When travelling around Australia you come across a lot of towns in varying sizes and population, some of which you have never heard of before. One such town is
Junee. In 2015 Junee had an urban population of 6,230 people. Wikipedia states that Junee's
name originated either from an Aboriginal word meaning "speak to me" or the word "Choo-nee" meaning frog. Today, the town has a mixture of industries including agriculture, rail transport, light industry and government services.
Photo courtesy of Junee Rhythm n Rail Festival Website
The town comes alive on the second weekend of March each year as the population increases with over 4,000 visitors for the
Junee Rhythm n Rail Festival. The festival is held over a three-day weekend commencing on the Friday afternoon and hosts numerous events during this period. Some of these include:
Saturday Markets in Memorial Park and Street Parade
Working and static model railway exhibitions
Vintage car and motorbike displays
Main stage where a variety of artists and local busking sessions will be performing
Local pubs and licensed premises provide performances for bands and musical acts
Smaller restaurants and cafes offer locations for soloists or quartets
Photo courtesy of Junee Rhythm n Rail Festival Website
The Festival is a community organised event, which has aided in the growth of Junee and the
Riverina Region of New South Wales. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Festival and each year the community is committed to growing the event by creating new and innovative activities that broaden the initial rail and rhythm theme. The Festival was the winner of the
NSW Inland Tourism Community Festivals and Events Award in 2014.
Photo courtesy of Junee Rhythm n Rail Festival Website
Junee is located close to
Wagga Wagga,
Griffith and
Albury and only two and a half hours from
Canberra. If you are travelling a longer distance, there is plenty of
accommodation in Junee for visitors. If you have not visited Junee before, the Junee Rhythm n Rail Festival is a great way to start.
