15 things to do in Mildura

Lover of the great outdoors? Experience life on the open road with a trip to the Victorian outback city of . Things to do in and around the city are numerous, but if you’ve got a particular fascination for Victorian colonial history, are an intrepid explorer and/or enjoy feasting (both literally and metaphorically) on the spoils of nature, there’s a bounty of fun to be had. But where to begin?

Start your Mildura getaway at the NRMA Mildura Riverside Holiday Park, which you’ll find nestled along the banks of the picturesque Murray River. The Holiday Park is the ideal base for your next adventure, located just 5 kilometres from Mildura’s town centre and a leisurely drive away from some of the region’s best nature and wildlife hotspots.

Once you’ve settled in to your riverside base, had a cuppa and soaked in the Park’s bush surroundings, get ready to explore with the help of this list of top things to do in and around Mildura:

The Murray River, which stretches 2700km from northeast Victoria to Adelaide in South Australia, is arguably Mildura’s most popular attraction. For a quintessential Murray River experience, catch an old historic paddle streamer from the Mildura Wharf and spend the day cruising down the Murray. For a food and wine adventure, jump on board the PV Rothbury or PB Mundoo, which run winery and dinner cruises throughout the week.

Fancy a spot of fishing? Whether you’ve got a boat, canoe, kayak or your own two feet, the Murray offers up some choice fishing spots for you to reel in Murray or Trout Cod. To avoid snagging a fine, do ensure you purchase a New South Wales fishing license before you cast out your line.

If you like the great outdoors, you’ll really love Mildura. Things to do often revolve around nature. One of our favourite ways to enjoy the region’s unique environment is to jump on a bike and ride down the many scenic cycling trails that meander down the Murray, around Kings Billabong Wildlife Reserve and past other beautiful parks, lakes and waterways. Give these a try today.

Get a taste of the region’s famous fresh produce with a visit to Orange World, just across the Murray River from Mildura. Jump aboard the tractor train for a tour through the citrus orchards, learning more about how the fruit is grown and harvested along the way. It’s a fun way for families to experience another side of the Mildura region.

Mildura is a destination packed full of contrasting landscapes, including Mungo National Park’s “Walls of China”. These spectacular moon-like rock formations are ice-age lunettes that have been shaped by the elements over thousands of years. You can self-drive (four-wheel-drive required) through this unique natural landscape, but to truly understand the full historical, scientific and cultural significance of these structures, found on the edge of Lake Mungo, we recommend joining an immersive tour with  or .

Mildura is a city steeped in colonial history, dating back to the 1800s when the Chaffey brothers created the Mildura Irrigation Colony and developed a series of steam-driven pumps to lift water from the Murray River and irrigate up to 33,000 acres of pastoral land. Trace the development of the city along the , a self-guided tour that will take you past key heritage sites and buildings including the Mildura Station Homestead, Mildura Wharf and King’s Billabong.

Avid surfer or just want to try something different? Head on over to Wentworth’s Perry Sandhills, a shifting dune system that is more than 40,000 years old, for some sandboarding fun. Bring sandboards (or opt for the Aussie budget option – a large piece of cardboard) and slide down the dunes.

The is a state-of-the-art performing arts venue, café bar, gallery, sculpture park and heritage site first founded in 1956. Back then, the arts precinct was situated in the Rio Vista Historic House, which still remains the centrepiece of the expanded cultural hub today. The Rio Vista has since been restored and reflects what the residence would have looked like back when it was first constructed in 1889. Visit the historic site, walk amongst large-scale art pieces in the centre’s sculpture park and finish the day with coffee and cake at the café bar.

Car enthusiast? Take a short drive across the Murray River to the Mildura Holden Motor Museum. Browse a private collection of around 30 Holden vehicles, spanning from the first model through to more recent favourites, and discover a piece of Australian motoring history along the way. Once you've finished exploring, stop by the onsite cafe for a coffee or browse the range of Holden memorabilia and souvenirs.

Looking for a place to eat? Head to Feast Street on Langtree Avenue and find a great range of restaurants and eateries guaranteed to satisfy both your tastebuds and your wallet. Mildura locals recommend dining at Stefano’s Restaurant, which received a Chef’s Hat from The Good Food Guide.

If cooking’s more your thing, don’t miss a trip to the . Renowned as one of Australia’s major “food bowls”, Mildura boasts an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce, all of which you can source and buy at the farmers market every first and third Saturday of the month.

The is the first semi-arid botanic gardens in the Southern Hemisphere – an oasis filled with flowers, plants and trees from all over the world. The gardens, which were first planted in 1988, are a spectacular example of nature’s ability to adapt to extreme climates and weather. Spend the day strolling through the park’s many paths and nature trails.

Plenty of daylight, a pleasant climate and idyllic riverside/bush settings make Mildura the perfect golfer’s paradise. You’ll know what we mean when you swing your clubs at the and golf courses, both of which are located on the banks of the Murray River. , and are also worthy of a visit.

One of our favourite ways to end an adventure-filled day out is with a tasty, refreshing beverage. Head to boutique distillery Fossey’s for a sip of Australian botanical-infused craft gin and spirits, or enjoy a naturally brewed beer at the Mildura Brewery, located inside the former Astor Theatre.

NRMA Mildura Riverside Holiday Park is set on the banks of the Murray River and is the perfect spot to set up base and explore the region. There’s a range of accommodation to suit your stay, with comfortable cabins and villas, plus caravan and camping sites, including pet-friendly options.

Guests can make the most of:

• Heated swimming pool and waterslides

• Bouncing pillow and playground

• Pedal kart hire

• Boat ramp

• Camp kitchen and BBQ areas

• Onsite convenience store

• Off-leash dog area

• Seasonal kids’ activities

My NRMA Rewards members can also enjoy 10%* off accommodation year-round, flexible cancellation terms and a range of exclusive member benefits.

Book now and start planning your Mildura getaway.