Swan Hill & Murray Downs
50 years ago Swan Hill was advertised as The Sun's Winter Haven. More than 150 years ago the irritable explorer, Thomas Mitchell after a restless night disturbed by the sound of swans, named the place Swan Hill.
These days it is a prosperous, vibrant town full of good things for visitors. The most remarkable feature of the town is the Pioneer Settlement. On these seven acres of living history it is easy to imagine you are living in the times of the riverland pioneers. The settlement buzzes with the sounds of baking, printing, blacksmithing, chaffcutting and damper making. Look in on the replica of an 1860 Coachhouse and the post office a drop log building of Murray pine, a strong smelling wood that kept away white ants.
The paddle steamer Pyap takes you on a one-hour cruise pointing out the features of the Murray including the spot where Mitchell spent that sleepless night. Remember to book for the sound and light show through the Pioneer Settlement. The military Museum has a remarkable collection. Many of the exhibits have been contributed by Swan Hill soldiers, giving them a personal quality, a heartfelt authenticity. There is also a fun element: you can be photographed wearing whatever uniform you fancy.
Enjoy the shade of the Moreton Bay Fig Tree, said to e the largest of its kind in the country. It was planted from seed at the time of the Burke and Wills expedition. To the south at Lake Boga a restored Catalina is a reminder that this was a flying boat repair base in World War II. Today it is better known as a place to ski.
Don't forget the kids. If it has been a hot day, and it probably has, try the Hilltop Fauna Park where they can ride a passenger train, alternatively play mini-golf or cool off on the water slide at the Swan Hill Swimming Pool. There is also the Giant Murray Cod where the young, and not so young, can dream about the one that got away.
Take time to try the local wines. Best's at Lake Boga offers a fine range of white and red table wines, fortifieds and their own distilled brandy. Buller's award-winning White and Red Magee produced from local vines are an excellent accompaniment to the catch of the day.
For the sportsminded there are four great golf courses, all kinds of water sports and if you make a side trip to Tooleybuc, you can choose either to fish in the Murray, the Murrumbidgee, the Edward or the Wakool Rivers. An angler's dream.
Australia
The Murray River Region
