get to the Festival Junee is located in the Riverina region of NSW, around 30 minutes from Wagga Wagga, 3 hours from Canberra, 5 hours from Sydney and 5.5 hours from Melbourne. Visitors from Wagga and Cootamundra can take advantage of the Tin Hare train rides which will be transporting Festival-goers to and from these locations. The Cootamundra ride will also take you through the unique Bethungra Rail Spiral! Return tickets start at $20 for adults an... Read full blog post

It’s here! The new Visit Junee website – www.visitjunee.com.au - is live and ready to help you discover all there is to do, see and experience in Junee Shire. The new website is jam packed with interactive features, beautiful images and information galore to help you plan your stay in Junee, whether you are coming to visit, live, play or work. You can even download a free money savers pack full of discounts and deals from local attractions and businesses. And…to help celebrate the new website, we are giving away a free holiday in Junee! All the details can be found on the new Visit Junee Competition page Visit This section of the website has everything you need to know to plan your next holiday to Junee. View details and images of Junee attractions. Find out the best pl... Read full blog post

Of course you do! Who wouldn’t want to experience the history, culture, relaxing country atmosphere combined with the modern facilities and services, let alone the haunted house and chocolate! To help celebrate the launch of the new Junee Tourism website, www.visitjunee.com.au, we are giving away a free holiday in Junee (excluding travel costs). This amazing prize, valued at $700, includes: Two nights accommodation for two people in the self contained Cromer Cottage at Belmore Manor B&B   Complimentary wine (by Houlaghan Valley Wines) and Chocolate (by Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory) on arrival Lunch for two at Graze Restaurant at The Factory (to the value of $50) Dinner for two at the Junee Railway Café (to the value of $100) Entry ... Read full blog post