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Mildura - Victoria 3500 |
Population: 60,000, Area 80,000
Elevation: 56m,
Latitude: 34.11.37
Longitude: 142.12.00
Location: 560km north west of Melbourne
406 East of Adelaide
Highway: Sturt and Calder Hwys
Nearest Major Town: Mildura
Nearest Airport: Mildura
Touring Area: Sunraysia |
Rio Vista Historic Home and Gallery
Paddle steamer Melbourne at Mildura
Picking grapes at Mildura
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Mildura is on the fringe of the 'Outback', a fertile desert brought
to life by the waters of the mighty rivers Murray and Darling, which converge
near Mildura. The clear blue skies and sparkling waters are splendid back-drops
to the rural and entertainment activities which abound throughout 'Sunraysia'.
The regional name 'Sunraysia' was originally chosen to identify the dried
fruits from the Mildura district. It produces 98% of Australia's sultanas, currants
and raisins, a significant amount of wine, 75% of its table grapes, citrus,
stonefruit, almonds and vegetables.
Arts, Culture and History.
Rio Vista, the imposing home of one the of the two brothers who founded Mildura,
William Chaffey, has been developed into an Arts and Heritage Centre. Beautifully restored, the mansion
is a fine example of very early Queen Anne architecture and is located in a lovely park near the river.
Adjacent to the original building are an art gallery, theatre. museum and amphitheatre.
the gallery includes works by Fred McGubbin and Sir Arthur Streeton, and a comprehensive
display of contemporary art and sculpture. The quality and varied aspects of
the centre are major attractions in Mildura,
The Mighty Murray - Darling System.
Australia's two longest rivers, The Murray and Darling, converge just west of Mildura at
Wentworth. They are a focus for both relaxing and invigorating activities. Abundant
Murray Cod, perch and bream can be fished; historic paddle boats and house-boats
ply the waterways among copious numbers of pelicans, swans, white storks, heron,
wild ducks and other species. More strenuous use of the rivers is made by water
skiers and rowers. Each year in September the annual paddle steamer race draws large numbers
of visitors and if it coincides with your visit ...don't miss it.
The Darling River rises near the Queensland border and flows through the outback New South Wales town of Bourke,
through Wilcannia and the Menindee Lakes to Wentworth. In its heyday before increasing demands
were made on its flow for irrigation, riverboats carried and collected supplies from ports along the way
as far north as the Port of Bourke. Similarly, the Murray River provided access into and alomg the interior and in the
1930s a series of locks and weirs was built between Goolwa in South Australia and Albury to stabilise water levels for
irrigationand year round navigation. Magnificent Paddle Steamers could be seen along the route and some still
stand and operate from the Port of Mildura today. Be sure to make a little time to take a cruise along the river
in one of these historic and enchanting river boats.
Major Attractions.
There are many informative and entertaining attractions to see in Mildura.
Orange World includes tractor tours through the orange groves. Humpty Dumpty's
Tourist Farm has egg-packing tours and educational videos. Visitors move easily
among the exhibits at the Golden River Zoo; Woodsie's Gem factory is one of
Australia's largest jewellery manufacturing complexes. It includes Aladdin's
Cave with glowing rocks, glittering crystals and fossils, a cafeteria in an
unique cave-like structure, a crazy maze in the gardens, a shop and workshop.
The Mildura R.S.L. has poker machines. Larger gaming complexes are in
New South Wales at Coomealla (Dareton) and at Wentworth. The Mildura Working Mens'
Club until recently boasted the longest bar the world, and is well worth a cold one on your visit.
There are numerous caravan parks, motels and holiday apartments available
and many of them will be found in these pages.
For further information on Mildura
and the surrounding area, The Mildura Visitor Information Centre will be found
at 180-190 Deakin Avenue, Mildura 3500 Victoria. Telephone: 03 5018 8380.
e: tourism@mildura.vic.gov.au. WWW:www.visitmildura,com.au
Things to See
Paddleboat 'Coonawarra' has cruise itineries from 3 to
5 days. the paddleboat has been re-furbished within to provide private accommodation.
Bookings can be made on 03 5023 3366.
The Showboat 'Avoca' has both day and night cruises. It departs
daily at noon from Mildura Wharf for 2 hour cruises up-stream. Evening cruises
depart at 7.00pm. Thursdays: 7.30pm. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Evening cruises
include meals and live entertainment.
Paddlesteamer 'Melbourne' conducts daily trips from Mildura
Wharf at 10.50am. and 1.50pm. (Saturdays only during holidays)
Paddleboat 'Rothbury' departs Mildura Wharf at 9.50am. Wednesdays
and at 10.30am. Thursdays. Trips include lunch, tea/coffee, and commentary.
PLACES OF INTEREST:
Rio Vista Art Gallery
Woodsies Gem Shop
Mungo National Park
Australian Inland Botanic Garden (Buronga)
Big Lizzie Steam Engine - Red Cliffs
River Cruises - PS Melbourne (steam). PB Rothbury, PB Mundoo.
Houseboats Hire
Millewa Pioneer Village (95km west)
ACCOMMODATION:
MOTELS
Mercure Hotel Mildura 120 Eighth St, Mildura VIC 3500 Ph: (03) 5051 2500
Quality Resort Inlander 373 Deakin Ave, Mildura VIC 3500 Ph: (03) 5023 3823
CARAVAN PARKS
Buronga Riverside Caravan Park 71a Caravan Park Rd. Buronga. NSW Ph: (03) 5023 3040
Big4 Mildura Crossroads Holiday Park 860 Fifteenth St, Mildura, Victoria. 3500 Ph: (03) 5023 3239
INFORMATION CENTRE:
Mildura: Sunraysia Tourism;
Deakin Ave. Mildura. Vic. 3500. Ph: 03 5021 4424
HOW TO GET THERE:
Access by road, rail, coach, domestic airport with all services.
On the Sturt, Silver City, Calder and Sunraysia Hwys.
Nearest capital city Adelaide,406km. west.
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© Copyright Peter W. Wilkins |
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