Canola fields and stormy skies, Cootamundra, NSW

Canola field and looming storm, Harden, NSW

I have been in Cootamundra for three years now but am still not sick of seeing the hills shrug on their yellow capes of canola flower every spring. The yellow gets so bright that it seems to be glowing and is really a sight to behold. I thought I would share a few different views of the canola I have collected over my time exploring around Cootamundra.

Canola Field, Junee

Canola Field, Junee

Canola field, Ganmain, NSW

Canola under a beating sun, Galong, NSW

Canola and church, Wallendbeen, NSW

Canola, Ganmain, NSW

Wattle-We-Eat Bistro, Olympic Hotel, Cootamundra

UPDATE: Wattle-we-eat is no longer trading.

Prawn linguini, Wattle-We-Eat Bistro, Olympic Hotel, Cootamundra

The Style: In many ways, the Wattle-We-Eat Bistro is a classic pub bistro but there are some nice touches which make for a warm and inviting atmosphere. There is a vivid red wall at one end of the room which houses the specials board and some lovely copper kitchen nik-naks. There are also paintings on the walls which are by Australian artists - these can be purchased via a gallery in nearby Gundagai, NSW.

Salt and Pepper Squid, Wattle-We-Eat Bistro, Cootamundra

Pork skewers, Wattle-We-Eat Bistro, Olympic Hotel, Cootamundra

The Taste: The menu at Wattle-we-eat has all of the pub classics like steak and schnitzel but also has a changing selection of other meals which currently includes lambs fry, salt and pepper squid, pippie and prawn linguini and the absolute BEST deserts in Cootamundra! The meals are very generous in size and they are always top-quality - no oozing fat or soggy salad in sight (unfortunately some pubs in Cootamundra don't seem to take a whole lot of care with their food but at Wattle-we-eat, they certainly do!).

Angus scotch fillet, Wattle-We-Eat Bistro, Olympic Hotel, Cootamundra

Chicken Schnitzel with mushroom sauce, Wattle-We-Eat Bistro, Cootamundra

The Service: This is what truly puts this place a cut above any other pub I have ever eaten at. Everyone who eats at the Wattle-We-Eat is made to feel welcome and this place has country hospitality and fun in spades - something which many other country pubs are trying to shake off in favour of a sterile, bland and 'trying-too-hard-to-be-Sydney' feel. The beauty of the Wattle-we-eat Bistro is that the food is Sydney-quality but and the experience is leaps ahead of anything you get in the city.

The price: The menu at Wattle-We-Eat does vary but generally, entrees come in around the $10 mark and mains under $20. 

Chocolate brownie, Wattle-We-Eat Bistro, Cootamundra

Strawberries and parfait, Wattle-We-Eat Bistro, Cootamundra

The location: The Wattle-we-eat Bistro is located within the Olympic Hotel on Parker Street, Cootamundra 

Wattle-We-Eat Bistro, Cootamundra

The Pickled Pantry, Cootamundra, NSW

The Pickled Pantry, Cootamundra

The Style: The Pickled Pantry is decorated in candy stripes of bright pink and orange and the store itself, like everything inside, looks good enough to eat. The furniture inside is mixed and mismatched and there are some pieces which remind me of furniture my nanna used to have. The vintage pieces are paired with ultra-modern stainless steel shelving, wicker baskets, bright paintings and dried flower arrangements which all seem to live in harmony. 

The Pickled Pantry, Cootamundra

The Pickled Pantry, Cootamundra

The taste: The Pickled Pantry is much more than a coffee shop - it is also a deli with smallgoods, cheeses, bread, dried fruits and preserves, spices, jams, oils and many other treats. The Pickled Pantry's menu is a small but scrumptious selection utilising the deli goodies. There are some specialty teas as well as coffee on offer and my personal favourite to get through a long cold winter is the belgian hot chocolate which comes with a generous helping of chocolate shavings on top and an oozy layer of melted chocolate in the bottom of the cup. Delicious!

Belgian Hot Chocolate, The Pickled Pantry, Cootamundra

Delicious Deli - The Pickled Pantry, Cootamundra

The crowd: There is usually a bustling mix of Coota locals to be found at the Pickled Pantry - if you are visiting the town, an added incentive to pop in is the area dedicated to local produce. 


The Price: Some of the produce at the Pickled Pantry can seem a little expensive but when put into perspective, it isn't so bad - the food is all top quality and much of it is sourced locally. There are also things that a small town the size of Cootamundra just wouldn't have if it wasn't for an innovative shop like this so really, it is well worth paying a tiny bit more rather than driving a few hundred kilometres to get some of the unique things on offer.

Local produce, Pickled Pantry, Cootamundra

The Pickled Pantry, Cootamundra

The location: The Pickled Pantry is located within the Cootamundra Arts Precinct. It is located next door to the Arts Centre on the corner of Wallendoon and Sutton Streets, Cootamundra.

DESTINATION: Cootamundra (Part 2)

Cootamundra Garden Club display, Cootamundra Street Parade

Well, its not every day that a town gets to celebrate its 150th Birthday so Cootamundra decided to make the most out of its Sesquicentenary Celebrations this week. The town loves a bit of wattle and it has been everywhere brightening up the last remnants of winter grey which are still clinging on. Cootamundra's Sesquicentenary all culminated with a parade and street party which went off with a bang...or maybe that was just the balloons being run over by the ride on mowers in the parade. Nonetheless, the whole town came out dressed in their best party gear and really made the most of the occasion.

150 years of Cootamundra, NSW

Cootamundra Street Parade

The parade featured familiar local faces and it was an experience to see so many elements of country life all crammed onto one main street at the same time. There were floats from businesses, clubs and social groups from Cootamundra which really showcased the spirit of the town.

Marching Band, Cootamundra NSW

Cootamundra Fire Fighters

Cootamundra Street Parade

Cootamundra Show Society

The street party saw street stalls selling local produce and crafts, showbags, rides and entertainments. I have seriously never seen Cootamundra this busy and it was great to see so many people all having a good time.

Cootamundra Street Party, 2011

Cootamundra Street Party, 2011

Coota's 150th birthday also inspired me to put my exploring hat on and take a look at some of the town's history first hand. The architecture is where the towns age is most evident with beautiful buildings scattered throughout the area, many dating back to Cootamundra's foundation. The Cootamundra Post Office was recently given a fresh coat of paint and looks all the better for it. Other historic buildings including the Cootamundra Court House and the old Cootamundra Hospital are also worth a look if you are in town.

Cootamundra Post Office

Old Cootamundra District Hospital

Historic Cootamundra Court House

Cootamundra, NSW

Cootamundra can be found on the South West Slopes of New South Wales, a two hour drive from Canberra.

Cootamundra Olives - The Good Oil!

Cootamundra Olives Extra Virgin Olive Oil

I am lucky enough to have some very clever friends in Cootamundra who have just pressed their first batch of olive oil under the Cootamundra Olives banner. The oil has been certified as extra virgin and is made from the Frantoio and Corregiola olives which they grow on their Cootamundra property. The oil is vibrant, fragrant and really packs a punch in the flavour department. 




Cootamundra Olives Extra Virgin Olive Oil



Cootamundra Olives Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Seeing celebrity chefs get so excited about good olive oil suddenly makes sense once you have tried the real deal. The Cootamundra Olives extra virgin oil is crushed within hours of harvest and the peppery, fruity taste is delicious. I heard someone say that in a good wine, you can taste the seasons, rains and earthy countryside which combine to produce each wine's unique flavour. I think the same may be said about olive oil - you can almost taste the hot Cootamundra summers and fresh country air as you mop up the oil on some crusty bread. 






Cootamundra Olives Extra Virgin Olive Oil



If you have never tried oil which has come from a small farm where it is harvested, crushed and bottled by the grower, give it a shot and you will never buy the mass produced oils again! If you are visiting the Cootamundra area, Cootamundra Olives oil is available for purchase now. If you would like information on either the Cootamundra Olives products or how to purchase their olive oil they can be contacted at cootaolives@gmail.com



Cootamnundra Olives



Cootamundra Visitor Information Centre, Cootamundra Railway Station

Update: April 2013 -The visitor's centre is in the process of re-locating to the Cootamundra Arts Centre.

Cootamundra Railway Station

The Cootamundra Visitor Information Centre is located on Hovell Street within the Cootamundra Railway Station complex which dates back to 1877.  The Centre has recently been given a facelift and I am pleased to say it was a good one! It was looking tired and drab a few months back but is now brimming with goodies sourced from our local farmers, artists and craftspeople. Chris Wheatley and Wendy Wilson are the ladies responsible for turning the Cootamundra Visitor Information Centre around. They, like me, have a passion for promoting the great produce of Cootamundra and the surrounding region and they display a huge variety of food, art and craft so there is something for everyone.

Cootamundra Visitor Information Centre

Cootamundra Visitor Information Centre

There are pre-made hampers which provide a sample of local treats and they can be custom-made for people who have specific favourites. In addition, there are displays throughout the Cootamundra Visitor Information Centre which highlight different products. Photos of the farms where produce has been sourced really help to paint a picture of the beauty and diversity of the Cootamundra region for visitors. Products which are currently available include offerings from Yandilla Mustard Seed Oil, Junee Liquorice, Billabong Jerky, The Long Track Pantry, Kaybundah Lavender, Wobbler Downs, Harefield Pistachios, Ballinaclash and Bremrok Jewellery. There are more products on the way including oil from the first harvest of the new kid on the olive oil block, Cootamundra Olives. As well as this, there are plans to expand the displays of local art and craft which has been made by hand in Cootamundra. 

Kaybundah Lavender Display, Cootamundra Visitor Information Centre

Yandilla Mustard Seed Oil Display - Cootamundra Visitor Information Centre

Billabong Jerky Display - Cootamundra Visitor Information Centre

Junee Licorice Display - Cootamundra Visitor Information Centre

The Cootamundra Visitor Information Centre provides an opportunity to relax and recharge your batteries with an onsite cafe. There are sandwiches, tea and coffee and for the sweet tooths, there is a wide selection of scones, slices, cakes and biscuits. 

Cafe at the Cootamundra Visitor Information Centre

Cafe at the Cootamundra Visitor Information Centre

Fresh made scones at the Cootamundra Visitor Information Centre

If you need maps, information brochures, accommodation information or postcards, these are also available at the Cootamundra Visitor Information Centre.

Information Display - Cootamundra Visitor Information Centre