If you are looking for a destination that combines the charm of a riverside town with the adventure of the outback and the sophistication of a cultural hub, look no further than Mildura. Located on the banks of the mighty Murray River, Mildura is a vibrant regional city in Victoria, Australia, that boasts a rich history, a sunny climate and a diverse range of attractions and activities.
Whether you want to cruise along the river on a historic paddle steamer, soar above the landscape on a scenic flight, explore the ancient wonders of the Mungo National Park, sample the local produce and wines, or enjoy the art and music scene, Mildura has something for everyone.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to Mildura, covering everything from accommodation, transport, weather, events, tours, food and drink, and things to do. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to plan your perfect trip to Mildura.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into the sun-kissed oasis of Mildura and discover why it is one of the best places to visit in Australia.
Transport
Getting to and around Mildura is easy and convenient, thanks to the various modes of transport available. You can choose from flights, trains, buses, taxis, car rentals and driving routes, depending on your budget, time and preference.
Here is some information on the availability, frequency, duration and cost of each mode of transport, as well as some tips and recommendations:
Flights:
Mildura Airport is located 11 km south of the city centre and is serviced by Qantas, Virgin Australia and Regional Express. There are daily flights to and from Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, as well as weekly flights to and from Broken Hill. The flight time is about an hour from Melbourne, an hour and a half from Sydney and Adelaide, and 40 minutes from Broken Hill. The flight cost varies depending on the season, demand and booking time, but you can expect to pay around $200-$300 for a return ticket from Melbourne, Sydney or Adelaide, and around $150-$200 for a return ticket from Broken Hill. You can book your flights online or through a travel agent. To get from the airport to the city, you can take a taxi, a shuttle bus or a car rental.
Trains:
Mildura is connected to Melbourne by V/Line trains, which run three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The train journey takes about six hours and stops at several towns along the way, such as Bendigo, Swan Hill and Kerang. The train cost is about $50-$70 for a one-way ticket, depending on the class and concession. You can book your train tickets online, over the phone or at a V/Line station. The train station is located 3 km north of the city centre and can be reached by taxi, bus or car.
Buses:
Mildura is also connected to Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra and Brisbane by Firefly Express and Greyhound Australia buses, which run daily or several times a week. The bus journey takes about seven hours from Melbourne, 12 hours from Sydney, nine hours from Adelaide, 14 hours from Canberra and 24 hours from Brisbane. The bus cost is about $40-$60 for a one-way ticket, depending on the destination and booking time. You can book your bus tickets online or at a bus terminal. The bus terminal is located at the corner of Seventh Street and Deakin Avenue and can be reached by taxi, bus or car.
Taxis:
Mildura has a reliable and affordable taxi service that operates 24/7. You can hail a taxi on the street, call one by phone or book one online or through an app. The taxi fare is based on the distance, time and surcharges, but you can expect to pay around $10-$20 for a short trip within the city. You can pay by cash, card or eftpos. The taxi drivers are friendly and knowledgeable and can give you some tips and recommendations on the best places to visit in Mildura.
Car Rentals:
Mildura has several car rental companies that offer a range of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs, for short-term or long-term hire. You can rent a car online, over the phone or at the airport or the city. The car rental cost depends on the type, size and duration of the vehicle, but you can expect to pay around $50-$100 per day, plus fuel and insurance. You need to have a valid driver’s license and a credit card to rent a car. Driving in Mildura is easy and safe, as the roads are well-maintained and signposted. You can use a GPS or a map to navigate your way around the city and the surrounding areas.
Driving Routes:
Mildura is well-connected to the rest of Australia by several major highways, such as the Calder Highway, the Sturt Highway, the Silver City Highway and the Mallee Highway. You can drive to Mildura from Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra or Brisbane, enjoying the scenic views and the attractions along the way. The driving time is about five hours from Melbourne, 10 hours from Sydney, seven hours from Adelaide, 11 hours from Canberra and 20 hours from Brisbane. The driving cost depends on the distance, fuel and tolls, but you can expect to pay around $100-$200 for a one-way trip, plus accommodation and food. You need to have a valid driver’s license and a roadworthy vehicle to drive to Mildura. You also need to follow the road rules and regulations, such as the speed limit, the seat belt, the alcohol limit and the fatigue management.
Weather
Mildura has a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters. The average temperature in Mildura is 17°C, with the highest in January (32°C) and the lowest in July (10°C). The average rainfall in Mildura is 284 mm, with the most in June (28 mm) and the least in January (15 mm). The average humidity in Mildura is 52%, with the highest in June (66%) and the lowest in January (38%). The average sunshine in Mildura is 9 hours, with the most in December (11 hours) and the least in June (7 hours). The average wind speed in Mildura is 14 km/h, with the highest in October (17 km/h) and the lowest in February (11 km/h).
Events
Mildura is a lively and festive city that hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating its music, sport, art, food and wine. Some of the major events and festivals that take place in Mildura are:
Mildura Country Music Festival: A 10-day event in late September and early October that features over 100 independent country music artists performing at various venues across the city and the region. The festival also includes a talent quest, a songwriting competition, a busking competition, a street parade, and a gala showcase.
Mildura Writers Festival: A four-day event in mid-July that brings together some of the best Australian and international writers, poets, journalists, and critics for readings, workshops, panel discussions, and social events. The festival also features a literary dinner, a book fair, and a writers’ retreat.
Mildura Summer Music Festival: A five-day event in early January that showcases some of the finest classical and contemporary musicians, singers, and composers in intimate and historic venues. The festival also offers masterclasses, lectures, and open rehearsals.
Mildura Jazz Food and Wine Festival: A four-day event in early November that celebrates the jazz culture and the local produce and wines of Mildura and the Murray River. The festival features live jazz performances, gourmet food stalls, wine tastings, river cruises, and a street party.
Mildura Wentworth Arts Festival: A 17-day event in late February and early March that showcases the art and culture of Mildura and the surrounding regions. The festival features exhibitions, installations, performances, workshops, and community events, covering various genres and mediums, such as visual arts, theatre, dance, music, literature, and film.
Mildura Easter Powersports: A three-day event in late March and early April that showcases the power and speed of various motorsports, such as drag racing, speedway, motocross, and ski racing. The event also includes a show and shine, a swap meet, and a family fun day.
Mildura Show: A three-day event in late October that celebrates the agricultural and horticultural heritage of Mildura and the region. The show features livestock competitions, produce displays, craft exhibits, rides, games, entertainment, and fireworks.
Mildura Eisteddfod: A 10-week event from May to July that provides a platform for amateur performers of all ages and abilities to showcase their talents in various categories, such as music, speech, drama, dance, and choir. The event also includes a concert, a gala night, and awards.
Mildura Pacing Cup: A three-day event in mid-October that features harness racing, entertainment, food and drink, and fashion. The event culminates with the Mildura Pacing Cup, which is the richest pacing race in Victoria outside of Melbourne.
Mildura Golf Week: A six-day event in late August and early September that attracts golfers of all levels and ages to compete in various tournaments and social events at the Mildura Golf Resort and other courses in the region. The event also includes a pro-am, a dinner, and a presentation night.
Mildura 100 Ski Race: A two-day event in late March and early April that features the world’s longest water ski race, covering 100 km along the Murray River from Mildura to Wentworth and back. The event also includes a dash for cash, a breakfast with the stars, and a presentation night.
Hattah Desert Race: A two-day event in early July that features the largest off-road motorcycle race in Australia, covering 400 km through the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. The event also includes a prologue, a junior race, and a presentation night.
Mildura Motorcycle Club: A club that organises various motorcycle events throughout the year, such as motocross, enduro, speedway, and dirt track. The club also offers coaching, training, and social rides for members and visitors.
Mildura Rowing Regatta: A two-day event in late September and early October that features rowing races for various categories and classes, such as school, club, masters, and elite. The event also includes a dinner and a presentation night.
Mildura Triathlon: A one-day event in late November that features a triathlon for various distances and divisions, such as sprint, standard, teams, and juniors. The event also includes a fun run, a kids’ triathlon, and a presentation night.
Mildura Marathon: A one-day event in late August that features a marathon and a half marathon, as well as a 10 km, a 5 km, and a 3 km run. The event also includes a breakfast and a presentation.
Tours
Mildura is a great base to explore the diverse and stunning landscapes and attractions of the Murray River and the outback. There are various tours and experiences that you can book in Mildura, ranging from river cruises, scenic flights, guided walks, bike rides, 4WD adventures, food and wine tastings and cultural tours. Some of the best and most popular tours and experiences in Mildura are:
Paddle Steamer Melbourne: A historic paddle steamer that offers daily cruises along the Murray River, passing by the Lock 11, the Chaffey Trail, the Old Mildura Homestead and the Mildura Wharf. You can enjoy the commentary, the scenery and the refreshments on board, as well as visit the engine room and the wheelhouse.
Mildura Ballooning: A thrilling and romantic experience that lets you soar above the city and the river at sunrise, enjoying the panoramic views and the tranquility. You can also join the crew for the inflation and deflation of the balloon, as well as celebrate with a champagne breakfast after the flight.
Harry Nanya Tours: A cultural and ecological tour that takes you to the Mungo National Park, a World Heritage Site that features the ancient lake bed, the sand dunes, the lunettes and the fossils of the Willandra Lakes Region. You can learn about the Aboriginal history, culture and spirituality of the area, as well as see the wildlife and the flora.
Mildura Brewery Tours: A tasty and informative tour that takes you behind the scenes of the Mildura Brewery, a microbrewery that produces a range of craft beers using local ingredients and water. You can see the brewing process, the equipment and the ingredients, as well as sample the beers and the food at the brewery pub.
Sunraysia Cellar Door: A one-stop shop for the wine lovers, where you can taste and buy over 250 wines from 22 local wineries, as well as learn about the history and the varieties of the region. You can also enjoy the cheese platters, the coffee and the gift shop at the cellar door.
Food and Drink
Mildura is a foodie’s paradise, where you can savour the fresh and delicious produce and wines of the region, as well as enjoy the diverse and vibrant cuisine and culture of the city. Whether you are looking for a fine dining restaurant, a casual cafe, a trendy bar, a winery, a brewery, a distillery or a market, you will find it in Mildura. Some of the best and most popular food and drink options in Mildura are:
Feast Street: A lively and colourful street in the heart of the city, where you can find a range of restaurants, cafes and bars, offering various cuisines, such as Italian, Thai, Indian, Chinese, Mexican and Australian. You can also enjoy the live music, the street art and the atmosphere of the street.
The Province by Matt De Angelo: A fine dining restaurant that serves contemporary Australian cuisine, using seasonal and local ingredients, such as Murray cod, lamb, duck, quail and citrus. You can also enjoy the wine list, the service and the ambience of the restaurant.
Stefano de Pieri: A celebrity chef and a local icon, who runs several venues in Mildura, such as the Mildura Brewery, the Stefano’s Restaurant, the Stefano’s Cafe and the Stefano’s Gallery. You can enjoy his signature dishes, such as the rabbit and mushroom risotto, the pork belly and scallops, and the tiramisu, as well as his beers, wines and artworks.
Trentham Estate: A family-owned winery that overlooks the Murray River, where you can taste and buy a range of award-winning wines, such as shiraz, chardonnay, merlot and moscato. You can also enjoy the restaurant, the cellar door, the function centre and the river cruise at the estate.
Gol Gol Hotel: A historic hotel that offers a cosy and friendly atmosphere, where you can enjoy the pub meals, the drinks, the entertainment and the accommodation. You can also enjoy the views of the river, the garden and the golf course at the hotel.
Mildura Brewery: A microbrewery that produces a range of craft beers, using local ingredients and water, such as the Honey Wheat, the Desert Premium Lager, the Mallee Bull and the Storm. You can also enjoy the brewery pub, the tours, the food and the events at the brewery.
Fossey’s Gin: A boutique distillery that produces a range of handcrafted gins, using botanicals and fruits from the region, such as the Original Gin Elixir, the Lemon Myrtle Gin, the Orange and Cinnamon Gin and the Shiraz Gin. You can also enjoy the ginporium, the tastings, the cocktails and the merchandise at the distillery.
Sunraysia Farmers Market: A monthly market that showcases the fresh and organic produce and products from the local farmers and producers, such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, honey, eggs, cheese, bread, jams, sauces, oils and more. You can also enjoy the live music, the kids’ activities and the community spirit at the market.
Things to Do
Mildura is a city that never runs out of things to do, as it offers a diverse and exciting range of activities and attractions for all ages and interests. Whether you want to relax by the river, explore the outback, learn about the history, experience the culture, or have some fun, Mildura has something for you. Some of the best and most popular things to do in Mildura are:
Murray River: The lifeblood of Mildura, the Murray River is a natural wonder that offers endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. You can cruise along the river on a historic paddle steamer, hire a houseboat and enjoy the freedom and comfort, swim, fish, kayak, canoe, ski, or simply admire the scenery and the wildlife along the river.
Paddle Steamer Melbourne: A historic paddle steamer that offers daily cruises along the Murray River, passing by the Lock 11, the Chaffey Trail, the Old Mildura Homestead and the Mildura Wharf. You can enjoy the commentary, the scenery and the refreshments on board, as well as visit the engine room and the wheelhouse.
Mungo National Park: A World Heritage Site that features the ancient lake bed, the sand dunes, the lunettes and the fossils of the Willandra Lakes Region. You can learn about the Aboriginal history, culture and spirituality of the area, as well as see the wildlife and the flora. You can also visit the iconic landmarks, such as the Walls of China, the Mungo Woolshed, the Mungo Lookout and the Mungo Visitor Centre.
Pink Lakes: A natural phenomenon that occurs in the Murray Sunset National Park, where the salt lakes turn pink due to the presence of algae and bacteria. You can see the stunning contrast of the pink lakes against the blue sky and the red earth, as well as enjoy the walking trails, the picnic areas and the camping sites around the lakes.
Chaffey Trail: A heritage trail that traces the history and the legacy of the Chaffey brothers, who transformed Mildura from a barren land to a thriving irrigation colony in the late 19th century. You can visit the historic sites and buildings, such as the Old Mildura Homestead, the Rio Vista House, the Mildura Wharf, the Psyche Bend Pumping Station and the Chateau Mildura.
Mildura Arts Centre: A cultural centre that showcases the art and culture of Mildura and the region, featuring a theatre, a gallery, a museum, a sculpture park and a cafe. You can see the exhibitions, the performances, the collections and the events, as well as enjoy the views of the river and the gardens at the centre.
Australian Inland Botanic Gardens: A botanical garden that displays the native and exotic plants of the inland and arid regions of Australia and the world, covering 152 hectares of land. You can see the collections, the displays, the sculptures and the wildlife, as well as enjoy the tours, the cafe and the gift shop at the garden.
Orange World: A citrus farm that offers a fun and educational tour of the orchard, where you can learn about the varieties, the cultivation and the harvesting of the citrus fruits, such as oranges, mandarins, grapefruits and lemons. You can also taste and buy the fresh and juicy fruits, as well as the products, such as juices, jams and marmalades, at the farm.
Woodsies Gem Shop: A gem shop that offers a unique and fascinating experience of the world of gems, minerals and fossils, featuring a showroom, a museum, a workshop and a cafe. You can see the displays, the collections, the demonstrations and the creations, as well as buy the jewellery, the souvenirs and the gifts at the shop.
Mildura Chocolate Company: A social enterprise that produces a range of delicious and ethical chocolates, using local ingredients and employing people with disabilities. You can see the production, the packaging and the distribution of the chocolates, as well as taste and buy the products, such as bars, blocks, truffles and fudges, at the company.
Mildura is a sun-kissed oasis on the Murray River that offers a unique blend of river, outback and culture. Whether you want to cruise along the river on a historic paddle steamer, soar above the landscape on a scenic flight, explore the ancient wonders of the Mungo National Park, sample the local produce and wines, or enjoy the art and music scene, Mildura has something for everyone.
In this article, we have provided you with a comprehensive guide to Mildura, covering everything from accommodation, transport, weather, events, tours, food and drink, and things to do. By now, you should have all the information you need to plan your perfect trip to Mildura.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Mildura today and discover why it is one of the best places to visit in Australia. You can also contact the Mildura Visitor Information Centre for more information and assistance.
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it useful and informative. If you have any thoughts, questions, or experiences about Mildura, please feel free to share them in the comment section below. We would love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading and happy travels!