Mildura

Mildura is a regional city on the Murray River in the far north-west of Victoria, on the Country of the Latji Latji people. It was founded in 1887 by the Canadian-born brothers George and William Chaffey, who designed an irrigation colony that turned dry mallee country into vineyards, citrus groves and dried-fruit farms. Today Mildura is the hub of the Sunraysia region and the best base for exploring Victoria's outback edge and the ancient landscapes of Mungo National Park.

Things to do in Mildura

• Paddle steamer cruises. Historic paddle steamers run cruises on the Murray, including trips through Mildura's lock. Check operators' timetables, as schedules vary by season.
• Rio Vista House and Mildura Arts Centre. The Chaffey family's grand home is part of the arts centre precinct, with galleries and a theatre.
• Murray riverfront. Walking and cycling paths line the river, with picnic spots and the Mildura weir and lock.
• Food and wine. Local produce, wineries and markets reflect the irrigated farmland around the city.
• Wentworth and the junction. About 30 km away in NSW, Wentworth sits where the Darling (Baaka) River meets the Murray. The nearby Perry Sandhills are a striking red dune area.

Gateway to the outback parks

• Mungo National Park. About 110 km north-east, Mungo is part of the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area, famous for the Walls of China lunette and evidence of human presence stretching back more than 40,000 years. Tours run from Mildura, or you can drive yourself in dry conditions.
• Murray-Sunset National Park. To the west, a vast mallee park with the Pink Lakes, which take their colour from algae and salt.
• Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. South of Mildura, a park of lakes, river red gums and mallee.

These parks are remote and unsealed roads close after rain. Carry water, check park alerts and read our outback safety guide.

Getting there

Mildura is about 540 km from Melbourne (about six hours' drive), roughly 400 km from Adelaide, and on the Sturt Highway, which links Sydney and Adelaide. From Mildura you can continue into outback NSW to Menindee and Broken Hill. Mildura Airport has flights to capital cities.

Where to stay

Mildura has a wide choice of motels, hotels, holiday parks, riverside caravan parks and houseboats on the Murray. Houseboats are a popular way to explore the river.

When to visit

Spring and autumn are ideal. Summers are hot and dry, and winter brings mild days and cold nights.

History in brief

Before European settlement, the Murray was a vital source of food and travel for Aboriginal peoples, and the Latji Latji and neighbouring peoples continue to care for this Country. In the 1880s the Victorian government granted land to the Chaffey brothers, who had built irrigation colonies in California. Their scheme pumped river water to channels feeding small farms. Early years were hard, with financial collapse and transport problems, but the colony survived. Dried fruit, citrus and grapes became the region's mainstay, and river paddle steamers carried produce before the railway arrived.

Suggested itinerary: three days in Mildura

Day one. Explore the riverfront, take a paddle steamer cruise and visit Rio Vista House and the Mildura Arts Centre.

Day two. Join a tour or drive to Mungo National Park for the Walls of China at sunset. Check road conditions first: the roads are unsealed and close after rain.

Day three. Visit Wentworth and the Murray–Darling junction, then the Perry Sandhills, or head to Hattah-Kulkyne or Murray-Sunset National Park.

Tips

• Check park roads. Mungo and Murray-Sunset roads can close after rain.
• Summer heat. Plan outdoor activities for early morning.
• Fruit fly rules. Restrictions on carrying fruit apply in parts of the region and at state borders; check current rules before travelling.

Mildura as a base for outback NSW

Mildura is the nearest large city to much of far-west NSW. From here you can drive north via Wentworth to Menindee and its lakes and Kinchega National Park, and on to Broken Hill and Silverton. Alternatively, travel east along the Sturt Highway to Hay on the Hay Plains. These routes take you from irrigated river country into true outback within a couple of hours. Fill up in Mildura, as services become sparse.

Fuel, phones and medical help

Mildura Base Public Hospital, at 231–237 Thirteenth Street, is listed on healthdirect as open 24 hours, with no appointment needed for emergencies (phone 03 5022 3333). For non-urgent advice, healthdirect's nurse line is 1800 022 222. healthdirect describes the hospital's billing as mixed: bulk billing is available in some cases, and fees may apply.

Travelling with kids

Mildura is great for families, with river activities, parks and a range of accommodation. Paddlesteamer cruises on the Murray are often a hit with kids.

More things to do in Mildura

Paddle steamer cruises. Mildura Paddle Steamers, family-run since 1955, cruise from the Mildura Wharf on Hugh King Drive aboard the PV Rothbury (built in 1881) or the PB Mundoo (built in 1987). Visit Mildura lists two-hour cruises and a Thursday evening dinner cruise. Schedules change, so check the notice board at the wharf or book ahead.

The wharf and Lock 11. The Chaffey Trail says the Mildura Wharf was completed by 1892, extended in 1899, and given three more levels to suit different river heights. Nearby, Lock 11 was begun in 1923 and finished in 1927, part of the locks and weirs that fulfilled the Chaffeys' vision of reliable water for irrigation and river transport. Both are free to visit at any time.

Rio Vista Historic House. The Chaffey family home at the Mildura Arts Centre, 199 Cureton Avenue, is listed as free to enter and open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. The Mildura Station Homestead precinct on Cureton Avenue is also open daily.

Orange World. Across the river in NSW, about 7 km from Mildura, this working citrus farm offers tractor-train tours, a kiosk and a food shop. Check opening days before you go.

The Riverfront Precinct. Walking paths, parks, cafes and public art line the Murray along Hugh King Drive. It's an easy place to spend an evening.

Mildura at night

For evenings, Visit Mildura suggests sunset by the river, followed by the star show. The Thursday dinner cruise, the Riverfront Precinct and the town's restaurants and pubs are other options. On clear nights away from town lights, the Mallee and outback skies are excellent. See stargazing and dark skies.

Is Mildura worth visiting?

For most outback travellers, yes. Mildura combines a lively riverside city with access to Mungo National Park and the Murray-Sunset and Hattah-Kulkyne national parks. Allow at least two or three days to take in the river, the heritage sites and a day trip to Mungo.

Practical information

• Distance: about 540 km from Melbourne.
• Best time: spring and autumn.
• Related: Mungo National Park, Menindee, Broken Hill, Victoria's outback, Hay.