Riverina (New South Wales): geography, agriculture and history

Geography and climate

The landscape is predominantly flat or gently undulating, with fertile alluvial soils along river valleys and drier soils on the outer plains. Summers are warm to hot and winters mild to cool; rainfall is variable and often supplemented by managed water deliveries from rivers, dams and channels. These conditions make the Riverina suitable for a wide mix of cropping and grazing. The rivers forming the region also create important wetlands and ecological corridors that support local biodiversity.

History and people

The Riverina has been home to Aboriginal peoples for many millennia, including groups such as the Wiradjuri and other nations who used the rivers and floodplains for food and cultural life — generally referred to as Aboriginal history in the area. European settlement began in earnest in the mid‑19th century, when European pastoralists established sheep and cattle stations and exported wool and beef to domestic and overseas markets. In the 20th century, construction of major irrigation infrastructure converted large areas into productive farmland and introduced new crops such as rice and intensified viticulture for grapes, transforming local economies and settlement patterns. The Riverina also played a role in regional politics and was an energetic contributor to the movement toward federation of the Australian colonies, a process sometimes called federation.

Agriculture, industry and uses

The Riverina is one of Australia’s most varied agricultural regions. Irrigated and dryland farms produce cereals, oilseeds, fruit, vegetables, grapes for wine and table use, rice, cotton and fodder crops, while grazing supports sheep and cattle. Key activities include:

• Intensive irrigated horticulture and viticulture supported by large irrigation schemes.
• Broadacre cropping such as wheat, barley and canola on non‑irrigated land.
• Livestock production for wool and meat.
• Value‑adding industries including food processing and wine production.

These enterprises connect the Riverina to national and international markets and sustain a significant rural workforce.

Towns, institutions and transport

Major population centres include Wagga Wagga, Albury and Griffith, among others. Regional campuses of Charles Sturt University operate in the area, providing education and research closely tied to agriculture and regional development. Wagga Wagga hosts major Australian Defence Force facilities and training centres — the region has longstanding ties to the Australian Defence Force — while Albury forms a cross‑border urban conurbation with its Victorian neighbour. Transport corridors, rail links and highways serve to move produce to domestic processors and export ports.

Distinguishing features and contemporary issues

The Riverina is distinguished by its reliance on managed river water, its mix of irrigated and dryland farming, and a cultural identity shaped by rural communities. Contemporary challenges and conversations include sustainable water allocation, salinity and soil management, adapting to climate variability, and balancing economic development with environmental conservation. Tourism based on wineries, food trails, historic towns and river landscapes complements the primary industries, while local festivals and cultural institutions celebrate the region's agricultural heritage.

For further regional information and practical resources, consult local government materials, university research on irrigation and agriculture, and regional development bodies that work across the Murray and Murrumbidgee catchments.

New South Wales | Australia | Irrigation | Victoria | Great Dividing Range | Murray | Murrumbidgee | Aboriginal | Europeans | 19th century | Beef | Wool | 20th century | Rice | Grapes | Federation | Charles Sturt University | Australian Defence Force