Vibrant canola fields in Sebastopol, Temora Shire

Located halfway between Sydney and Melbourne in the Riverina region of NSW, Temora Shire is the northern-most tip of the must-do Canola Trail touring route. It is also home to CMCA RV Park Temora, surrounded by parkland yet located only two blocks from boutique shops on Temora’s main street.

Dreaming of a picturesque countryside and fresh country air this winter and spring? Then head for the rolling yellow fields of canola to soak up the warm hospitality of Temora and its people.

Hitting their flowering peak in August and September, canola fields are reminiscent of pools of liquid gold stretching as far as the eye can see in many places. The vibrant yellow flowers contrast with rich green fields to form a patchwork across the landscape that connects the beautifully preserved heritage towns that surround Temora. It's definitely a place worth unhitching to explore the region.

Perhaps most famous for aviation, Temora is home to Australia’s best-preserved collection of flying warbird aircraft at the Temora Aviation Museum. The museum displays a world class collection of ex-military aircraft, including the only two flying Spitfires in Australia, the Gloster Meteor F8, CA-13 Boomerang and the Hudson Bomber. Time your visit to see the aircraft in action at one of the museum’s regular flying displays or the magnificent Warbirds Downunder Airshow that attracts thousands of visitors to the town biennially.

Allow some time to wander through the Bundawarrah Centre cultural precinct, which encompasses the vast collections of the Temora Rural Museum and the NSW Ambulance Museum. The sprawling site comprises a range of original buildings from the local area, which provide the backdrop for displays of rural machinery and historic household items. Most notable are the former family home of Australian cricket legend, Donald Bradman, and the assortment of ambulances from previous eras, many of which have appeared in Australian television productions.

Benches at Lake Centenary

On exiting the Bundawarrah Centre, pick up a key to the heated pool or one of the walking guides from the Visitor Information Centre, because the perfect way to explore the town is on foot. Meander through Temora’s wide streets that are lined with heritage buildings, including a significant collection from the Federation and Art Deco periods. The town has a network of walking and cycling paths extending to picturesque Lake Centenary (pack the fishing rod) and the Railyard Trail where you’ll discover the heart-warming tale of Temora’s littlest hobo, ‘Boofhead, the Railway Dog’.

Temora is the perfect base from which you can set out on day trips to discover the surrounding towns, each with their own unique attractions, such as the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory, Coolamon Cheese, and the historic village of Ariah Park — famous for delicious regional cuisine served at the majestic Ariah Park Hotel. There are also many wineries in the region to explore, such as those in the neighbouring town of Young, famous for producing cherries.

Temora offers the idyllic country escape. From the rolling hills of gold to the well-preserved historic buildings, the people of the “friendliest town in NSW” are ready to welcome you with open arms.

For more information on Temora and the surrounding areas visit www.canolatrail.com or contact the Temora Visitor Information Centre on tourism@temora.nsw.gov.au or 02 6977 5921.

Old-fashioned buildings line the streets

Category: Features
Written: Wed 01 Jul 2020
Printed: July, 2020
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