Life & Vibes in Our Charming Country Villages
From the fertile banks of the Murray River to the heart of Deniliquin and across the wide-open plains of the Riverina, our region tells a rich story of rural Australia—past and present.
Discover the warmth of true country hospitality as you wander through our picturesque villages. Share a yarn with locals at the pub, soak up the atmosphere at the weekend footy, and uncover echoes of our pioneering spirit at every turn. It’s more than a visit—it’s a real taste of life on the land.
Villages of the Edward River Community
Blighty
Just a relaxed half-hour drive east toward Finley and Albury lies the village of Blighty—a tiny community of around 400 people with a big heart. While there are no shops, Blighty’s essentials say it all: a primary school, a pub, and footy and netball grounds—proof of a place built on family, community, and connection. Stop by the Blighty Hotel for a drink or one of their famous chicken parmi and if it’s the weekend, you might catch a barbecue in the beer garden or a friendly pool comp. In winter, join locals at the oval to cheer on the mighty Redeyes—because in towns like Blighty, footy and netball bring everyone together.
Booroorban
Once a stop on the historic Cobb and Co. route, the Royal Mail Hotel is the heart of Booroorban—and its only commercial building—offering a welcoming pub with meals, drinks, and a shady beer garden under peppercorn trees. Located on the vast Hay Plains, Booroorban also features a small camping ground and caravan park, and nearby you’ll find the Burraburoon Farm Stay, a working sheep station with unique accommodation options like a converted train carriage. The area nods to local legend with a Headless Horseman-themed bar and sculpture at the Black Swamp rest area, adding a touch of folklore to this charming outback stop.
Conargo
Just 25 minutes northeast of Deniliquin, Conargo offers breathtaking sunsets and starry skies, along with a rich pastoral history dating back to its gazettal in 1860 as part of Benjamin Boyd’s empire. Set on the banks of the Billabong Creek—thought to be Australia’s longest—this proud village remains a hub for sheep stations and merino studs, with heritage celebrated through interpretive signage in the village centre. Visitors can explore the restored 19th-century Drop Log Stables from the old Cobb and Co. coach stop, admire a charming 1914 bush church, and enjoy a drink at the rebuilt Conargo Hotel, a local icon known across the country for its legendary bumper stickers.
Pretty Pine
Just 20 minutes from Deniliquin, Pretty Pine is a small but welcoming community best known for its historic pub—once the final stop on the Cobb and Co. route—which now serves up hearty meals (pizza a favourite), cold drinks, and country hospitality. With historic photos, friendly locals, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a perfect place to unwind. Families can enjoy the nearby Pretty Pine Rec Grounds with a playground, football oval, and cricket pitch. If you’re visiting in September, the annual Fathers’ Day Expo and Market is a must-see, drawing thousands for a vibrant day of local fun and festivities.
Wanganella
Nestled on the picturesque Billabong Creek, Wanganella is a charming village known for its welcoming General Store, where visitors can enjoy cold drinks, hearty pub meals, and friendly service. Famous as the birthplace of the Peppin merino sheep breed, a bronze statue at Wanganella Station commemorates its significance. Just 45 minutes north of Deniliquin, the village offers a scenic escape with breathtaking sunsets and starry skies, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Visitors can explore local tracks, waterways, and picnic spots, or try fishing in serene surroundings. The Wanganella Creek Camp Park provides a peaceful stop for campers, while the pet-friendly Wanganella Cottage offers a relaxing self-contained retreat with riverfront access, making it a perfect base to enjoy the area’s beauty.