Griffith Area Information Guide

Griff ith

JUST BRILLIANT GUIDES

Cover & welcome images by Destination NSW

Griff ith

GRIFFITH IS A VIBRANT CENTRE IN THE HEART OF A PRODUCTIVE AGRICULTURAL ZONE. THE CITY OF GRIFFITH WAS DESIGNED BY WALTER BURLEY GRIFFIN, THE RENOWNED AMERICAN ARCHITECT WHO ALSO DESIGNED CANBERRA. Griffin was appointed to design the city in 1914 and, although his familiar circular street design was accepted, the main business area became Banna Avenue rather than the radial streets at the top of town due to the proximity to the train station.

One of the most successful industries of the region has been the wine industry. Grape growing in Griffith dates back to 1913 when J.J. McWilliam planted the first grape vines at nearby Hanwood. Italian migrants arrived in the 1920s bringing their traditions of viticulture and hard work with them.

The Griffith region has continued to develop and today it produces a large percentage of the state’s wine grapes. Griffith produces many popular premium wines with winemakers also seeking out Mediterranean varietals such as Fiano and Nero D’Avola. Be sure to experience the wines of Griffith by visiting one of the many cellar doors.

valleys of cypress pine forests. In spring, the park explodes with wattle blossom, parrots, honeyeaters and wrens, while waterfalls and dry creeks come to life during rainy periods. The dramatic scenery, well maintained walking tracks, barbecue facilities and resident wallabies, kangaroos and geckos make a visit to Cocoparra a memorable experience.

After a day of exploring the bush you may wish to relax by the water at Lake Wyangan, just minutes from the city centre. The lake is a popular area for water skiing, sailing, paddling and fishing. The lake also offers facilities for picnics and camping for motorhomes; Griffith is CMCA friendly.

City Park, a popular picnic spot, features a fabulous climbing frame and water park. Enjoy a stroll along the canal from City Park to Centenary Walk and admire the seven granite sculptures, a gift to the city in 2016 to commemorate 100 years of progress.

Griffith is a rich blend of cultures and traditions and has a vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle with many boutique shops, street cafes, restaurants and delicatessens offering seasonal and locally-made produce. Enjoy the Griffith Rotary Markets held each Sunday, which is a great place to meet the growers and makers, and purchase freshly baked and picked produce.

A short drive across the city will take you up Scenic Hill to Hermits Cave Lookout, which offers a panoramic view of irrigation farms and beyond to the Binya Hills. This was also the home of Valeri Ricetti a reclusive migrant in the 1930s. Pioneer Park Museum and the Italian Museum are also located on Scenic Hill - an open air village capturing the essence of Griffith in the early 1900s.

Griffith is not just about food and wine though. The surrounding district offers many spots for walks and picnics. Cocoparra National Park is 30kms north-east of Griffith and can be accessed via the Barry Scenic Drive or Whitton Stock Route, the route taken by Cobb & Co coaches in the early days.

There are many fabulous food and wine events throughout the year. An annual highlight is the Citrus Sculptures each October. This would be one of the most unique outdoor exhibitions in Australia.

Using 100,000 oranges, the 70 large sculptures are a welcome gateway to the city and include a grand piano, a giant chook and robot.

Cocoparra National Park is a place of contrasts, boasting eroded cliffs, rocky escarpments and wide

Stop a while in Griffith ... you’ll love the lifestyle!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GRIFFITH, GO TO WWW.VISITGRIFFITH.COM.AU.

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GRIFFITH A�rac�on Backpacker Hostel Bed & Breakfast Bus Sta�on Camping Grounds Caravan Park Cellar Door Club

Legend Court House Farm Stay Footbridge High School Hotel Library Motel Picnic / BBQ Place of Worship

Post Office Primary School Public Pool Public Toilet RV Dump Point Self Contained Acc. Supermarket Train Sta�on

griffith

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A TASTE OF Griffith PICTURE THIS: A WOOD FIRED PIZZA, DINING UNDER GRAPE VINES AND SWIRLING DOWN A GLASS OF MONTEPULCIANO.

No, you are not in Italy, you are in Griffith - a town where you can let your taste buds explore! Griffith was populated by Italian workers in the 1950s and 1960s and today a large percentage of the population has Italian heritage. The taste of Italy is evident with the amount of quality dining options here.

Il Corso Cafe is a top spot for a traditional Italian meal or mouth watering pizza. Alternatively, you can take the family for a meal at the Griffith Leagues Club or for a casual bistro meal try Exies. O’Donnells cafe uses fresh organic produce in its breakfast and lunch menu, and also offers gluten free options. Or book a table at Limone Dining, where fresh ingredients are picked daily from the Piccolo Family Farm.

Image by Destination NSW

For wine lovers, a trip to De Bortoli’s Cellar Door is a must. For a guide to the region’s wineries, visit www.visitgriffith.com.au.

OUT & ABOUT IN

Griffith

GRIFFITH OFFERS PLENTY OF GREAT ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOPPING OPTIONS. ENTERTAINMENT Head to Griffith City Cinemas, grab some popcorn and settle in to watch one of the latest blockbusters. If your family is up for something more active, then meander over to Family Funland for a game of laser tag or bouldering. Star Bowling also offers a fun-filled afternoon ten pin bowling.

Griffith Regional Theatre boasts an array of national and international acts. Alternatively, enjoy a visit to the Regional Art Gallery or the Griffith Pioneer Park Museum.

SHOPPING Griffith offers an array of shopping options from boutique to big brands: • Banna Avenue shopping strip.

• Griffith Central Shopping Centre, corner of Jondaryan Avenue and Yambil Street.

• Griffin Plaza, corner of Yambil and Crossing Streets.

ALTINA

WILDLIFE PARK Darlington Point • Horse Drawn & Motorised Cart Tours • Guaranteed Close Up Encounters • Exciting Behind The Scenes & Wild Encounters

SPOTS FILL UP FAST SO BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME

PH: 0412 060 342

www.altinawildlife.com

Image by Destination NSW

Altina is located on the Sturt Highway outside Darlington Point, approximately 40mins drive from Griffith or 1.5 hr drive from Wagga Wagga

TRAVEL Distances FROM GRIFFITH TO: Albury Brisbane Canberra Cowra Echuca Melbourne Mildura Narrandera Orange Shepparton Swan Hill Sydney Wagga Wagga

254kms 1,247kms 358kms 294kms 300kms 458kms 445kms 87kms 376kms 266kms 360kms 574kms 183kms

ROAD SAFETY: You are permitted to drive on a current out of state or overseas licence for a period of one year. If you hold an out of state or overseas driver’s licence it must be carried with you when you are driving and produced on demand to a police officer if requested.

Vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory for all passengers.

Image by Destination NSW

It is illegal to talk on your mobile phone while driving.

ESSENTIAL Services POLICE Griffith Police

6969 4299

MEDICAL Griffith Base Hospital

6969 5555

Noorebar Avenue, Griffith Griffith Medical Clinic

6964 5888

1 Animoo Avenue, Griffith

DENTAL Griffith Dental Surgery

6962 3029

4 Noorebar Avenue, Griffith Image by Destination NSW

PUBLIC TRANSPORT Griffith Buslines

6964 3113

www.buslinesgroup.com.au/griffith Transport NSW TrainLink

132 232

www.transportnsw.info

TRANSPORT Griffith Taxis

CALENDAR OF Events

Thrifty

Griffith Visitor Information Centre Jondaryan Avenue

• Australia Day Celebrations

MARCH • City2Lake Fun Ride-Walk-Run • Rewind In The Vines • Griffith ProAm (Golf)

APRIL • Griffith Easter Party

MAY • Riverina Field Days

JUNE • MIA Tennis Tournament • Sikh Games

AUGUST • A Taste of Italy Griffith

SEPTEMBER • Griffith Cup Race Day

• Griffith Rotary Carnival Go to visitgriffith.com.au for all your event information.

Image by Destination NSW

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

6962 9122

VISITOR INFORMATION

JANUARY

• Griffith Spring Fest - Citrus Sculptures, Garden Festival, workshops and tours • Long Lunch at Piccolo Family Farm • Griffith Veteran Golfers Week • Griffith Multicultural Festival • Griffith Agricultural Show • Griffith's Biggest Lap

131 008

1800 681 141

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