| Forbes - Narrandera | The Newell Highway Loop
 This scenic off-Newell-Highway circuit from Forbes to Narrandera takes in several interesting agricultural towns, where you can visit everything from a Japanese garden to wineries and Sir Donald Bradman’s birthplace.
Leave Forbes on the Lachlan Valley Way and roughly follow the Lachlan River to Cowra - located at the centre of rich farming lands, and the site of a large Japanese prisoner-of-war camp during the 1940s. There are several Japanese-themed attractions here, including the Australian and Japanese War Cemeteries and the beautifully landscaped Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre.
From here, follow the Olympic Highway to Young. Sometimes called the ‘Cherry Capital of New South Wales’, Young began life as an 1860s goldfields centre that was originally known as Lambing Flats - there’s a museum here that documents this turbulent era. Other attractions are the region’s orchards, an alpaca stud and a glass-blowing centre.
Well known as the birthplace of legendary cricketer Sir Donald Bradman, Cootamundra is also famous for its beautiful wattle trees that are best viewed during their July and August flowering season. There are some arts and crafts shops here, you can take scenic drives around the area and also, of course, visit the Don’s early family home, now a museum.
The next major centre is the railway town of Junee, where there are several grand 1880s buildings to admire - including restored Monte Cristo Homestead - and a couple of museums focusing on local history and railway memorabilia. From Junee, it’s a pleasant 100 km drive through the Riverina, with its wheat, wool and canola farms, to Narrandera.
Where to Stay
Time required: 2-3 days are recommended | | |
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