Thursday, 15 December 2011

Visit…Griffith City Shire

One of the larger Shires of the Riverina, Griffith City Shire has a population of nearly 26,000 and includes the city of Griffith and the surrounding towns and villages of Beelbangera, Yenda, Yoogali, Hanwood, Bilbul, Lake Wyangan, Nericon and Tharbogang.

The vibrancy of Griffith City combined with the historical aspects and country charm of the surrounding towns and villages and prestige of the award winning wineries makes Griffith Shire a destination that offers visitors a real variety of experiences.

- Enjoy the facilities, shopping and activities of Griffith City…
- Spend a morning, afternoon or full day enjoying the ambience of Lake Wyangan…
- Visit some of the award winning wineries and the vast array of activities and entertainment they offer…



Lake Wyangan, Griffith



Tourist Attractions in Griffith Shire

Pioneer Park and Italian Museum, Griffith
40 exhibition buildings set in 11 ha of natural bushland. Features the newly constructed Italian Museum and Cultural Centre.

Catania Fruit Salad Farm, Hanwood
Learn about the Murrumidgee Irrigation System and how crops are grown and harvested whilst enjoying a bus tour of this historic family owned farm. Finish the tour with samples of jams, pickles and traditional Sicilian wine.

Griffith Cottage Gallery and Regional Art Gallery
A must see for art lovers. The Cottage Gallery is a showcase of some of the regions best local artists, while the Regional Gallery’s high ceilings and beautiful timber floors offer a beautiful space to view a diverse range of exhibitions.

Riverina Grove, Griffith
Experience gourmet produce from the iverina. Offering tastings of pasta sauces, giardiniera, tapenade, olives, garlic mixes, salsas, plums in port, tomato relish, pickled onions, pesto and other Riverina products.

Belle Amour Garden, Somerton Park
View this award winning, heavenly garden set on three-quarters of an acre in natural bushland. Lace bridge over fish pond, a large variety of ornamental trees, shrubs and perennials, roses cascading over arbours, arches leading to sunken rose garden. Souvenirs and Joy's hand painted porcelain on display and for sale.

Lavender Villa
Home made lavender scones, biscuits, tea and coffee. Gifts and plants for sale.

Lookouts and the Hermit’s Cave
The Hemit's Cave lookout offers a magnificent panoramic view over Griffith’s lush farms. Below the lookout you can explore the caves which were once home to Italian born Valerio Ricetti who chose to live the life of a hermit in the 1930s. View the Hermits kitchen, chapel and what was once his magnificent garden.

Griffith War Memorial Museum
See the spectacular Memorabilia of returned servicemen from WW1. The Griffith War Memorial Museum owes its existence to the returned servicemen from WW1 who became soldier settlers in Griffith.



Make sure you take advantage of some of the great deals available to Ambassadors in Griffith Shire ~

McWilliams Hanwood Estate Winery
Jack McWilliam Road, Handwood
Ambassador deal: Buy one bottle, get the second one half price

De Bortoli Wines
De Bortoli Road, Bibul
Ambassador deal: 10% discount on purchases of three bottles or more. Monthly wine pack special available to purchase (normally wine club members exclusive). Excludes already discounted stock. Members offer is only available while stocks last.

Warburn Estate
700 Kidman Way, Griffith
Ambassador deal: Receive a 15% discount off all full priced wine by the case. Offer subject to availability and not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Key tag must be presented to secure deal.

Griffith Pioneer Park Museum
Remembrance Drive, Griffith
Ambassador deal: Free admission for up to 3 children with 2 paying adults visitors to the museum

Riverina Grove
4 Whybrow Street, Griffith
Ambassador deal: Present your key tag and receive 5% off all Riverina Grove Brands.
Offer subject to availability and not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Key tag must be presented to secure deal. Only available in store.

Griffith Ex-Servicemans Club
Jondaryan Avenue, Griffith
Ambassador deal 1: Buy two main meals from the a la carte menu and receive a complimentary dessert.
Ambassador deal 2: Buy a carvery lunch and receive a free glass of beer, wine or soft drink.

Collins Booksellers
Shop 21, Griffin Plaza, Griffith
Ambassador deal: Spend over $25 and receive a free paperback novel or kids picturebook from our specials selection

Sleep Doctor Griffith

44 -46 Altin Street, Griffith
Ambassador deal: Buy one latex pillow and get one free. Limit of one offer per customer. Offer subject to availability and not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Key tag must be presented to secure deal

Sunday, 27 November 2011

Visit…Carrathool Shire

Steeped in history and unique in appeal, Carrathool Shire takes in the towns of Hillston and the surrounding villages of Goolgowi, Merriwagga, Rankin Springs and Carrathool.


Nature and the environment play a major role in the Shire. Boasting two rivers, two national parks and a booming agricultural industry, there is an abundance of beautiful outdoor spaces, and native flora and fauna for visitors to explore and enjoy.

See the kangaroos, emus, birds and echidnas in our outdoor spaces…
Wander down Hillstons palm-lined main street…
Have a picnic in one of our National Parks…
Enjoy a day at Pinker’s Beach…




Tourist Attractions in Carrathool Shire

Black Stump Hotel, Merriwagga
Visit the Black Stump Hotel with its tallest bar in Australia.


The Red Dust and Paddy Melons Gallery, Hillston
Located in the Main Street, the Gallery showcases the talents of local artists and their subjects, with local art and craft available for purchase.

Willandra National Park
The Willandra National Park is 64km north of Hillston and covers an area of 19,386 hectares. The park offers visitors a fascinating insight into the history of the wool industry and station life. Highlights include the homestead area, shearers' quarters and the five interpretive walks. The Park is home to temporary
wetlands, grassland, wildflowers, kangaroos and emus, waterbirds, reptiles and frogs. The park also provides opportunities for camping, bushwalking, picnicking, bicycling, fishing, canoeing, nature study and photography.

Birds of the Bush, Rankin Springs
Home to a large number of Australian bird species, including the Glossy Black Cockatoo, Superb Parrot, Major Mitchell Cockatoo, Gilbert;s Whistler, Chestnut Quail Thrush, Shy Hylacola, Painted Honeyeater and Mallee Fowl, the Rankin Springs area is great for the keen birdwatcher. There are seven designated and strategically located birdwatching sites with hides situated at two of them.

Monday, 14 November 2011

Visit...Bland Shire



The Shire of Bland is perfectly positioned for a quick stop, day trip or weekend away. Taking in the historical towns and villages of West Wyalong, Wyalong, Tallimba, Weethalle, Barmedman, Ungarie and Mirrool, Bland Shire offers visitors a range of unique experiences.

To the east are the Weddin Mountains, once a hideaway for bushrangers, which offer fabulous views of the region. To the west is the Griffith wine district, Cocoparra National Park and the water playground, Lake Cargelligo. The central hub of the Shire is West Wyalong, which is home to over 3,000 residents.

Arts and culture are key characteristics of Bland Shire. In 1949, well known Australian artist, Russell Drysdale, painted West Wyalong's main street, known as the ‘crooked mile’. The visual arts of today are featured in local or touring exhibitions and the Shire is home to many artists who display talents in everything from painting, drawing and photography, to sculpture and glass making.

The Bland District Museum and Aboriginal Artifacts Shop are interesting places to visit and the West Wyalong Heritage Walk is a great way to see all the historic sights of the main street.

For the more adventurous, the award-winning Green Corridor Walking Track might be on the cards. The 4.4km track connects Wyalong and West Wyalong and features interesting outdoor art, several parks with barbeque facilities and play equipment along the way.


Tourist Attractions in Bland Shire



True Blue Gold Mine Poppet Head

West Wyalong

View this authentic replica mining poppet head and miners hut.

Bushwalking, picnic areas and public toilets are all close by, so why not make an afternoon of it!



Douglas DC3 Dakota Airplane

West Wyalong

Built in 1943 in Oklahoma City, the plane was donated to the West Wyalong Lions Club who made it a striking feature in Lions Park.



Beckett’s Pioneer Farm

Step back in time with original settlers buildings from around the district and various farm animals..



Barmedman Mineral Pool

Open during summer months and entry is free.

With 7% more salt than seawater, the pool is said to have health giving properties.

The pool itself is 1ha in size and is situated in a large reserve with BBQs and change rooms.


Make sure you take advantage of some of the great deals available to Ambassadors in Bland Shire


Royal Hotel, Mirrool

http://www.mirroolhotel.com.au/

1 Ariah Street, Mirrool

Ambassador deal: Spend $13 or more on a meal from Monday to Friday and receive a complimentary dessert. Visitors are also entered into the monthly draw for two Temora Town Hall theatre tickets.


The Cottage Centre of Health

136B Main Street, West Wyalong

Ambassador deal: Receive a complimentary freshly squeezed orange juice with every massage or other therapy


Your Pathway to Health

http://www.yourpathwaytohealth.com.au/

36 Ethel street, Ungarie NSW 2669

Ambassador deal: Receive a 10% discount on a 1 hour Reiki Healing Session for yourself and a visiting friend or family


Thom Dick & Harry's Coffee & Gifts

143 - 145 Main Street, West Wyalong NSW 2671

Ambassador deal: Receive a 10% discount on all purchases over $30 when you bring a visiting friend or relative

Monday, 31 October 2011

Visit…Cootamundra Shire

Cootamundra Shire is home to the town of Cootamundra and the smaller villages of Stockinbingal and Wallendbeen. Around 7,500 people call the Shire home, and with easy access to Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, the mountains, the outback and the coast, it is the perfect place to stop and break up a long trip.



Cootamundra is a vibrant town, retaining its unique ‘small town’ feel and friendliness. Wallandbeen is a well preserved pastoral village and Stockingingal’s architecture remains virtually untouched since Federation.



Cootamundra Shire offers visitors many ways to spend their time in the area. The scenic countryside, sporting facilities, and historical, cultural and artistic characteristics mean there really is something for everyone!



Tourist Attractions in Cootamundra Shire



Bradman Birthplace, Cootamundra



Open daily from 9am-5pm. Operates out of the very building in which Sir Don Bradman was born on 27 August 1908. The building was restored in 1991 and opened to the public on 23 October 1992.



Cricket Captains Walk, Cootamundra



Take a stroll through Jubilee Park and test your cricket knowledge as you admire the series of bronze busts of Australian Test cricket captains from Dave Gregory (1877) through to recent times.



Yandilla, Wallendbeen



Open 7 days. Take a tour around the Yandilla complex, and see how mustard seed oil is produced. Relax at the Yandilla tea house and enjoy a tea or coffee, light snack or delicious, home-style cooked lunch.



Cootamundra Arts and Cultural Centre



The Arts Centre is an arts hub for Cootamundra and the surrounding district. The Arts Centre offers courses, workshops, performances, seminars and activities across many forms of the arts, such as music, theatre, sculpture, painting, pottery and stained glass. New mediums and courses are being offered as the centre grows. They aim to cater for all age groups and be a positive & creative environment for all... An Artists Playing Field!



Cootamundra Heritage Centre



Remembering Cootamudra's unique history, the centre was established in 2001 as a ‘Centenary of Federation' project. Exhibition includes atrefacts, photograpghs, electtronic material - step back in time a room at a time.



Make sure you take advantage of some of the great deals available to Ambassadors in Cootamundra Shire



The Pickled Pantry



18-22 Wallendoon Street, Cootamundra



Ambassador deal: Buy one Fair Trade Organic Coffee and receive the second half price



Courtyard Coffee Lounge



118 Mackay Street, Cootamundra



Ambassador deal: Free piece of slice with every Muguccino



Bradman Birthplace



89 Adams Street, Cootamundra



Ambassador deal: One free adult entry















Monday, 17 October 2011

Visit…Coolamon Shire

Quaint villages, well-resourced towns, rich agricultural and pastoral districts and an eclectic mix of culture and the arts - these are the qualities that make Coolamon Shire a great place to visit!

Taking in the towns of Coolamon, Ganmain and Ardlethan and the smaller villages of Marrar, Matong and Beckom, Coolamon Shire has plenty of things for you and your visiting family and friends to do.

Stroll along the main streets and look at the shops…

Grab a coffee or something to eat…

Learn about the history of the Shire…

Take a nature walk and enjoy a picnic…

Tourist Attractions in Coolamon Shire

Coolamon Heritage Tours, Coolamon

Experienced guides take you on a tour of Coolamon and heritage main street. Catering availbale. Full day, half day or casual stop.

Coolamon Shire walking tracks

Explore the abundance of native flora and fauna found in Coolamon Shire on one of its nature walks. Coolamon’s Kindra State Forest and Ganmain's Murumbang Interpretive Walk will be of special interest to bird-watchers who can seek out the 200 species of birds found in our region. Both tracks feature interpretive signage and Ganmain’s track has two bird hides and a fantastic picnic area.

Up-to-Date Store Cultural and Learning Precinct, Coolamon

Built in 1909, the renovated store allows visitors to step back in time, displaying the Garth Jones Ag collection which tell a local story of life on the land from early settlement and the Mavis Furner crochet collection of over 200 exquisite garments. The store also houses the only known in-situ Lamson Cash Railway system of its type in the world.

Open: Tuesday to Friday, 10am-4pm, Saturday, 10am-1pm and Sunday, 11am-2pm

RSL Memorial Museum, Coolamon

This award-winning museum houses an extensive collection of military items from pre-federation through to present day.

Ganmain Historical Society & Museum

Open every Sunday from 1.00pm to 4.30pm, and tours by arrangement, the Ganmain Historical Society boasts over 400 items of interest including vintage farming machinery, tools and implements, household items, sporting memorabilia, war memorabilia and a large archive of photographs and newspaper items.

Make sure you take advantage of some of the great deals available to Ambassadors in Coolamon Shire

Ajanta Café

Cowabbie Street, Coolamon

Situated at the rear of the Up-to-Date store, Ajanta Café is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or a coffee.

Ambassador deal: Devonshire Tea only $5 when you bring a visiting family or friend.

Avondale Station

Rannock Road, Coolamon

Experienced as an interesting Farm Stay or Romantic Bed & Breakfast, Avondale Station will provide you with space, peace and the warmth of country life. Accommodation consists of three beautifully renovated train carriages as well as a small cottage and "The Station". With cows, sheep, birds, gardens, crops and forests, there is plenty to see and do. Great for the whole family, Avondale Station also boasts a 'bush' tennis court and a shearing shed which doubles as a games room with table tennis, pool table, quoits and darts.

Ambassador deal: 10% discount when locals book 2 or more nights for a visiting friend or relative.

Treats and Treasures

114 Cowabbie Street, Coolamon

Treats and Treasures stocks a gorgeous range of collectable items, antiques and old wares.

Ambassador deal: 10% discount on sales over $100 for visiting friends and relatives.


Monday, 3 October 2011

Visit…Conargo Shire

Conargo Shire is the centre of a major sheep stud breeding area and is a wheat, rice, canola and cereals growing region. Conargo Shire encompasses the communities of Conargo, Blighty, Mayrung, Pretty Pine, Wanganella and Booroorban.

The village of Conargo is home to the famous Conargo Pub and the Australian Open Hang-gliding Championships, which are held annually at Christmas time. A large Mother’s Day Market also draws crowds for near and far every year.

Wanganella is located in the Southern Riverina, predominantly known for the foundation of the Peppin Merino Sheep bloodlines, which are famous throughout Australia.

Whether you feel like wandering around Conargo Village, having a good old country pub meal, organising a unique Farmstay experience, or setting up camp on the Billabong at Conargo or Wanganella, Conargo Shire is certainly worth a stop!

Tourist Attractions in Conargo Shire

Clancy’s of Conargo Winery, Deniliquin

Not just a Winery! Visitors are warmly welcome to visit this family owned winery and international house which includes: vintage cars, trucks, tractors, harvesting equipment, blacksmithing display. You will also find Australia's best number plate display and an antique bottle collection. Take a guided tours of the winery, relax in the outdoor pavillion and have a BBQ, lindulge in lunch or a Devonshire Tea, taste some of the wines…a full day of activity! Open 10am - 5pm daily.

Royal Mail Hotel, Booroorban

Enjoy a relaxing stopover at historic Booroorban. The Royal Mail Hotel offers eat in or take away meals, Devonshire Teas, ice creams and drinks. The old Cobb and Co stables are located nearby.

The Long Paddock Touring Route

The Long Paddock Touring Route follows The Cobb Highway (named after the famous coach company) and passes through Conargo Shire. The history and stories of the Long Paddock have been captured on Interpretive Panels. You will pass through five shires as you complete the touring route and see the many and varied sites that the Long Paddock has to offer. Look out for the Long Paddock Visitors Site signs telling you when the next sign is coming up. The Long Paddock ‘Headless Horseman’ statue is located in Booroordan. For more details on the wonderful journey the Long Paddock offers please visit their website below: www.thelongpaddock.com

Make sure you take advantage of some of the great deals available to Ambassadors in Conargo Shire

Wanganella Camp Ground

Ambassador deal: Stay two nights and get the third night free

Ramsay Retro Farmstay

‘Ramsay’, 187 Tchelerty Road, Booroorban

Ambassador deal: Stay two nights and get the third night at 50% discount

Sunday, 11 September 2011

A BIG RIVERINA WELCOME!

Welcome to the Blog for the Riverina Ambassador Rewards Program.

The Riverina is lucky to be home to so many passionate residents who love where they live – and want to tell everyone else about it!

The Ambassador Rewards Program encourages residents to introduce their visiting family and friends to some of the Riverina’s fantastic businesses by offering them free and discounted products, services, accommodation and entertainment.

The recently launched Blog, Facebook page, and E-Newsletter are new tools we will be using to bring the deals to you and keep you updated on the program’s latest happenings.

· Subscribe to this Blog by entering your email address in the box to the right and you will be notified each time we make a new post.

· ‘Like’ our Facebook page and join our online community of businesses and Ambassadors.

· Sign up to receive our quarterly E-Newsletter, which will provide details on what’s happening in the Riverina, the latest deals on offer and much more!

How to become an Ambassador and get rewarded

1. You must be a resident of one of the 18 participating Riverina shires to take advantage of the Ambassador Rewards Program. You can check the list of participating shires here.

2. Pick up your key tag from your nearest collection point for just $1. Find a collection point near you here.

3. Visit our website to browse through the current deals.

4. Present your key tag at participating businesses to secure the deal.

Stay tuned for future posts highlighting the Shires, businesses and deals on offer as part of the program.

What are you waiting for? Become an Ambassador now and start reaping the rewards!