Located halfway between Sydney and Melbourne at the heart of the historic Riverina region, the charming country town of Leeton awaits. Boasting a world-class food and wine scene, fascinating local history, vibrant cultural experiences and much more, this enchanting rural town has a surprising amount to offer visitors. If you’re ready for a truly authentic Australian country escape, continue reading as we discover the very best of Leeton and beyond.
Heritage in the Heart of the Country
Whether you’re arriving in Leeton by plane or train, you’ll want to head to Hertz Leeton Downtown to secure a rental car for your visit. Being a rural location, having a rental car will make getting around a breeze, allowing you to explore at your own pace and craft your own Riverina itinerary.
For a country town of its size, Leeton boasts a fascinating history, as well as a rather unique circular street layout - the legacy of famed architect Walter Burley Griffin. Much of the town was constructed during the interwar years, leaving it with an impressive Art Deco streetscape that has become a much-loved symbol of the town. If you’re travelling with a history enthusiast or architecture lover, The Art Deco Heritage Walking Tour will be sure to pique their interest. This excellent and comprehensive tour covers over 40 stunning Art Deco heritage buildings, some of the finest examples in the country. Along the way, you’ll pass the Leeton Museum and Art Gallery, an award-winning gallery situated in a grand heritage listed building. This fascinating museum will take you on a deep dive into the town’s history, and also houses an exhibition space featuring emerging and local artists.
If you’re feeling peckish along the way, you’ll find a selection of local cafes and eateries along East Street. The Coffee Tree is a local favourite, serving up delicious specialty coffee as well as scrumptious homemade goodies and a mouth-watering breakfast and lunch menu. Next up, mosey across the street to discover arguably the most famous building in town, Roxy Theatre, which occupies a prominent corner in town. This gorgeous 1930s Art Deco theatre houses a full size concert hall and a rather unique two-level cinema - be sure to check out the program to see what’s on during your visit, as you’ll definitely want to catch a show in this iconic space.
Exploring the Riverina With Hertz
After spending some time exploring the highlights of Leeton, jump in your Hertz rental car and make a trip out to the Riverina’s newest attraction, Whitton Malt House. Just a 20 minute drive out of town, this is a must-see agritourism experience for any visitor to the Riverina, bringing the best of the region together in one venue - and it’s truly stunning. Built around a cornerstone vision of sustainable food and beverages, a visit to Whitton Malt House is every bit as educational as it is enjoyable. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at the on-site restaurant, which features a dynamic paddock-to-plate menu that showcases local producers and ingredients. Pair your mouth-watering main with an artisanal craft beverage for a truly unique dining experience. If you are enjoying a beverage or two, make sure you have a designated driver nominated. Staying locally? Look no further - Whitton Malt House is also home to a suite of beautifully appointed, fully self-contained luxury villas, so why not relax, unwind and stay a little longer.
No visit to the Riverina is complete without embarking on a food and wine tour, which your Hertz rental car will be perfect for as you explore at your own pace. Leeton lies at the heart of one of Australia’s richest agricultural areas, and perhaps the most indicative part of the Riverina’s foodie experience is the abundance of farmers markets and farm gates that dot the surrounding countryside - everything from oranges and lemons to farm-fresh nuts, grains and rice is grown in abundance in this part of the country. Of course, we can’t not mention the award-winning wineries of the Riverina wine district. Lillypilly Estate Winery, is a top pick in the area - this small boutique winery has been known to be the best small winery in the region, perfect for an intimate tasting session. If you do decide to enjoy a tipple, ensure you have a designated driver for the rest of your journey.
Whether you’re visiting Leeton for its rich history, excellent food and wine trails, local cultural attractions or simply wanting a relaxing country break in the beautiful Riverina, this charming country town will be sure to tick a lot of boxes.
