Inside the Riverina : Autumn 2015 Edition

Autumn 2015

Riverina Get the scoop on the Riverina’s

food, wine and agritourism

Inside the

Autumn in the Riverina is a vibrant season. Get the ‘inside scoop’

on what’s in season, and some of our region’s great food, wine and

agritourism experiences.

There’s so much more to explore – to discover more visit

insidetheriverina.com.au

Provedores 4 Bullocky Bill’s, Gundagai

The Blue Bird Café, Lockhart

The Black Stump Hotel, Merriwagga

Meet the Maker 7 AJ & CS Milne Butchers, Hillston

Morundah Hotel, Morundah

Pacific Fresh-Sumo Citrus, Leeton

Charlie Carp, Deniliquin

Experiences 11 Yarrow Park, Coleambally

Edward River Adventours, Deniliquin

John Lake Centre, Narrandera

Junee Farmer’s Markets, Junee

Autumn 2015

4 | AUTUMN 2015 insidetheriverina.com.au

provedores

Bullocky Bill’s, Gundagai

A café and local produce vendor steeped in Australian history, Bullocky Bill’s resonates all that is great about rural Australia.

Situated next to the famous ‘Dog on the Tuckerbox’ (also inspired by the poem penned in 1857 by Bowyang Yorke) Bullocky Bill’s caters for travellers looking for respite from the fast food chains that dot the highways. The team serve up fresh, healthy and wholesome meals and snacks along with great coffee and house made sweets.

With an undeniable passion for the region, the restaurant’s quirky menu incorporates everything unique about Gundagai and surrounds. Even the sandwich list has been inspired by neighbouring towns and villages. As for the speciality? Locals say you can’t go past ‘Bill’s Beef Burger.’

In addition to the dining area, they also have a selection of fresh seasonal produce along with local condiments, oils and honey.

Dog on the Tuckerbox Rd, Gundagai / (02) 6944 4500 Open 7 days / 8am - 4.30pm

A poetic rest stop

insidetheriverina.com.au AUTUMN 2015 | 5

provedores

The Blue Bird Café, Lockhart

Louise Anderson and Roger Brand didn’t initially intend to open a café, but rather they wanted to preserve a piece of Australia’s cultural history.

The Blue Bird Café is housed in an historic building which was constructed in 1903. From its humble beginnings as an oyster bar and general store (a forerunner to the national institutions known as Greek cafés), The Blue Bird Café in Lockhart remains an important landmark in the Riverina. With the aim to restore the traditional Art Deco milk bar cafe furnishings and appeal (and a knack for whipping up culinary delights), Louise and Roger are preserving The Blue Bird’s heritage.

Combining 1930s décor with a unique collection of second-hand books, the café offers more than just great food and service. As a former librarian, Louise hand picks the collection to offer quality reading and has had many compliments on the distinctive selection available.

House made award-winning pies and gluten-free speciality meals make The Blue Bird even more alluring to visitors, with the café winning the gluten-free category in last year’s Official Great Aussie Pie Competition. Aspiring to take their fare to wider expanses, they feature at the Wagga Wagga Eat Local Thursday market. Offering cakes, sauces, fudge and snacks (which are all gluten-free), Louise and Roger sell and buy from the organic markets to produce their mouth-watering delicacies and are constantly looking to support other local provedores in the Riverina.

104 Green St, Lockhart / (02) 6920 5559 Open weekends and public holidays

Eclectic mix of old and new


provedores

The Black Stump Hotel, Merriwagga The tallest bar in the Southern Hemisphere

Built in 1926, the rumours about The Black Stump Hotel and its claim to the tallest bar in the Southern Hemisphere have spread far and wide. Reaching a height of almost four and a half feet (1.31 metres), the original oak bar was constructed as a ‘ride-through’ - a statuesque solution to those weary customers who didn’t want to leave the saddle of their horse as they enjoyed a cold beverage on their way home. These days, despite no longer having to sit on horseback, travellers from across Australia still eagerly perch at the lofty tavern for the pure novelty.

When Lyn and Jeremy Knowles took over the lease in March 2014, they were aware of the social importance that it brings to the locals and regular patrons – particularly as it is the last business standing in the small township of Merriwagga.

With a beer garden that delivers a perfect space for get-togethers, a dining room serving up traditional home-style pub fare, and sporadic karaoke evenings, the hotel offers something for everyone. Regardless of the fact that it’s hard to reach one side of the tall bar from the other, it’s the perfect height for leaning on to have a chat, and that is something guaranteed with every visit.

Crn Aix and Mons Sts, Merriwagga / (02) 6965 4457 Mon - Thu 11am - 11pm / Fri - Sat 11am - 12am Sun 12pm - 10pm


meet the maker

AJ & CS Milne Butchers, Hillston

Some things are worth travelling for and, as many have discovered, it is worth the journey to Hillston to purchase red gum smoked smallgoods and legendary sausages from local provedores, Colleen and Tony Milne and Kevin Hall.

Since 1986, Colleen and Tony have served the Hillston community, Riverina locals, grey nomads, visiting corporates and out-of-towners with quality meats from their little blue and white striped butchery shop located on High Street. At the centre of their success is their unrelenting focus on quality, coupled with a desire to experiment with traditional and modern butchering techniques.

Along with their own pork line, whole roast meats and famous smoked varieties of classic cuts, the Milnes have perfected the art of sausage making, with more than 15 different varieties on offer – all gluten-free no less. With every customer having their favourite, from beef and bacon, cracked pepper and Worchester, to the ‘aussiemite’ (vegemite and cheese), Malaysian satay and, of course, traditional beef. Many former Hillston residents bulk-buy from the store when the opportunity presents to pass through the town – some ordering up to 20 kilograms of sausages at a time.

A visit to the Hillston butcher is a must for those in pursuit of the perfect sausage.

119 High St, Hillston / (02) 6967 2532 Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm / Sat 8am - 12pm

Legendary snags


Morundah Hotel, Morundah

The Morundah Hotel is an abundance of businesses disguised as an historical pub. A bakery on Thursdays, a-la-carte restaurant on Saturdays, agrichemical reseller on weekdays, and the social hub of the community always, David Fahey and his partner, Suzie Appleby, have been constantly thinking up ways to provide the locals with more than just your average hotel offerings for the past 18 years.

Having been trained in the culinary arts within the air force, David’s passion for innovative and delicious food is reflected in the restaurant section of the hotel, as well as the latest instalment of bread ovens which allows locals to order freshly baked goodies on Thursdays. Recent group bookings have also seen the likes of degustation menus and fresh seafood intricacies included in their dinner options.

As if that wasn’t enough to tantalise locals and travellers to visit, the hotel also stands next door to the original theatre, which hosts operas and productions throughout the year, as well as serving as an agrichemical and fencing hardware store during the week.

With all this under its roof, you would be surprised by how relaxing the atmosphere remains at the Morundah Hotel, with the locals taking an ‘old school’ approach to interaction - believing a smile and a chat goes a long way.

Browley St, Morundah / (02) 6959 7414 Tue - Sat 11am - late / Sun - Mon 12pm - late

Restaurant: Takeaways available Friday night Bookings essential for Saturday evening mealsGroup bookings welcome

A pub with more than beer

meet the maker


When you combine the expertise and passion of eight individual growers with native and international orange breeds, and the temperate Riverina climate, you get citrus worth bragging about.

Established in 1993, the idea behind Pacific Fresh-Sumo Citrus was driven by local citrus growers wanting to expand their business, experiment with breeds and new varieties, cut back on manufacturing costs and invest in the local economy. They grow everything citrus – from grapefruits to mandarins, lemons and, of course, oranges.

With demand increasing year-on-year both domestically and offshore for Pacific Fresh’s premium produce, it’s no surprise that growers are expanding their lands in Leeton (and making sure that the locals receive the first pick of the crops). This includes one of the latest and most popular breeds, ‘Sumo Mandarins,’ which came about through a strategic business partnership with US brand, Sumo Citrus. Taking a decade to receive just two Sumo fruit trees, followed by the tedious task of duplicating and testing, the variety has finally hit the Australian shelves. And word has it they are sweeter, seedless and easier to peel - which definitely makes up for their slightly warped appearance!

A visit to the main orchard is a must to truly appreciate the hard work and time that goes into delivering the plenitude of varieties and witness firsthand where these delicious fruits are born and raised.

Yanco Rd, Leeton / (02) 6955 7117 / Tours by appointment

Sweet citrus success

Pacific Fresh - Sumo Citrus, Leeton

meet the maker


meet the maker

Pest control through product innovation

Charlie Carp, Deniliquin

Fish and fish products are beneficial to humans in more ways than one can count. So, it should be no surprise that they can do the same for gardens, crops and lawns, as Charlie Carp in Deniliquin discovered almost two decades ago.

Pests exist in our waterways as much as around our camp-fires, with European Carp destroying the natural habitat of native marine life throughout Australia. Damaging river-beds and polluting the oxygen in the water with mud, one carp can produce over one million eggs each year.

Farmers in the Deniliquin area saw this impacting the state of the Murray Darling Basin in 1995, and found an innovative and sustainable way to help curve the impact of carp to the river system. Using the whole fish, and no harsh chemicals, the team created liquid fertiliser ‘Charlie Carp.’

Going from strength to strength, the company is building its reputation as not only an extremely effective liquid fertiliser but also as an environmental advocate for cleaner rivers.

The benefits of Charlie Carp products have been recognised by commercial businesses across the globe, with a number of golf courses, farmers and sports stadiums utilising the nutrients and omega-3 infused fertiliser to gain consistently green growth. With the ability to be quickly absorbed with one spray on to foliage or soil, even the roses at Flemington Racecourse have accredited the Charlie Carp range for the past 10 years.

Visit the Charlie Carp website to find out more about their products and where to purchase this liquid gold.

1300 305 963 / [email protected]


experiences

Yarrow Park, Coleambally Boutique wines and olives

Third generation grape growers – Bruce and Sandra Dalgliesh – made a business decision ten years ago to try their hand at the family trade. The couple purchased an empty block of land west of Coleambally and established Yarrow Park – a boutique olive grove and vineyard.

With an increasing global demand for olive oil, coupled with Riverina’s ideal climate, the audacious couple bought, prepared and tended to the olive grove, harvesting their first crop in 2006. Their talent and passion have seen the dynamic duo rake in countless national awards for their extra virgin olive oil and table olives.

In this truly niche offering, table olives are handpicked to ensure no damage is caused to the fruit. Olives to be used for oil are pressed within 24 hours of picking to maintain maximum flavour and aroma.

Many handcrafted wines, such as chardonnays, roses and durifs are also produced onsite. All Yarrow Park products are available from the cellar door which is nestled amongst the vines and olive trees.

1037 Kyola Rd, Coleambally / 0429 444 074 Weekends 10am - 3pm / Weekdays by appointment


experiences

Experience country river life

Edward River Adventours, Deniliquin

Whilst the Edward may not be as famous as its fellow Murray-Darling basin rivals, what it lacks in name it makes up for in beauty.

The Edward River offers a peaceful escape, winding through national parks, grass lands and River Red Gum forests with an abundance of native wildlife and fresh, crisp air. New business venture ‘Edward River Adventours’ is enriching this experience, now offering visitors and locals alike kayaking and canoeing hire and tours.

Edward River Adventours owners Scott and Debbie Fullerton offer packages from one-hour kayak hire through to a two-day canoe tours. The two-day tours, led by Scott, include a night’s camping under the stars at Willoughby’s Beach – renown as a top destination for camping, fishing, hiking and bird watching. A picnic lunch and a bush BBQ dinner are available on request. Alternate routes and experiences are available and can be fully customised depending on your interests.

For those looking just to hire, the ‘Edward River Canoe and Kayak Trail’ is one of the most popular routes, which starts at Mathoura and leads up to the mouth of the Edward River Weir. Maps are available.

Tours are suitable for all age groups. Camping equipment is available for hire if required. Bookings are essential.

191 Oddys Rd, Deniliquin / 0427 823 373 Find them on Facebook!


experiences

Explore an underwater world

John Lake Centre, Narrandera

Located just outside of the heart of Narrandera, the John Lake Centre freshwater aquarium is uniting conservational aims with educational attributes. Providing an insight to the many freshwater species living in the Murray-Darling waterways, the aquarium presents more than just a view for visitors – it offers a path for the future of sustaining our river systems.

Established in 1985, with an overarching purpose to help preserve the natural river systems, the centre now runs a full-time research facility with over 30 projects occurring at any given time. The ongoing issues of eradicating introduced species and restoration of endangered fish types has seen the construction of around 40 earth ponds designed to breed and raise native fingerlings (baby fish) onsite, with more than one million hatchlings each year including Trout cod, Murray cod and silver and golden perch.

Tours of the aquarium allow visitors to interact with baby turtles and feed the fish by hand, as well educating visitors about the environment and the health of our freshwater native wildlife. With beautiful surrounding lawn areas, visitors are invited to utilise the free BBQ facilities on offer following a tour of the centre.

The centre is open on weekdays and runs five tours daily: 9am, 10.30, 11.30, 1.30 and 2.30pm. Pre-booking is required for large groups. Special events operate during school holidays. Check the website for more information.

70 Buckingbong Rd, Narrandera / (02) 6958 8207 www.dpi.nsw.gov.au


Junee Rotary Farmers Markets, Junee Shop direct from the farm gate

The Historic Railway Square in Junee comes alive on the first Sunday of each month at the Junee Rotary Farmers Markets.

Rapidly growing in popularity, Farmers Markets provide consumers access to fresh, seasonal and locally grown produce. And the Junee Markets are no different – boasting an array of juicy fruit and vegetables all sourced and sold direct by local farmers and market gardeners. Along with great fruit and vegetables, you’ll also find local wine, sweets and confectionary, cheeses, olives, sauces, condiments, free range eggs, plants and seedlings as well as homewares and handicrafts.

Relax to the sounds of local buskers or the Junee Town Band, as they deliver acoustic tunes to the wandering market-goers. Combine this with the promise of sausage sizzles, bacon and egg rolls or freshly flipped pancakes, and access to the freshest produce on offer, make the Markets the perfect way to start your Sunday.

Railway Sq, Junee / 0429 315 837 / Find them on Facebook! [email protected] First Sunday of the month 8 am - 12 noon

experiences

Image: Cootamundra, Eastern Riverina

Cotton grown on irrigated farms is harvested and ‘ginned’ from autumn to spring each year.

Image: Whitton, Western Riverina

Documents

Inside the Riverina : Autumn 2015 Edition