Orange Festival in Griffith

Oranges!
The group Silos Up Up and Away Another one of the group The Festival Oranges At the Lake

18 October 2025 / Tony Heathwood, Jean Cook, Glenn Weir, Dianne Byers, Julie Sando

Day 1

Our trip to the Orange Festival in Griffith kicked off at Exeter where seven cars, 13 club members, met up and we headed down the M31 towards Harden. A comfort stop was attempted at Bowning but unfortunately the facilities were closed. We continued on, enjoying some banter over the CB radios. As we drove through Harden, everyone admired the kites that were flying at the Harden Kite Festival (unfortunately not enough time to have a thorough look). A local cafe agreed to stay open for us so we could enjoy some lunch. The food was delicious, and we had a chance to get acquainted with new friends. We then travelled to our accommodation at Koreela Park Motor Inn, Temora. A wonderful place to stay especially as our hosts provided the nibbles to go with our 'fivesies'. Steve and Maree joined us as well, so our numbers had grown to eight cars and 15 club members. We enjoyed a short walk to the Temora Hotel for dinner, where we had a private room so loads more chatter and friendly banter ensued.

Day 2

We set off from Temora on a beautiful morning, perfect for top down driving and motored along the Goldfields Way. Travelling through the bustling township of Barmedman gave Steve and Maree the opportunity to look for a fixer upper to move into. Who wants to live near the beach anyway! I suspect the strain of leading the pack started to show on Andy, as he began to see mirages. Despite promising us over the radio that he could see twisty bits just on the next rise, no twisties materialised. So, it was time for a morning tea break at the “Road Kill Grillz” in Weethalle. As tempting as it was, I decided to skip the meat pie for the safer option of Apple and Rhubarb Crumble. While checking out the silo art in the town after our stop, the group were offered a tour of the silo by owner and local farmer Paul. Probably an interesting first for all of us. We continued our journey to Griffith, taking in the wonderful orange blossom scents from the orchards. It’s times like this that you really appreciate a convertible. After a well-deserved lunch in the garden of the Coco & Bean café, we made our way to Hermit’s Cave. Despite the great view of Griffith, it’s hard to believe someone called this home for 25 odd years. After navigating a maze of blocked off streets, the convoy arrived at our final destination for tonight in time to catch the multicultural parade and orange sculptures. We finished up the day with a delicious dinner at Giuseppe’s Italian restaurant, where Maree particularly enjoyed Andy’s recommendation of Pizza with a side serving of mussels.

Day 3

We drove out to see Lake Wyangan which was sparkling in the bright morning sunshine. We took a few obligatory photos, of cars posed at the water’s edge! Vicky and Andy attempted a major feat, posing with a few oranges on the bonnet of their car! It worked well until Andy tried to stop them and they all ended up in the sand! It was some good fun. After that we drove on some beautiful country roads out to Whitton Malt House where we had a very interesting tour of the Cotton Gin. It is a long story about some clever farmers who found fuel costs for transporting their cotton to Queensland were going up and up, so they got together and built their own! They wanted a place for recreation, so the built the Malt house and Recreation area. I never did find out it there was a Brewery there or not, but we did have a delicious lunch. We wandered around the picturesque grounds, hit a few golf balls on the aqua driving range and looked at the luxurious accommodation. A camp ground for next year for those with caravans. We drove back into Griffith where a few of us went to Calabria Wines for some tasting. We were on our own for dinner that night, but strangely enough we all ended up in the same place and enjoyed Pizza in the Club!

Day 4 saw the 5 cars left on the onward last day head for Leeton at 09:30 on a glorious clear morning for top-down driving.  The drive to Leeton via thousands of acres of irrigated crop plantations was breathtaking. Morning tea at the Coffee Tree in Leeton was wonderful as was the stroll around the Leeton shops and a visit to the Leeton museum with history on the MIA in the region.  Refuelling done left 4 cars on a detour to Coolamon for lunch and drink at the magnificently restored Coolamon Hotel. A brilliant old early 20th century hotel restored to its full glory.  Short drive to Wagga Wagga through beautiful countryside finished at the very comfortable stay at the Lawson Riverside Suites.  Dinner at the Union Hotel finished a fantastic four days and we all thanked Vicki and Andy for their organisation and lead.