Fast facts
- Supplies 80 per cent of the State's dried fruit
- A diverse landscape of mallee scrub, red desert and rich irrigated farmlands
- 1,025 km south-west of Sydney, population 24,000
Why go there
Mildura is a vibrant and exciting border town that makes the most of its position on the mighty Murray River. Known for its produce, the town has a thriving cultural scene and many festivals that attract visitors.
History
In the late 1800s, Canadian irrigation pioneers William and George Chaffey put Mildura on the map when they set about making the area arable, in the same way they had done in the Californian desert. Although the scheme experienced many ups and downs, a dried fruit industry was established by the mid-1890s.
The Mildura population grew significantly in the 1920s when thousands of World War I veterans took up land as part of the Soldier Settlement Scheme.
Things to do
- Enjoy the laid-back delights of a leisurely houseboat holiday on the Murray.
- Tread the Chaffey Trail to visit the town's main historic sites.
- Explore the designated wilderness areas of Murray Sunset National Park.
- Hit a round of golf on one Mildura's 13 challenging courses.
- Take a cellar-door tour around the region's wineries. The Mildara Blass Winery was originally established by William Chaffey.
Events
- The Mildura-Wentworth Arts Festival, in March, unites the two neighbouring border towns.
- The Mildura Country Music Festival, in September, attracts talent from around Australia.
- The Mildura Jazz and Wine Festival, in November, strikes the right note for good living.
Don’t miss
- A paddle-boat cruise along the Murray River.
- The Rio Vista Museum, housed in the restored home of William Chaffey. The Mildura Arts Centre is also there.
- The fine display of gems at Woodsie's gem shop.
- Taking a hot-air balloon up, up and away.
- Enjoying a meal at celebrity chef Stefano de Pieri's restaurant at the Mildura Grand Hotel.
