Stopover Destination – Why The Crossing Motel Junee is the Perfect Midway StayBetween Sydney & Melbourne
- Duncan Pattle
- Nov 8, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 11, 2025

Halfway Never Felt So Good
For travellers making the long journey between Sydney and Melbourne, there’s a hidden gem halfway that transforms a simple stopover into an experience — The Crossing Motel in Junee, NSW. Perfectly positioned in the heart of the Riverina, The Crossing Motel blends country hospitality with modern comfort, giving weary road trippers, business travellers, and families the perfect place to rest, refuel, and recharge. And with the acclaimed Roundhouse Restaurant right on site, it’s more than just a place to sleep — it’s a destination for great food, great service, and genuine Australian warmth.
Why Junee Makes the Perfect Midway Stop
The town of Junee sits roughly five and a half hours from Sydney and just under five hours from Melbourne — making it the ideal midpoint for anyone driving between the two capitals. Unlike many highway towns, Junee offers a sense of tranquillity. Surrounded by rolling farmland, heritage buildings, and local attractions, it provides a relaxing escape from the monotony of long- distance driving. The Crossing Motel’s central location at 39 Seignior Street means you’re close to everything — the Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory, Railway Roundhouse Museum, shops, and local pubs are all just minutes away.
Modern Comfort with Country Character
At first glance, The Crossing Motel impresses with its clean, contemporary design, but step inside and you’ll find every detail chosen for comfort. Each room includes air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and plush bedding designed for a good night’s sleep.Travelling with family? Choose from spacious family suites or interconnecting rooms. For couples,
executive suites offer a little more luxury — perfect after a day on the road.
The motel also offers ample off-street parking, including space for trailers, caravans, and work vehicles, making it ideal for adventurers and professionals alike.
And when summer hits, guests can cool off in the outdoor swimming pool, or unwind with a drink in the courtyard before heading to dinner at The Roundhouse.
Dine on Site – The Roundhouse Experience
One of the most distinctive advantages of staying at The Crossing Motel is having a high-quality restaurant right next door.
The Roundhouse Restaurant is open to the public and motel guests, serving modern Australian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients from the Riverina region. Whether you’re after a hearty steak, a fresh seafood dish, or a vegetarian plate that actually excites, The Roundhouse delivers. After hours on the road, few things compare to enjoying a chef-prepared meal without needing to venture back into town. Pair your dinner with a regional wine or a refreshing craft beer and let the team take care of the rest. It’s fine dining with a country heart — and for many travellers, it’s the reason they choose The Crossing Motel over the big-chain alternatives.
For Every Type of Traveller
• Families: Spacious rooms, pool access, and kid-friendly meals make it easy to travel
comfortably.
• Business Travellers: Reliable Wi-Fi, conference facilities, and onsite dining streamline
your stay.
• Couples: The peaceful setting, boutique rooms, and restaurant ambience make for a
surprisingly romantic getaway.
• Adventure Seekers: Explore the Riverina, hike local trails, or visit heritage landmarks
before returning to modern comfort.
With friendly staff who go out of their way to ensure every stay feels personal, The Crossing Motel truly represents the best of small-town hospitality.
Explore Junee While You’re Here
Junee rewards those who take the time to explore. Spend an afternoon touring the Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory, where you can sample handmade sweets and watch chocolate being crafted.
Junee Railway Roundhouse Museum, one of the largest working roundhouses in the Southern Hemisphere.Looking for something slower? Take a short drive to Coolamon or Temora, enjoy local markets, or sip your way through the region’s boutique wineries. Every season brings something new — spring flowers, autumn colour, and crisp winter evenings by the fire at The Roundhouse.
Stay & Dine Packages – Make It a Mini Getaway
For guests who want to make the most of their stopover, The Crossing Motel offers Stay & Dine packages, pairing a night’s accommodation with a two-course dinner at The Roundhouse Restaurant.
It’s ideal for couples wanting a relaxing weekend, or for business travellers looking to unwind after meetings in Wagga Wagga or Cootamundra.
Add breakfast the next morning, and you’ve created a simple yet memorable experience that
transforms a routine drive into a regional escape.
A Local Touch You’ll Remember
What sets The Crossing Motel apart isn’t just its facilities — it’s the people. From the front desk to the restaurant floor, every guest is treated like a regular. The team goes above and beyond to ensure comfort, offer travel tips, and accommodate requests.
It’s this personal touch that keeps guests returning, often making Junee a regular stopover
tradition on their Sydney-Melbourne journeys.
Your Road Trip, Upgraded
If you’ve been searching for the perfect halfway point — a place where good rest meets great food — look no further. The Crossing Motel and The Roundhouse Restaurant make the journey between Australia’s two biggest cities something to look forward to.
Why settle for a quick service station stop when you can have a night of comfort, connection, and country charm?
Plan Your Stay
The Crossing Motel
📍 39 Seignior Street, Junee NSW
📞 (02) 6924 3255
The Roundhouse Restaurant
🍽 Modern Australian dining using fresh, local Riverina produce
🕒 Open Tuesday–Saturday for dinner (bookings essential)




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