About a 20 minute drive from Leeton is both the Southern Cotton Gin and the magnificent Whitton Malt House. We decided to stay an extra night at Leeton to visit both of these establishments. We were able to book a tour of the Cotton Gin at 11 am and joined about another 15 people. I had always wondered where the name “Cotton Gin” had originated from and the lovely young woman who was our guide, explained that when the production of cotton went from a “hand-intensive” industry to one where engines did all the work, the word engine was shortened to gin! We learnt and saw so much about the cotton from both our guide and a local cotton farmer who happened to be on the tour. I was interested to hear that over the past 10 years, improvements in all areas of the production of cotton has meant that the amount of water now needed for cotton growing is significantly less that many other crops grown in the area. There were only a few people working on the factory floor as most of the work is done by huge machines. The gin works 24-7 for about six months of the year. The cotton gin was set up by several local cotton growers in 2011. These same growers then set up a boutique establishment close by called the Whitton Malt House. We headed there after our tour for lunch. It was a bit early for Rob to do the whiskey tastings but it was still a beautiful place to have lunch. Wonderful architecture, good food and coffee and a roaring fire in the attractive fireplace. There were 14 gorgeous-looking villas surrounding a nearby lake. The centre can be used for functions, like weddings etc. There was a great playground for the kids, and an aqua golf driving range and we saw a family having fun using this area. The area was finished in 2019 and so was affected by Covid but hopefully it will become a popular place for people to visit as it is well worth it. Returning to Leeton……I may have visited a cemetery, while Rob did some shopping!
Too early for Whiskey.......you are on holiday you know.😉
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