When winter arrives in Albury, there’s a crispness in the air and the city is awash in a golden glow.
Known for its location on the mighty Murray River and the Hume Dam, its beautiful wetlands and thriving art scene, Albury is the ideal destination for a chilled (and chilly) winter holiday. Check out these top winter activities in Albury to plan your perfect holiday.
Get creative at the Pumphouse Makerspace
The Pumphouse Makerspace is a creative hub of activity where locals and visitors can get involved in a huge range of artistic pursuits.
The building was constructed in 1884 to supply water to the region, and is a classic example of late 19th-century industrial architecture, with remnants of its history as a functioning pumping station still present. The recent renovation transformed the station into a shared facility for makers of all kinds, with professional-grade equipment available for use across ceramics, printing, small sculpture and textile arts. It operates on a membership basis, but there are regular public workshops and events where anyone can join in, and markets to buy wares from creators. Some recent sessions have included polymer clay jewellery, screen printing, and ceramic hand-building.
Kayak the Murray
Despite winter being cold in Albury (after all, it sits at the base of the Victorian Alps) there’s something about being on the water when it’s cool that’s so invigorating. Crisp winter sunshine, calm waters, and far fewer crowds than summer pulls.
Murray River Canoe Hire has been running canoe and kayak trips from Noreuil Park since 1991. Basically, you’re dropped upstream by a minibus and then drift back at your own pace, with 90-minute, three-hour, and full-day options available. Choose from single kayaks, double canoes, and triple canoes.
Lean into your artistic side
Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) is a contemporary art centre and one of the most-visited art venues in New South Wales outside Sydney. It has a reputation for innovative, original exhibitions featuring some of the best contemporary artists in Australia and around the world.
The collection began in 1947 with the Albury Art Prize and now holds more than 2400 items of national and cultural significance, including works by Russell Drysdale, Margaret Olley, and leading First Nations artists.
At any given time, there are six exhibitions running simultaneously: major original shows, local artist exhibitions, a children’s gallery, and a significant commissions program.
The gallery is open daily and free to enter. Guided tours and artist talks run throughout winter, and you can check the website for what’s on.
Every week, professional artists host courses and weekend workshops for adults and kids. Head to the studio, meet like-minded creatives, and hone your artistic skills in the process.
After an art fix, stop by Canvas Eatery, located at the gallery’s entrance. For lunch, try the fried Korean chicken on a bun with kimchi pickle, cos lettuce and aioli, with smoky chips on the side. The pizzas are great, and the prawn pizza is loaded with chorizo, San Marzano sugo, red peppers and mozzarella.
For something sweet, don’t go past the pear and ginger steamed pudding with caramel sauce and a generous serving of vanilla ice cream. So good.
Go birdwatching at Wonga Wetlands
Five minutes from the Albury CBD is the Wonga Wetlands – 80 hectares of lagoons and billabongs on the Murray River floodplain. The sanctuary is home to 176 recorded bird species, century-old river red gums, a Wiradjuri cultural campsite, and six purpose-built birdwatching hides.
In winter, the lower and slower flowing of the river attracts fewer visitors, making it the ideal time to visit. To spot pelicans, swans and other birds, you can choose from one of three walking tracks that start from the visitor centre and take you all over the wetlands. From a gentle 0.5km loop to a 2.5km stroll, there’s an option for everyone. Bring binoculars and wear sturdy shoes.
The Wonga Wetlands is also the starting point for the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk – a five-kilometre trail between the wetlands and Kremur Street featuring 15 sculptures crafted by Aboriginal artists.
Each sculpture tells traditional First Nations stories through modern mediums, and there are interpretive signs along the way to better understand their significance.
Michael Quinn’s Family Gathering is a sculpture symbolising family unity and Indigenous connection to land, while Ruth Davy’s Bogon Moth Migration symbolises how Aboriginal people would dine on these large winged creatures.
Fill your basket at a farmer’s market
Every Saturday morning since 2002, no matter what the weather does, the Albury Wodonga Farmers Market transforms Gateway Village on the Lincoln Causeway.
The place is always pumping with locals, and there’s usually live music from bands and buskers to enjoy.
Buy directly from the farmers and artisans behind the produce, including fruit and vegetables, thick-crusted sourdough, delicious preserves, artisan pies and homemade cakes. Plus there’s plenty of ready-to-eat food from the many food vans.
There’s also a huge array of local arts and crafts if you’re keen on taking home an Albury momento.
Start your morning with a coffee and an egg and bacon roll made on a barbecue in front of you, and leave with a stash of the best produce.
Celebrating top literary talent
Every September, Write Around the Murray takes over Albury. Being the most well-established literary festival in the region, since 2007 it has hosted some of Australia’s best authors, illustrators and storytellers for a series of talks, literary workshops, poetry slams, theatre performances, and historical and cultural tours.
The 2025 program featured 70 public events and 30 student programs, with guests including Jane Caro, Isobelle Carmody, and DC Comics writer Shane McCarthy.
Events are spread across multiple Albury venues, many are free, and the event has a relaxed, accessible feel.
In 2026, the festival will take place from September 9 to 13, with 80 events and 6000 expected attendees.
Know before you go
Pack warm layers, a puffer and a beanie, because winter mornings on the Murray River can bite. It’ll usually be snowing on the mountains not far from Albury.
To check out the best hotels and restaurants in Albury, click here.
Rex flies to Albury. Book your flights here and check out the route map below for more details.
