The Ultimate June Long Weekend Bucket List
There's a particular kind of magic that only exists in regional Australia on a long weekend. The air is crisp, the locals are out, the pubs have fires burning and the cellar doors are pouring.
Here’s a roundup of all the bucket list things to do in the Riverina this weekend.
FRIDAY 5 JUNE
1. Pull up a fireside seat at The Long Pour, Berton Vineyards, Griffith
From 3pm | Free entry
Kick off the long weekend the right way. Berton Vineyards throws open its doors for The Long Pour — a relaxed, free-entry afternoon of vineyard vibes, fireside warmth and good wine. There's no agenda here, no dress code, no rush. Just settle in, order a glass of something local, and let the weekend begin properly.
2. Chase golden hour from Scenic Hill Lookout, Griffith
Late afternoon | Free
Before dinner, pull over at Griffith's Scenic Hill Lookout for one of the best views in the Riverina. As the winter sun drops behind the plains, the entire valley turns golden - a patchwork of vineyards, citrus orchards and irrigation channels stretching as far as you can see. While you're up there, duck into Hermit's Cave, one of Griffith's quirkier heritage spots.
3. DINNER, complimentary birthday cake AND cocktails at the Coolamon Hotel 1st Birthday
From 5:30pm | Coolamon
One of the Riverina's newest venues turns one, and they're celebrating in style - cocktail jugs, live music, markets and an electric small-town atmosphere that only a 1st birthday can bring. Coolamon is one of those genuinely lovely country towns where the main street makes you want to slow right down, and tonight it'll be buzzing PLUS you’ll receive a complimentary slice of birthday cake with any meal ordered.
4. Dinner at Lenny & Kirsty's Kitchen, Barmedman Bowlo
Barmedman, Bland Shire
The country bowlo dinner is a sacred Australian institution, and Lenny & Kirsty's Kitchen at the Barmedman Bowlo is doing it right. Warm yourself up with a hearty meal in a genuine outback community club. Barmedman is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it town of fewer than 300 people — which makes this dinner feel all the more special.
SATURDAY 6 JUNE
5. Wander the Hay Moppet Street Long Weekend Markets
From 9am – 1pm | Hay
Hay goes all out for the June long weekend, and the Moppet Street Markets are the centrepiece. Locals call it the biggest market weekend of the year - stalls spilling onto the street, coffee in hand, and that unhurried country market energy that cities can't replicate. Pick up something local, say g'day to a stranger, and enjoy one of the Riverina's great free Saturday morning traditions.
6. Watch the Mini Nationals take over Hay
All day | Hay
Only in country Australia. Mini vehicles from all over the country descend on Hay for the Mini Nationals. The streets are closed off, and what follows is four days of wonderfully niche, gloriously chaotic yet organised fun. Browse the markets, watch the minis go wheel-to-wheel across a number of high-energy, part precision driving, part speed challenges and soak up the community atmosphere.
7. Spot a koala in the wild at Narrandera Flora & Fauna Reserve
Morning | Free | Narrandera
Around 200 koalas live in Narrandera's Flora and Fauna Reserve - part of the longest continuous tract of River Red Gum Forest in the world. Head to the Narrandera Destination and Discovery Hub first for seasonal sightings tips, then take one of the walking loops through the reserve. Spotting a koala in the wild, in its own tree, snoozing in the fork of a gum. Don’t miss the Narrandera Skywalk while you’re there for an epic view.
8. Play the World's Second Largest Guitar, Narrandera
All day | Narrandera
While you're in Narrandera, you have to play the Big Guitar at the Destination and Discovery Hub. It's the world's second largest playable guitar and yes, it really does play. You'll need two hands. You will absolutely be taking photos. It's ridiculous and brilliant in equal measure.
9. Hit the Leeton Farmers & Makers Markets
First Saturday of every month | Mountford Park, Leeton
Over 30 stallholders, all local, all good. Leeton's monthly farmers market is one of the best in the Riverina, fresh produce and artisan goods. Grab breakfast, pick up supplies for an afternoon picnic, and explore Mountford Park while you're at it.
10. Stock Up at the Riverina's Best Boutique Grocers
Your official long weekend providore crawl. Start at Gigi the Gourmet Grocer in Coolamon for pantry staples sourced from across the region, then cross the road to the Coolamon Cheese Co. for handmade local cheeses you genuinely won't find anywhere else. Head to Lockhart and duck into That Butcher Shop for globally recognised premium cuts or if you’re in Griffith, stop in an visit Sam at La Piccola Deli for all your authentic Italian smallgoods, house-made pasta, local olives and imported treats that reflect everything the region's food culture is built upon. Alternatively, swing through Narrandera and grab fresh-baked bread from the Narrandera Bakery or head up to The Red Door and stop in for a browse and spot of lunch, making sure to stock up your local condiments on your way out. Finish in Temora at Max's Meats for the kind of old-school butcher experience that's increasingly hard to find or West Wyalong’s French Hot Bakery for an afternoon sweat treat.
11. See Ross Noble live at the Roxy Theatre, Leeton
Saturday 6 June | Evening | $64.90 individual / $59.90 for groups 10+
One of Australia's sharpest and most unpredictable stand-up comedians Ross Noble is performing in one of Australia's most beautiful heritage theatres, in a Riverina town of 4,000 people. This is the kind of experience that makes a long weekend truly memorable.
12. Book a tasting at Yarran Wines, Griffith
Bookings recommended | Griffith
If you're back in Griffith for the afternoon, Yarran Wines is one of the Riverina's most celebrated cellar doors - awarded Gourmet Traveller Wine's 'Star Cellar Door' two years running. Book a cheese & chill session or grab a fresh spot on the lawn. Come for the wines, stay for the view.
13. Experience the Griffith Shaheedi Tournament (Sikh Games)
Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 June | Ted Scobie Oval, Griffith
One of the biggest cultural events on the Riverina calendar. The Sikh community hosts a two-day celebration complete with traditional games like kabaddi and tug-of-war, incredible food, and a joyful, welcoming atmosphere. Thousands attend from across Australia and beyond. It's eye-opening, warm and genuinely unforgettable.
14. Settle in for the De Bortoli Locals Long Lunch, Griffith
Saturday 6 June | De Bortoli Wines, Griffith
Live music, long tables, local wine and the kind of unhurried lunch that only a country winery can pull off. De Bortoli is one of the Riverina's greatest wine institutions, and their locals lunch is a beloved tradition. Come hungry, stay late, make friends and drink wine. Enough said.
15. Go stargazing at the Rock Regional Observatory
Saturday Night | The Rock | Free
A perfect Saturday night activity with the kiddies, head out to The Rock for free stargazing at the Regional Observatory. Peer through the telescope, learn about stars, planets and constellations, and stand under one of the most spectacular night skies in regional NSW. Far from city light pollution, the Riverina winter sky is extraordinary.
SUNDAY 7 JUNE
16. Meet the growers at Griffith Rotary Markets
Every Sunday morning | Griffith
Gold coin donation, fresh seasonal produce and a proper Sunday morning market energy. The Griffith Rotary Markets are a local institution - show up, grab a coffee, fill a bag with winter veg, and chat to the people who actually grew it. This is what farm-to-table actually looks like.
17. Try The flight simulator at the Temora Aviation Museum
Check flying day calendar | Temora
Possibly the most underrated attraction in the region. Not only does the Temora Aviation Museum house one of the Southern Hemisphere’s greatest collections of rare ex-military aircraft (including Spitfires and other WWII-era warbirds), but it even has two flight simulators to try your hand. Ever fancied a flight under the Harbour Bridge? An easy family friendly morning activity to wear out the kids, the Guard House Cafe on site with outdoor seating and an accompanying playground as well.
18. ShOp the boutique birthday markets at the coolamon hotel
Markets in the car park | Coolamon
Gold coin donation, fresh seasonal produce and a proper Sunday morning market energy. The Coolamon Hotel is hosting it’s 1st birthday and to celebrate, they’re hosting a Saturday morning market stall. Did we mention there’ll be complimentary birthday cake? Say less. Beer garden opens from 12pm with a special Birthday Cocktail on the menu exclusively available for the long weekend.
18. Walk the Lockhart Sculpture and Heritage Trail
Self-guided | Free | Lockhart
Before the Dylan Wright show, take a wander through Lockhart's gorgeous main street. One of the country’s most hilariously charged, historic main streets. Think Federation verandas, original shopfronts and an impressive sculpture trail wind through the town centre. Add in the Lockhart Water Tower Mural - a painted icon on the regional art trail - and the Greens Gunyah Museum (just $7, and genuinely excellent) for a full morning's exploration.
19. See Dylan Wright live at Lockhart Recreation Centre
Sunday 7 June | Lockhart Recreation Centre | Adults $20, Kids $5
Winner of Australian Idol 2024, Dylan Wright plays soulful renditions of classic hits in the intimate setting of the Lockhart Recreation Centre. With a ticket price that's almost embarrassingly too good a value. Kids $5. Bring the whole family.
20. Kick off the FIFA World Cup at The Calcutta, The Gem, Griffith
Sunday 7 June | The Gem, Griffith
With $10,000 up for grabs in the Calcutta sweepstakes, The Gem is the place to be as the FIFA World Cup gets underway. Get a team in the draw, get a drink in your hand, and celebrate the start of football's greatest tournament in the heart of Australia’s little Italy.
WHILE YOU'RE THERE - DON'T MISS
Coolamon Cheese Co. — Handmade local cheeses right in the heart of Coolamon. Essential.
Little Rustic Pantry at the Up-to-Date Store, Coolamon — Breakfast and lunch inside a State Heritage listed Victorian general store. Incredible setting, great food. Open Thursday to Sunday.
Barmedman Mineral Pool — If you’re up for a winter ice plunge, it’s one of the states largest natural mineral pools in a tiny outback town. Restorative, theraputic and completely unique.
Griffith Pioneer Park Museum — 40+ heritage buildings in an open-air museum preserving Griffith's remarkable history. A genuinely excellent way to spend a couple of hours.
Cocoparra National Park — Just 25km from Griffith, rugged bushland, kangaroos, wallabies and sweeping views. The Jacks Creek Walking Track is the standout.
Skywalk, Narrandera — Peaceful, beautiful and easy on a winter morning. Walk as if you’re floating on water at the Sky Walk on the river.
Lake Centenary, Temora — A walking track around a beautiful lake with picnic facilities. Ideal for stretching your legs between museum visits.
Bland Shire Art Trail — Silo art, murals and sculptures across Tallimba, Ungarie, Weethalle, Mirrool and Barmedman. A genuinely rewarding scenic drive.
The Crooked Mile, West Wyalong — Walk the famously crooked main street, built around gold diggings, and find the Russell Drysdale bronze easel at the corner of the Tatts Hotel.