Fast facts
- ‘Ute’ capital of the world
- Situated on a tributary of the Murray River on the edge of the Outback
- 723 km south-west of Sydney, population 7,800
Why go there
Deniliquin is situated on the Edward River, in the centre of Riverina sheep-station country and on the fringe of the world's largest red gum forest, where birds and wildlife abound.
A network of forest trails offers bushwalking, camping, biking and bird-watching. You can kayak, swim, fish and waterski on the river.
History
The Deniliquin area was renowned for its merino studs, but the region only really developed when irrigation schemes began to transform the surrounding plains in the 1930s. Today it’s a major rice-growing area.
The town holds The Guinness Book of Records world title for the most utes mustered in one place – over 6,172 utes travelled across the nation to join the official count in 2005.
"Ute" is an abbreviation of "utility", a working vehicle which the Americans call pick-up trucks.
Things to do
- Explore Island Sanctuary, bursting with wildlife.
- Wander through Waring Gardens, around a series of lagoons and trees dating from the 19th century.
- Relax on one of the river’s sandy beaches, where you can picnic or swim.
Events
- The Sun Festival, in January, features a vintage car display, craft and produce markets, local entertainment and family fun.
- Pioneer Gardens Annual Display at Easter includes jazz and working antique steam trains.
- Play on the Plains Festival and Ute Muster, in September, is a world-famous event not to be missed.
Don’t miss
- Restored steam engines and pumps at the Pioneer Steam Museum.
- A panoramic sunset on the open plains at Conargo.
- Restored architecture on an historic town walk.
- The preserved school classroom at the Peppin Heritage Centre.
