Temora

Gold is a reoccurring theme in the town of Temora, sitting pretty in the beautiful Riverina region of southern NSW. It enjoyed a boom during the gold rush of the 1860s, and has since become famous for being part of the Canola Trail, which sees fields transform into eye-popping canary yellow every spring. History buffs will love the fact that it’s also home to one of the finest collections of flying vintage warplanes in the world.

Highlights

Temora Aviation Museum

You might not expect such a tiny town to have big attractions, but Temora punches well above its weight when it comes to aviation history. Visit the excellent Temora Aviation Museum to see the only two flying Spitfires in Australia, plus the world’s only flying Gloster Meteor F8. Also at the museum is a WWII CA-13 Boomerang, the only fully Australian-designed and -built fighter plane to be produced, and a Hudson Bomber from 1939. Keep your eyes open for upcoming full-motion Warbird Flight Simulators and a self-guided audio tour.

Temora Aviation Museum, Temora

Enjoy spectacular weekend flying displays of ex-military aircraft throughout the year at the Temora Aerodrome, next to the museum. The magnificent Warbirds Downunder Airshow is held here every two years in October, with the next event scheduled for 19-20 October 2024. This is one of the largest airshows in Australia, with more than 50 aircraft exhibited and flown over the two days.  

Singers performing on the tarmac at Warbirds Downunder Airshow 2018, Temora

Warbirds Downunder Airshow 2018, Temora - Credit: Peter Morris

Things to do

Temora’s streets are lined with grand heritage buildings, from colonial to Art Deco, and you can take a deep dive into the history on a self-guided walking tour. Pick up a brochure from the Temora Visitor Information Centre.

Streetscape of Temora with views across to Hoskins Street, Temora

Continue on to picturesque Lake Centenary, a 7km round-trip. The lake is perfect for water skiing, fishing and swimming, and is also home to the V8 Superboat Championships and regular racing events. 

People cycling along Lake Centenary, Temora

Lake Centenary, Temora - Credit: Lake Centenary

More of Temora’s heritage is in the spotlight at the Bundawarrah Centre, a cultural precinct that is packed full of regionally and nationally significant collections, including a working display of ambulances spanning almost two centuries. This is your chance to discover what life was like for pioneers and see the original family home of cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman.

Another heritage precinct can be found at Railway Temora. The railway station was first established in 1893 and now houses railway history and memorabilia. A walking trail winds through the railway yard past a bronze statue of Boofhead, a fox terrier that rode the state train network in the 1960s. If you’re travelling with your own pooches, you’ll want to grab a happy snap here.  

Bluey and Boofhead, a fox terrier that rode the state train network in the 1960s - Railway Temora - Temora

Railway Temora, Temora - Credit: Railway Temora

Ariah Park

If you’re still intrigued by the life of early colonial settlers in Temora, drive 20 minutes west to the National Trust-classified Ariah Park. This 1920s heritage village transports you back in time as you amble along the streets, marvelling at the architecture and browsing shops for antiques, gifts and mementoes. Call in for a pub lunch at the Ariah Park Hotel or pack a hamper and head for nearby Lake Arbotree.  

The Wheat Lumper in Ariah Park 1920s Heritage Village, Temora - Credit: Melissa Tidd

Canola season

During the spring months, Temora is a major attraction on the Riverina’s Canola Trail. The countryside around town turns an eye-popping shade of gold, and draws floral enthusiasts from across the country – and world. Take it in on a self-guided drive, or get some perspective on a hot-air balloon flight.

Temora Shire, Temora

Where to eat & drink

There are plenty of places to refuel in Temora, including the cute-as-a-button Sugar & Spice food truck on the banks of Lake Centenary. Get your caffeine fix at Temora’s Double Shot Coffee House and Eatery, White Rose Cafe and Tiger Moth Cafe. Then pop past Temora Deli for daily changing meals – think burgers, roasts, schnitzel and hearty soups. You’ll also want to meet the locals at the Shamrock Hotel/Motel, set in a grand heritage building.

Sugar & Spice, Temora - Credit: Anne Cooper

Where to stay

Accommodation options in Temora suit a range of budgets, and include motels, B&Bs and campgrounds, as well as the Shamrock Hotel/Motel. There’s also a new boutique accommodation option, Three Ponds Estate, which features a series of self-contained pods replete with queen-sized beds, bathrooms, kitchens and a communal fire pit.

Shamrock Hotel, Temora

Getting there

Temora is a 4.5-hour drive from Sydney, 5.5-hour drive from Melbourne and 2.5-hour drive from Canberra. You can also fly into Wagga Wagga Airport and hire a car for the one-hour drive. 