The prosperous town of Leeton in the Riverina region of southern New South Wales is known as "the heart of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area". The township was conceived after the success of experimental irrigation at nearby Yanco by Sir Samuel McCaughey. Chicago architect Walter Burley Griffin designed the town layout, and it was named after the then State Minister for Public Works, Mr Charles Alfred Lee. With the turning on of the regulator at Yanco in July 1912, the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area came into existence. The Leeton township followed with town allotments made available from April 1913.

This once barren land has been transformed into the richest food producing area in Australia. A virtual oasis, it incorporates 550,000 hectares of land, producing most of the nation's rice, just under half its rockmelons, 60% of New South Wales citrus, and 80% of its wine. Leeton constitutes the administrative centre of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. It is home to the Rice Marketing Board and the state's largest cannery, Letona. However, success was not immediately enjoyed with the introduction of the scheme, as the pioneers of Leeton could well testify.

The Government launched a propaganda campaign to lure settlers to the newly irrigated region. These inducements including fruit trees, farm houses and sheds appealed to a mixture of unemployed itinerant workers and southern European immigrants. By 1914, 622 farms were worked in a region of 9,700 hectares. In an effort to induce more people, Henry Lawson was employed in 1916 to compose complimentary verse about the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, to be published in major city journals.

However, many fundamental problems ensued. Although engineering experts abounded, agricultural ones were scarce. Inexperienced farmers received misinformation and little advice from authorities. Canal seepage and waterlogging marred early crop success. The Government Cannery established in 1914 could not process the quantity of initial yields. Then the soldier resettlement scheme resulted in 369 mostly inexperienced returned servicemen acquiring lots. As one resident recollected:

"Henry Lawson was in Leeton at that time: I think he had some sort of government position. The poor man always seemed to be drunk, and the way things were then, I can't say I blame him".

Indeed the government was exposed for manufacturing propaganda concerning returns, and in 1920 around 200 early settlers were compensated.

It was with the successful yield of rice in 1924 that good fortune eventually shined on the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. During the 1930s another profitable commodity was discovered in wool. The railway had reached Leeton in 1922, granting the town access to major national markets. A co-operation of farmers purchased the government cannery in 1935, forming the successful "Letona" company, which grew from strength to strength.

The well maintained gardens and tidy streets of Leeton welcome its many annual visitors. One of the cities attractions is the recently renovated Hydro Hotel. Built in 1919 as the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area's headquarters, the building emerged as a first class hotel in 1924. Regional attractions include visits to the many farms which produce a bounty of oranges, apples, peaches, pears, apricots, table grapes and melons. The "Sunrice Country Visitors Centre" provides information of this most prolific crop. Additionally, the Lillypilly Estate and Toorak Wines vineyards welcome visitors for sampling or sales. Recent recognition of these fine Leeton Vineyards has enhanced the region's reputation.


Overview

Leeton is the administrative capital of MIA and was named after Charles Alfred Lee, the NSW Minister for Public Works when the scheme was being developed. The town's history dates back to 1913 when first allotments were made available. The town is surrounded by ricefields, orchards and vineyards and is centre to some major food processing industries. Leeton's attractions are largely related to its major industry of winemaking.

Natural Attractions

The nearby Murrumbidgee River runs beside beautiful red gum forests and leads the hiker to sandy beaches where fishing and picnics can be indulged in. Middle Beach Forest Park has walks in scenic locations, and the ski beach of Turkey Flat is a haven for watersports lovers. A visit to the Gogelderie and Yanco Weirs will give an insight into the irrigation programme operating in the Riverina. The many parks, tree-lined streets and canals give Leeton the name "the garden of the Riverina".

Other Attractions

Leeton has a host of tourist guided tours to choose from and some are linked to the town's agricultural background. Tours of factories, vineyards and orchards are all available to the visitor, and include the Sunrice visitor Centre, Leton Cannery, "Quelch Juice" Factory and the Lilypilly and Toorak wineries. Museums include the Whitton Court House Museum and the Historic Hydro Hotel. Sports clubs, recreation centres and restaurants will occupy and entertain the visitor.

Wineries

Lillypilly estate has wine tasting sessions for visitors wishing to experience vintages from a heritage dating back to the expert winemakers of Italy. Lillypilly produces international award winning wines including luscious Noble Muscats, velvety reds and crisp Chardonnay and Fume Blanc styles. The wines are made and bottled at the winery from grapes grown on the family estate.

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