Where the Med meets the outback
Mildura
542 kilometres northwest of Melbourne
With its many citrus groves and vineyards, endless sunshine and sandy river beaches, Mildura – sometimes referred to as the place where the Mediterranean meets the outback – is a region that provides all the ingredients for a perfect family holiday.
Easily accessed by road or air (direct flights are available to Mildura airport from capital cities), Mildura sits on the banks of the Murray River on the borders of Victoria and New South Wales, only a short distance from the South Australian border.
Surrounded by stunning national parks, bucolic farmland and stunning landscapes, there’s so much to see and do in the Mildura region, you’ll want to lilnger to make the most of its many delights.
Unique in offering visitors a cosmopolitan city stay with a great restaurant and coffee scene, just a short drive from both beaches and the outback, Mildura has something for everyone. There are several excellent river beaches nearby – Apex River Beach, the closest of these to the CBD, is especially family-friendly. Fish or play along the many secret sandbars or canoe, stand-up paddleboard or hire a run-about to cruise upstream. For an extra special treat, explore the famous river in style on a Mildura Paddle Steamer Cruise. If you’re after even more splash-tastic fun in the city, head to Mildura’s Water Play Park and the Mildura Waves Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
Foodie families will enjoy the region’s farm-fresh produce available in town or straight from the source. Pop into world-class vineyards, or mum and dad might prefer to hit the innovative Sunraysia Cellar Door where, along with 250 of the region’s best wines, they can enjoy build-your-own tasting plates, right in the heart of the CBD.
The kids will love the guided farm gate tours – Benetook Farm is the go-to place for families with its maze, cycling trails and animal interactions. Just don’t forget to leave time to stock up on fresh farm eggs and pick strawberries (in season).
If your family wants to tackle the great outdoors, there’s so much to explore. Follow the Chaffey Trail, a series of walking tracks tracing the story of how the town became an irrigated oasis in the midst of an arid landscape. Visit magical Murray-sunset National Park, which is as famous for its four strawberrymilkshake-hued Pink Lakes – the red algae that grows in the water is responsible for their colour – as it is for its eye-popping sunsets and spectacular native birdlife. Or explore the extensive low scrub and open native pine woodland of Hattah-kulkyne National Park, a vital conservation area. Its freshwater lakes, seasonally filled by creeks connected to the Murray, are popular spots for outdoors lovers. Hattah-kulkyne also contains many examples of the living culture of Aboriginal people, including scar trees and middens.
Both national parks provide a perfect patch for nature-loving families to pitch a tent under starry skies, take a hike along one of the many trails, fish for yellowbelly and redfin, and enjoy meandering down the Mighty Murray by canoe or kayak.
The Mildura Region keeps on delivering for visitors as it also provides a brilliant base from which to explore the mysterious Mungo National Park. Mungo is the home of the 40,000-year-old Mungo Man and the World Heritage-listed Willandra Lakes system, an extensive area that contains a string of ancient lakes formed over the last two million years, the remains of which have resulted in an otherworldly moonscape for modern-day visitors. visitmildura.com.au