Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Griffith, Australia

The city of Griffith lies in the fertile plains of NSW‘s Riverina region, surrounded by vineyards, rice fields, and orange groves.

This city was meticulously designed, featuring an intriguing arrangement of circular streets and radiating avenues.

Throughout the 20th century, waves of Italian immigration have significantly influenced Griffith’s culture and identity, contributing winemaking expertise, a diverse array of produce, and an undeniable passion for culinary delights.

Visitors can indulge in cannoli, gelato, and authentic salami from establishments founded in the 1950s and enjoy extensive tours of the Riverina’s cellar doors.

1. Griffith Pioneer Park Museum

This outstanding museum complex allows visitors to explore the history of Griffith while comprehending the impact of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area in establishing the Riverina’s agricultural significance. In addition to an extensive collection of artefacts spanning over a century, the park features several heritage buildings relocated to the site.

Bagtown serves as a nostalgic reminder of Griffith’s pioneering era from the 1910s, accurately recreating historic facilities such as the post office, general store, newsagent, hairdresser, and bakery.

The Italian Museum and Cultural Centre provides insights into Griffith’s Italian heritage, presenting firsthand accounts from immigrants, household items, clothing, tools, and more.

Moreover, the Wine Museum, supported by local winemakers, chronicles the evolution of winemaking in one of Australia’s most prolific regions.

2. Riverina Wine Region

Approximately 25% of all wine produced in Australia originates from the Riverina wine region surrounding Griffith.

In this area, warm climate varietals such as Semillon, Shiraz, and Chardonnay flourish in flat plains with loamy, red-brown soil.

The vineyards bask in year-round sunshine, experiencing scorching summers and cooler winters.

Reflecting Griffith’s Italian roots, prominent names such as De Bortoli and Calabria Family Wines stand out.

These are just two among numerous wineries located near Griffith, with notable mentions including Yarran, Berton, and McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate.

Such a wealth of options allows for the convenience of engaging local services like Griffith Tours or Bella Vita Tours to craft a personalized itinerary.

3. Hermit’s Cave

Located on the north-eastern outskirts of Griffith, a prominent rocky formation presents itself, which is actually a protruding hill from the McPherson Ranges.

Between 1929 and 1952, the reclusive Italian immigrant Valerio Ricetti made this location his residence, diligently constructing shelters, water reservoirs, drystone walls, gardens, and pathways across a kilometer of the escarpment.

There exists hardly any comparable site to Hermit’s Cave throughout Australia, and the location was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 2007. One can hike up the steep incline to appreciate Ricetti’s craftsmanship, study the information boards, and relish expansive views over the Riverina’s productive plains extending toward the peaks of Cocoparra National Park.

4. Lake Wyangan

This recreational haven for the Griffith region is artificial, having been developed in the 1950s on the grounds of former gypsum mines and an existing natural swamp.

At Lake Wyangan, one can enjoy a picturesque expanse of water surrounded by open green spaces ideal for picnics and recreational activities.

Facilities available include barbecues, sheltered picnic areas, a complimentary campsite with electricity, restrooms, hot water, as well as a freely accessible boat ramp and jetty.

Children can delight in the playground and explore animal enclosures housing chickens, deer, and goats.

5. Griffith Regional Art Gallery

Griffith hosts one of New South Wales’ premier regional galleries, situated in an elegant Art Deco structure from the 1930s.

This gallery features two significant collections: the life’s work of fashion designers, Ross Weymouth and John Clarringbold, including at least 12 awarded pieces from the Australian Gown of the Year Awards.

Additionally, the gallery is home to Australia’s National Contemporary Jewellery Collection, acquiring new artworks every two years from the biennial National Contemporary Jewellery Award held within the venue.

The gallery presents up to ten exhibitions annually, showcasing selections from the collection alongside landmark touring displays and highlights of local artistry.

6. Spring Fest

Every October, Griffith commemorates the onset of spring with a fortnight of street festivities, gastronomic experiences, wine sampling, and open garden tours.

The hallmark of this event is the impressive display of over 70 sculptures along Banna Avenue, crafted from local oranges by numerous volunteers.

These sculptures, comprised of 100,000 oranges, draw inspiration from the renowned lemon sculptures found in Menton, France.

They take on various imaginative forms, including a Cinderella-style carriage, a giant guitar, and a grand piano.

The sculptures are free to view and are a central feature of Spring Fest, which also includes a garden festival with open garden tours, a multicultural celebration, and a lively kickoff party.

7. Bertoldo’s Bakery

This cherished bakery and deli located on Banna Avenue is currently run by its fourth generation and has been in operation since 1952. For those who appreciate discovering longstanding local establishments, Bertoldo’s Bakery is a requisite visit.

You can stop by to enjoy freshly baked bread, along with a selection of Italian desserts such as cannoli, biscotti, and gelato.

savoury options include a variety of sandwiches, wraps, sausage rolls, and roast chicken, complemented by high-quality coffee.

8. Codemo Smallgoods

This established entity within Griffith has been producing smallgoods (including salami, ham, and sausages) since the 1950s.

Codemo’s exquisite selection of cured meats is crafted onsite in small batches.

A diverse range of prosciutto, bacon, cooked ham, and sausages are available.

When it comes to salami, customers can select from an assortment of northern and southern Italian specialties, spanning from mild to extra hot, as well as options that include black olive and cacciatore.

Customers are welcome to sample the products before making a purchase.

9. City Park

Families with energetic children need not look further than this park which opened in 2011 on the edge of the central business district.

The highlight of City Park is an impressive playground featuring the tallest rope-based climbing structure in the Southern Hemisphere, a double flying fox, and a large splash pad.

Additionally, there is a fenced playground for toddlers, exercise stations, and spacious lawns suitable for picnics and leisure.

The park is interconnected with Griffith’s canal, featuring waterside pathways and a footbridge spanning the waterway.

10. Cocoparra National Park

Located a short distance north-east of Griffith, the flat plains of the Riverina region are punctuated by a series of distinctive hills, with the tallest being Mount Bingar at 455 meters.

This area is preserved within an 8,347-hectare national park, which serves as a destination for hikers seeking to navigate rocky terrains and immerse themselves in stunning vistas.

The transformation of the landscape across seasons is particularly striking at Cocoparra National Park; following significant rainfall, the park showcases waterfalls pulsating with life.

Visitors can admire the intricately folded rock faces, hike through forests of kurrajong, Dwyer’s mallee gum, and white cypress pine, while discovering beautiful wildflowers and orchids in the spring.

11. Centenary Sculptures in IOOF Park

Just west of City Park lies another green space named after the International Order of Odd Fellows.

In 2016, a collection of seven granite sculptures was established here to commemorate the city’s centenary.

These remarkable works were crafted from three-tonne blocks during an intense creative period involving 17 days of work by prominent stone sculptors from around the globe.

The park features sculptures by Liu Yang (China), Renate Verbrugge (New Zealand), Chris Peterson (Netherlands), Miguel Isla (Spain), TOBEL (Germany), Francesco Panceri (Italy), and Hew Chee Fong (Australia). Each sculpture reflects the theme, “The meaning of water in Griffith, and the city’s cultural diversity.”

12. Griffith Regional Theatre

For live entertainment, the local favorite is the Griffith Regional Theatre located near the university, accommodating 520 patrons and equipped with cutting-edge staging, sound, and lighting technology.

The theatre’s programming is designed to attract a diverse audience, featuring contemporary drama and dance, major touring musical acts, tribute performances, musicals, cabarets, children’s shows, comedy, and much more.

The venue also hosts community and school productions, while Artspace facilitates an annual exhibition series highlighting regional artists.

13. Altina Wildlife Park

For a family day outing, this zoo is conveniently accessed via Kidman Way and is renowned for its unique guided tours showcasing both endangered Australian and exotic species.

These tours are conducted in horse-drawn carts (pulled by a Clydesdale) or motorized vehicles, accompanied by an entertaining and knowledgeable guide, lasting around 2.5 hours.

During this experience, one can observe a myriad of animals, from African lions to white rhinos, spotted hyenas, American bison, and lemurs.

The excursions are timed to coincide with feeding sessions, providing an opportunity for close-up observations of behaviors typically witnessed only in their natural habitats.

14. Griffith Visitor Information Centre

Positioned prominently along Griffith’s main thoroughfare, Banna Avenue, the visitor information centre features a WWII-era Fairey Firefly mounted atop a column.

This memorial pays tribute to local airmen, unveiled in 1969, and the aircraft was used for naval reconnaissance during the war.

The information center serves as an excellent initial stop in Griffith.

Its facilities include an interpretive display area illustrating Griffith’s history since 1916, along with brochures, maps, and informational leaflets.

The gift shop is also noteworthy, featuring locally crafted Indigenous arts and crafts, as well as delicious artisanal products from the area such as honey, prunes, balsamic vinegar, wine, nougat, olive oil, and relishes.

15. Griffith Easter Party

An additional highlight on Griffith’s event calendar is this multi-day celebration held over the entire Easter weekend.

The festival is rooted in the local wine industry and typically coincides with the conclusion of the vintage season each year.

From Thursday to Monday, visitors can partake in wine tastings, explore food stalls, witness cooking demonstrations, enjoy jet boat races, and engage in numerous family activities.

Children can participate in Easter-themed storytelling and egg hunts, while adults can relish live music at local clubs and pubs extending into the night.