Culture, creativity and country cool: that’s Albury-Wodonga for you. These days it’s far removed from just a Hume Highway stopover on the way to somewhere else, with many attractions enticing visitors to linger.
Straddling the meandering Murray River, on the border of NSW and Victoria, the twin cities of Albury-Wodonga are a gourmet goldmine, cultural hub and water lovers’ playground, with wineries and snowfields nearby.
Best hotels: Albury-Wodonga
When it comes to bunkering down there is plenty of choice for accomodation in Albury, with more than 60 hotels, motels, cabins, apartments, rural escapes and B&Bs.
Atura Albury
Hotels include the Atura Albury, which boasts an urban-warehouse look and an eclectic art collection. It’s a short stroll from Albury Botanic Gardens and within reach of many gourmet gems. Bike hire is complimentary, and there are 50km of trails around Albury to explore.
Quest Albury
Quest Albury on Townsend is centrally located in the historic Farmers & Graziers Woolstore, and has 74 self-catering apartments, plus a gym and a pantry shopping service. Sister property Quest Albury on Kiewa Street has 104 rooms, studios and apartments. Sink into a Chesterfield at Q Manhattans Restaurant & Tapas Bar on the ground floor for a Mrs French Martini and tapas to share. Across in Wodonga’s Huon Hill, Quest Wodonga also has 79 serviced apartments.
Mantra Albury Hotel
Mantra Albury Hotel has 146 spacious rooms and suites, a restaurant and bar, executive lounge and gym. The District Dining Bar and Grill sources the best local produce for excited diners, while children will love the designated kids zone.
Best restaurants: Albury-Wodonga
The River Deck
Dining is an adventure in Albury-Wodonga, with a vibrant food scene on both sides of the border. Albury’s The River Deck on the Murray at Noreuil Park is where Belgian-born restaurateur Alex Smit and Mauritian head chef Ludo Baulacky serve regional produce with an interesting spin. The award-winning restaurant sources its ingredients from regional farmers, and its prime location on the banks of the river means the view is always spectacular.
Canvas Eatery
Tim Tehan’s Canvas Eatery at the rear of Albury’s MAMA Art Museum serves seasonal and fresh produce, expertly paired with wine, beer and coffee. With delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner menus to choose from, and a terrace perfect for evening cocktails, Canvas always has you covered.
Miss Amelie
Miss Amelie, located in Wodonga’s old railway station, wows diners with a modern contemporary take on European classics. Owner and chef David Kapay offers two, three, and six course degustations, paired with an array of delicious wines. The restaurant has recently been Hatted, as a recognition of the hard work the team puts into each and every meal.
Best bars and cafés: Albury-Wodonga
Albury Brewhouse
Albury Brewhouse is the only venue in town brewing its beers on site, which are available on tap or to take home and enjoy with friends. The venue also serves modern pub food to pair with the long list of beers on offer, in a relaxed and friendly dining setting.
Brothers Cup
Brothers Cup is a coffee lovers’ paradise, serving a selection of small-batch roasted beans in collaboration with growers from Columbia, Brazil and more. The home-made jelly slice is also a fan favourite, and the friendly baristas are always happy to chat with customers about anything coffee-related.
Two Fingers Gentlemen’s Barbershop & Bar
For a sip of a different kind, venture to Two Fingers Gentlemen’s Barbershop & Bar. During the day, it’s all about coffee, cake and stylish haircuts. But at night, the venue transforms into a whisky bar with cocktails, live music and a comfortable atmosphere. Step back in time and sample the best spirits around at this cosy CBD locale.
The Goods Shed
Beer lovers are spoilt at Wodonga’s Goods Shed, which houses the largest craft beer fridge between Melbourne and Sydney, in a former railway shed built in the 1870s. Beers range from clean and fresh pilsners through to dark, chocolatey stouts, and the menu always includes burgers, pizza, and small share plates.
Level One Wine Bar is a relaxed bar and restaurant with a regularly updated seasonal menu and an extensive list of wines. Check out their wine corner, and choose from over 300 wines on display that have been specially imported from France, Italy and South America. Many cellar labels are unique, and can’t be found anywhere else in the region.
