Bakeries, pubs and eateries along the Way.

 



Stories abound in canola country: amidst the ghostly streets, buildings are resurrected, redeemed from the ignominy of the passing years by energetic, committed entrepreneurs breathing new life into old buildings and businesses, streets becoming a lifeblood of hope for tiny villages and towns along the way.

We’ll start with the pub at Grong Grong, part of Narrandera Shire. The pub was slated for closure, unsurprising in a town of around a hundred and fifty, when an enterprising local mobilized the townspeople to form a co-operative to purchase and make over, renovating The Royal so that it would continue to be the meeting place that all could enjoy. A good night out with tasty pub food can be assured.

Further along, entering Coolamon Shire, a new venture sees the local Advance Matong Committee serving locals at the Harvest Café. Mothers’ Day lunch was a treat. When do they open? If the sign is up near the road into the footy ground, there’ll be food of one type or another on offer. Perhaps the theory is that the more mysterious are their opening times, the higher the demand. (We’re on the hunt for more details.)

Ganmain Bakery needs almost no introduction. Ganmain pies are famous across a large swathe of the Riverina. Try a “Ned Kelly” or any of the chicken pie range from the huge selection on offer.

The Coolamon Cheese Co has created a number of award-winning cheese in recent years since it began in a magnificently refurbished building representing a fine testimony to the farsightedness of a group of locals keen to inject life into it.

Between Coolamon and the Shire of Junee, the tiny hamlet of Marrar punches well above its weight with the Marrar Café base of Canola Way caterer Michelle Seymour. Need a coffee after 2.30? You have another few hours to source one here. How about a harvest meal or two? Plenty to grab from the freezer at the Café. Marrar Pub’s new owner has also given the historic building a welcoming buzz.

Junee is a railway town with an impressive Railway Museum and Roundhouse on offer to enthusiasts and historians alike so it’s no surprise that the re-purposed Railway Waiting Rooms house a popular café. The architecture is the ambience, a reward in and of its own. Six enormous mirrors throw light into the generous table area where an open fire once roared, speaking loudly of yesteryear.

Onto Temora where we quickly lighted upon Diamonds and Dust, reputed to be a place to lose oneself in for hours. How true! Perhaps, however, the highest praise can go to its high-end café. Filled to max with ephemera, vintage pieces and local art works, the enormous space forms an atmospheric backdrop for the great coffee, superlative choice and professional service which recommends this venue as a premium visit.

Time to head for home, with a quick pop in to the Bakery along the strip which provides traditional baked fare and pleasant, open seating area. Travellers who only patronize town bakeries when they’re on the roads will not be disappointed with the Roundabout.

Until next month, travel enthusiastically and often!!

We'll see you along the way!

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