With its sweeping plains and river systems, the Riverina is the ideal place for you to unwind and discover the natural feel of the country. Watered primarily by the great Murrumbidgee River, this vast irrigation area turns out a bountiful array of produce including peaches and other stone fruit, grapes, oranges, vegetables, wine, rice, sun-dried tomatoes and sheep's milk cheese. Sheep and cattle farms abound, too.
Why not enjoy an authentic country experience on one of the area's working farms There's plenty to keep the kids entertained from milking a cow to a hayride. You'll also enjoy doing things together as a family such as seeing wildlife in its natural environment whilst on an exploratory bushwalk. At night, enjoy wonderful country style meals and have a yarn with your hosts about your contrasting lifestyles.
If you have time to spare away from the farm, you'll find lots to see in the Riverina. Get an insight into the pastoral history of the region at Willandra National Park near Griffith, or see blue-tinged cypress pines against rich red rocks in Cocoparra National Park. The Riverina is rich in history, with townships boasting beautiful heritage buildings and famed spring gardens. Wagga Wagga, New South Wales' largest inland city, is the cultural centre of the Riverina.
In spite of its size, the city retains a relaxed country town feel. Wagga is situated on the Murrumbidgee River and is home to museums, theatres, an outstanding regional art gallery and a brilliant national glass gallery. Thanks to its extensive parklands and excellent Botanic Gardens, Wagga has a reputation for being the 'garden city of the south.'
You'll also enjoy wandering around Griffith, a centre for wine and gourmet food. Descendents of European migrants to Griffith have created an eclectic mix of cuisines throughout the region and you'll delight in discovering surprising foodstuffs in local shops and eateries. Leeton is the headquarters of Australia's rice industry, and tours of the rice mill are a perennial attraction. In Hay you'll find the Shear Outback where the 'Australian Shearer's Hall of Fame' chronicles the history of shearing in Australia.
Go to the outskirts of Gundagai to see the Dog on the Tuckerbox - a real Aussie legend. Find the hidden garden of Bishop Lodge in Hay, a mansion made entirely of corrugated iron. See how rice gets from the field to your dinner plate on a tour of the rice mill at Leeton. Check out Temora's Aviation Museum.