Leeton, Whitton, Yanco and surrounds

Wetlands, art trails and art deco vibes

You’ll never be short of things to do in Leeton and its surrounding towns. Peek into the past, dine out in style and explore wetlands so spectacular they’ve been internationally recognised as an area of importance.

The larger towns of Leeton, Whitton and Yanco are all incredible places to explore. Oh, and don’t forget about Murrami. Yes, it’s smaller in size, but it's jam-packed with fascinating historical and cultural insights into the region.

If immersing yourself in culture, experiencing art deco architecture and exploring unique art trails is right up your alley, Leeton is a must-see destination on the Murrumbidgee Trails for you.

The Leeton Visitor Information Centre is a great place to start. Completed in 1913, it was one of the town’s first buildings and was originally known as the Water Conservation and Irrigation Manager’s residence. Inside, the team of friendly locals is always happy to share a map or give tips on the best things to do.

Check out the Visit Leeton website >

Leeton

Explore Leeton, one of Australia’s richest agricultural areas with a history as bountiful as the produce grown in its fertile soil. From camping and summer fun to great food and galleries, there’s always something unique to do here.

This is a place where you can admire the juxtaposition of modern spaces against the State Heritage-listed buildings and dive into the story of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area.

Families will love Mountford Park, a must-do for kids and a short walk from top-notch coffee shops. If you’re staying the night, the town’s nightlife won’t disappoint. Dine out in style at French and Italian restaurants or enjoy our more relaxed cafés, pubs and clubs.

Stroll the Promenade

Chelmsford Place lies in the heart of Leeton and draws you in to stroll the pathways past fountains, sculptures and unique detailing on the water towers. Speaking of water towers, head out after dark to see them become a nightly gallery space. This innovative alternative to a painted mural allows the art to evolve and change over time.

Footsteps Through Time

Walk alongside art deco buildings that’ll transport you to another time. Many of the buildings were constructed or renovated in between the two world wars which has left a legacy of elegant art deco style buildings — in fact, there are dozens along the main street. If the style calls to you, be sure to spend more time along the Art Deco Way touring route.

In town, the Art Deco Heritage Walking Tour will have you strolling past some incredible examples of art deco architecture including mosaic tiling, pressed metal ceilings, and chevron brickwork rendered with tin decorative parapets.

The walk wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the heritage-listed Leeton Roxy Community Theatre – one of the oldest cinemas in Australia, opened in the 1930s

Explore the stories of our past, through people and place

The Leeton Museum and Art Gallery, housed in one of the town’s beautiful art deco buildings, showcases Leeton’s water story, which began when the town was built as part of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Scheme. The gallery takes pride in featuring emerging and local artists, which provides a unique perspective on the region’s cultural landscape. Time your visit right and the new Wiradjuri Story exhibition will be open, too.

Soak in the legacy of Australian poet Henry Lawson at the historical Henry Lawson Cottage. Visitors can drive by the site at any time, immersing themselves in history by reading information displayed outside. During the Art Deco Festival, you can step inside and experience the environment that inspired Lawson’s timeless works.

Round out your art and history exploration with a leisurely drive following the Lyrics, Landscapes and Lintels Public Art Trail. It celebrates the stories of Leeton Shire’s Aboriginal heritage, along with the natural and built environments.

Go bird spotting

Internationally recognised under the Ramsar Convention, the Fivebough and Tuckerbil wetlands are home to rare and threatened species like the Australian painted snipe, magpie goose and freckled duck. Wander five kilometres of trails throughout, peeping at bird hides and looking out from the viewing platforms. Don’t miss the Budyaan Baamirra Centre and Wiradjuri Garden where you can discover the significance of the wetlands to the local Aboriginal people.

Whitton

Peek into the past when you visit the historic township of Whitton. The arrival of trains into the area marked the end of river trade and the township of Whitton came into being in 1881 when the railway line was extended.

In Memorial Park, see the monument to the pioneers of Whitton and the teamsters who travelled the nearby stock route in the 1850s. There’s also an impressive 15-metre-high art installation on the Whitton Water Tower that pays homage to the Anzac spirit.

See new murals on old shop fronts as you explore the main street. Also make sure to check out Charred Memories, part of the Lyrics, Landscapes and Lintels Public Art Trail, to unearth more of the area’s history.

Head to Court for a Lesson in History

The Whitton Courthouse and Historical Museum is dedicated to the rural and rail history of the district. The collection features memorabilia and history of Gogeldrie and Kooba Pastoral Stations, irrigation farms, the Whitton Stock Route, local Aboriginal artefacts, Murrumbidgee Paddle Steamers and the SW Line Railway.

Just Down the Road

Take a world-first journey from the farm gate through the malting process, right through to a range of finished products that you’ll get to taste (a key part of the experience, of course) at Whitton Malt House. Enjoy breakfast and lunch at the café, wander the grounds or stay a night or two in the luxury villas that overlook Lake Hulong.

A visit to Southern Cotton next door is a must-do as long as you’ve timed your visit with the season (tours run from April right through to spring) and see the cotton ginning process first-hand.

Yanco

A visit to Yanco offers fascinating insights into the origins of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, along with fun for the whole family. The kids will love riding the five-kilometre trail from nearby Leeton. If you’re tuckered out, make for the McCaughey Bicentennial Park to rest and relax as you watch the water birds frolic by the natural spring-fed waterhole. Time your visit during the summer and the kids will no doubt make the most of the Yanco Splash Pad, too.

Enjoy a Real Aussie Bush Experience

Experience unique forested wetlands which are among Australia’s most threatened ecosystems in the Murrumbidgee Valley National Park. Head to the Turkey Flat Trail on foot or bike and wind your way through the bushland. You’ll end up at Middle Beach where you can cool off with a swim, find a spot for a relaxing picnic or pitch a tent and free camp.

Camping spots are in abundance here. Sandy Beach Campground is a top choice to spend the night. You might even be lucky enough to see a glider or koala.

Get a Taste for Our Past

Delve into the story of Sir Samuel McCaughey, an Irishman who immigrated to Australia in the 1850s. He went on to own more than a dozen sheep stations and vast swathes of land, sharing his good fortune through a range of philanthropic pursuits. North Yanco farm was part of his holdings, and it was here that his influence led to the development of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, the reason Leeton and Yanco exist today. Located on land that was once part of the property, Yanco Agricultural High School welcomes visitors during school holiday periods to view McCaughey’s homestead, now the main administration building. Inside, you’ll find a life-size portrait of the pastoralist and pioneer.

Stop by the Yanco Agricultural Institute to explore the historic buildings. Founded in 1908 as an experimental farm, the buildings have had many purposes throughout their history including a home for delinquent boys and a Prisoner of War camp. Today, it’s an educational college.

A visit to Yanco Powerhouse Museum and Miniature Railway will take you inside the old power station originally built to supply the developing Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and Leeton Butter Factory. Inside, you’ll find a collection of farm machinery, photographs and a theatrette. Outside, you’ll find the miniature railway that kids – even the big ones – can enjoy. The museum and railway usually operate on the last Sunday of the month, timed to coincide with local markets.

Murrami

What Murrami lacks in size it makes up for in fascinating historical and agricultural insights into the region. Here you’ll find the award-winning Randall’s Organic Rice, as well as Rocking Horse Restorations, the home of long-time local Libby Bailey’s collection of antique and vintage rocking horses (by appointment only).

Highlights

What’s on

Don’t miss our region’s unique festivals, markets and shows

Be sure to check the Leeton Tourism website for the latest event updates when you visit as dates can change and new events are often popping up along the Murrumbidgee Trails.

Formula One International Gliding Competition

In a region known for some of the best gliding in the entire country, it’ll be no surprise that we also host events on an international scale.

Held in Leeton just after Christmas, see competitors from across Australia and around the world take part in the Formula One International Gliding Competition.

Leeton SunRice Festival (biennial)

Every second Easter, the town of Leeton lights up in a colourful celebration of the rice industry and its influence on the region.

More than 10,000 gather for a packed program featuring one of the biggest street parades you’ll ever see and the always popular (and extremely Insta-worthy) Balloon Glow.

Australian Art Deco Festival Leeton

Leeton’s architecture is a drawcard any time of year, but in July the town comes to life for Australia’s largest art deco festival.

Immerse yourself in inspiring films and exhibitions, a healthy dose of jazz and swing music, and of course the Charleston, all alongside the perfect mix of fashion, food and vintage vehicles.