Attractions in our region

Visit the Riverina

Relax in the Riverina and experience the locally-produced gourmet foods, drop in on the cellar doors of internationally recognised wineries or participate in bush festivals and discover Australia's unique history.

The Riverina region is located in southern New South Wales and encompasses the middle and lower reaches of the Murrumbidgee River Valley. The region's fertile farmland has attracted migrants from many nations, creating a surprising and eclectic mix of cuisines and cultures.

The population of the region is estimated at 150,000. The main regional centres with populations over 20,000 include Griffith and Wagga Wagga.

The region is bound together by a network of proud country towns with wide streets and grand old pubs. Heritage buildings and pioneering reminders can be found in every township of the Riverina.

Visitors can gain a contemporary rural Australian experience removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is a place of genuine smiles and friendly locals who enjoy a chat.

Today, the Riverina is the biggest producer of wine in New South Wales. Griffith alone boasts nine wineries open to the public for cellar door tastings and sales.

Drop in on the region's many gourmet food outlets - try the local cheese in Wagga Wagga, the organic licorice and chocolate in Junee, antipastos and sauces in Griffith or try one of the mouth watering pies at Micks Bakehouse in Leeton.
The Riverina is not just about good food and fine wine it is about experiencing Australia's unique connection to the land. There are many bush walking trails and scenic tours drives through the region where you are sure to stumble on a lavender farm or two. It is a
Visit the Temora Aviation Museum and learn about Australia air history and watch a genuine Spit Fire in action. Cruise down the Murrumbidgee River to Hay and try your luck at some great fishing spots along the way.

Stay at a country bed & breakfast, a historic pub or a genuine farmstay where both you and your children can experience life on the land.

Whatever you choose, the Riverina is a natural choice for those special holiday memories.

Check out the website http://www.riverinatourism.com.au.

Carrathool

Make a Memorable Visit to Black Stump Country: Hillston and the surrounding villages
Neighbouring Hay is the Carrathool Shire, showcasing a rich pastoral heritage reflected in the township of Hillston and the quaint villages of Rankins Springs, Goolgowi, Carrathool and Merriwagga. If you are interested in Australian heritage Carrathool Shire will make memorable visit.

Learn of the pathos surrounding the Black Stump legend and discover the Memorial to Pioneer Women at Merriwagga. West of Hillston, visit Willandra National Park and imagine the station in its heyday, as a huge sheep stud. The Hillston Historical Society hosts an amazing collection of nostalgia and will take you back to yesteryear including farm machinery, hospital and household items. All the communities have heritage trails that together weave the history of the area.

Of particular interest is the remains of the old Rankins Springs hotel that served as a watering hole for the Cobb & Co Coach and is the site of the original Rankins Springs village. Oxley visited the Rankins Springs area in 1817 and planted quince trees, which are still standing. Oxley described the country as barren and desolate, and doubted if civilised man would pass this way again, although he had the foresight to add, "But it is impossible to forecast what could be achieved with an improved agriculture and artificial economy".

A drive through the Shire will reveal diverse agriculture with some of the produce including potatoes, cherries, cotton, wool, grapes, rice, wheat and olives. The agriculture is irrigated from underground water and river water. Both the Lachlan and Murrumbidgee Rivers flow through the Shire, making it the perfect destination for fishing and bird watching.

Visit Hillston and the surrounding villages of Carrathool Shire and understand why this part of Australia has a very special part in the hearts of all locals, we're renown for our friendly folk and colourful characters. A stop at the local pubs will guarantee a local insight to the history and area. For further information go to the Carrathool Shire Council website http://www.carrathool.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 6965 130.

Booroorban

The area known as Pine Ridge was proclaimed the Village of Boorooban on March 20, 1885. Boorooban is the home of the Headless Horseman. Channelled water and the introduction of rice in the early 1990s have been the major positive changes seen in the district over recent years. The pub, officially known as The Royal Mail Hotel remains the hub of social life on the Old Man Plain. Boorooban has two tennis courts, a grassed BBQ area and playground with a caravan park to be established shortly.

Balranald

Balranald is a thriving centre with a diverse agricultural and pastoral base. Supplementing the traditional activities are viticulture and horticulture near the river, and an expanded awareness of tourism. Balranald is situated on the Murrumbidgee River and is the Gateway to Mungo National Park. There are five motels and a caravan park to cater for our many overnight visitors.

Lake Mungo

Mungo National Park covers most of an ancient dry lakebed on the plains of Western New South Wales. The park lies 110km north-east of Mildura and 150km north-west of Balranald on the Arumpo-Ivanhoe Road.

During the ice ages, Lake Mungo was one of a chain of freshwater lakes strung along Willandra Creek, the main channel of the Lachlan River flowing into the Murrumbidgee River. These dry lakebeds preserve the longest continual record of Aboriginal life in Australia, dating over 60,000 years ago to the present day.

Deniliquin

Deniliquin was established in 1842 around a crossing place on the Edward River. Deniliquin has a rich agricultural heritage and is the home to the largest rice mill in the Southern Hemisphere and processes most of the national rice crop. As a country retreat Deniliquin is only three and a half hours from Melbourne. The national attractions of the region offer the chance to enjoy doing nothing or join the action and make the most of Deniliquin's hospitality.
For more information on Deniliquin visit http://www.denitourism.com.au.

Echuca-Moama

Known as the paddlesteamer capital of Australia, Echuca once was a bustling river port. Located only two and a half hours from Hay on the Cobb Highway, Echuca has a wide variety of shops, restaurants, cafes and accommodation available.

The Long Paddock

From as early as the 1840s a large section of what is now known as the Cobb Highway was recognised as the best route for the movement of stock from the Gulf Country to the Victorian markets. The Long Paddock is the creation of a tourism route that follows this stretch of the Cobb Highway from Wilcannia to Echuca-Moama, including the towns of Ivanhoe, Booligal, Hay, Boorooban, Deniliquin and Mathoura. For more information on The Long Paddock, and the museums it includes, the website is http://www.thelongpaddock.com.