We are in Griffith for four nights, it is about 45 km up the Irrigation Way from Leeton. We are glad we are here.

We are someway from the Murrumbidgee River, but the waterways of the MIA ensure that we are well and truly under its influence. Coming up from Leeton one can appreciate the phrase ‘one of the nations food bowls’.

On one side of the road we will have cotton, the other rice, a little further along there will be orange trees in abundance and then grapes as far as the eye can see. There are also nut trees and prunes around these parts, the Riverina produces 90% of Australia’s prunes.

A special chocolate (dark and white varieties) coated prune has also been grafted onto a normal prune tree. Some of my readers will be aware that I am rather keen on aged prunes in port. These chocolate coated ones will be a great accompaniment. Wool is also big. The interesting thing is that all this leading edge agriculture stuff generates innovative manufacturing industry out here to service the farm needs.

A great view over the city and farmland is had from Hermit’s Cave which sits in a ridge line on the edge of the city. When the hermit lived here for over 30 years, from the late 1920s to 1952, it would have been more isolated, suburbia now laps at the foot of the ridge. A short walk takes you around his cave complex, including a living area, a seperate ‘kitchen’, chapel and carefully constructed garden beds.

It is all a bit neglected now, needs some work done to revitalise the experience.

Griffith has deep Italian roots, but also new multicultural connections, particularly Indian. It is a foody place, just where you would want to come for a few days. We have enjoyed a couple of pizza meals and a more elaborate dinner at La Scala, the ricotta stuffed zucchini flowers were just great. As was the Scalopini al fungi and the Veal saltambucca.

As readers will know Allthego is a keen fisherman, or was. These days the fish are more easily caught at the fish shop, and you don’t have to pay for bait. Days of screwing around in the sand for pippies are gone I reckon.

One of the innovative businesses in Griffith is AQUNA. Short for ‘sustainable Murray Cod’. We had a taste test of some smoked cod wings, very nice. The cod are fish farmed in ponds not far out of town. We later pulled into one of the facilities while travelling around.

They have been doing this for 15 plus years, learning a lot along the way and now have a keen following of chefs. Allthego couldn’t resist a packet of frozen wings to try on our return to Brisbane.

Griffith is a little arty too. The Main Street is called Banna Street and the lane way behind it is Banna Lane. They have a festival each year to advance the mural art in Banna Lane.

Some interesting pieces on the walls, the one of oranges is reproduced on one of the city’s postcards. Quite impressive work, helped of course by the rubbish bin! Homealone says don’t worry it is street art.

The vineyards have also called and we have tried out some selected ones, particularly tasting the Italian varietals. They are well suited to the region’s Mediterranean climate. Lovers of big shirazes are going to be disappointed here, most of the wines are lighter and seem to be designed as drink now experiences. We have acquired a few bottles to bring home, they are stored safely away in the van’s cellar.

On a final note Griffith has an annual Salami and food festival, runs for a week, and is a celebration of all things Italian. Sounds like a must to put on the visit list, there is also I believe a long lunch. Must look into this!

We are now due to pack up and move back to the Murrumbidgee River. Hey, we are headed for Hay!