It’s now nearly two decades since the Sydney Morning Herald first labelled Temora as the ‘friendliest town in New South Wales’ and the Riverina region community has been living up to its reputation ever since.
Certainly, few grey nomads who arrive in Temora – located about 90 kilometres north of Wagga Wagga – leave disappointed with either the warmth of their welcome or the attractions on offer.
While there were pastoral stations in the area a decade or two earlier, it was the discovery of gold in 1869 that really kick-started the town’s growth.
The main gold rush began in 1879 and tens of thousands of people passed through in subsequent years in pursuit of their fortune. The Temora Post Office opened in 1874 and the railway station opened in 1893.
A sea of yellow canola fields in the region. PIC: Destination NSW
At one point the population was said to be around 20,000, but this declined rapidly at the end of the gold rush.
Edwardian, Federation and some Art Deco period buildings are still in evidence on the streets of this well-serviced, well-connected town, which today boasts a population of around 6,000 people.
The top tourist attraction is without doubt the Temora Aviation Museum, which hosts a large range of historic aircraft, including Australia’s only two flying Spitfires, and the world’s only flying Gloster Meteor. There are also three full-motion Flight Simulators to pilot featuring the iconic Supermarine Spitfire MkXVI, the mighty P-51 Mustang, and the reliable P-40 Kittyhawk aircraft. The museum also boasts a café serving meals, coffee, tea, and cakes.
There are flying displays of ex-military aircraft held here regularly, with the spectacular Warbirds Downunder Airshow held every two years in October. The next one is due in 2026.
Also well worth a look is the Bundawarrah Centre, which incorporates a rural museum and the Temora Ambulance Museum. Amongst the many fascinating exhibits is a cottage of hardwood slabs that was the first home of legendary cricketer, Sir Donald Bradman; as well as a replica of the 7.3-kg Mother Shipton gold nugget which was found nearby.
The railway station may no longer welcome passenger trains, but it is now the home of a fascinating museum of its own, boasting a range of railway memorabilia.
About 25 minutes west of Temora is Ariah Park, which offers visitors the chance to stroll along the streets of a 1920s heritage village. And, just to the north, is the 55-hectare Lake Centenary, an artificial waterway offering a range of leisure activities; and the Ingalba, Pucawan and Big Bush nature reserves can all be found within 15 kilometres or so.
In August and September, flowering canola fields transform the surrounding landscape into a sea of gold, and many visitors love to explore the circular Canola Trail, which links the shires of Coolamon, Junee and Temora.
Another way for visitors to enjoy the spectacular canola display is to take a hot air balloon ride.
And, as you would expect from the friendliest town in NSW, there are some great camping options on offer to visiting grey nomads.
They include the Temora Freedom Camp at the railway station which offers 48-hour stays for self-contained vehicles; the Temora Showground; the Temora Caravan Park; the Temora Airfield Tourist Park; and the well-regarded Ariah Park Camp Ground, which is about 34 kilometres west of town.
What’s not to like?
