Brocante Cootamundra is a vintage store that focuses on mid-century. Catering for a wide range of tastes this carefully curated collection of treasures is sure to please. From antiques to retro the appeal is to collectors, dealers, novices, interior designers, alike. With a wide selection of pieces suitable for any individual.
The Little Shop of Books is now not so little. Having commenced in "a little shop" hence their name, they have grown and now occupy larger premises allowing them to offer an extensive range of books for the novice and avid collector.
The bookshop specializes in rare, collectible and antiquarian books across a broad genre, for example, Australian History, Poetry, Literature, Music, First Nations, Art, Military and Australian Politics. You will also find a complimentary range of Gramophones, Radio's, Clocks, Lamps and other Antiques and Vintage Wares.
There are plenty of chairs available for you to read a page or two, floor cushions if you want to explore the bottom shelf; all within an inviting and spacious environment.
If you are searching for that elusive title, they can check their inhouse inventory for you. Their books are individually priced and curated.
Cootamundra Skate Park precinct includes picnic benches, self-use gym equipment and a bike pump track.
The skate park is located next to Cootamundra Municipal Olympic Swimming Pool. The pool and skate park are the perfect stopover for families to let the parents and kids enjoy leisure activities, and have family time.
During Summer enjoy a splash (or do laps) in the refreshing 50-metre pool outdoor. There is a shallow children's pool, and a fantastic splash pad play area with water games to entertain for hours.
The pool complex is set amongst spacious lawn areas with plenty of shade available, BBQ facilities and kiosk facilities.
During Winter, you can enjoy a swim in a heated indoor swimming pool, and there are also a range of aquatic programs available year-round.
The indoor stadium is a multi-purpose indoor sport and recreation complex that services a wide cross-section of community groups and organisations.
Coota Indoor Rock Climb is the only indoor rock climbing facility in the Riverina. You’ll find easy climbing terrain for beginners and some more challenging routes for more experienced climbers. The wall is eight metres in height, twinpoint auto belay system with nine rock climbing lanes.
The Milestones Sculptures in Cootamundra and Wallendbeen are striking public artworks that celebrate the enduring significance of wheat growing in this rich agricultural region of New South Wales. Officially unveiled in 1997, these sculptures were developed through a strong community effort and now form distinctive landmarks in both towns. They are located at Parker Street and Morris Street in Cootamundra and at Mackay Park in Wallendbeen, inviting visitors to reflect on the region's farming heritage.
Each sculpture is crafted from cast materials and painted in golden hues symbolic of ripened wheat fields, with fibre-optic lighting enhancing their presence after dark. The design draws inspiration from historical milestones, echoing the markers that once defined distances between rural settlements. Their motifs include representations of wheat and rural life, acknowledging the vital role that cereal crops have played in shaping local identity and economy.
Today the Milestones Sculptures are more than static displays. They act as cultural beacons and photographic highlights for travellers exploring the mid-north Riverina, offering both educational context and aesthetic delight. They provide a meaningful connection between Cootamundra, Wallendbeen and the wider agricultural story of Australia.
Cootamundra West Railway Station is one of Cootamundra's most significant heritage railway landmarks. Opened on 22 March 1911, the station was built on the Lake Cargelligo railway line and was intended to serve what was originally planned to become the new Main Southern Line route. When those plans changed, the station never fulfilled its intended role as a major railway hub.
The impressive two-storey Edwardian brick station building, together with its brick platform, former refreshment rooms and signal box, reflects the importance of railway travel in regional New South Wales during the early twentieth century. Passenger services ceased in 1983, although freight continued to use the line for many years afterwards.
Today, the station is heritage listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register and remains an important reminder of Cootamundra's rich railway history. Although it is no longer open as a working station, its striking architecture and historic setting make it a popular subject for photographers, particularly at sunset, and a valuable part of the town's cultural heritage.
The Cricket Captains' Walk is a collection of specially commissioned bronze busts of Test captains of the Australian men's national cricket team.
The Walk was planned and executed by the Cootamundra Shire Council (now Cootamundra–Gundagai Regional Council) with the approval of the Australian Cricket Board (now Cricket Australia). The all-weather path, is wheelchair friendly, and approximately 150 metres around.
Stage one, unveiled on 30 August 1998, comprised the likenesses of Unaarrimin (Johnny Mullagh), Dave Gregory, Bill Murdoch, Arthur Morris, Richie Benaud, Bobby Simpson, Bill Lawry, Ian Chappell, Greg Chappell, Allan Border and Mark Taylor.
A life size sculpture of Bradman in action was unveiled during the celebrations for Sir Don's 92nd Birthday in August 2000.
Stage two, comprising the remaining 30 captains, was unveiled by the sculptor Tom Bass on 27 August 2008, the centenary of Bradman's birth, barely a kilometre away at 89 Adams Street Cootamundra.
Stage three, unveiled on 12 March 2020, brought the walk up-to-date with three new busts unveiled - Shane Watson, Steve Smith and Tim Paine and a plaque for Michael Clarke.
In 2023 the pedestals were relocated to a more accessible arrangement with the Bradman statue as a focal point. The bronze busts are all fixed to marble plinths with a plaque detailing each player's record.
The Cootamundra War Memorial Library is a vibrant community centre. It hosts a variety of events, workshops, and programs designed to engage residents of all ages and backgrounds. From storytime sessions for children to adult education courses and cultural exhibitions, there's always something happening to bring people together and foster a sense of belonging.
The library boasts an extensive collection of books, ranging from classic literature to contemporary releases, catering to the diverse tastes of its patrons. Additionally, digital resources and multimedia offerings ensure that the library remains a dynamic and relevant resource in the digital age.
The library staff are dedicated professionals who are passionate about serving the community. Whether assisting with research inquiries, providing recommendations, or simply sharing a friendly conversation, they are committed to ensuring that every visitor's experience is enriching and fulfilling.
The fish pond and garden nestled beside the library create a tranquil and inviting outdoor space for patrons to enjoy.
Together, the fish pond and garden complement the library's mission as a place of learning, inspiration, and community engagement. Whether patrons are seeking a moment of quiet reflection, a peaceful place to read, or simply a scenic spot to enjoy the outdoors, these features provide a welcome retreat where they can connect with nature and find respite from the demands of daily life.
Set in the heart of Cootamundra, Albert Park offers a peaceful and inviting space where visitors can relax, reflect, and enjoy time outdoors. Beautifully maintained, the park combines open green spaces with thoughtful amenities, making it ideal for families, travellers, and locals alike.
At its centre is Livi's PlaySpace, an inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities, complete with access to an MLAK toilet to ensure accessibility for all visitors. Nearby barbecue facilities, picnic tables, and shaded areas make it easy to settle in for a relaxed meal or family gathering. The charming white picket fence around the cricket pitch adds a nostalgic country touch and remains a favourite feature for the community.
Albert Park also holds deep significance, home to the Cootamundra War Memorial and Remembrance Wall, the Peace Pavilion, and the Gallipoli Rose Garden. These spaces offer a meaningful opportunity to pause and honour those who have served, while the rose garden provides a particularly serene setting.
With convenient access and ample space for RV and caravan parking along the Olympic Highway, Albert Park is more than just a park. It is a place where relaxation, community spirit, and history come together beautifully.
In 1908, Granny Scholz, a midwife, used the front room of 89 Adams Street, Cootamundra, as a small private hospital. It was in this very room on August 27 that Sr Donald Bradman, known as "the greatest batsman the world has ever known" was born.
Sir Donald Bradman, the only Australian knighted for cricket services, is an iconic figure, often regarded as "worth three batsmen to Australia."
In 1992, thanks to an initiative by the Cootamundra Shire Council, the cottage underwent refurbishment and restoration to maintain its original charm. Today, the birthplace cottage stands as a museum showcasing memorabilia dedicated to Sir Don Bradman and the cricket world.
Explore the museum's rooms filled with cricket artifacts, including a framed bat signed by both Donald Bradman and Harold Larwood. This unique piece holds significance as it bears the signatures of both players. Larwood, the English bowler, faced off against Bradman during the 1932-33 Test Series, famously known as the "Bodyline Series." Larwood later migrated to Australia in 1950.
Adjacent to Bradman's Birthplace is the Memorabilia Cottage, which offers a nostalgic collection of curios, bric-a-brac, and Australian memorabilia from the era of Sir Donald Bradman's birth.
The Cootamundra Bird Walk meanders along the Muttama Creek and is home to a wonderful array of native plants, birds and animals.
In 2003 the Muttama Creek Regeneration Group was formed, they continue to work tirelessly to to improve the health of the Muttama creek.
In 2010 two corrugated structures (galah and kangaroo) were positioned near the John Rees bridge in Wallendoon Street. In 2011, Cootamundra's Men's Shed placed bird sculptures connected to Cootamundra.
Some of the wild life structures to be seen entering from Mackay Street are the Goanna, Ringtail Possum, Superb Parrot, Boobook Owl, Brolga, Rainbow Bee-eater, Tawny Frogmouth, Pied Currawong, Eastern Rosella, Azure Kingfisher and the Blue Faced Honey Eater.
The Cootamundra Heritage Centre Museum is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike. Located in the beautifully restored 1901 railway barracks, the centre offers a fascinating glimpse into Cootamundra's rich past. Visitors can explore a diverse collection of exhibits, including local artifacts, railway history, wartime memorabilia, and stories of the region's pioneers.
Whether you're tracing family history, discovering the town's connection to Sir Donald Bradman, or simply looking for the best local experiences, the friendly staff are there to assist.
Make sure to stop by and uncover the stories that shaped this vibrant regional town!
Livvi's Place in Cootamundra is an award-winning inclusive playground, designed to be fully accessible and welcoming to people of all ages and abilities. This thoughtfully crafted play space is entirely fenced and features a variety of equipment that encourages children to play actively, socially, and imaginatively. It's especially known for its sensory-rich environment.
The park includes spacious grassy areas, smooth pathways, and equipment accessible for prams, wheelchairs, and walkers, making it an ideal spot for families and friends to gather.
Livvi's Place also offers shaded picnic areas and free barbecue facilities, so parents and caregivers can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
This park was brought to life by the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council in collaboration with the Touched by Olivia Foundation, as well as with support from Federal and State Government funding.
It is a beloved destination in the region, celebrated for its inclusive design and welcoming atmosphere.
MLAK toilet facilities are available at the park.
The Cootamundra Art & Craft Centre, located on Hovell Street within the historic railway precinct, is a cherished community hub celebrating local creativity and craftsmanship. Housed in the heritage-listed former Station Master's residence, the centre offers a unique blend of history and artistry.
Visitors can explore a diverse range of high-quality, locally handmade items available for purchase, including quilting, knitting, crochet, and sewing creations.
The centre is family-friendly and welcomes visitors with access needs.
Whether you're seeking a unique gift, interested in local arts, or looking to connect with the community, the Cootamundra Art & Craft Centre offers a warm and inspiring environment for all.
Cootamundra Railway Station, located on Hovell Street, is a heritage-listed site and one of the most iconic railway stations in New South Wales. Opened in 1877 as part of the Main Southern Line extension from Harden, it played a pivotal role in establishing Cootamundra as a key regional rail hub. The station later became a junction for the Tumut and Kunama line in 1886, further boosting its strategic importance.
The station's grand brick building, constructed in 1884, features impressive architectural elements including an expansive platform awning supported by ornate cast iron columns and brackets—an enduring example of 19th-century railway design. An island platform built in 1901, though no longer in use, still stands as a historical feature within the precinct.
Today, Cootamundra Railway Station remains operational and is staffed daily from 10am to 4pm. It provides essential facilities such as accessible toilets, wheelchair ramps, hearing loops, and real-time service updates. It continues to serve as a vital connection point for travellers across regional NSW.
One of the standout features within the station precinct is the largest railway gantry in the Southern Hemisphere—a striking industrial structure visible from the site that speaks to the town's deep-rooted rail heritage.
Cootamundra Railway Station not only facilitates travel but proudly preserves and celebrates the legacy of Australia's rail history.
Operating since 1895, the oldest club in country New South Wales caters for golfers and social members.
Golfers are provided with a testing, hill layout with Kikuyu fairways, superb bent greens and wonderful views over the local landscape. Wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, birdlife and echidnas are present throughout the course. Three top-quality bowling greens are available for bowls throughout the year.
The club also boasts a great bistro, entertainment and event's through out the year.
The Cootamundra Mountain Bike Track is an 8.5-kilometre single loop track that features rocks, berms and bridges. It links to Pioneer Park via a fire trail, for those looking for an extended ride. The track is signposted and maintained by the Mountain Bike Club.
This mountain bike primary trail can be used in one direction and has a moderate overall physical rating.
Hikers will also enjoy the tranquil setting and native vegetation. A lookout at the top of the park offers views of Cootamundra.
Pioneer Park in Cootamundra, New South Wales, is a peaceful natural reserve that combines stunning scenery with recreational charm. Tucked away off Back Brawlin Road, the park is home to thriving Yellow Box woodlands and an array of native wildlife, including kangaroos, echidnas, and kookaburras—making it a favourite for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.
Amenities include a sealed access road, well-maintained restroom facilities, picnic benches with solar lighting, and a double gas barbecue under a covered awning—ideal for gatherings and day trips. The park also features improved drainage to ensure accessibility in all seasons.
For those keen to explore, Pioneer Park offers colour-coded walking and cycling trails, clearly marked with signage and trail maps. Strategically placed bench seating at scenic lookout points provides sweeping views across Cootamundra and beyond, perfect for a moment of rest and reflection.
Designated as an RV-friendly site, Pioneer Park welcomes travellers and locals alike. Whether you're after a leisurely bushwalk, a picnic with family and friends, or simply a quiet place to take in the region's natural beauty, Pioneer Park offers a well-maintained, welcoming space to relax, explore, and reconnect with the outdoors.
Migurra Reserve is a peaceful natural reserve located approximately 15 kilometres south of Cootamundra on the Olympic Highway. Covering around 20 hectares, the reserve protects a rare remnant of Box-Ironbark woodland, providing visitors with a glimpse of the native landscape that once covered much of the region before European settlement.
A 750-metre loop walking track winds through the reserve, where interpretive signs explain the area's unique plants, soils, and ecology. The woodland is home to more than 70 native plant species, including acacias, lilies, everlasting daisies, and native grasses, making it especially attractive during spring when many wildflowers are in bloom.
Bethungra Dam and Reserve is listed in the ‘Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia’. The scenic public recreation area accommodates canoeing, sailing, picnics, swimming and fishing. Camping facilities, toilets, barbeques and bins are available for visitors. Access is via Bethungra Waterworks Road.
Originally constructed in 1895 as a water supply dam to service Junee, the dam which covers an area of 14.65 hectares is located just north of the village of Bethungra and the Ulandra Nature Reserve.
The heritage-listed Bethungra Spiral was built in the 1940s and one of Australia's most significant rail engineering feats of its time.
Listed as historically and scientifically rare, the spiral is of great historical significance due to the ambition and scale of the work undertaken, along with the aesthetic and technical values that were achieved. The spiral itself is the only 360-degree rail spiral in Australia and was only the second of its time.
Get a bird's eye view of the spiral from the viewing platform and watch as the trains pass over and through the tunnel. Whilst you’re there take note of the beautiful rail-inspired artwork etched into the side panels of the platform.
The spiral is easily accessed within a short drive from the village of Bethungra.
The Stockinbingal Pump Track is a fantastic recreational facility located within the Stockinbingal Recreation Ground, offering a fun and challenging experience for riders of all ages and skill levels. Opened in 2019, the professionally designed asphalt track features a series of smooth rollers, berms, and sweeping turns that allow riders to maintain momentum by "pumping" the bike, scooter or skateboard rather than pedalling. The project was funded through the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities Fund and delivered by Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.
Suitable for BMX bikes, mountain bikes, scooters and skateboards, the pump track provides a safe and enjoyable environment for developing balance, coordination and riding skills while encouraging outdoor activity. It has become a popular gathering place for local families and young riders, adding another quality recreational attraction to the village.
The T-House is located in the old Bethungra schoolhouse, which has been lovingly transformed into a unique tourist attraction.
A highlight of the T-House is the Memorabilia Room, which displays items from the old school house and other historical items from the area.
As well as serving delicious coffees, teas and tasty treats, visitors are able to purchase a range of locally produced items such as jams, chutneys and hand-crafted gifts.
So next time you're travelling down the Olympic Highway, pop into the T-House at the Temora/Junee/Cootamundra junction and enjoy this great new attraction in the Junee Shire.
The Stockinbingal Heritage Walk offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the early days of this historic railway village in New South Wales. With a choice of a short 20-minute route or a more immersive one-hour experience, the walk showcases a collection of well-preserved buildings and sites that reflect the village's development from the late 1800s to the early 20th century.
The shorter walk highlights landmarks along the main street, including the heritage-listed Railway Station (built in 1895) and a range of former commercial buildings such as the Butcher, the Bakery, and the original Bank of NSW. The extended route ventures deeper into the village, guiding participants to important civic, religious, and educational sites including the Stockinbingal Public School (1894), the former Memorial Hospital (1927), and St Joseph's Convent School.
Interpretive signage enriches the experience by providing historical context and architectural details, while buildings like the Commercial Hotel, St James Anglican Church, and Ellwood's Hall illustrate the enduring Federation-era charm of the village. The walk is self-guided and accessible, making it a rewarding activity for both casual visitors and heritage enthusiasts.
Set against the backdrop of Stockinbingal's tree-lined streets and rural landscape, the Heritage Walk is a testament to the community's pride in preserving its pioneering spirit and unique historical identity.