Our Story

The story goes something like this

Four farming families - families with a knack for spotting opportunity and the courage to back themselves - were sitting around a dinner table over a bottle of red wine talking through the challenges of growing cotton in the Riverina. The biggest issue on the table? There was no local cotton gin. Then came the question: Why can’t we just build one ourselves? It was the classic country mindset: if it’s to be, it’s up to me!

They didn’t have a background in cotton ginning - but they had what mattered most: practical know-how, deep roots in agriculture, and a belief in rolling up your sleeves and getting things done. A short time later, Southern Cotton was born - and with it, a world-class ginning facility that underpinned the cotton industry in the Murrumbidgee Valley and transformed opportunities for growers across southern NSW.

That same commitment to doing things properly and doing them together led to their next chapter. In 2019, Southern Cotton partnered with Voyager Craft Malt to support the development of a sustainable small-batch malting facility using locally grown grains - a way to keep value in the region and support Australian brewers, distillers and bakers.

Their next idea? That was to celebrate the region they love.

They envisioned a place where locals and visitors alike could gather to celebrate everything that makes the Riverina exceptional: the cotton, the grain, the food, the wine and whiskey and the people. A place built on the same values that shaped their farms and their friendships: integrity and innovation.

So they built it. That place is the Whitton Malt House.

Set beside the gin, the Whitton Malt House is a unique agri-tourism destination that brings together local food, craft beverages, luxury accommodation, and unforgettable events. Whether it’s a wedding, a whisky tasting, or a weekend away, every experience here is underpinned by the people and the produce that make this region so special.

When these four farming families ask, “why can’t we do that?” - we’re bound to end up with something extraordinary.

Our Partnerships

The Whitton Malt House

This modern, welcoming venue is set amongst beautifully manicured grounds. Wander through parklands surrounding stunning Lake Hulong and the sculpture garden. Located halfway between Sydney and Melbourne in the heart of the Riverina, the impressive venue showcases seasonal produce from the area on all menus and provides accommodation, private & Corporate event and wedding spaces, plus outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
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Southern Cotton

Southern Cotton provides best practice cotton ginning services to growers in the Southern Valleys. Our mission is to gin cotton to the highest quality, in the most efficient and sustainable manner. Located adjacent to the Whitton Malt House, the Southern Cotton gin provides agritourism opportunities for visitors and we proudly showcase Australian cotton items in our retail store for purchase.
Southern Cotton

Voyager Craft Malt

Voyager Craft Malt have won the Gold Award at the 2022 Malt Cup for the World's Best Pale Ale Malt and we couldn't be prouder. The Barley was grown at a farm in Colleambally and then malted here with the talented VCM team. Join us, share a beer and toast their success (never been won outside of the USA!).Located adjacent to the Whitton Malt House, the custom designed state of the art 'on farm malting facility' carefully blends innovation and history for sustainable success.
Whisky Tasting