Described as “Little Italy in the heart of NSW”, Griffith is a large regional city in which 60% of the population have Italian ancestors: as well as being afoodie paradise, Griffith boasts a fascinating, unique Italian-Australian culture.There’s many culinary delights and an abundance of wineries to enjoy, among the array of tourist attractions, from visiting a “fruit salad farm” to local and national parks.
Start your day at an Italian café such as Bertoldos or Il Corso, or if you’re in the city on Sunday morning, check out some delicious local produce, baked goods and more at the Rotary Market. Next, venture to the Visitor Centre to learn all about the exciting attractions the city and region have to offer.
To enjoy a taste of Griffith’s history, you could visit the Pioneer Park Museum, a fascinating exploration of the pioneer days of Griffith as an agricultural town. This museum also houses the Italian museum, where you can learn all about the Italian roots of the community; the Italian Heritage Trail is also excellent.
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Griffith Regional Art Gallery, Bidgee Studio, or the gorgeous sculptures lining Centenary Walk. For natural beauty, the sunset over Lake Wyangan is unmissable. Cocoparra National Park boasts some stunning views and is an excellent spot for bushwalks and birdwatching.
Hermits Cave and Lookout is also well worth a visit, not only for the scenic panorama, but also the “cave”: a complex of stone structures including shelters, terraced gardens, bridges and more, which were all made single-handedly by reclusive Italian drifter Valeri Ricetti.
Of course, a trip to Griffith wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the atmosphere of the modern Italian community that the city is renowned for, which you can enjoy while strolling around the city centre and surrounds, especially Banna Avenue. Check out Coderno Smallgoods and La Piccola Grosseria & Deli for delicious smoked meats and antipasti, enjoy cellar-door tasting at local Italian wineries such as De Bortoli, and enjoy some traditional gelato. Make sure to visit the Catania Fruit Salad Farm, a working farm and farmstay owned by an Italian-Australian family, where sixty different types of fruits are grown; farm safaris are available on board a comfortable air-conditioned bus.
Griffith has plenty of attractions for tourists, but what you’ll enjoy above all is the cultural diversity and friendly atmosphere of this lovely city.
