Taste of Australia with Hayden Quinn – The Riverina

Taste the Riverina with Hayden Quinn

Cook, author, presenter and MasterChef Australia contestant Hayden Quinn has travelled around New South Wales discovering delicious local produce and meeting passionate producers for season two of Taste of Australia with Hayden Quinn. This week he visits the Riverina to learn about organic rice, make some licorice and spend the night on a luxury estate.

“If you’re travelling through this area, why not start your journey by catching up with Mark Sadler from Bundyi Aboriginal Cultural Tours to learn about his people and their land.”

Mark Sadler from Bundyi Aboriginal Cultural Tours. Image Credit: Taste of Australia

Mark’s tours range from a two hour Aboriginal Walkabout to a full day immersive Wiradjuri Cultural experience. You’ll learn about the local indigenous people and their traditions, language, places and even bush tucker.

 

“The Murrumbidgee flows right through Wagga Wagga and in the heart of town is Wagga Beach. This has been named one of the top 10 beaches in Australia.”

Wagga Beach. Image Credit: Taste of Australia

This sandy river beach is a great spot for swimming, kayaking and canoeing, just a few minutes from the centre of town. It’s also part of the Wiradjuri Walking Track and the perfect spot to cool off as you follow the trail.

 

“One place you should check out is Randall Organic Rice. You don’t hear much about Aussie rice and we should, because it’s awesome. These guys make some of the best and they’ve got the awards to prove it.”

Randall Organic Rice. Image Credit: Taste of Australia

Peter Randall has been growing organic rice in the Riverina for more than 30 years. All of his rice is single origin, with the whole process from growing to milling and packing completed on the family farm.

 

“I’m a total sucker for licorice and while you’re in the area you must stop at the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory. This is a family-run operation housed in a restored flour mill and checking out the building is worth the trip alone.”

Licorice Factory. Image Credit: Taste of Australia

You’ll be like a kid in a candy shop at the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory. Go behind the scenes on a tour, where you’ll get to sample plenty of their goodies, or get your hands dirty making a giant freckle or rocky road. And you can pick up some snacks for the road at the gift shop.

 

“If you want to spoil yourself, you should book into the amazing Kimo Estate. There’s a range of accommodation and my favourite is their epic eco huts.”

Kimo Estate. Image Credit: Taste of Australia

Set on a 7,000 acre working sheep and cattle farm just outside of Gundagai, Kimo Estate offers luxury glamping in stylish eco huts as well as beautifully restored cottages and shearer’s quarters. It’s a glamorous slice of country life and the views are unbeatable.