40 reasons to roam the Riverina for Christmas riches

Shop local this Christmas and keep our regional economies strong and growing. Photo: Leeton Markets/Leeton Shire.

The countdown is on and it’s only weeks until Christmas. Have you done all your shopping?

Think local, we say, and check out some of our ideas for supporting businesses in the Riverina. Why shop local? Here are some thoughts:

Big companies won’t notice your purchase over the next couple of weeks, but small businesses will. Local businesses add character to our cities and towns and you’ll get more personalised service. It also means tax dollars stay local and re-enter the community, so if you want your community to prosper, the best way to do that is to support the locals – you could also be making a very big difference to someone else’s bottom line at this time of year.

1. Browse the homely displays at Intuition of Lockhart for jewellery, homeware and decor ideas.
2. Come for the coffee, stay for the giftware at Diamonds and Dust Temora, the shopping sensation that will have you occupied for hours, no matter what you’re looking for.
3. Visit Griffith and explore the Banna boutiques. The fabulous tree-lined main street features wonderful clothing shops and men’s fashion stores, accessories, homeware and giftware, toy shops and more.
4. Narrandera’s Juadine Interiors & The RED DOOR Cafe offers gorgeous homeware, furniture, jewellery, accessories, and delicious food and produce.
5. Sign someone up to be a member at the Albury Entertainment Centre; for $50 they’ll then get special members pricing for all season performances, drink vouchers and discounts, reserved seating and more. A great pressie for a lover of the arts.
6. Argalong Trail Rides offers the perfect way to enjoy breathtaking views on horseback. Located just outside Tumut, Argalong Trail Rides is a family run business that offers fun for all ages.
   

   Local businesses like Intuition of Lockhart love to help people find gifts for their special someone. Photo: Visit Riverina.

7. Gift your friends and family tickets to Ian Moss LIVE, coming to Hay Tourism on Saturday, 16 March 2024.
8. Visit a cellar door, brewery, or distillery to choose a spirit for a truly festive Christmas celebration.
9. Call in to your local visitor centre. Many of them sell local produce from the area, and often sell prewrapped gift hampers.
10. Ash Pengelly is the Aboriginal artist behind Little Black Duck and she not only decorates spectacular teapots, but offers a unique range of products from native scented candles to chopping boards.
11. Book someone a massage. There’s no shortage of day spas and massage therapists in most of our regional cities and your recipient can always add on to that voucher you bought them to make it an even bigger experience.
12. Find unique, handcrafted glass art pieces at West Wyalong’s Exclusive Hot Glass Gallery, including plates, platters, bowls, vases and jewellery.
13. Got a garden lover in the family? They’ll be sure to like some wall art or other adornment to add character to their patch. At Old n’ Dazed in Wagga there’s hundreds of items to choose from.
14. For the adrenalin junkie, a voucher from the Temora Aviation Museum might be just the ticket, especially now they have their three new warbird simulators operational, and they are offering a 50 per cent introductory discount for online bookings.
15. Pamper your pooch – There should always be something under the tree for your beloved canine, feline, avian or equine friend. Jindera Pet Company has some lovely treats and some very cute Christmas bandanas and collars for $3 each.
16. Satch and Co Holbrook is a treasure trove of delights with a focus on artwork by a diverse range of Australian artists. While you’re in Holbrook pop across the road to Hello Maude and find inspiration for your Christmas tablescape.
17. Gift a piece of history! The Jindera Pioneer Museum is raising funds for a new building and you can buy a voucher which entitles the holder to be immortalised through their name added to a paver.
    

    For the sweet tooth in your life, Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory’s Christmas pizza wheel should hit the mark. Photo: Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory.

18. Chocaholic alert! Check out the hampers at Junee Liquorice and Chocolate Factory ranging from $35 to $60 and look at that Christmas Chocolate Pizza Wheel! $37.50, what a treat!
19. If you are buying for more of a whisky rather than chocolate person, get your fill from Corowa Distilling Co which offers free shipping on a $150 spend, an easy number to rack up if you like the look of the Mad Dog Morgan, a whisky with flavours of orange and burnt caramel. Mmmmmmm.
20. Food I Am offers a range of cooking experiences and classes with top-notch chefs as well as a delicious range of their own products.
21. Knights Deli is a Wagga institution and a one-stop shop for local produce, so you can lay out a sumptuous spread for the festive season.
22. August & Artisan on Wagga’s Forsyth Street is a unique makers collective offering an amazing range of handmade products.
23. For those looking for a unique look this season, Middlemost on Tompson Street offers beautiful handmade clothing, designed and sewn by Janine Middlemost using vintage and rescued fabrics.
24. Take your loved ones for a beautiful day trip to Jugiong and enjoy all that is on offer at the Long Track Pantry or the gorgeous Sir George Hotel.
25. Sample the paddock to plate offerings at Limone Restaurant, where the always fresh food is grown on the Piccolo Family Farm. Vouchers can be bought at any price to be used to cover whole or partial meals.
26. Pop into the Griffith Central Markets at the mall on Saturday 16 December to browse a range of stalls for some almost last-minute gifts.
27. Gift someone a season pass at the Leeton pool so they can ride till their heart’s content on the twin ring waterslide. Children’s pass $120, adult pass $180 (at the time of publication).
28. Know someone who adores olive oil? You can find out more about where it comes from on a tour at Wollundry Grove Olives where you’ll meet the growers, walk among the trees and discover the production process. The $35 adult ticket includes a 250 ml bottle of EVOO to take home.
29. For the bohemian at heart you can’t go past The Huntress in Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga. Clothing, crystals, jewellery, books and more. You might like to book a reading to find out what the next 12 months have in store for you.
30. Vroom vroom! Car lovers will appreciate The Depot in Deniliquin. Not only a fantastic display of vehicle memorabilia, but a retail store with a classic collection of gifts for the revhead at heart. Check it out here.
31. If you prefer your wheels up, check out Murray Darling Scenic Flights and its journeys over the Riverina landscape. Flights start at around $300 per person aboard a three-seater Cessna 172 aircraft.
    

    Give the gift of nature with a paddle down the Murray River. Photo: Facebook/Murray River Canoe Hire.

32. Immerse yourself in nature with a paddle down the Murray River. Murray River Canoe Hire offers canoe and kayak trips between Lake Hume, Albury, Corowa and Yarrawonga and they can range from 1.5 hours to three to four days. Vouchers available on its website.
33. If self-propelled paddle power is not a possibility, what about a leisurely cruise on Lake Mulwala? Even better, aboard a historic paddle steamer. The PS Cumberoona has lunch, dinner and sunset cruises at very reasonable prices.
34. If you are looking for something beautifully handcrafted but don’t have the time to scour all the weekend markets, find your way to the Self Made Marketplace shop fronts which can now be found in Lavington, Albury and Wodonga shopping centres.
35. Go op shopping. It’s amazing what you will find in an op shop and there’s something very satisfying about recycling and knowing you just might have saved something from going to landfill. Dollars over the counter at op shops also help local organisations to assist people in need.
36. Thom, Dick and Harry’s is a landmark cafe, florist and homeware outlet located in the heart of West Wyalong. The shop is like a mini emporium and stocks plenty of good name brands along with locally produced gourmet groceries.
37. While you’re there check out Body Health & Bowen’s new location at 112 Main Street (West Wyalong). It offers a range of therapies as well as skin care items, sleepwear, health food and eco products.
38. For more health-conscious creations why not put together a hamper from The Red Pomegranate in the Neslo Arcade in Baylis Street, Wagga. Be sure to include one of its dry body brushes which is said to get the system up and moving for a re-engergised start to the day.
39. Coming soon, watch this space, is Vortex Entertainment Wagga, a recreation centre that will have high ropes, a ninja course, rock climbing, a playground, ballpit, bumper cars and virtual reality, all in the heart of town at 77 Trail Street.
40. Give a gift that keeps on giving. The Cheeky Chicken Hobby farm is just that – a family hobby farm near Albury breeding many breeds of chickens. Not for the table, for your backyard! Start your own egg production or add to your flock! Bok bok!

With thanks to Visit Riverina NSW for the inspiration behind this list.