Temora

From gold rush history to pioneer villages and fighter jets, the heritage town of Temora has plenty to offer. Forming part of the Canola Trail in the heart of the beautiful Riverina region, this country town is home to one of the finest collections of flying vintage warplanes in the world.

Temora Aviation Museum

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.

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. 

Things to do

Pick up a brochure from the Temora Visitor Information Centre and take a self-guided tour of the heritage buildings, from colonial to art deco. 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. 

Discover what life was like for pioneers and see the original family home of cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman at the Bundawarrah Centre. This cultural precinct is packed full of regionally and nationally significant collections, including a working display of ambulances spanning almost two centuries.  

Another gem is Railway Temora, in the heritage railway precinct. 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. 

Ariah Park

Only 20min drive west of Temora is the National Trust-classified Ariah Park, a 1920s heritage village. Amble along the streets and marvel at the architecture and browse shops for antiques, gifts and mementos. Call in for a pub lunch at the Ariah Park Hotel or pack a hamper and head for nearby Lake Arbotree.  

Getting there and where to stay

Temora is a 4hr 30min drive from Sydney, 5hr 30min from Melbourne and 2hr 30min from Canberra. You can also fly into Wagga Wagga Airport and hire a car for the one-hour drive. Accommodation options in Temora suit a range of budgets, including motels, B&Bs and campgrounds.