Mildura.

Few remained after the Europeans colonized the region.

The first European explorer to arrive was Capt. Charles Sturt in the 1830's.

He found the headwaters of the river he called the Darling.

Later he found another river he called the Murray and while navigating this river he found what he believed to be the confluence of the two rivers.

After Capt. Sturt's discovery, settlers moved in to graze sheep and cattle.

Once boats arrived in 1853, the regional town of Wentworth became a commerce centre of the outback.

Originally an area with little to recommend it, the region around Mildura has been wonderfully transformed into the rich agricultural area it is today thanks in no small part to the work of the Chaffey brothers from Canada in the late 1800s.

George and W.B. Chaffey were developing an irrigation settlement in Ontario, California when they met the then Victorian Cabinet Minister Alfred Deakin who impressed them with the potential for irrigation from the Murray River in Australia.

The Chaffeys adapted the plan of Ontario to the present site of Mildura, developed a series of steam-driven pumps to lift the water from the Murray River, first into Kings Billabong, then subsequently to various heights to irrigate up to 33,000 acres.

Mildura's long history has left behind a legacy of historical buildings including the Rio Vista Mansion (home of the Chaffeys, built in 1889), the Old Mildura Homestead, and the Grand Hotel (1918).

On the edge of the Australian outback and an oasis by the Murray River, Mildura offers pretty citrus groves and vineyards, endless sunshine, great food and wine, and abundant water-based activities.

Renowned for fine food and wine, Mildura is the home of celebrity restaurateur Stefano de Pieri and thanks to his ‘Gondola on the Murray’ TV series and cookbooks, the town has developed a reputation for excellent food and the quality and diversity of its produce.

Mildura's Langtree Avenue, known as Feast Street by locals, has a fine reputation for its restaurants, serving up pleasure on a plate and it's newest resident, Endota Spa Mildura is sure to add to the indulgence menu.

Fantastically appointed with five warm treatment rooms plus a relaxation room and pedicure room you can soak up certified organic skincare, facials and body treatments or experience a muscle-melting massage just moments away from the Murray River.

You’ll find them at 35a Langtree Avenue and they’re open from 9.30 until 6.00 Monday to Saturday.

The Murray River itself is a major draw and a great destination for a water-based holiday.

You can captain your own houseboat or enjoy a cruise on a historic old paddle steamer, you can paddle a canoe, swim, water ski or just soak up the sun on a river beach and beyond the lush, green countryside of the riverbanks stretches the Australian outback.

Explore the sand hills of Mungo National Park, a sublime, ancient environment containing some of Australia's most significant Aboriginal sites.

Visit the Mallee with its abundant wildlife, rugged outback scenery and striking sunsets at national parks like Hattah-Kulkyne and Murray-Sunset.

Mildura is the perfect base for exploring other locations in this area.

A 90 minute drive west will take you into South Australia's rich Murray Riverland region surrounding Renmark and Berri and 30 kilometres north-west of Mildura is the historic port town of Wentworth in New South Wales, where the Murray River meets the Darling River, at the gateway to the vast New South Wales outback region.

The region of Mildura is known for its wineries, which produce a most of Australia's Chardonnay, in addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, and several other varieties.

Visitors can sample wines at some of the wineries as well as at tasting centres in town.

A list of many of the region's wineries, links to their websites, and a map of several tasting centres can be found at http://www.mildurawines.com.au/

Things to see and do in Mildura;

Enjoy Mildura's wines at local restaurants, tasting centres, and wineries. Mildura's Feastreet is a focal point for dining and entertainment in town.

Have a beer and watch how it's made at the Mildura Brewery in the former Astor Theatre.

Take in the art and culture of the Mildura Region at the Mildura Regional Art Gallery. The gallery showcases works by local artists and houses a permanent collection of works by Anglo-Irish artist Sir William Orpen and a number of important Australian artists.

Watch car and motorcycle racing at the Mildura Speedway.

Shop at Mildura's many fine boutiques in the town centre.

Stroll through the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens, with its large rose garden, display of salt-tolerant local flora, rock garden, and exotic plants separated into geographical zones.

The Gardens are located on River Road, Buronga, just two kilometres from Mildura.

Enjoy local produce at the Sunraysia Farmers' Market every other weekend in the Gardens.

Play golf (or miniature golf) at one of over half a dozen golf courses in the region.

Some are near the city centre, others lie on the banks of the Murray River and all offer a unique golfing experience.

Experience the beauty of Mildura from the air with a hot air balloon ride by the Murray River, a scenic helicopter ride, or a private tour on a twin-engine plane.

The chartered helicopter or plane may also be used to reach destinations such as wineries and national parks.

Enjoy one of Mildura's many festivals, races, and other special events.

If you’ve never been to Mildura before there's lots to experience in 48 hours.

Discover our great and unique history!

Delight in the contrast between outback solitude and the joyous celebrations of a vibrant culture.

Notice how an afternoon will lengthen into the evening when the food is fine and the weather is warm.

Mildura is the perfect place to indulge the senses and live life to the full.

Mildura and the surrounding towns of Red Cliffs, Irymple, Merbein, Gol Gol, and Buronga have an unmistakable cosmopolitan flavour thanks to a multicultural society.

Mouth watering local foods and wines, a healthy arts culture and a busy year round calendar of events are on offer here.

This is a community that loves to celebrate.

The area is often referred to as the Mediterranean in the outback, with its lush green golf courses, citrus groves and vineyards, endless sunshine and sandy river beaches.

This enticing place combines the best of a cosmopolitan holiday destination with the easygoing personality of the bush.

From luxury Mildura hotels to unique B&Bs, your time in the Mildura region will be affordable, romantic and every bit as comfortable as home.

Come and visit us soon and….enjoy,

John.

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