Mildura

The Victorian town of Mildura is sometimes known as the place where the Mediterranean meets the Outback and its climate, cosmopolitan nature, and extensive list of events and attractions make it a grey nomad must-visit.

Located on the NSW border about 540 kilometres north west of Melbourne, this vibrant country town bills itself as the ‘most enjoyable tropical destination in Australia’, and it’s got plenty to offer foodies, art lovers, history buffs, nature lovers … and adventure seekers.

At the heart of everything here, of course, is the Mighty Murray. The town sits on the banks of the majestic river and, while passing paddlesteamers are a common sight, the waterway’s importance to the area goes well beyond the recreational and camping opportunities it offers.

Water from the Murray irrigates the surrounding area and, among other things, huge amounts of citrus fruits and grapes are now grown.

The first Europeans came to the area though to graze their sheep, and it was not until a major drought from 1877 to 1884 sparked serious irrigation initiatives that the full agricultural potential of the region – which has a cold semi-arid climate – began to be seen.

Riverboats are part of the Mildura region’s heritage. PIC: Visit Victoria

The settlement of Mildura was established in 1887, with the Post Office opening the next year. The railway line from Melbourne arrived in 1903. Today, Mildura itself has a population of around 40,000, and it boasts a wide range of shops, restaurants and services.

Deakin Avenue is a wide and grand boulevard boasting a series of gardens and monuments. Running parallel is Langtree Avenue which is the main shopping street, and the area between Seventh and Eighth Streets is known as Feast Street where visitors can find a dazzling array of places to eat and drink.

There are numerous wineries to explore in the region, including Trentham Estate, Chateau Mildura, and Oak Valley. If beer is more your thing, a stop at the Mildura Brewery Pub is a must, and there are many other superb places to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat, including the Gol Gol Hotel – originally established in 1877 – which sits right on the Murray.

The best way for visitors to Mildura to discover Mildura’s rich history is to take the self-guided Chaffey Trail. Highlights include the Old Mildura Homestead built in 1847; Rio Vista House built in 1890; the Grand Hotel which began life as a coffee house in 1891; and the Mildura Wharf. A trip to the impressive Mildura Arts Centre, which was built in 2012, is another must, and the town’s strong cultural and creative identity is further evidenced by the number fantastic annual events it holds.

These include the likes of the Mildura Wentworth Country Music Festival, and the International Balloon Fiesta.

Interesting towns to visit around Mildura include Merbein and Red Cliffs, and 37 kilometres west of town are the stunning Perry Sandhills. There are a number of great caravan parks in Mildura and surrounds and, of course, there are numerous great camping spots all along the river, with the more established sites having some basic facilities.

  • Have you enjoyed a stay in Mildura? Email us here to share your thoughts.

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