Sunraysia
Mildura is the most northern and western city in Victoria. Some of the best wide stretches of the mighty Murray River are to be experienced here. At Wentworth, just 30 kms away, is the junction of Australia's two largest rivers - the Darling and the Murray. Mildura is the new front door to the great Australian outback and is the gateway to the three states of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Draw a circle of 100 km radius and you can visit some of the best National Parks and Heritage Listed areas in Australia.
To the east of Mildura, Mungo National Park and the Walls of China are seen as a tourist alternative to Ayres Rock/Uluru. To the west, secluded world-recognised aboriginal sites are opening up new tourism opportunities. To the south is Hattah-Kulkyne National Park with its vast lakes and teeming wildlife.
Mildura is Victoria's ideal family holiday centre. Visit family theme parks such as Humpty's World, home of the world's largest Humpty-Dumpty, catch a yabby at the yabby farm, ride a miniature train, visit the world class House of Dolls, tour Orange World, Go to Gaol and pat animals at the Golden River Zoo.
River activity is as varied as you wish. Holiday on a houseboat (budget or luxury), take a 5-day Coonawarra cruise or a two hour paddleboat cruise on the steam drivern Melbourne or a dinner cruise on the showboat Avoca.
Annual festivals include Hot Air Balloon Championships in July, Country Music Week in September, Jazz and Wine in November, to name a few. Mildura's wineries are among the best and this area is one of the biggest wine producing areas in Australia.
The Chaffey Brothers founded the Mildura Irrigation Colony in 1887 and the two original homes of the Chaffeys, particularly the magnificent Rio Vista have been beautifully preserved and form part of the Art Centre Complex. A visit to Mildura is not complete without checking out this impressive home of early 20th century living. The Chaffey Trail with the restored, fully-operational original Chaffey Pump at Psyche Bend is the current new historical development bringing the era of 100 years ago to life again for today's generation.
Mildura means red soil, the soil that produces the dark olives, deep green avocados, black and green grapes and orange citrus fruits. All these colours come together in bright profusion, making Mildura seem like an oasis at the edge of arid country.
Around the Sunraysia district is desert but in Mildura the wilderness blooms. The Murray is wide and confident here. Mildura is the gift of the Murray - with help from the pioneers and the Chaffey Brothers.
Australia
Murray River NSW Region
