Easter extravaganza: Griffith Easter Party, NSW
Easter marks the time of year when the weather starts to cool, trees put on a glorious display of colour and many towns throughout Australia pull out all the stops to put on a fabulous festival for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Held in the lovely town of Griffith in New South Wales, the Griffith Easter Party is an annual multiday celebration bursting with family-friendly festivities. And as Easter coincides with the end of the grape vintage, the esteemed Riverina wine region transforms into a focal point for communal celebration.
Rooted in tradition, the Griffith Easter Party has historically marked an important time of year — a time when the community can unite and revel in the conclusion of an exceptionally busy working period. Griffith transforms into a huge party where people of all ages and backgrounds join together to celebrate wine and food, and just enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery.
The festival is a massive economic boost for the town too, bringing in thousands of people to the otherwise small town, with accommodation reaching 70–80 per cent capacity during the period. Local cafes and restaurants also experience the highest volume of customers at this time, which makes for a buzzing atmosphere throughout the long weekend.
Located along the Kidman Way touring route, the Burley Griffin Way and an easy detour from the Sturt and Newell Highways, Griffith — and this fun-filled event — is easily accessible for travellers coming from Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and beyond.
It's party time
When it comes to the festival events, there’s plenty on offer to keep locals and visitors busy for the whole long weekend. Many will enjoy the traditional beer and wine events which offer a touch of sophistication and a chance to savour the local flavours. But in keeping with the age-inclusive theme of the event, the more recent addition of the children’s picnic ensures there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
If you’re hoping to explore the local wares, the local Easter Sidewalk Sale is a great opportunity to see what the town has on offer. While for those wanting to immerse themselves in the wine region, the various cellar door experiences are an authentic showcase of local producers.
Additional activities and events to add to your festival itinerary include the various dining experiences at numerous eateries and cafes, live music, children’s activities, the Griffith Vintage Festival, major raffles at the service clubs and of course, multiple Easter services at local parishes.
Other fun Easter Party highlights are the Pioneer Park Museum Action Day on Good Friday, which features vintage and steam machinery, shearing and craft demonstrations, markets and much more, and Bacchus on the Lake, a mini marathon that follows the tracks around Lake Wyangan.
This special event is an experience that caters to every taste and preference, making the journey to Griffith truly worthwhile. Visitors and locals can enjoy the almost perfect climate Griffith enjoys at Eastertime, with warm days and cool nights. Griffith really shines during the in-between seasons, which is why the Easter Party is such a successful affair.
Whether you come for a day, the whole long weekend or stay even longer to explore the town and surrounds, this festival makes for a great big-ticket item on your Easter calendar.
Griffith hospitality
At its heart, this unique event reflects the unparalleled local hospitality of Griffith. Located within the Riverina region, which is also known as the ‘Food bowl of Australia,’ Griffith is a unique multicultural rural town with a population of approximately 27,000. Each year, during the Easter long weekend, the town welcomes visitors with open arms, demonstrating the warm and welcoming community spirit of Griffith that keeps attendees returning each year. This inviting atmosphere sets the tone for an inclusive experience, where everyone feels safe and welcome, even if only for a short visit.
Accommodation
While the Griffith Easter Party does not offer designated camping within any of the specific events, Griffith is home to a selection of wonderful free camping spots, caravan parks with powered sites and cabin options available and even some fantastic farm stays to choose from.
If you are after a night away from the van, there is also an extensive range of hotel and serviced accommodation to choose from. Here are some popular caravan parks in the area:
Griffith Tourist Caravan Park
1/919 Willandra Avenue
Griffith NSW 2680
P: 02 6964 2144
Griffith Showground Caravan Park
18–22 Walla Avenue
Griffith NSW 2680
P: 0430 655 123
Griffith Caravan Village
1 Gardiner Road
Yoogali NSW 2680
P: 02 6962 3785
Other events
In addition to the Griffith Easter Party, the region hosts a range of major festivals and events throughout the calendar year.
Following the Griffith Easter Party, every August Griffith showcases its rich Italian heritage with the A Taste of Italy Griffith. This is a week-long celebration of the Italian culture and traditions that are so unique to the region. All local operators jump on board offering a massive range of events and experiences to enjoy, including the annual Festival Del Salsicce (Salami Festival), wine tasting experiences, live music, dancing and of course, a whole lot of pasta.
There is also the Griffith Spring Fest held each October, which is a two-week-long event that is packed with a range of authentic events and displays, including the unique Citrus Sculptures, a range of local open gardens, a community street festival and so much more. This is another incredibly special time for Griffith as it brings a vibrant buzz to the region within the action-packed two-week period.
Still want more?
While in the stunning Riverina region, there is plenty for the curious caravanner to explore. The range of local attractions in and around Griffith range from the great outdoors to art galleries and cultural museums, history and heritage sites and an extensive selection of local food and wining and dining options to satisfy your pallet.
In addition to the many local cellar doors open to visit, there is also a range of local producers that offer farm tours and there is even a wildlife park just down the road. The Altina Wildlife Park offers safari tours with an Australian twist and a variety of wildlife encounter experiences. For more information head here.
To find out more about the Griffith Easter Party and the many events planned for the Easter long weekend, head to the festival website.
