Discover incredible food and wine, Ramsar-listed wetlands and history at Leeton. This Riverina town is known for the well-preserved Art Deco buildings on its main street, as well as boutique wineries, lush parks and it’s rich irrigated agricultural enterprise and diversity. Hit one of the touring routes to explore surrounding villages like Yanco, Whitton and Murrami, each with its own distinctive personality.
At the heart of the NSW Riverina district, discover Leeton, the home of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area.
From camping and year-round fun at Gogeldrie Riverside Park to the ultimate 1920s and 1930s immersion at the Australian Art Deco Festival held annually in July, you’ll never be short of things to do in Leeton.
Nature-lovers delight in the stunning Fivebough Wetlands, a haven for avid birdwatchers at any time of year and a Ramsar-listed reserve. Families will love Mountford Park, a must-do for kids and a short walk from top-notch coffee shops in the Leeton CBD.
Another essential stop for visitors is the Leeton Museum and Gallery. Admire the juxtaposition of modern spaces against the State Heritage-listed building and dive into the story of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and Leeton’s significance in its development. Don’t miss a peek at the curated and travelling exhibition spaces while you’re there.
If you’re staying the night, the town’s nightlife won’t disappoint. Dine out in style at French and Italian restaurants, all within a stone’s throw of the magnificent Roxy Theatre – you’ll even find it lit up at night when it’s open.
Leeton is situated approximately 550km west of Sydney and 450km north of Melbourne in the productive Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area.
Travel along the Hume Highway or Burley Griffin Way from Sydney, the Newell Highway from Brisbane and Melbourne, and the Sturt Highway from Adelaide.
Rex (formerly Regional Express) operates return flights daily from the Leeton/Narrandera, Griffith and Wagga Wagga airports to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Albury.
There is a daily coach service between Leeton and Wagga Wagga that connects at Wagga Wagga with the XPT train between Sydney and Melbourne. Coaches also link with Griffith daily.
Leeton is located on the land of the Wiradjuri Nation. Its people have lived on this country for at least 60,000 years.
Unlike most country towns, Leeton did not develop around a local pub, supply store or railway station. It was built as part of the Riverina region’s Murrumbidgee Irrigation Scheme. In 1905, Charles Alfred Lee, for whom the town is named, chaired the Water Conservation and Irrigation Conference, which initiated the scheme Among its initial developments were Burrinjuck Dam and the town of Leeton.
The first buildings to be erected in Leeton in 1911 and 1912 were the offices of the employees of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Trust. During the next three decades, many businesses followed, leaving Leeton Shire with a legacy of beautiful Art Deco buildings.
After World War II there was an increase in Italian immigration to Australia. Many of the newcomers were experienced farmers, so were drawn to the NSW Riverina, now thought of as one of the state’s premier food bowls, and the town of Leeton. Those that prospered were able to sponsor family and friends to migrate. Today, many people who live in Leeton have an Italian heritage.
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