Mildura is the capital of Tropical North Victoria, boasting more sunny days than the Sunshine State.
Located on the banks of the Murray River, it’s the ideal location for watersports all year round. Try wakeboarding, kayaking, SUPing and canoeing on the cool water, or watch from the banks and be a riverside spectator. Mildura is also home to the fastest water skiing race in the world – The Mildura Ski 100 – which attracts more than 600 competitors every year. There are heaps of cruises operating on the river as well, including historic paddle boats which depart from Mildura Wharf every day.
Mildura’s riverfront precinct is a great place to visit with the family. There are several walking paths to choose from, as well as two playgrounds for the kids. The precinct is home to a packed calendar of cultural events, from major festivals to small workshops. The three riverfront cafes are a great place to find your morning coffee, before relaxing and enjoying the stunning views or meeting up with friends. On hotter days, head to Mildura Water Play for wading pools, water jets and fountains that will keep your little ones cool and happy.
History buffs should check out The Chaffey Trail, an immersive heritage walk made up of twelve connected historical sites. In the 1800s, the Chaffey brothers introduced the Mildura Irrigation Colony and created a series of pumps to lift water from the Murray River and deliver it to pastoral land. This self-guided tour will take you past key locations as you learn about the people and events that made this city what it is today.
One popular site on the trail is the Rio Vista Historic Home. Built in 1890 by the Chaffey Brothers, it features original furniture and fittings including a marble fireplace, stain-glass windows and a large Victorian drawing room. Make sure to check out Chateau Mildura as well. In 1888, the brothers planted 150 acres of wine grapes on their property, in what marked the start of this region’s booming wine industry. Today, the vineyard still produces a range of award-winning wines, and many of its historic features are preserved in the museum.
A little further away but well worth the drive, Murray Sunset National Park is the largest national park in Victoria. The park is known for its picturesque pink lake, which fluctuates from a deep pink to a glistening white colour. Salt mine relics can be found on the shore, left over from when the salt industry halted its operations in 1979. There are several walking trails to explore in the areas as well, from short to multi-day trails taking you deep into the heart of the park.
To sample the best locally grown fruit and vegetables, visit Sunraysia Farmers Market. Hosted twice a month, the best growers around descend on Mildura to show off their produce while enjoying live music and friendly conversation.
Local talent continues to shine at the abundance of wineries in and around Mildura. One of the most esteemed producers, Capogreco Estate is a family owned business that has been growing and producing wine since 1821. It specialises in traditional Italian-style wines, returning all by-products of the wine-making process back to the soil for sustainable farming. Another popular location is Trentham Estate, which offers daily tastings at its award-winning cellar door. The winery also boasts views across the Murray River, which can be enjoyed from the restaurant. The seasonal menu is constantly changing to reflect the best local produce, carefully paired with fine wines for a modern culinary experience.
Can’t get enough of these outdoor activities in Mildura? For the best places to eat and drink, click here.
