The Mallee Region

New South Wales

The Mallee RegionCharacterised by sandy soils and Eucalyptus, the Mallee region in northwest Victoria is known for its vast spaces, vibrant blue skies, unique landscape and thriving local communities.

The Loddon Mallee region covers the most northwesterly pocket of Victoria and is bounded by the South Australian and New South Wales borders, inclusive of the Murray River. Occupying more than a quarter of the state, people flock here for the waterways of the Murray River, acclaimed restaurants and wineries, historic towns, and vast eucalyptus forests which attract campers and adventurers alike.

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Things to do

Explore and stay in Mildura

On the edge of the Australian outback and an oasis by the Murray River, Mildura in north-western Victoria features pretty citrus groves and vineyards, endless sunshine, great food and wine, and abundant water-based activities. The Murray River itself is a major draw and a great destination for a water-based holiday. Captain your own houseboat, enjoy a cruise on a historic old paddle steamer, paddle a canoe, swim, waterski or soak up the sun on a river beach. Mildura is the home of celebrity restaurateur Stefano de Pieri whose 'Gondola on the Murray' television series and cookbooks has boosted the profile of Mildura's fine food and wine and the quality and diversity of its produce. Beyond the lush, green countryside of the riverbanks stretches the Australian outback. The sublime, ancient sand hills of Mungo National Park contain some of Australia's most significant Aboriginal sites. The Mallee boasts abundant wildlife, rugged outback scenery and striking sunsets at national parks like Hattah-Kulkyne and Murray-Sunset. Adventurous explorers will find no shortage of exhilarating escapades. Popular events include the Murray River International Music Festival January, Mildura Wentworth Arts Festival in March, and Mildura Country Music Festival in September. Mildura is approximately six hours from Melbourne along the Sunraysia, Calder and Murray Valley highways. A number of regional airlines service Mildura from Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney. Flying time is approximately one hour. Coach travel and train links are also available from major cities.

Visit Swan Hill

Nestled on the banks of the Murray River in the heart of Victoria's food bowl, Swan Hill serves up no end of boating and fishing opportunities, fine food and wine, plus the chance to learn all about pioneer history. Swan Hill was named by European explorer Major Thomas Mitchell, who visited in 1836. Since then, fortunes have been made here; first by the early squatters and later by the farmers whose crops thrived thanks to irrigation from the river. Today you can explore original residences or get a glimpse of what life was like for the pioneers at The Pioneer Settlement, a recreated port town of the paddle steamer era and Australia's first open-air museum. Swan Hill is also the perfect place to experience some of the most unspoilt and rugged sections of the Murray River as it winds its way through a 10-kilometre section of state parkland. Explore the river on the 105-year-old paddle steamer, Pyap. Alternatively, you can take an overnight trip on a houseboat and explore the river at your own pace. Nearby Lake Boga is a delightful spot to enjoy a range of water sports from parasailing and waterskiing to sailing and swimming, and Nyah Vinifera State Forest is great for bushwalking. The Swan Hill wine region has gained notoriety for its easy-drinking red and white table wines. Visit local cellar doors and farm gates to sample the distinctive flavours of the region. Popular local events include the Swan Hill Region Food & Wine Festival in March and the Australian Inland Wine Show in October. Swan Hill is 344 kilometres north-west of Melbourne or about three-and-a-half hours from Melbourne on the Murray Valley Highway.

Drive the Silo Art Trail

Australia’s largest outdoor gallery, the Silo Art Trail stretches over 200 kilometres, linking Brim with neighbouring towns Lascelles, Patchewollock, Rosebery, Rupanyup and Sheep Hills. Littered along the trail are tales past and present in the form of large-scale murals painted across ginormous grain silos, celebrating the people and culture of the great Mallee region.

Dine at Stefano's

A much-loved institution in the heart of thriving Mildura, Stefano’s Restaurant offers up authentic italian food and hospitality in a simple yet sophisticated dining room. Stefano's is also home to a cafe, deli and produce store with take-away meals and al fresco dining.

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