Nine things to do in the Riverina this week (7 – 13 April)

With the Easter long weekend fast approaching it can be hard to keep track of all the marvellous things that are going on. Here at Region we have you covered with nine of the coolest things to be a part of this week.

Whether you have cash to splash or are enjoying the school holidays on a budget, there is plenty to see and do this weekend starting with the Leeton hot air balloons which start on Friday morning. If golf and bowls are more your speed, be sure to head out to Jerilderie with some friends and help raise some funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Easter Saturday is packed! Between rare stamps and coins to see, sell or buy, Dachshund racing, Narrandera’s Rod Run and Griffith’s Vintage Festival, there is something for everyone.

Once Easter is over and the school holidays begin, why not head to Willans Hill and enjoy the miniature trains, or the Junee Library for bath bomb making or the Vegetable Plots’ brilliant songwriting workshop?

There is so much to do this week for people of all ages and interests.

All Weekend

Leeton Hot Air Ballons

When: Friday 7 April – Monday 10 April.
Where: Leeton
Cost: Free to spectate ($350 to ride).

Serving as a conclusion to Leeton’s SunRice Festival, the Leeton Ballon Fiesta will light up the skies with colourful designs and patterns. Starting at sunrise, there are still availabilities for those looking to see Leeton from above. A magical way to spend your Easter weekend, these balloons only arrive once every two years. Book your seats here.

Friday

Jerilderie Good Friday Charity Day

When: Friday 8 April, all day
Where: Jerilderie Sports Club
Cost: $60 for a team of 4 – 9 holes, $100 for a team of 4 – 18 holes. $30 for a team of 3 – barefoot bowls.

Jerilderie Good Friday Charity Day is now in its 33rd year. Raising money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal, the Good Friday charity day will be a spectacular day of golf and bowls for people of differing experiences and abilities. Supported by local and surrounding businesses, Jerilderie Sports Club will be sure to put on an enjoyable show. Learn more here.

Saturday

Stamp & Coin Market

When: Saturday 8 April, 9 am to 4 pm
Where: ARCC Hall, 131 Tarcutta Street
Cost: Free.

The Wagga Stamp and Coin Club are hosting their first market for 2023! Club members will be buying and selling a variety of unique items while also providing professional evaluations for those who think they are sitting on a hidden gem. Come down to ARCC Hall to learn more about valuable coins and stamps while enjoying the vast collections of members.

2nd Annual Dachshund Dash

When: Saturday 8 April, 4:30 pm to 11 pm
Where: Riverina Paceway, 92 Cooramin Street
Cost: All tickets $10.

This year’s annual Dachshund Dash will coincide with the Riverina Championships at the Riverina Paceway. This year’s dash will feature over 30 dogs looking to take home a $500 cash prize. With plenty of entertainment throughout the day, this year’s Dachshund Dash looks to be even bigger and better than the first. So come down to the Riverina Paceway and enjoy some live entertainment, the jumping castles, an inflatable obstacle course, some kids’ activities and of course the Easter Bunny.

Narrandera Rod Run

When: Saturday 8 April – Sunday 9 April
Where: Narrandera Sportsground, Victoria Avenue, Narrandera
Cost: Free.

This annual show is a perfect family event for car enthusiasts. With a showcase of restored classic and vintage cars, this year’s event will host a fantastic festival atmosphere with live music, market stalls and rides. Over 200 cars will be on display for the Cruisin’ No Boozing event on Saturday and the Show ‘N’ Shine on Sunday.

Griffith Vintage Festival

When: Saturday 8 April, noon to 5 pm
Where: Jondaryan Ave, Griffith
Cost: $35.

The Griffith Vintage Festival is one of the Riverina wineries’ greatest showcases. Featuring a great range of delicious wines, beer and cider the Griffith Vintage Festival will be a fantastic way for people to spend their Easter Saturday. Be sure to book your tickets as soon as possible to make sure you don’t miss out on a fun afternoon of wine, food and music. Book tickets here.

Sunday

Twilight Run – Willans Hill Miniature Railway

When: Sunday 9 April, 10 am to 8:30 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens Willans Hill Miniature Railway, Turvey Park
Cost: $4.

The Willans Hill Miniature Railway is a staple of the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens and they are ready to ride this Easter Sunday. Running into the twilight hours of the evening, these miniature trains are iconic and fun for the whole family. Once you’ve enjoyed what the Easter Bunny has left for you and your family, chuck on some enclosed shoes and head over to Willans Hill Railway Station for a trip across the gardens.

Tuesday

Magic Garden: Music and Songwriting Workshop

When: Tuesday 11 April, 10 am
Where: Ladysmith Memorial Hall, 28 Tumbarumba Rd, Ladysmith
Cost: Free.

The Vegetable Plot return to the Riverina to put on a musical master class with their brand new songwriting workshops. Learn about vocal warm-ups and sweet harmonies from Ru Barb, feast on songwriting secrets from Aspara Gus, get groovy with Sir Paul McCarrotney, and then use your fertile imagination to help the band write something fresh and new.

Make Your Own Bath Bombs

When: Tuesday 11 April, 10 am
Where: Junee Library
Cost: $5.

Junee Library will be hosting a workshop where participants can make their own bath bombs. If you’re looking for a chill way to unwind from the Easter weekend and dive into the school holidays, this workshop will be for you. Choose your own designs, shapes and colours using a wide selection of molds. Bookings are essential, so if you are interested, please call Junee Library on 6924 2111.