Griffith City: Art, History and Wine

Griffith City brings together large-scale public art, collections on regional history, irrigated farmland, a mountain bike course and wine tastings at some wineries. Its many facets range from views across the landscape to clearly defined cultural themes.

Art in the Collection and on the Streets

The Griffith Regional Art Gallery is the permanent home of the National Contemporary Jewellery Collection. Contemporary jewellery therefore has a distinct place among the city's art themes. The Griffith Mural Art Trail, meanwhile, turns the focus to public art: it is a self-guided exploration of Griffith's street art scene. More than 30 large-scale murals have transformed the central business district (CBD) into an outdoor gallery. A permanently housed collection and large-scale works in public spaces thus offer different perspectives side by side. If you would like to include art in your trip, you can consider whether you are particularly interested in jewellery art, murals or both.

Two Perspectives on History

The Griffith Pioneer Park Museum is a cultural hub for the community and an important archive of the history of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. Its features include the main street of Bagtown “Old Griffith”. The Griffith Italian Museum and Cultural Centre has a different focus: it documents the journey of Italian migrants who settled in Griffith in the early 20th century. A Valerio Ricetti exhibition features photographs and documents. The museums therefore offer different historical points of reference: one on the history of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, the other on Italian migration and a named exhibition.

Views and Marked History at Hermit's Cave

The Hermit's Cave lookout offers views across irrigated farmland to the Binya Hills and the more distant Cocoparra National Park. An information board marks the living areas and stone walls; the site is also part of a signposted heritage trail or walking path. Hermit's Cave therefore brings together landscape and marked historical structures as two distinct points of interest.

Cycling and City Park

Griffith's mountain bike course on Abattoir Road is about 4.5 kilometres long. The course includes a skills area, shelter, fences and a car park. As well as the approximate length, several specific features of the course are therefore identified.

City Park features the tallest climbing frame in the Southern Hemisphere and a splash pad area. If you are travelling with children, your group's interests may play a part: climbing and water offer a different focus from museums or a lookout. This lets you plan together around the themes that matter to your fellow travellers.

Wine and Finding Accommodation

Some wineries in Griffith offer tastings of regional and award-winning wines; offerings may vary between wineries. If wine is to have a firm place in your plans, check the offerings in advance.

Discover more destinations: Tuggerah, West Wyalong, Wangi Wangi, Grong Grong, Nericon, Redhead, Georges Plains, Oberon

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.