Riverina

Stretching across the sunburnt plains of southern New South Wales, the Riverina is a land of wide skies, winding rivers, and rich agricultural bounty. Here, the Murrumbidgee and Murray rivers carve life into the landscape, supporting vineyards, citrus orchards, and olive groves. This is a region where you can taste the terroir in a glass of bold shiraz, explore historic gold-rush towns, and paddle through ancient red-gum forests. The Riverina offers a quintessentially Australian experience—authentic, unhurried, and deeply connected to the land.

Highlights & What to See

• Griffith: The heart of the Riverina’s wine country, with cellar doors offering Italian-influenced varietals. Don’t miss the stunning Pioneer Park Museum and the nearby Hermit’s Cave lookout.
• Wagga Wagga: A vibrant regional hub with the excellent Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, the tranquil Botanic Gardens, and the Wiradjuri Walking Track along the Murrumbidgee River.
• Narrandera: Famous for its koala sanctuary and historic main street, plus the tranquil Lake Talbot with its swimming complex and birdlife.
• Deniliquin: Gateway to the Edward River, known for its historic bridges, the Peppin Heritage Centre, and the annual Deni Ute Muster festival.
• Mungo National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site with the hauntingly beautiful Walls of China—lunar-like dunes that reveal 40,000 years of Indigenous history. Part of the Willandra Lakes Region.
• Murrumbidgee River: Perfect for canoeing, fishing, or a lazy riverside picnic. The river’s red-gum forests are a haven for birdwatchers.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly experience the Riverina’s diversity, plan for at least five to seven days. This allows you to explore the wine regions around Griffith, soak up the culture in Wagga Wagga, and venture into Mungo National Park for a day trip. If you’re self-driving, a week gives you the flexibility to follow the Murrumbidgee River, stop at historic towns, and enjoy the region’s farm-to-table dining without feeling rushed. A shorter three-day itinerary could focus on Griffith and the wine trail, with a quick detour to Narrandera.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra: The national capital is a three-hour drive from Wagga Wagga and offers world-class museums, galleries, and parliament.
• Snowy Mountains: Head east for alpine hiking, skiing in winter, and the scenic Kosciuszko National Park—about two hours from Wagga.
• Mildura: Across the Victorian border, this Murray River town is known for its citrus and wine, and is a natural extension of the Riverina’s riverine theme.
• Hay: A historic river port with the impressive Hay Gaol Museum and the famous “Hay Plains” for a taste of outback isolation.
• Lake Cargelligo: A tranquil spot for water sports and birdwatching, with a strong Indigenous heritage.

Please check official sources for current details.