Scenic Drives
There’s nothing like getting out into the country and breathing in the fresh smell of eucalyptus from the native Gum Tree’s, listening to the laughs of a Kookaburra or tasting locally produced goods. Not only is the town itself gorgeous, but its outskirts are something worth seeing.
Around Town
Start Location: Cootamundra Heritage & Visitor Information Centre
Starting at the Heritage Centre, you will be overwhelmed with the information and history at the centre, with few artefacts on Sir Donald Bradman to get you started off. Just across the road is Albert Park, one of the two Cootamundra Cricket ovals. Turning down onto Adams Street, you follow this all the way until you reach Bradman’s Birthplace which will be on your right-hand side. The Volunteers at the centre will inform you on the great history and guide you through all the artefacts donated to Donald’s Birthplace Museum. Upon leaving the Museum, still on Adams street and just around the corner is Bradman’s oval- the second Cricket oval in town. From here you want to get to your final destination, the Captains walk which is located in Jubilee Park on the corner of Wallendoon and Onley Streets.
End Location: Captains Walk, Jubilee Park.
Start location: Old Cootamundra District Hospital
Cootamundra is rich with historic buildings, and starting at the Old Cootamundra Hospital you will not be disappointed. Located on the corners of Mackay and Thompson streets, the hospital is a beautiful old two-story building with a grand entrance.
From here it’s a short distance to Cooper Street where you will find the old Police station built in 1884; the Cootamundra Post Office with Town Clock and the National Bank Of Australian Building.
End location: Main street of Cootamundra, Parker Street.
Neighbouring towns
Gundagai is a classic Australian country town located on the Murrumbidgee River. Visit the lookout for the best view of Gundagai’s historic railway bridges. Walk or cycle on the trail between the town and the Dog on the Tuckerbox statue.
View the marble masterpiece and stock up on local wines and honey at the Visitor Information Centre.
Take a trip through Bethungra to the old railway town of Junee. Visit the roundhouse Railway Museum, and the Old Mill which is now an organic liquorice and chocolate factory. The haunted Monte Cristo homestead is a living museum and mansion full of rare and precious antiquities and history. The elegant Broadway Hotel is home to the town’s museum and a quaint coffee and lolly shop.
Visit the Temora Aviation Museum to see a world-class collection of Australian ex-military aircraft. Temora is also home to the Rural Museum, which features the only Ambulance Museum in NSW, Sir Donald Bradman’s first home, Wiradjuri Keeping Place and much more. Walk or cycle along the meandering tree-lined pathway that connects Temora town centre to the picturesque Lake Centenary. Visit the nearby village of Ariah Park and have dinner at the Ariah Park Hotel.
No visit to the Riverina is complete without lunch at the famous Long Track Pantry in Jugiong. Situated along the Murrumbidgee River, the cafe showcases the best of the region’s food. Stock up on locally made sauces, preserves and salad dressings, to give as gifts or keep for yourself. Stop in to the Sir George Hotel for lunch or dinner and to sample their extensive collection of locally produced wines.
A short drive north of Cootamundra are the villages of Stockinbingal and Wallendbeen. Enjoy a counter lunch or dinner at the historic Wallendbeen Hotel, the community hub of the village. Drive along Burley Griffin Way from Wallendbeen to Stockinbingal, stopping at Jindalee National Park for a hike or mountain bike ride. Continue along Burley Griffin Way to Stockinbingal and take a stroll along the main street with its historic buildings. Soak up the village atmosphere with afternoon tea at Cafe 44 Hibernia.
Drop in to the National Parks run Tumut Visitor Centre for information on the Kosciusko National Park where you can visit the Yarrangobilly Caves or Blue Waterholes, explore the Snowy River country and do some fishing. See the process of broom making and purchase an old fashioned straw broom at the famous Tumut Broom Factory. The Children’s pint sized version is very cute.
