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

Murrumburrah Harden Spring Show

Horse float and sheds, Murrumburrah Harden Show

The Murrumburrah Harden Show turned 163 this year and showcased everything you would expect to see at a country Ag show. From prize-winning rams to beaut utes, it gives a real taste of the NSW country all dished up on one weekend. 

Prize winning fleece, Murrumburrah Harden Show

Grains and pumpkins, Murrumburrah Harden Show

The Murrumburrah Harden Show has all the elements of a quaint country show with scarecrow building, bake-offs and craft competitions and wandering through the pavillion was like taking a step back to a time when the simple things were what made people happy - the time, skill and effort which had gone into the works on display was great to see. From the prize winning fleece to the hens eggs, farmers and hobbyists alike had taken the time and pride to show off the fruits of their labour and I was whisked into a cloud of nostalgia for times passed..and then I stepped out of the pavillion and saw the rides spinning and whirring, heard the joyful screams and music, saw the lights and the toothy grins flash and realised that just appreciating the moment, whatever that holds, is the recipe for happiness.

Chicken, Murrumburrah Harden Show

Prize winning ram, Murrumburrah Harden Show

Sideshow alley was garishly bright with shouts of enticement being yelled at all who dared to walk through. There was enough sugar and deep fried meat to feed the crowds who were tackling it with gusto in the way which always seems like a good idea under the bright awnings and lights of show day.

Showtime treats, Murrumburrah Harden Show

Clowns, Murrumburrah Harden Show

Sideshow alley, Murrumburrah Harden Show

If you want to taste a real country show, the Murrumburrah Harden Spring Show is a good place to start considering they have 163 years of putting on a good show! The Murrumburrah Harden Spring Show is held annually in early September at the Murrumburrah Showground.

Harden's House of Honey, Murrumburrah, NSW

Harden's Houe of Honey

Harden's House of Honey is full of everything sweet and yellow. Honey, not surprisingly, is the star of the show. Creamed honey, macadamia honey, honey on the comb, honey comb, honey popcorn, honey lollies, honey drinks...you name it, it is here! But Harden's House of Honey doesn't stop at the stuff you can eat - there are also beeswax candles and furniture polish, honey body products, bee toys, bee books, bee costumes, bee mobiles...you get the picture.

Wild bees, Cootamundra

While some of the stuff is a little bit kitschy, it would definately appeal to the kids and there are also some really beautiful products on offer. Of course there is the honey itself which is locally produced - there are so many types and it comes in tubs, bottles and jars. Harden's House of Honey provides samples of each type so you can try before you buy to make sure you pick the honey that you love. There are also hampers containing beeswax candles, honey and other goodies which are presented really well and reasonably priced.

Harden's House of Honey

Local Harden Honey at Harden's House of Honey

Harden's House of Honey

Harden's House of Honey is located in the old Post Office building and there is some history on the building as well as some information on the life cycle of bees, honey production and the like throughout the store. There are hives, frames, extractors and the like on display which add to the experience.


As well as this, Harden's House of Honey doubles as a cafe. It serves Art of Espresso coffee which is roasted in nearby Young, NSW as well as sandwiches, biscuits and devonshire tea. The sandwiches are around the $5 mark with a devonshire tea setting you back $6.50 and $3.50 for a coffee.

Harden's Houe of Honey cafe

If you are visiting Harden-Murrumburrah, Harden's House of Honey is a great little place to stop in and pick up some delicious local produce as a memento of your stay. Harden's House of Honey is located on the Burley Griffin Way (Albury Street) in Murrumburrah, New South Wales.

A friendly welcome at Harden's House of Honey!

Which Craft & Coffee Cottage, Murrumburrah-Harden

Which Craft and Coffee Cottage, Murrumburrah-Harden

The Style: Which Craft and Coffee Cottage is set inside a house which was built in 1902 and as you open the front door, it feels like you are popping in to visit an old friend. The dining room at Which Craft and Coffee Cottage is quaint and cosy - it is like the quintessential country kitchen from story books with a beautiful embossed ceiling, timber floors, tapestry wall hangings and a pantry bursting at the seams! In this case, the pantry is jam packed with local goodies for sale including jam, chutney, oils, dried fruits and cakes all at reasonable prices.

Dining room, Which Craft and Coffee Cottage, Murrumburrah-Harden

Local produce, Which Craft and Coffee Cottage, Murrumburrah-Harden

Local produce - Which Craft and Coffee Cottage, Murrumburrah-Harden

The entire house is open to be explored and there are arts and crafts of every imaginable style on display. All are for sale and if you are looking for a gift, there is plenty to choose from. There is a room full of baby wear, a room of goodies for the kids as well as several rooms with jewellery, clothing, wall hangings, cards and everything in between.

Devonshire Tea - Which Craft and Coffee Cottage, Murrumburrah-Harden

Devonshire tea - Which Craft and Coffee Cottage, Murrumburrah-Harden

Scones - Which Craft and Coffee Cottage, Murrumburrah-Harden

The taste: There is nothing nicer on a cold winter morning than Devonshire tea and the version dished up at Which Craft and Coffee Cottage certainly didn't disappoint. The scones were light and fluffy and the helpings of jam and cream were generous. Other items on the menu include quiche, sandwiches and cake.

Local craft - Which Craft and Coffee Cottage, Murrumburrah-Harden

Dining room wall hanging - Which Craft and Coffee Cottage, Murrumburrah-Harden

The crowd: Which Craft and Coffee Cottage caters largely to visitors. If you are passing through, Which Craft also acts as a tourist information centre and the volunteers who work there are very welcoming and happy to share their local knowledge.

Local craft - Which Craft and Coffee Cottage, Murrumburrah-Harden

The cost: The cost of a Devonshire tea was $8 and included two scones, condiments and a pot of tea. Menu items were all very reasonably priced.


The Location: Which Craft and Coffee Cottage is located at 19 Vernon Street, Murrumburrah (on the corner of Albury Street which is the main street through town). The twin-towns of Murrumburrah and Harden are located on the south west slopes of New South Wales about four hours drive from Sydney or  one hour and forty five minutes from Canberra.

Which Craft and Coffee Cottage

Which Craft and Coffee Cottage

Harden Gold Trail Festival

Re-enactment of the shooting of John Barnes - Harden Gold Trail Festival

The south west of NSW is home to many towns which have been affected by the discovery of gold and ten local governments in the area have recently banded together to create a tourist trail to celebrate the region's gold rush history. Harden Shire Council has embraced this concept and in 2010, the first Harden Gold Trail Festival was held.



Re-enacment of the shooting of John Barnes, Harden Gold Trail Festival

The twin-towns of Harden and Murrumburrah are part of the 186 000 hectare Harden Shire Council area which is home to around 3 500 people. Today the area is better known for its quality dryland wheat but back in the 1800s, it was home to scandal and intrigue with several high profile bushrangers plying their trade in the area. Demondrille Creek near Harden saw the discovery of gold in 1856 and in 1897, Harden Murrumburrah was the site of the first call up muster of the 1st Australian Horse. These chapters in Harden's history are celebrated at the Harden Gold Trail Festival. The festival includes re-enactments of famous events such as the shooting of John Barnes by bushrangers Vane and O'Meally, the Murrumburrah Light Horse Troop manouvres, a bullock dray, gold panning, plays and muzzle-loading and firing demonstrations.

The festival also has market stalls featuring local arts, crafts, baked goods and produce.

Market stalls, Harden Gold Trail Festival

Harden is located three and a half hours from Sydney and one and a half hours from Canberra. The Harden Gold Trail Festival takes place at the Murrumburrah Showground on Woolrych Street in Murrumburrah with events scheduled between 11am and 4pm.
The cost of entry to the Harden Gold Trail Festival is $2.00 for adults and $1 for children or $5 for families.