THE FACTS
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Spring is a beautiful time to visit the Riverina. There’s still a nip in the air, so a scarf and beanie come in handy. The area is also popular in autumn, when the landscape is punctuated by russet and saffron-yellow foliage.
WHERE TO STAY
THE HOUSTON Built in 1868 by the co-founder of The Daily Advertiser, AG Jones, the house was considered one of the most elegant homes in the Colony. A sumptuous New-york inspired rebuild has ensured the reputation stays intact. 44 Kincaid Street, Wagga Wagga. (02) 5908 1321; thehoustonwagga.com.au
KIMO ESTATE The shearers’ quarters, grain shed and cottages on the working sheep station have been restored. Most covetable is the glass and corrugated-iron ‘hut’ on top of the hill. MATES GULLY The rooms upstairs from the café exude personality, thanks to owners Paul Nolte’s artwork and Marcia Mccoy’s style. 38 Morrow Street, Wagga Wagga. (02) 6921 4241; matesgully.com.au
NIMBO FORK LODGE Modelled on American fishing lodges and with river access, Nimbo Fork is as popular for romantic weekend getaways as fishing expeditions. 330 Nimbo Road, Killimicat. (02) 6944 9099; nimbofork.com.au
YARRANGOBILLY CAVES HOUSE Snowy Mountains Highway, Yarrangobilly Caves. (02) 6454 9597; nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
WHERE TO EAT
HARANS PATISSERIE For chef Kylie Haran, it all started with the macaron. Now, four years on, her range has expanded to an outrageously fun range of desserts. 32 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga. (02) 6931 7777; haranspatisserie.com.au
NEST Cosy and welcoming. Check the website for movie and meal deals, and other events. 56 Winton Street, Tumbarumba. (02) 6948 2950; cafe-nest.com
TRAIL STREET COFFEE SHOP Best coffee in town delivered by a crew who take coffee seriously.
WINE
BORAMBOLA WINES Charming family owned winery and cellar door is a showcase for made-on-site wine and beer. 1734 Sturt Highway, Borambola. 0404 084 657; borambola.com
COURABYRA WINES Wine tasting and delectable food platters are enticing. 805 Courabyra Road, Tumbarumba. (02) 6948 2462; courabyrawines.com Winemaker Adrian Brayne makes the most of Tumbarumba’s cool-climate grapes. 110 Allawah Road, Tumbarumba. 0429 191 059.
TUMBLONG HILLS The Gundagai vineyard’s wines are available online. 1149 Old Hume Highway, Tumblong. 0408 684 577; tumblonghills.com
FARM GATES
MOUATS FARM A busy orchard shop with Gala, Bonza and G’star apples, as well as free-range eggs, homemade jams and local honey. Wyola, 4129 Batlow Road, Batlow. (02) 6949 1519; mouatsfarm.com.au
At Ralph and Judy Wilson’s roadside stall you’ll 4065 Batlow Road, Batlow. 0427 491 224; wilgroorchards.com.au
WHERE TO SHOP
FEATHER AND WILLOW If it’s a Planet Finska quoit set as a gift or a floral cushion for your sofa, you’ll find it here. 167 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga. (02) 6925 8369; featherandwillow.com.au
Stephanie Day’s gallery has paintings by regional artists, ceramics, jewellery and more. 9 Gurwood Street, Wagga Wagga. 0429 301 631.
SCOOTER FLOWERS AND SISTA SPARROW Flowers and coffee work hand in hand at this delightful spot. 11 Gurwood Street, Wagga Wagga. (02) 6921 1822.
WHAT TO DO
Swim in the thermal pool at Yarrangobilly Caves. Canoe in Blowering Dam. Do the Sugarpine Walk at Laurel Hill. Take a cooking class at Food I Am in Wagga Wagga. See champion horseriders in action at Boggy Creek. boggycreekshows.com.au On the road to Long Plain from the Yarrangobilly area of the Kosciuszko National Park.