Go Wild in Canola Country with These 3 Unusual Adventures
The ultimate itinerary for couples looking for off-the-beaten-track adventures in Canola Country. Bring your bicycle, pack your walking shoes and rug up warmly because you are in for a TREAT.
Where is Canola Country?
Three major towns, Coolamon, Junee and Temora in Australia’s NSW Riverina region, play host to the Canola Trail. During August and September the paddocks turn a brilliant yellow as the canola flowers bloom before harvest, and there are plenty of creative ways to experience this colour explosion. Base yourself in one of the region’s stunning accommodation options, many set in beautifully restored historic buildings. Cafés and restaurants have reinvented their menus, the atmosphere is full of fresh energy, and the upbeat vibe is infectious.
Whether you’re seeking an adventure hub or a place to unwind, you can play it your way. If you’re looking for new and different experiences, here are three of the best in Canola Country.
Hot Air Ballooning
If you are a keen free diver or scuba diver, you will understand how silent adventures can be and there are entire worlds that open to us that we have known about but so many people have never experienced. This kind of adventure without a double includes drifting gently up to 5000 feet in a picture perfect hot air balloon.
The world around you is silent, broken only by the occasional hiss of the balloon’s propane flame or the creak of the wicker basket beneath your feet. You drift above fields of brilliant yellow canola, crisscrossed by tree-lined roads, flocks of birds wheeling over dams, and the sudden flash of a fox darting along the edge of a wheat field. A dusty track cuts through the landscape below, adding to the tapestry of this rich rural life. There is something unforgettable about being up in the open air; you feel completely at ease yet vividly alive. Beginning and ending the journey in a paddock, watched by curious cattle or sheep, only adds to the magic of the adventure.
For the person who has done absolutely everything in life to the young-at-heart, this is an unmissable adventure.
Click here to book with Goldrush Ballooning. This business operates 7 days a week based out of Temora during Canola season. Your session from meeting point to farewell glass of Prosecco will take approximately four hours.
Bike Riding and Chocolate Making
Head to the town of Junee, once the bustling hub of train transport in the late 1800s, and explore 15–16 kilometres of family-friendly bicycle trails that weave through the community. This relaxed concrete path network links the pool, the town centre, and key attractions, making it perfect for an easy day out on two wheels, self-powered or e-bike but remember to BYO your own bike. Along the way you’ll pass tranquil wetlands, circle the dam, and enjoy a gentle ride in and around town while soaking up Junee’s historic charm.
Do not go past Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory for breakfast, snacks, live music or lunch. Do something different for the day, take part in a chocolate decorating class! Decorate delicious high quality homemade chocolates, including ‘chocolate pizzas’ which are round pizza shaped chocolates and you can decorate them with marshmallows, nuts, freeze-dried strawberries, honeycomb and everything imaginably chocolate.
The town of Coolamon has three different bicycle routes of various lengths taking you through local forests or through the urban environment. Start your day with local coffees and pastries from the many delis and cafes in town and finish with an incredible cheese platter from Coolamon Cheese factory or a pub meal from the recently refurbed Coolamon Hotel.
Flight Simulation
The closest thing to getting behind the big birds themselves is a flight simulation adventure. Temora Aviation museum has three WW2 fighter plane flight simulators to try and open to the public, no licence required. A Mk XVI Spitfire, P-51 Mustang and P-40 Kittyhawk plane.This is the ‘full immersive’ experience Open 10am to 4pm 7 days a week.
Where to stay in Canola Country
Haberton House
This stunning boutique bed and breakfast accommodation has been recently renovated from a historic commercial bank site, built in 1903. Walking into this centrally located and charming guest accommodation includes intricate details, thoughtful nooks with books, vases of flowers, lamps and stylish tiles and tapware. It’s an absolute delight to spend a few nights here.
165 Hoskins Street Temora
Call 0429 128 956
Junee Pub
Step inside this spacious and renovated pub, first established in 1878 and enjoy original pressed tin ceilings, bare brick walls with thoughtful local themed shared spaces and accommodation. A great family place to stay and (coming soon) pet-friendly accommodation and great pub fare. Voted ‘Best pub and bar in Junee’ in 2024.
Drovers Run
A cosy farmstay where comfort meets country charm. Immerse yourself in gorgeous gardens and fresh country air in Marrar.
Three Ponds Estate
A cosy and stylish tiny home in Temora’s rural part of town with minimalist designs, private decks and country views.
Sign up for Canola alerts at canolatrail.com.au to register. Facts courtesy of The Canola Trail.
