Riverina Area

Riverina is an inland agricultural region in south-west New South Wales defined by its broad plains and irrigation from the Murrumbidgee River. It is a prominent area for irrigated cropping, viticulture and mixed farming in Australia.

The region contains several regional service centres and agricultural towns that support processing, transport and regional services. Irrigation schemes developed in the 20th century underpin much of the intensive cropping and orchard production found there.

Riverina is located inland from the New South Wales South Coast and lies between the Riverina plains and the eastern highlands, with key towns including Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Leeton serving the wider rural area.

The region covers a substantial area rather than a single site and is best approached via regional highways that connect the towns and agricultural districts.

• Agriculture: The region is defined by broad agricultural plains and the Murrumbidgee River irrigation network, making it a major area for crops such as rice, fruit and grapes in New South Wales.

What to See#

• Wagga Wagga: Wagga Wagga serves as the region’s largest city and service centre for health, education and transport.
• Griffith: Griffith is a major agricultural and irrigation town in the region, known for vineyards and horticulture.
• Leeton: Leeton is closely associated with early 20th century irrigation projects and remains a centre for rice and horticultural production.

(No specific directions provided.)

• Base yourself in a regional centre such as Wagga Wagga to cover the Riverina's main attractions and services - distances are large and towns provide the best access to galleries, wineries and river precincts.
• Visit in autumn or spring for milder temperatures and to catch harvest-time farmers' markets and regional food events rather than the hot, dry summers that can make long drives less pleasant.
• Explore riverine reserves and wetland bird hides (for example around the Murrumbidgee) early in the morning; many visitors pass through for towns and miss the region's strong birding and river-park experiences.