Bilbul

Bilbul is a tiny rural locality in the Riverina region of New South Wales, best known as the home of the De Bortoli family's Bilbul Estate winery. Surrounded by vineyards and citrus orchards, this quiet spot offers a genuine taste of Australian wine country away from the crowds. The village itself is little more than a cluster of houses and a general store, but its proximity to Griffith and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area makes it an ideal base for exploring the region's food and wine scene.

Highlights & What to See

• De Bortoli Wines Bilbul Estate – Visit the cellar door for tastings of award-winning wines, including the famous Noble One botrytis semillon. The estate also produces olive oil and offers picnic facilities among the vines.
• Bilbul General Store – A classic country store selling local produce, cold drinks, and essentials. Grab a pie and a chat with the friendly owners.
• Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area – Drive through the surrounding farmland to see citrus groves, rice paddies, and vineyards. The irrigation channels and weirs are a testament to the region's agricultural ingenuity.
• Griffith Pioneer Park Museum – A short drive away, this open-air museum showcases the history of the Riverina's Italian-Australian community with original buildings and artefacts.
• Scenic drives – The back roads around Bilbul are perfect for a leisurely self-drive, with views of the Cocoparra Range to the north and endless farmland.

Suggested Time to Spend

Bilbul itself can be covered in an hour or two – enough for a winery tasting and a wander around the general store. Most visitors use it as a stop on a day trip from Griffith (15 minutes away) or as part of a longer self-drive itinerary through the Riverina. For a relaxed afternoon, combine your visit with a picnic at the winery and a drive through the irrigation area. If you're keen on exploring the region's food and wine, allow half a day to include nearby wineries and the Pioneer Park Museum.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Griffith – The regional hub, famous for its Italian heritage, excellent restaurants, and the Griffith Regional Art Gallery. Don't miss the Catania Fruit Salad Farm for fresh produce.
• Yenda – Home to another De Bortoli outpost and the Yenda Brewery, a craft beer lover's stop.
• Leeton – A planned town with art deco architecture, the Yanco Agricultural Institute, and the Fivebough Wetlands for birdwatching.
• Narrandera – A historic river town on the Murrumbidgee with a restored railway station and the Narrandera Fisheries Centre.
• Hay – Further west, Hay offers the Hay Gaol Museum and the Shear Outback shearing museum, perfect for a longer road trip.

Please check official sources for current details.