Have you ever pulled off the Hume Highway into Jugiong, in Southern NSW?
If not, we recommend you do.
Jugiong far exceeded our expectations.
Take a look at why we are now repeat visitors.
Stopping at Jugiong was not by accident. We had heard from friends about the great free camp and decided we would check it out. Our first visit to Jugiong, to stay in the free camp, was in 2016. This was just after we retired and began travelling Australia in our caravan. Since then we have become repeat visitors to Jugiong.
Where Is Jugiong?
Jugiong is a riverside village, located on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, just off the Hume Highway. It is:
338 km south west of Sydney
90 km south west of Canberra
39 km north east of Gundagai
63 km west of Yass
We enjoyed staying in our caravan overnight at Jugiong and here are our reasons why:
Great free camp at Jugiong Showground:
Camping at Jugiong Showground is free, as no set fee is charged. A donation fee is requested, and a donation box is located near the entrance to the campground. We believe in donating. Our hope is the donations will assist in keeping campsites like this one open and in good order.
The Showgrounds area is in the centre of the village. It is bordered by the village shopping area on one side, and the Murrumbidgee River on the other. Adjacent to the camping area is the park and swimming pool.
The camping area is very large, with lots of shady trees available. The sites are not powered and only limited water is available. Garbage bins were located in the area.
At night, the noise from the Hume Highway could be heard. The noise level was minimal and did not disturb us.
Get Off The Hume Hwy And Enjoy The Rest Area In Jugiong.
Jugiong is a only a short distance off the Hume Highway. We believe it is a much nicer place to stop, compared to the rest areas along the Hume Highway. And, obviously we are not the only ones thinking this. Both the campground and village were busy.
The park and swimming pool are in the main street, adjacent to the camping area.
There are toilets, BBQ facilities and picnic tables located in the park.
As you can see from the photos, the area is very well maintained.
Sergeant Edmund Parry Memorial
There is a monument commemorating Sergeant Edmond Parry (see photo below) in the Memorial Park, Jugiong. Thirty two year old Sergeant Edmund Parry was shot and killed by the bushranger John Gilbert on the 16th of November 1864.
A number of story boards tell the history of:
- mail coach robberies,
- an account of the ambush and battle,
- Sergeant Parry’s murder,
- the Police response to stop the bushrangers
- legislation changes to allow known bushrangers to be shot and killed rather than taken to trial
- Coroners finding on the death of Edmund Parry
- The death of Ben Hall
In November Jugiong holds Sergeant Parry Memorial Day. The main attraction of this event is a historical re-enactment of the gun battle between the Police and the Hall Gang. Unfortunately we visited about a week too early.
The Murrumbidgee River is right on the edge of the Jugiong Showground.
Once our camp was set up Greg decided to go fishing in the Murrumbidgee River. We both walked down to check out where he might fish. There is no actual path, other than that made by people walking down to the river bank. Having said that, access to the river was relatively easy.
Greg really enjoyed his time throwing in his line. It was so quiet and peaceful. Greg enjoyed it so much he returned on sunset to have another go. Unfortunately he returned, on both occasions, without any fish.
Jugiong stores & eateries
We always enjoy visiting Jugiong. It gets a big tick from us. What we have discovered is an upmarket village, which is attracting lots of tourists, and for very good reasons.
While there is only a small number of businesses, they look fresh and rejuvenated, and seem to be thriving.
The Long Track Pantry & Cafe
The Long Tack Pantry and Cafe is a rustic, and very charming café and shop combined.
The cafe offers indoor / outdoor dining and serves both breakfast and lunch. The cafe is not open Tuesdays. We were surprised to see how busy it was, particularly at breakfast time.
The shop sells products for the kitchen and pantry, giftware, fashion and homewares. You can also purchase items online. Our favourites were the range of hand made relishes, preserves, jams etc.
We enjoyed wandering through the store. There is lots to see and we definitely believe it is well worth checking out.
The Jugiong Wine Cellar and Art Gallery
The Jugiong Wine Cellar offers a range of boutique wines from Gundagai, Tumbarumba, Hilltop (Young) and Canberra District (Murrumbateman).
In addition, this store offers a range of fine paintings, jewellery, ceramics and sculptures. So, all in all, quite a diverse store.
Greg is pictured checking out the art work. He was not too sure about the pink painted roll of barb wire being called art. Obviously, appreciation of art is in the eye of the beholder.
The Sir George, Jugiong
This charming two story building was undergoing renovation and was not open when we first visited in November 2016. The Sir George was reopened in December 2016. On our return some 2 years later we were very impressed with all the completed renovations. The Sir George now offers a boutique bar, restaurant, artisan bakery, beer garden, and accommodation options.
We recommend a visit to the lovely venue. We enjoyed wandering through the bar and dining areas, checking out the old artisan bakery, and enjoying a drink in the beautiful beer garden.
4 Doors Up
4 Doors Up are the new to the village and can be found in the side street, up behind Sir George. This retail precinct is all about boutique shopping, and specialises in homewares, art and interior design.
So to sum up, Jugiong got our tick of approval.
In our mind this is a little country village that will appeal to city folk driving along the Hume Highway.
Do yourself a favour and pull into Jugiong.
Travel safe and enjoy a great day – Estelle and Greg – Retirees Enjoying Travel
This post was originally published on 01.01.2017 and updated on 20.05.2019.
Thanks for the writeup. Often thought about staying there
Fantastic write up on Jugiong
Hi Greg and thank you for your comment and positive feedback 🙂
Hi there Estelle,
We passed through Jugiong a few weeks ago looking for places to free camp close to Canberra. It looks great, we will be camping there in a few weeks for a long weekend in our van.
Thanks, Les
Hi Leslie
Jugiong is the best free camp, with a large campground, it being just off the Hume Hwy, and all the amenities in the village. And Jugiong is growing. The secret is out. Enjoy your time at Jugiong and safe travels 🙂
Another beautiful write-up, Estelle. I like how you introduce these little towns that makes a treat for visitors who want a quiet weekend away from the busy City life. Living in England, I am only aware of the larger tourist attractions but you blog post has offered a different read. Look forward to more.
Hi Georgina & thanks again for your comment. I so appreciate your positive feedback about the tiny places I write about. I am never sure if this is what people are interested in reading? I simply know it was word of mouth that encouraged us to pull into Jugiong, and we were so pleased we did. Thanks again 🤗
I really like Jugiong. This is always a stop on the long drive from Melbourne to Sydney (and return) every year . The Long Track pantry is our regular place to get a quick snack and cuppa.
Hi Jenny and thanks for your comment. We totally agree about Jugiong. It’s a great little stop, with great food options- particularly the Long Track Pantry. It’s so much better than a stop at a service centre.
I read this post with great interest and have entered into our “must stay” places when we head down south in August. The free camp sounds idyllic – we love any site on the banks of any river! Will think of you when we visit the Long Track Pantry and stock up at the wine cellar!
Hi Joycee and thanks for calling by and dropping a comment. Joycee, I think you will really enjoy and overnight stay at Jugiong. We have absolutely no hesitation recommending pull into Jugiong for either an overnight stay or for simply a rest stop from driving along the Hume. Best wishes for a fun trip in August:)
We’ve often driven past the signs for Jugiong along the Hume Highway but not stopped, rather waiting to get to Gundagai or Wagga, but after reading your blog post, it looks like it would be a worthwhile stop. I love finding gems in regional areas, so this is one to remember, thanks to your observations.
Hi Elizabeth & thanks for dropping by and leaving your comment. In the past we too always stopped at Gundagai (mind you Gundagai has had a lovely face lift). But now we tend to stop at Jugiong. It is so close to the Highway, with lots of lovely options in a village environment. We totally recommend you give Jugiong a try next time you drive the Hume Hwy. 🙂
What an interesting read, Estelle, you have introduced me to a little town with so much to offer in a great location by the Murrumbidgee River. It sounds like an excellent place to camp and break the long journey while heading along the Hume Highway.
Hi Roz and thank you for dropping by and leaving your comment. Yes, if driving the Hume Hwy, people definitely need to stop and refresh. And Jugiong is offering something different, and people are responding by choosing to pull in. We too love being introduced to tiny regional gems around Australia. 🙂
What a wonderful post on a great place to go camping Estelle! Sounds like a perfect place to experience the nature aspect of camping yet the niceties of glamping with things like a convenience store and wine shop! Great descriptions!
Hi Christy and thanks for dropping by and leaving your comment. Christy you have summed Jugiong up very well. Yes, Jugiong offers camping and nature; plus the niceties of glamping – with all that Jugiong has to offer right alongside the campground.
Wonderful post Estelle. I haven’t been to Jugiong but I love the sound of that free camping area. And anyplace that has wine cellars, galleries, good cafes and a river has to be good in my book! Thanks for a great write up.
Hi Miriam and thanks so much for dropping by and leaving a comment. Yes Jugiong is a great little place. Anyone we know who has called in love it. We have no hesitation in recommending you visit.
We love stopping at Jugiong on our way up or down the highway. We usually visit either the Sir George or the Long Track Pantry and love the relaxed village vibe. So glad to hear the free camping is a winner! A great review of Jugiong Estelle!
Hi Debbie and thanks for your comment. Yes I imagine you are very familiar with Jugiong. I’m guessing it is about a half way point for you travelling the Hume. Jugiong sure is a great little spot. And thanks for your feedback Debbie, it’s very much appreciated 😀
Isn’t this a perfect place to free camp? We did the same on our way down to the Murray River in 2018. The main reason we did so was because my brother owns the motel in town and he said would should check the town out. We thought it was a great little town with much character. I loved the Long Track Pantry & Cafe, but unfortunately the Pub was closed.
Hi Kathy & thanks for your comment. Yes, Jugiong is a perfect place to free camp. It very much a unique little place to stay. In all our travels I can only think of a few places that are sort of similar. We too love the Long Track Pantry & Cafe. I imagine you are likely to visit Jugiong again, given your brother runs the motel. Perhaps next visit the Pub will be open & you can check it out then.
Great info. on Jugiong. Thanks Estelle. Always stopped there on the way to Cootamundra for a beer in the original old pub. (My wife is from down that way) But that was 40 years ago. Sure has changed a lot. We’re going back with the van in April! 👍
Glad you enjoyed the post Gazza.