Griffith: the charming town showing it's cultural and culinary diversity with an agricultural backdrop

But that’s far from its only claim to fame.

The city also boasts impressive architectural credentials, having been designed by Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahoney Griffin in 1914.

Its robust Italian influence is legendary.

The city’s vibrant cafe, restaurant and winemaking scene can be traced back to the waves of immigration during the Depression and again in the 1950s and ’60s.

Many of these early arrivals worked on the Snowy Mountains hydro-electric scheme. 

What’s less well known outside the local area is Griffith’s remarkable cultural diversity. 

In the 2016 census, India was the most common country of birth after Australia.

Over the past decade, the city has also developed a thriving Pasifika community. 

“There’s a lot of seasonal work,” says Martin Matini.

“For the Polynesian community, it reminds them of home in the sense that it’s farm work and a bit of a slice of their community.”

A month ago, Matini helped deliver an even bigger slice of Pacific islands flavour with the opening of Avanna Polynesian, a store specialising in Polynesian food, arts, clothing and jewellery. 

Pagi popos (sweet buns with coconut cream) and keke mamoe (lamb buns) are among the fresh offerings that regularly sell out by lunchtime. 

“Everything is made in-house,” Matini says.

“There’s been a really big reaction from the community here in Griffith – not only Pacific Islanders but from Italians and Indians who appreciate what we have to offer in terms of cuisine.”

Five and a half hours by car from Sydney and four and a half hours from Melbourne, Griffith combines great job prospects with solid population growth and affordable housing.

Robert Cavallaro, sales manager at Nutrien Harcourts Griffith, says the economy is going from strength to strength.

“We’ve got the wineries, the food, the people,” Cavallaro says.

“Everyone loves Griffith. You can see it in the cars, the houses, the way people dress. This is quite an affluent little town.”

Favourite local haunts include Zecca, Limone, Bertoldo’s, La Piccola, La Scala, Il Corso and punchy newcomer The Bull & Bell Steakhouse.

On the cellar door trail, Calabria Family Wines, Berton Vineyards, De Bortoli Wines, Yarran Wines and McWilliam’s Wines are standouts.

Griffith’s irrigation wonderland isn’t just a boon to the agricultural sector.

It also helped transform the town itself into a lush landscape with sprawling parklands, playing fields, leafy trees and carefully tended gardens.

North Griffith and East Griffith offer character-filled, older-style homes.

House-hunters with an appetite for a more contemporary look find newer builds in estates on the edge of town or lifestyle retreats on a few acres. 

“The hardest thing is that there’s not enough supply,” Cavallaro says.

“We released 33 lots the other day and within 24 hours we had sold 31. There is pent-up demand.”

Top Two

27 Boonah Street

This home on a 1214-square-metre lot combines vintage charm with contemporary updates, including a renovate bathroom, en suite and enclosed entertaining zone overlooking the backyard.

The North Griffith address provides easy access to schools and healthcare.

Elders Real Estate Griffith takes the home to auction on May 8 with a guide of $570,000-$610,000.

4 Doongara Street

Investors and owner-occupiers, including downsizers and first-home buyers, have expressed interest in this updated home close to the town centre.

The parcel of land is generous enough to accommodate a second dwelling, subject to council approval.

Griffith Real Estate are selling the home with a guide of $335,000.