Mildura

Mildura is a city of around 35,000 people on the Murray River, roughly 550 kilometres north-west of Melbourne and closer to Adelaide than to the Victorian capital. The town was established in 1887 by the Chaffey brothers, Canadian-born irrigation pioneers who diverted water from the Murray to transform the surrounding red-soil mallee country into productive farmland. Their irrigation scheme was the first large-scale irrigation project in Australia and created the citrus, grape and dried-fruit industries that still drive the local economy.

The Murray River frontage is the heart of Mildura's appeal for visitors. The PS Melbourne, a restored 1912 paddlesteamer, runs regular cruises from the Mildura Wharf and is the oldest operating wooden-hulled paddlesteamer in the world. Several houseboat hire companies offer self-drive holidays on the river, ranging from basic to luxury. The river red gum forests along the banks are home to a rich bird population including pelicans, cormorants, whistling kites and the occasional white-bellied sea eagle.

Mildura is the gateway to Mungo National Park, a 110 kilometre drive to the north. Mungo is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world - the Mungo Lady and Mungo Man burial sites, dated to around 42,000 years ago, are among the oldest known ceremonial burials on earth. The lunar landscape of the Walls of China lunette, a crescent-shaped sand dune formation, is one of the most extraordinary landforms in inland Australia. Access is by sealed road and cultural tours led by Aboriginal guides are available.

The city has a growing food and wine scene built on the local produce. The Sunraysia region around Mildura produces table grapes, wine grapes, citrus, almonds, avocados and dried fruit in enormous volumes. Several cellar doors and the Mildura Brewery are popular with visitors. The weekly Feast Street outdoor dining event in summer lines the main street with food stalls.

Mildura averages more than 300 days of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest places in Victoria. Summer is very hot (frequently above 40 degrees) but the river provides relief. Autumn and spring are the best seasons for visiting, with mild temperatures and clear skies. Winter is cool but pleasant, and the paddlesteamer and houseboat season runs year-round.