Cootamundra

Sporting history 

Universally regarded as the greatest cricket batsman of all time, Sir Donald Bradman was born in Cootamundra in 1908. His childhood home has been transformed into a shrine to the sporting hero; visit the Bradman’s Birthplace Museum for bucket-loads of cricket history alongside priceless Bradman memorabilia.  

Bradman's Birthplace Museum, Cootamundra

Continue your deep dive into Australian cricket in Jubilee Park, where the Captains Walk features more than 40 bronze sculptures of Australian Test Cricket captains, as well as a sculpture of Unaarimim, a famous Aboriginal cricketer in the first Australian cricket team tour of England in 1868. 

Captain's Walk, Cootamundra

Explore the arts 

The Riverina is known as the ‘food bowl’ of NSW, and agriculture is big business in Cootamundra. The striking Milestones Sculptures on Parker Street pay tribute to some of Australia’s finest wheat grown in the district. If you’re visiting in October, you can immerse yourself in the agricultural industry at the Cootamundra Show, uniting family fun with country hospitality.   

Community built and run, The Arts Centre Cootamundra is a dynamic space that hosts exhibitions, workshops and performances, from cabaret shows to painting classes. For local handmade gifts, browse Cootamundra Art and Craft Centre. For antiques, Quality Junk stocks a trove of surprises

The Arts Centre Cootamundra, Cootamundra - Credit: Cootamundra Arts Centre

Back to nature 

The bright blooms of countless Cootamundra wattles – native to the region – create a vibrant sea of golden yellow in July and August. Take them in while exploring birdwatching trails like the Cootamundra Bird Walk and Pioneer Park’s 30-minute loop walking track. Or, bring your bicycle and pedal on quiet rural roads and the 8.5km Cootamundra Mountain Bike Track. 

Cootamundra Mountain Bike Track, Cootamundra

Where to eat

Your tastebuds are in for a treat, with bountiful bakeries, cafes, coffee roasters and classic country pubs lining the streets. Planted Cootamundra is a wholefoods cafe that specialises in organic seasonal produce from the district. The Outback Bakery tantalises with mouthwatering goods, from blueberry and Nutella brioche loaves to cinnamon scrolls and hot cross buns – everything is made fresh, daily. For delicious bistro food, try the Coota Ex-Services Club or the Cootamundra Country Club. 

Planted, Cootamundra

Getting there & where to stay

Cootamundra is a scenic road trip from Sydney or Melbourne and is only two hours’ drive northwest of Canberra. You can take a train from Sydney or Melbourne, or fly into Wagga Wagga’s airport and rent a car for the 70-minute drive northeast to Cootamundra. A great base for exploring the Riverina, Cootamundra’s accommodation includes holiday cottages, motels, hotels, a converted church and a caravan park that’s a short walk from the town centre.