Day 1: Journey to Griffith & the MIA

Join your air-conditioned Coach for your journey south. A morning tea break will be provided at Seymour, followed by a stop in Cobram for lunch & on through Jerilderie for an afternoon comfort stop before arriving in Griffith. You will be warmly welcomed at the Griffith Motor Inn located in the heart of town, with time to settle in before Happy Hour & a delicious dinner in the Motels Restaurant. Your contact number during your stay will be 02 6962 1800. (L,D)

Day 2: Farming & an open Garden

The Riverina is the headquarters for Australia’s rice industry. The farms are 250-300 hectares with normally 80-100 hectares of rice grown each summer, rotating with wheat, oats, canola, soybeans and /or barley during the winter period. Subject to weather conditions, this morning will include a visit to a local farm, with one of the Riverina farmers who will open your eyes to the realities of farming in the M.I.A. This morning we visit one of the local prune farms (we are regular visitors – ha ha) where you will see the newest ways of drying the fruit. A tour, tastings and morning tea are provided. Then, a local guide will join the coach for a guided tour of this fascinating, cosmopolitan country city. You will hear of Griffith’s development since 1913 when irrigation arrived and dramatically changed the once barren landscape into the fertile oasis of today. Like the Australian capital, and the nearby town of Leeton, Griffith was designed by Walter Burley Griffin. This afternoon, afternoon we will enjoy lunch at a local garden before having some free time this afternoon for a stroll along the main street from the Motel. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Leeton

Leeton is another example of the absolute best in rural, urban living. Designed as Griffith was, by Walter Burley Griffin, Leeton displays the Art Deco style of the period in its main streetscape. This area produces amongst other things Australia’s world-famous Sun Rice- rice, so good it is exported to Japan. The Leeton Information Centre offers an excellent presentation of Australia’s rice industry along with a tasting. Lunch will be provided in Leeton before our local guide joins the coach for a town tour. Close to Leeton, is the unique Lillypilly Estate Winery and a visit is normally included this afternoon. Decades ago, Pasquale Fiumara brought to Australia from Italy, the tradition of thousands of years of viticulture and winemaking. Tramillon, the extremely popular Red Velvet, the award-winning Noble Blend and Noble Harvest are but a few of the exclusive gems from their range which you can sample this afternoon. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Piccolo Farm experience, Whitton Malt House Lunch & Southern Cotton Gin

Piccolo Family Farm is a fully functional farm that offers visitors a unique farm experience. Located on 20 acres just outside of Griffith, the property features a citrus orchard, a small vineyard, a Cellar door (in development), market gardens, and 2 acres of established manicured gardens. The citrus orchard produces three varieties of oranges that fruit almost year-round. The market garden includes herbs, fruits, and vegetables. The farm uses sustainable farming practices, with all the produce harvested by hand and free of chemicals and pesticides. It directly supplies the family’s restaurant, Limone Dining, located in the main street of Griffith. The small vineyard features 4 Italian varietals carefully selected to complement our climate and soil type. The vineyard’s first harvest is this year. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at the new Whitton Malt House. Nestled on the banks of Lake Hulong, Whitton Malt House offers visitors a place to experience unique beverages & delicious regional food. Architecturally designed, Whitton Malt House’s breathtaking floor to ceiling views across Lake Hulong and sweeping to the magnificent waterfall and eucalyptus forest, make it a special destination. Free time to explore the grounds after lunch. Next is a visit to the Southern Cotton ginning facilities. Built and commissioned in the 2012 season it boasts state of the art technology in quality measurement, cleaning, humidification, processing, and data traceability. Visits are subject to seasonal availability & during the busy season it may not always be open for coach visits. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Traditional farming life, local history & wine

This morning first stop is at the unique Catania Fruit Salad Farm on the outskirts of Griffith – Catania is one of the oldest established farms in the area dating back to the 1920’s. Catania Farm gives you the opportunity to visit a working mixed horticulture and Viticulture farm, growing many different varieties of fruits and nuts – take the opportunity to taste some of their jams, prunes and mustards along with their wine made in the traditional Italian way. Lunch will be provided at Pioneer Park in Griffith with time for a train ride & to explore this interesting venue. Pioneer Park provides visitors with an understanding of the unique character of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation area, one of the great national success stories of our time. Griffith is also home to the famous De Bortoli Winery. Typical of the Italian tradition of warm hospitality and friendly service, instilled by Vittorio & Giuseppina De Bortoli this tradition remains very much alive at the family-owned winery. Enjoy a tasting this afternoon & the opportunity to take some home with you. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Homeward Bound

Today it’s time to farewell the fabulous Riverina. A morning tea break followed by Lunch provided in Shepparton and a short break before arriving home in Melbourne.  We hope as you reflect on your holiday you have many wonderful new memories of your time in the Riverina. Thank you for choosing this tour. (B,L)