Riverina Guides Attractions Events in New South Wales

Ardlethan is located 65 kilometres from Narrandera in the Coolamon Shire. Well known as the 'Home of the Kelpie', a small village that prides itself on its people and proud sporting tradition. Supporting a strong rural community of wheat and sheep produces, Ardlethan is in the heart of rural Australia and the state of New South Wales. Ardlethan has a strong representation of heritage buildings that come from the early period of settlement of rural Australia.

Situated just 20 minutes west of Temora at the intersection of the Burley Griffin way and Mary Gilmore Way, Ariah Park, known as the town of "Wowsers Bowsers and Peppercorn Trees" is a quaint little village that has the same look and feel as it did back in the 1920's. The relaxed pace of 'Ariah Park Time' offers the traveller a welcome respite from the pressures of the daily round. The wide peppercorn tree lined streets shade a commercial centre little changed from the peak of the village’s prosperity in the 1920's.

Barellan is located 55 kilometres from Narrandera. This little community boasts some excellent attractions such as the Barellan Museum, which has numerous historical items that relate to Barellan's rich history. This town is well worth a stop to embrace the real spirit of a country village. Barellan is close to the Newell Highway and Burley Griffin Way.

Bilbul is a village in the central part of the Riverina and situated about 6 kilometres north-east from Griffith and 6 kilometres south-west from Yenda. It is a large farming area of rice, grapes and oranges.

Bilbul is home to Casella Wines, Berton Vineyards, DeBortoli Wines and Wilga Park Cottage Bed and Breakfast

Made famous by Banjo Patterson's poem "Hay and Hell and Booligal", the village of Booligal is a small cluster of houses on the tree-lined Lachlan River. It is surrounded by open expanses of grass plain and saltbush that stretch to the curve of the horizon in the distance, broken only by grazing kangaroos and emus, while hawks, wedge-tail eagles and galahs soar overhead.

The village boasts a cricket oval for the occasional social game, shaded eating areas, playground and toilet facilities. The Booligal Hotel provides travellers with beverages, barbecues and beds, often in that order.

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.

Carrathool was once a bustling country town of several hundred people surrounded by large merino properties and with a railhead serving an enormous area.

Rich Heritage
The village of Carrathool was originally located on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. During the 1850s Carrathool was one of the earliest river port towns established to serve paddle steamer traffic on the river.

In 1882, with the arrival of the railway, a new village was established two miles north of the river. Carrathool was proclaimed on 20 March 1885, and became the railhead for an extensive area. Enormous quantities of wool, wheat, timber and livestock were shipped on rail from Carrathool.

Take a driver over the historic Carrathool Bridge, one of the last lifting bridges remaining in Australia. Built to replace the punt, the heritage-listed bascule lift span last opened for river traffic in 1961.

The large pastoral holdings surrounding the village represented a major industry for more than one hundred years. Typified by large merino properties, it was not uncommon for some shearing sheds to be shearing sheds to be shearing close to one hundred thousand sheep in a season. Learn more of Carrathool's pastoral history by following the heritage markers around the village.

Relaxed Lifestyle
Visitors to Carrathool can make use of the local park, or stop for a cold drink at the Family Hotel. Pinkers Beach on the Murrumbidgee River is an attractive beach perfect for picnics and rest stops, or to throw a line in for a spot of fishing.

The highlight of the district calendar is the Carrathool Races, held annually in February. This race meet is also known as 'The Best of the Bough Shed Tracks' and attracts up to 2000 race goers annually, and has been running for over one hundred and twenty five years.

Coolac, originally home to the Wirradjuri People, was first settled by Europeans in the 1830's. There are a number of buildings, created between 1850 to 1880 from the local stone, still standing in the village, including the three original hotels known as the Beehive, Coolac and Junction hotels, the police station, and two churches, St Judes Anglican and St Peters Catholic. Until 1982, a level-crossing railway line crossed the Hume Highway just near St Judes.

The Murrumbidgee River is joined by the Tumut River and the Muttama Creek, which wends its way from Cootamundra, not far from the current Hume Highway.

Situated some "nine miles from Gundagai", it is arguable that the bank of the Muttama Creek at Coolac was the original site of the 'legendary' Dog on the Tuckerbox tale, as opposed to those who argue for the "five mile" theory.

Coolac produces quality beef, lamb and cereal products. In the early days of settlement a minor gold rush was experienced. It is reputed that some 900 miners were camped on the hill not far from the present hotel, which also had a producing vineyard nearby. Some minor minerals and semi-precious stones have been found in the area. These days the region boasts Australia's largest apple orchard and the champion racehorse, Tie The Knot, grazes not far away

The school was established in 1872 of local stone, with the present weatherboard structure erected in the 1920s, closing permanently in 1980. It is now the venue for the annual Coolac Festival Of Fun which offers a program of outdoor concerts by some of Australia's leading performers, along with the well-known Bald Archy Prize, and a grand dinner celebrating the regions best wine and food.

The name "Coolamon'' comes from an aboriginal word meaning "dish or vessel for holding food or water" referring to the Coolamon Holes which can be
found in the district. Coolamon, a delightful small town founded in 1881, is well known for its antiques and museums. There are many historical buildings
throughout the district including churches, banks, hotels, schools and halls.

Cootamundra has an elevation of 318m and is centrally located geographically in the South West Slopes of New South Wales - between Sydney, Melbourne
and Adelaide. It is less than two hours drive from Canberra.

Cootamundra is a corruption of the Aboriginal word "Gooramundra" meaning turtles, swamp or low-lying. Cootamundra is home of the Cootamundra Wattle
Acacia Baileyana which is probably the best known of all cultivated acacias. The Cootamundra Wattle is naturally restricted to the South Western Slopes of
New South Wales and it is cultivated widely both in Australia and overseas.

The Wattle Time Festival is held during the month of August each year."Wattle Valley" on the Berthong Road, north of Cootamundra is a natural area where the wattles grow. Sir Donald Bradman was born at 89 Adams Street Cootamundra, (then a small private hospital) and lived at Yeo Yeo for the first
few years of his life.

Cootamundra was first settled in the 1830's. The town was built on what was originally a stock station called "Cootamondra" owned by pioneer, John
Hurley. By the 1860's settlement about the station had increased to such an extent that a certain amount of town planning was necessary. The town was
surveyed as the "village of Cootamundry" and the plan was approved in 1861. Cootamundra and district have always produced good beef, lamb, wool and
rich crops of grain. Many of the older buildings remain, and are being sensitively restored, while in Cootamundra's Cooper St a whole avenue of century-old
elm trees have been heritage listed. Since it's earliest days, the Cootamundra district has enjoyed prosperity from its natural environment, which even
today supports a diverse mix of agricultural pursuits. The railway came through in 1877 encouraging the further growth of pastoral and related industries.

Situated at the crossroads of the Mid Western Highway and Kidman Way, the village of Goolgowi was settled in 1925, following the development of the railway line between Griffith and Hillston. Located in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, Goolgowi is essentially a wheat farming and grazing area; however in the past decade the industry has diversified to include olives, walnuts, grapes, lettuce and a prime cattle feedlot.

Today the village is a popular stopping place for travellers, and includes two motels, a caravan park, Ex-Servicemen's Club, general store, hotel, service station, NRMA/mechanic, and primary school. Sport is an important part of the community and Goolgowi has a nine-hole golf course, a twenty five metre, solar heated swimming pool, and recreation ground including football oval, cricket oval and tennis courts. Goolgowi is home to the Carrathool Shire Council headquarters.

The soft sculpture curtain, created by a number of local women in 1988, commemorates Goolgowi's pioneers and history, and depicts the various aspects of the settlement, and development of the district. The sculpture, located at the Goolgowi Hall, can be viewed by contacting the Carrathool Shire Council Office in Goolgowi.

Follow the heritage trail around the village to discover the history of Goolgowi. Located outside the Carrathool Shire Council Office are five panels, installed to celebrate the Council's Centenary in 2006. Each of the panels is dedicated to one of the five towns and villages within the Carrathool Shire.

Take time to admire the award winning gardens at the Goolgowi Public School, developed by the community over the past twenty years. The garden includes both natives and exotics, and has a low allergy section. The local community take pride in their village and this is reflected in the wonderful gardens of local residents.

Take a break at Pioneers Park, with toilets, a free electric barbecue and children's playground to help break up your trip.

Did You Know?
Famous horse trainer Tommy 'TJ' Smith was raised in Goolgowi, where his parents owned the local butchers store. The shop still stands today but is unused.

Griffith is the heart of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) and is one of the largest wine and vegetable production areas in Australia. On your way into the city of Griffith you'll be surrounded by the glorious fragrance of citrus orchards, cushioned in the low hills that stretch all around.

The town was originally designed by Walter Burley Griffin, a landscape architect from Chicago (also responsible for the urban development of Canberra). Griffith is renowned for its fine wineries, and there are few more delectable ways to spend a lazy weekend than touring this area and sampling the local fruity fare - in every shade of red and white.

Griffith is the 'oasis' of the Riverina and the heart of Wine and Food Country. This thriving city is a unique mix of cultures from around the world which gives Griffith that true cosmopolitan feel. It is renowned for its quality restaurants and European style cafes all serving divine gourmet cuisine complimented by local fine wines. In Griffith you'll taste the best Italian food outside of Italy!

Griffith provides great accommodation, winery and farm tours along with numerous other attractions.

Grong Grong, a small farming village in the southern region of New South Wales, is typical of most Australian towns with friendly townsfolk and a vibrant busy community. It is situated on the Newell Highway, within the Narrandera Shire, and is midway between the major cities of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

This small community spirit and proximity to major centres makes Grong Grong a perfect place to raise a family or to enjoy retirement at a pace that suits.

Gundagai will be forever associated with the Australian folklore of 'The Dog On The Tuckerbox' and the characters immortalised in the stories of 'Dad & Dave' at Snake Gully by Steele Rudd. Visit the many historic buildings listed on the National Trust Register. Situated on the Murrumbidgee River, Gundagai is located just off the Hume Highway between Yass and Holbrook.

Australia's busiest highway - the Hume - takes you to historic Gundagai. A town immortalised for over a century by classic nationalistic songs. The lines we all know well, 'There's a Track Winding Back... Where the Murrumbidgee's Flowing...and the dog Sits on the Tuckerbox Five Miles from Gundagai'. This legendary monument is probably the best-known slice of Australian folklore - mateship between man and his dog. After all these years, the dog still holds pride of place at the multi-attraction tourist rest just eight kilometres north of Gundagai on the western side of the Hume Highway.

There are many things to see in Gundagai. A unique experience is Rusconi's Marble Masterpiece. A cathedral in miniature containing 21,000 pieces of marble mined in New South Wales. It was created by former Gundagai monumental mason Frank Rusconi in his spare time over 25 years.

The Gundagai Tourist Centre houses the Rusconi Marble Masterpiece, along with other memorabilia. Incuding Steele Rudd`s famous characters- Dad, Dave, Mum and Mabel - all immortalised in copper. Stay awhile and take the Two-Foot Tour of Gundagai and discover the town's history, architecture and character. The D. R. Gabriel Gallery contains hundreds of photographs of early Gundagai printed by the Australian National Library.

Well worth a visit are the majestic Gundagai Court House built in 1859 where Captain Moonlight the bushranger was sentenced, the Gundagai Historic Museum, the old 1849 Flour Mill and the town's famous bridges - the Railway Bridge built in 1901 and the sprawling Prince Alfred Bridge of 1866 - the longest timber viaduct in Australia.

Excellent accommodation is available with a choice of seven motels, hotels, four star caravan village, River Caravan Park and Auto Cabins. The town boasts good restaurants, cafes and coffee shops, licensed club and hotels.

Hanwood is a small rural village and is home to McWilliam's Wines, Catania Fruit Salad Farm and Bartters Chickens.

Hay is located on the banks of the picturesque Murrumbidgee River and surrounded by the vast open Hay Plains, at the junction of the Sturt, Cobb and Mid-Western Highways. Hay's history is rich with characters and tales of boom and bust - of isolation and innovation. It is in the centre of some of the flattest country on earth. With a population of 3500, Hay is home to five museums, including Shear Outback: The Australian Shearers' Hall of Fame.

Hay is a popular destination for visitors who wish to experience the warmth of true country hospitality, and a rich cultural heritage.

Junee is surrounded by the towns of Coolamon, Temora, Cootamundra, Gundagai, and the City of Wagga Wagga and is ideally located midway between
Sydney and Melbourne. Its south eastern edge is framed by the banks of the Murrumbidgee River while the remaining undulating, fertile pastoral and
cultivated country is broken only by the small villages of Illabo, Bethungra, Wantabadgery and Old Junee.

Junee is surrounded by the Shires of Coolamon, Temora, Cootamundra, Gundagai, and the City of Wagga Wagga and is ideally located midway between Sydney and Melbourne. Its south eastern edge is framed by the banks of the Murrumbidgee River while the remaining undulating, fertile pastoral and cultivated country is broken only by the small villages of Illabo, Bethungra, Wantabadgery and Old Junee.

The Historic town of Junee boasts one of the finest collections of early Australian architecture. Junee’s main streets are lined with splendid examples of Georgian and Victorian railway buildings and hotels, along with some pleasing 1920s vintage street-fronts.

For more than a century Junee was known as ‘The Rail Centre of the South’ and the impression still lingers. Junee grew up around its station – the formal grid pattern of streets evident in many country towns is not so obvious here. The town square lies on one side of the station and Broadway on the other.

For a first hand look at the town’s steam–driven history, visit the Roundhouse Rail Museum. The Great Southern Railway Line was opened in Junee in 1878 and the impressive station, was built five years later in French Renaissance style and still stands today. The Roundhouse, built in 1947 is the only surviving, working railway roundhouse in this part of the world.

While in Junee visit the licorice factory, the lavender farms or Monte Cristo’s Haunted House. Also take a Bethungra Dam and Junee’s Wetlands. Discover the extensive bird population from the viewing platform.

The 125 hectare lake is an ideal spot to while away a few enjoyable hours watching or participating in sailing, sailboarding, water-skiing, fishing or just a stroll along the forshore.

Lake Wyangan is a leisurely 10 minute drive north-west of Griffith. The lake was formed in 1957 using the remains of a gypsum mine and a natural swamp area. All manner of water sports are availalbe. Bring a boat and fish, ski or simply enjoy sailing. Around the lake there are also picnic and BBQ areas which offer a delightful setting for a relaxing break. Wildlife enclosures featuring native animals and bird life are found throughout the picnic area. There is also a children's playground which will provide hours of entertainment.

Leeton is a thriving irrigation town in the heart of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. Like Griffith and Canberra, the town was designed by American Walter Burley Griffin.

Leeton's well-preserved Art Deco buildings, tree-lined streets, beautifully kept public and private gardens and over 100 hectares of recreation parks and reserves make for a wonderful walking town. Stop and have a taste at one of the boutique wineries.

Leeton is a thriving irrigation town in the heart of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. Like Griffith and Canberra, the town was designed by American Walter Burley Griffin.

Leeton's well-preserved Art Deco buildings, tree-lined streets, beautifully kept public and private gardens and over 100 hectares of recreation parks and reserves make for a wonderful town walk. Stop and have a taste at the two boutique wineries.

It has excellent accommodation, licensed clubs and is the ideal base to discover the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Areas.

Leeton won the 2007 Overall State Tidiest Town.

This historical town is known as the verandah town because of the beautifully restored facades and verandahs in the main street. These have been
classified by the National Trust as a fine example of turn of the century architecture. In the 1860's the area around Lockhart was a favourite haunt of
bushrangers. Mad Dog Morgan used the caves on Galore Hill and Blue Cap' Robert Cotteril was active in the region.

Maude is located 52 kilometres west of Hay, on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. The Maude village consists of the General Store, and the Maude Hotel, Caravan Park and Post Office. Meals are available at night from the Hotel.

The origin of the name for the township of Maude is unknown. The village was established in approximately 1861 and continued to grow very slowly until in 1879 when it boasted a hotel, a store, and a wool store.

A great way to experience the Australian bush is to travel through Maude and rejoin the Sturt Highway to Balranald.

A small village of about 35 people, 13km east of Lockhart. It has a large Lutheran Cemetery on its western outskirts.

The small community minded village of Morundah, located 28 kilometres from Narrandera in the Urana Shire, is best known for its Morundah Carpathon held annually in November, the Morundah Bush Picnic Races and in more recent years, its quirky location for standout Opera performances from Oz Opera and Opera Victoria in the Paris Palladium Hall, which can hold anywhere up to 500 people and has a real country feel.

The Narrandera Shire area was originally inhabited by the Wiradjuri Aborigines and the town's name is thought to have been derived from a word meaning 'place of the goanna or lizard', paying homage to the famous local fauna.

Enjoy a walk along the banks of the Murrumbidgee River and the picturesque Lake Talbot. An historic walking tour will take you through the town's main attractions, including the Tiger Moth Museum, Royal Mail Hotel and the original courthouse and police station sites.

Located on the junction of the Newell and Sturt Highways, and the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Narrandera is the ideal stop when travelling from either Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane or Sydney. It’s located in the heart of the food bowl of the Riverina.

Narrandera is a large Shire in the geographical centre of the Riverina, with over 1,000 kilometres of roads within its boundaries. The shire incorporates the town of Narrandera and the villages of Grong Grong, Binya and Barellan.

The township of Narrandera is at the centre of a diversely productive agricultural region. Originally the site of a very large sheep 'run' Narrandera now marks the transition between an extensive dry-land area devoted to cereal crops and sheep and wool production to the east, and, to the west, the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area fed by water from the Burrinjuck Dam. The MIA is a region where irrigation has opened the way to a diversity of enterprise, from the growing of rice and other cereals under irrigation to the production of citrus, wine grapes and potatoes.

The availability of water and the pressure of recession and shifting demand for traditional farm product means that the Narrandera district is also one where innovative farmers are changing from the traditional 'wheat and sheep' to alternative farming enterprise. Lavender, aquaculture, deer farming and olive plantations are relatively recent additions to the range of farming pursuits in the area.

Oxley is a small village approximately 85km from Hay. Oxley is home to the now famous "Charlie Carp" Fertilizer and the Cumbungi Swamp.

Set in the middle of the Conapaira Range between Goolgowi and West Wyalong, Rankins Springs was established in 1869 and provides a welcome stop over for travellers.

Historical Links
John Oxley was the first white man to visit the Rankins Springs area during his exploration in 1817. To the west of the village, on the highway, a monument to Oxley is incorporated into the rest area. The original Rankins Springs village was located approximately 10 kilometres from the present village, and all that marks this site is the remains of a grand hotel in the middle of a valley. The village moved to its present site following the construction of the railway in 1923.

Follow the heritage trail markers around Rankins Springs and learn more of the fascinating history of this small village.

A Birdwatchers’ Paradise
The Rankins Springs district is home to a large number of Australian bird species, including the Glossy Black Cockatoo, Superb Parrot, Major Mitchell Cockatoo, Gilbert's Whistler, Chestnut Quail Thrush, Shy Hylacola, Painted Honeyeater and Mallee Fowl.

At present there are seven designated bird watching sites in the Rankins Springs area strategically located to optimise your bird watching experience. Hides are situated at two of these locations with more planned in the future.

Natural Wonders
Cocoparra National Park is located approximately 45 kilometres from Rankins Springs, and provides the opportunity for bushwalking, picnicking, nature study and photography.

A peaceful town
Travellers passing through make use of the comfortable motel, Caravan Park, picnic and toilet facilities in the well kept, shady parks. A general store and service station provides visitors with the essentials. There is also a well maintained sporting complex and a nine-hole golf course. The Conapaira Hotel was rebuilt in 2002 after a fire ravaged the old hotel in 1996.

The Riverina.....

We've got it all, from some of the nation's best food and wine, to the widest, most breathtaking horizons filled with wonderment, just waiting for your discovery.

We've national parks, picnic grounds, unique wildlife, heritage buildings, festivals, art galleries, historic trains and planes, walking trails, country music, haunted houses, botanical gardens, agricultural shows, museums, producer's markets, rivers and ancient aboriginal culture.

The Riverina's playground offers golf courses, swimming pools, horse-riding, ballooning, fishing, tennis courts, boating, sky-diving, bowling greens, picnic race meetings, vintage car rallies and cricket, football and netball facilities - entertainment for all ages.

You can spend the night in a grand colonial hotel, a village pub, a modern motel, a B & B, genuine farmstay or the simplest caravan park, and choose from a range of restaurants, cafes and clubs offering the best of our superb natural produce.

We can relate our history, thrill with breathtaking scenery, and offer the friendliest of hospitality. You can fossick for gold or semi-precious stones; go fruit-picking with your backpack; or study the fauna and flora on a bushwalk.

Yes - we've got something for everyone. Explore these pages......and then come visit us! We will welcome you all

Stockinbingal is a small village with a population of 250 people, situated on the Burley Griffin Way, 410 kilometres South of Sydney. Stockinbingal is primarily a farming community producing wheat, canola, cereal crops, sheep, wool, fat lambs and cattle. There are also small orchards of olives, almonds
and cherries. Stockinbingal has maintained its architectural integrity and remains virtually untouched since Federation. Its former commercial buildings
remain intact as prime examples of the Australian vernacular style. Designed in 1881 in lieu of the village of Yeo Yeo which was designed in 1860 but never
built, Stockinbingal was proclaimed a village on March 20th, 1886.

Stockinbingal Cemetery has many rare plants and endangered birds. The cemetery contains a rare and valuable remnant of grassy grey box – yellow box
woodland. The grassy understorey contains a range of native grasses, herbs and wild flowers. This site is part of the Grassy Box Woodlands Conservation
Management Network. Endangered Bird – The Grey –crowned Babbler can be found here, plus migratory birds such as the Superb Parrot (December) and
Dollar bird (November to December).

Stockinbingal Railway Station opened in 1893 servicing the Temora –Cootamundra line. In 1912, the Forbes line was commenced. The timber railway
station is one of over 400 such stations built throughout country NSW of which less than twelve survive. It is operated by manual signals and is an
important line for wheat transport from the central west and freight from Western and South Australia.

The local hotel was built in 1892 to cater for the Cobb & Co coaches which used the village as a stopover on their journeys from Harden to Temora. The
following year the branch line from Cootamundra to Temora was completed and the town became an important railhead. In the years that followed the
town grew rapidly and so, in 1893, a local police station was established and the local school was opened in 1894.

The first and only bank in Stockinbingal was the Bank of New South Wales which set up an agency in 1907 on the corner of Hibernia and Martin Streets in
1921 and closed in 1974.

Temora is in the Riverina, South West New South Wales. The district is an agriculture showcase with grain and livestock dominating the landscape to the far horizons. Its not only the gold rush history and the historic Edwardian and Federation architecture which will enthuse history buffs. Classic country villages such as Ariah Park, once known as the town of Wowsers Bowsers and Peppercorn trees and the place of the first bulk wheat haulage, will remind you of how things used to be.

Venture back in time when you visit the Temora Rural Museum, showcasing Sir Donald Bradman's first home, an extensive agriculture machinery display and
rock and mineral collection, including a replica of the largest gold nugget to be mined the 'Mother Shipton'. Temora also played a significant role in the
aviation history of Australia. It was there that the RAAF established No 10 Elementary Flying Training School in May 1941. The Temora Aviation Museum
has one of the finest collections of flying historic aircraft in Australia. The museum hosts flying weekends once a month, where a selection of the aircraft
take to the skies.

Name your addiction, Temora is a sports-mad community with excellent sporting facilities for numerous sports including 22 hectare Lake Centenary which
plays host to the fishing and water sporting enthusiasts. The newly refurbished Olympic sized pool is a must on those hot sunny days. Try a punt on the
harness racing or a photograph beside the life-size statue of Paleface Adios. Watch the local footy, dare to skydive, or spend a day at the Temora Golden Gift.

Welcome to the Temora district. They are an important industrial centre for the rich wheat belt of the northern and western Riverina of New South Wales. Drop on by and visit the gateway to the Riverina.

See the outstanding Rural Museum with many displays and working exhibits including Sir Donald Bradman's first home or the exciting Aviation Museum with a range of vintage aircraft. Aero sports including skydiving, aerobatics and gliding are available in the area. Visit the many heritage buildings and historic cemeteries. Learn about their past German history.

Ariah Park - take a stroll in a classic rural village, the birthplace of bulk grain haulage. Learn about the huge mineral pool at the nearby Barmedman.

Temora, the harness racing capital of Australia.

The township of The Rock is located on the Olympic Way 25km south of Wagga Wagga and 96 km north of Albury.

The character of the town is derived from its wide park-like main thoroughfare and the visual domination of the unusual mountain of rock that rises from the plain and lies immediately south of the town.

In the main street (Urana Street) silky oak trees were planted soon after World War I as an avenue of honour, one for each soldier in the district who served his country. The avenue was opened in 1920. In later years when the silky oaks required replacing, hardier Kurrajong trees were planted.

The Rock was at one time an important rail junction until the decline of the branch line. Now with a population of 900 The Rock is steadily moving forward due to its close proximity to the largest inland city in New South Wales, Wagga Wagga.

Wagga Wagga is one of Australia's leading regional cities. Apart form its excellent educational facilities, it's cultural and sporting achievements are outstanding. With a population of over 60,000 it is located on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River and is home to Charles Sturt University, RAAF Base Forest Hill and the Australian Army Base Kapooka. The city hosts 22 primary schools, 8 secondary schools, the regional TAFE and a community college.

Wagga Wagga is the hub and major retail/industry centre of the Riverina, Australia's food bowl and New South Wales biggest wine-producing region and is bounded by the Snowy Mountains to the east and the fertile Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area to the west.

Food and Wine
Wagga Wagga has dozens of restaurants and cafes and many national food chains. Charles Sturt University runs an award winning winery and cheese making facility. The gourmet Magpies Nest restaurant produces the Wagga Wagga Wild olive oil. The Wagga Wagga Winery and Restaurant is housed in a rustic building with an extensive collection of memorabilia, a huge 'moving' mural and one of the biggest fireplaces in the Riverina.

Sport
Wagga Wagga is famous as a nursery for sports stars. A small sample of the list includes Steve Elkington, Mark Taylor, Michael Slater, Tony Roche, Paul Kelly, Wayne Carey, Peter Sterling, Greg Brentnall and Scobie Breasley. Some say this is due to a mystery nutrient in the Murrumbidgee River but you can draw your own conclusions by visiting the Wagga Wagga Sporting Hall of Fame Website or pop into the Museum of the Riverina in the historic Council Chambers.

Arts and Culture
The stunning new National Art Glass Gallery where regular exhibitions from world class art to local community groups feature in the Gallery programs. Public artwork has also become one of the city's key features superb sculptures dotted around the Central Business District. Wagga Wagga is home to Australia's oldest professional theatre company Riverina Theatre Company, which along with Charles Sturt University's Theatre Ensemble and dozens of cultural groups creates a packed calendar of events.

Gardens
Wagga Wagga's award winning Botanic Gardens are the jewel in the crown of the 'garden city'. Garden lovers should also visit the Victory Memorial Gardens, designed by Sir Thomas Kerr (designer of Sydney's Botanic Gardens) as a tribute to those who fought and died during the WW1. Wagga Wagga also has beautiful private and open gardens to be enjoyed year round.

Transport
Wagga Wagga has regular daily flights to Sydney and Melbourne and is just over two hours drive to Canberra. The Countrylink train stops four times daily.

Accommodation
Wagga Wagga has over 2,000 commercial beds in four star motels through to Pubs and backpacker hostels.

Conference/Event assistance
Council's tourism services division specialises in assisting conferences and events being held in the city. This help includes financial, marketing and administrative support.

The township of Whitton is 23 kilometres west of Leeton. Originally named "Hulong", the town was a focal point for teamsters transporting goods and people into the south western areas of New South Wales.

Progress has not passed Whitton completely by and the huge rice storage and seed complex near the town centre, is the largest in the irrigation areas.

The small township of Yanco is situated eight kilometres south of Leeton and was the starting point for development of the MIA.

The Yanco powerhouse, once the main power generation station for the irrigation scheme, is being restored as a museum. It is open for inspection the last Sunday of the month.

Yanco Agricultural Institute covers 825 hectares and incorporates research, advisory and farming facilities. A drive-through inspection during normal business hours is available.

The Murrumbidgee River and the MIA Forest Drives are accessed just south of Yanco and offer delightful experiences.

Yenda is a small township 17 kilometres from Griffith. Yenda is a large farming area.

Berton Vineyards is open for wine tastings. Casella Wines, home of the famous Yellow Tail wines is also in Yenda.

Yenda is on the way to the Cocoparra National Park. It has two primary schools - one private and one public, two clubs, a pub with on site accommodation, and a catholic church.

Yerong Creek was originally named Yerong. The village began in the late 1870's when fettlers arrived to assist in the construction of the railway line.

Yerong Creek is Lockhart Shire's oldest village. In its early years the name Yerong was incorporated in the titles of the parish, school, hotel and race club. There was one exception however, the railway station. In 1881 the Railway Department erected a sign on the platform naming the station "Yerong Creek". It was probably the most prominent sign in the town so after a period of several decades the locals gradually accepted the name Yerong Creek.

In 1880 "Yerong" had a population of over 200, and by 1881 buildings consisted of a railway station, a schoolroom, a shanty, a small store and several homes. The following few years saw the addition of the new school and residence. The school served puplis from an area between Culcairn and Uranquinty who were transported each day by train.

In April, 1891, the Roads Department began to make a road through the township. This road started at the railway gates and extended west for 220m to 240m, this section is now known as Plunkett Street.

Grubben Station was subdivided between 1908 and 1910, during that decade the township grew steadily.

Two banks became operational. The first stage of the public hall was erected in 1911. This was followed later by several extensions and renovations.

The first Post Office was opened. The new two storey hotel was built. With its rustic appearance it is an attractive building and is now utilised as a private residence.

About the same time a second general store opened as did a fruit shop and a dress shop. Three stock and station agents were in business at the one time. A boarding house and a billard room were also in existence.

An attraction in the early 1920's was a Paddy's Market. Poultry,produce and old furniture were sold at this market. In Januray 1922, the old Cooee buildings, built by Mr Elkington were burnt down, these premises housed the saddler, the barber, the fruiterer, the baker and the billiard room. This building was replaced by a brick structure which was completed in 1923, Smeaton and Gain conducted a fuel agency in these premises.

Until the mid 1940's those who came to town for supplies and a friendly ale would leave their horses tied up in the allotment where Galvin park is now situated.

Today the Yerong Creek school in Cole Street caters for students from Kindergarten to year 6. The mural painted by former resident artist Gerry Willis on an exterior wall of the school, depicts Yerong Creek railway station as it appeared in years gone by.