Our Surrounds

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.

Villages

Bethungra

Although Bethungra is within the Junee Shire Council Region, it is only a short 20 minute drive from Cootamundra along the Olympic Highway.

Just to the north of the town lies the Bethungra Spiral, a rail spiral built on the Main South railway line to ease the gradients when the line was duplicated between 1941 and 1946. A railway station was located in the town between 1878 and the 1980’s, and has now been demolished.

Bethungra also is home to a dam, which covers an area of 14.65 hectares and holds 600 mega-litres of water. It is on Crown Land and is managed by Junee Shire Council. Much of the land surrounding the dam is privately owned, while the remainder is leased for agricultural purposes and some free camping locations.

Coolac

Coolac is a small village a shy 28 minute drive from Cootamundra. It is a ever evolving town with the local pub (The beehive), the General Store and a very scenic drive down the main street showcasing some old buildings such as the Old Hospital, The Windmill Cottage, The Coolac Railway Stop and train Tracks, Coolac School House, Church and some old trains. These beautiful buildings can only be seen from the road as they are on private property.

Muttama

Muttama is located between Coolac and Cootamundra and is a very rural, country area within the Riverina. The village has a small, unique Church as well as a Town Hall. The name Muttama is derived from the local Aboriginal word meaning "like it" or "take it". Mining in the area began in the 1860’s and Muttama prospered with the discovery of gold at Muttama Reef in 1882.

Stockinbingal

Cootamundra to Stockinbingal is a short 18 minute drive that offers beautiful views of the area. The sides of the road are skirted with Gum Trees and native flora and fauna, that will guide you along your way. The Town has its own bowling club, which offers great meals and a icy cold beer.

Wallendbeen

If you’re looking for a nice leisurely drive out of the hustle and bustle of the towns centre, Wallendbeen is a must. With it only being a 20 minute drive from the centre, the community of Wallendbeen enjoys a quiet and peaceful lifestyle and is proud of its beautiful surrounds which are now attracting many new residents from other areas. The road is quiet straight and you will be guided by the trees and barbed wired fences to your destination. At the heart of the village is the historic Wallendbeen Hotel, standing tall greeting visitors, the view upstairs of the village is great and provides a very humble and relaxing atmosphere.

Neighbouring Towns

Gundagai

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.

Junee

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 licorice 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.

Temora

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.

Jugiong

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.

Tumut

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.

Guest User8 July 2020

Our Surrounds

Villages

Neighbouring Towns

www.cgrc.nsw.gov.au