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Fast facts
- Griffith is surrounded by low hills and fragrant citrus orchards
- It’s at the heart of the vast Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area
- 570 km south-west of Sydney, population 24,000
Why go there
The main town of the Riverina, Griffith was developed in the early days of irrigation and designed by Walter Burley Griffin, the architect of Canberra. The Riverina is responsible for 60% of the grapes grown in New South Wales. There are more than a dozen wineries in the district, mostly around Griffith.
History
Griffith was established in 1916 as part of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area project, designed to irrigate the dry lands of the Riverina and make them suitable for farming.
Today, Griffith and its surrounds sustain thriving orchards and rice fields.
Approximately 60% of Griffith’s population claim Italian background – the first wave of Italian immigrants came to Australia during the Depression while the second wave arrived in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Griffith is associated with good food and wine, which can be attributed equally to excellent growing conditions and Italian know-how.
Things to do
- Do the Two Foot Tour of town and see the city's historic buildings, or follow the blue arrows on the self-drive tour in your car.
- Tour the district's wineries and restock your cellar.
- Wander around Scenic Hill and see the caves where the hermit Valerio Ricetti lived for 10 years.
- Head off to Cocoparra National Park and experience the Riverina landscape as it once was – full of wattles, orchids and ironbarks. The park is spectacular in spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.
Events
- Murrumbidgee Farm Fair in May.
- La Festa celebrates food and wine and cultural diversity at Easter.
- Festival of Gardens in October.
Don’t miss
- The Pioneer Park Museum, 18 hectares of bushland featuring 40 restored or replicated buildings from the early 20th century.
- The Italian Museum in town.
- Viewing the works on show at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery – it’s an exceptional collection.
- A tour of the Catania Fruit Salad Farm at nearby Hanwood.
- The soft-sculpture curtain hanging in the Regional Theatre. The curtain was hand-sewn by more than 300 people.
