Albury and its twin city Wodonga are bustling country hubs, with bucketloads of heritage, outdoor activities and natural attractions to explore.
The Albury Botanic Gardens were first established in 1877, when the mayor planted a single elm tree. Now, this garden has bloomed into a thriving ecosystem with over 1000 different species, including ancient trees and colourful flowers. Kids will love the playground, featuring a life-sized dinosaur, fairy temple and troll cave. The gardens are the perfect place for a picnic or morning stroll, even featuring a self-guided heritage walk for visitors to learn all about the garden’s historic landmarks.
Thrill-seekers should head directly to Lake Hume, a man-made body of water just a 15 minute drive from the city. Watersports abound on the clear surface, with locals and visitors alike enjoying wakeboarding, water skiing, tube-riding and stand up paddleboarding. Or just relax on the foreshore, which is a beautifully peaceful place for a picnic or barbecue. Make sure you stroll across the dam wall and snap a few incredible photos of the surrounds.
Linking Horseshoe Lagoon with the South Albury Trail, you will find the Wagirra Trail and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk. 15 sculptures from local Indigenous artists have been installed along this stretch of path, celebrating the history and culture of Australia’s First Nations people.
More Indigenous art can be viewed at the Laneway Lightbox Open-Air Gallery, which features a rotating program of art exhibitions along Lake Albury every four to six months. The current exhibition is ‘Places That Surround Us’, a look at the essence of Albury through the eyes of four different artists. It emphasises the importance of connection, land, and the beauty of nature.
Embark on a canoe or kayak adventure between Lake Hume, Albury and Yarrawonga and paddle through the cool waters of the Murray. Make sure to keep an eye out for birds and other wildlife relaxing on the banks. Red River Gums and Plane Trees provide a shadowy canopy above, particularly welcome during the summer. Or, choose to join a Thursday evening trip with Murray River Canoe Hire for sunset views on the water.
In Albury’s Murray precinct, there are plenty of activities to take in the fresh air. The Wagirra Trail is a six-kilometre bike path and trail that follows the bends of the Murray, with several informative signs highlighting the history of the Wiradjuri people along the way. Other precinct offerings include children’s playgrounds and nature reserves. Further into town, the Baranduda Bowl is a BMX biker’s haven, with grind rails and bowls catering to every level of experience.
Albury has so many restaurants, cafes and pubs that you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining or enjoying a beverage. One local fave is the modern, airy Public House, which has a great atmosphere and a huge menu of delicious meals. It won an award for the best cocktail list in 2022. In the heart of town, you’ll find Yardbird Restaurant and Bar. The menu is inspired by the European tradition of cooking over fire, with Wagyu steak, blue cheese butter, and roasted farmed rabbit all on the menu.
Planning a visit to this beautiful region? Check out our story on the best hotels and restaurants in Albury.
