Why Riverina Should Be Your Next Aussie Adventure

Riverina is a relatively unknown area in Australia that many tourists, and even locals, don’t know the beauty and adventure it holds. Here are a few of the best things to do in Riverina, and why you need to visit it. 

What to Do 

Whether you want to visit the beach, explore the great outdoors, or find the Riverina version of a delicious bottle of De Bortoli red wine, Riverina has something for everyone, and has more than enough for the entire family to enjoy. 

Food & Produce Tasting

First, Riverina is the bread basket of the area and has plenty of fruit and vegetables on offer. Because of this, start at Catania Fruit Salad Farm, where you can pick and eat fresh, seasonal fruit. 

You can also pick a delicious picnic up at Coolamon Cheese, and enjoy a plethora of local produce while taking in the beautiful scenery. Not to mention the many restaurants serving up mouth-watering local and international dishes. 

Wineries & Breweries

Riverina is also home to unforgettable wineries and breweries, such as Barombola Wines which is a family-owned farm that makes some very tasty wine, as well as having a brewery on-site that you can explore and have tastings at. 

If you want to have a complete experience that includes a delicious meal, head to Courabyra Wines, where you can sip on a glass of bubbly, and have a wine and food pairing that is an adventure for the senses. 

Outdoor Exploration 

Riverina shines when it comes to outdoor activities and exploration. You can head to the local beach that most certainly gives Bondi a run for its money, or you can cycle the Turkey Flat trail and take in all the natural beauty Riverina has to offer. 

You can also pack a picnic and your camping gear and head to the Koala Reserve, and if you have little ones, the Wagga Zoo is the perfect place to take them to spot and pet plenty of animals. 

Where to Stay

While Riverina may be small, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of accommodation options for you to choose from. 

Unique Hotels

At the Kimo Estate, you can stay in one of the three glamping EcoHuts on the 7,000-acre estate, or head to the Snowy Valleys and visit Nimbo Fork Lodge, which is a remote cottage that will most certainly give you the peace and tranquility you are after. 

One of the most unique places to stay has to be Belisi Farmstay, which is a luxury, self-catering farmyard with accommodations built out of recycled shipping containers. 

Camping

There are plenty of camping sites to choose from across Riverina, with each offering something new and different. This is also the best way to get in touch with nature, with many being right on or close to the beach or Murrumbidgee River. 

Caravan Parks

If you want a bit more freedom to travel, there are also caravan parks and parking spots available for you to set up at. Considering the amount of things there are to see and do across the area, being able to pack up and move on a whim is arguably one of the best ways to explore Riverina. 

What to Know Before Visiting

Now that you know a few of the best things to see and do in Riverina, here are a few tips to remember before visiting the area. 

Weather

Firstly, the area has fairly warm Summers and temperate Winters, meaning there is no right or wrong time to visit regarding the weather. However, as it is still Australia, visitors should be aware that the height of Summer can be overwhelming. 

Accessibility 

Even though Riverina may seem like it is in the middle of nowhere, it is fairly easy to reach. You can drive, or take a flight to the main town of Wagga Wagga. Driving is recommended, as it gives you the opportunity to take in the landscape and explore the small towns you pass through along the way. 

Indigenous History 

Riverina has a rich indigenous history, and has been home to the Wiradjuri people for centuries. You can experience their culture through art galleries, walking tours, and story-telling events, all of which are highly recommended. 

Festivals & Events

Riverina also plays host to several events and festivals throughout the year, many of which celebrate the area’s food, agriculture, and cultural history. If possible, visiting during this time is a great way to get insight into the history and offerings of Riverina. 

Diverse Culture

Finally, Riverina is home to multiple cultures, especially in the main city of Wagga Wagga. There are people from England, India, Iraq, the Philippines, New Zealand, and a large Yazidi population, as well as a strong community of Aboriginal and Torres Strait people . All of these have contributed to the growth and diversity of the area, which can be seen in the food, art, etc. 

As mentioned before, Riverina may be small, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a wide variety of adventures and experiences to discover. Whether it be nature, food, wine, or culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy, no matter what you want to get out of your holiday.