Junee: Inside the Roundhouse
Stepping Back in Time at the Junee Roundhouse
We’ve visited a lot of historic sites on our travels, but the Junee Roundhouse in New South Wales was a real standout. This incredible railway depot is one of the few remaining roundhouses in Australia, and stepping inside felt like stepping back in time.
The Junee Roundhouse was once a bustling hub for the New South Wales rail network, built in the 1940s. It was designed for the maintenance and servicing of locomotives, and its circular structure allowed trains to be rotated and serviced in one spot. The whole design is just fascinating, and it’s hard not to be impressed by the sheer scale of the place.
We were fortunate enough to join a guided tour, where we learned all about the history of the roundhouse, from its early days through to its role during the steam era. Our guide was full of knowledge, sharing stories of the workers who spent long hours here and the many trains that passed through. We even got a close-up look at some of the restored locomotives that are on display, including some that were in service for decades.
One of the highlights for us was learning about the maintenance of the trains—it’s incredible to think about the technical skills that were involved in keeping these massive machines running smoothly. The roundhouse itself has been beautifully preserved, and we spent hours wandering around, imagining what life was like when the place was fully operational.
We were also lucky enough to see the roundhouse in action, with a train being spun for the engineering company working out of the other half of the roundhouse!
If you’re ever in Junee, this is a must-see. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or just love history, the Junee Roundhouse offers a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s railway heritage.
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The Junee Roundhouse
The Junee Roundhouse is a heritage railway maintenance facility built in 1947. It originally serviced steam locomotives and remains one of the largest and best-preserved roundhouses in Australia. Its central turntable and radial engine bays allowed trains to be rotated and maintained efficiently during the height of the steam era. Today, part of the site operates as a working engineering facility, while tours allow visitors to explore its history.
How to Get There
Junee is located in southern New South Wales, approximately 40 kilometres north of Wagga Wagga. The town is easily accessed via sealed regional highways and is suitable for caravans and motorhomes. The Roundhouse sits close to the town centre.
What to See / Tours / Activities
What we did:
Joined a guided tour of the Roundhouse.
Explored the turntable and engine bays.
Viewed restored steam locomotives up close.
Watched a locomotive being rotated on the turntable.
Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory. (Definitely worth a visit!)
Other highlights nearby:
Junee Railway Museum.
Wagga Wagga (40km south).
When to Visit
Tours run on select days, so check ahead. Cooler months make wandering the large shed more comfortable, though the building’s scale makes it workable year-round.
Final Thoughts
Industrial heritage doesn’t always get the spotlight, but the Junee Roundhouse deserves it. It’s practical, powerful and still partially working, which gives it an authenticity many historic sites lack.
What’s Nearby
Junee sits within easy reach of Wagga Wagga and the Riverina region. It pairs well with other railway and agricultural history stops through southern New South Wales, making it a strong addition to a regional road trip.
Fast Facts
Location: Junee, New South Wales
Distance: 40 km north of Wagga Wagga
Traditional Owners: Wiradjuri People
Access: Sealed roads, easy motorhome access
Facilities: Guided tours, toilets on site
Walking Track: Large industrial interior — enclosed space
Best Time to Visit: Year-round (check tour times)
Dog Friendly: No (inside building)
Things That Could Kill You (Probably Won’t)
A semi-serious guide to surviving Australia. Mostly common sense, occasionally luck.
Uneven surfaces: It’s an old industrial site. Watch your footing.
Heavy machinery: Stay within tour boundaries.
Steam nostalgia: You may leave wanting to collect model trains.
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