Mildura

Overview

Mildura is a major river city and tourist destination. Dryland grain and sheep farming, together with horticulture, including citrus and wine production, is the major focus of local primary industry.

The National Parks and river reserves of this Mallee region give contrast to the vineyards, orchards and broadacre farms, affording a variety of scenic beauty. Mildura City is a major and fast-growing provincial centre that boasts a busy regional airport.

History

In the 1830s, the explorer, Captain Charles Sturt passed through the area. A decade later, pastoralists took up land in the region and within another decade paddleboats utilised the rivers to supply settlers and transport wool.

A seven-year drought in Victoria that ended in 1884 prompted Alfred Deakin, later Prime Minister, to inspect irrigation schemes in California. There he met the Canadian brothers, George and William Chaffey and invited them to establish a Victorian irrigation scheme. The brothers were authorised to go ahead with the plan in 1887 and selected the "Mildura Run" to site Australia's first irrigation colony. Mildura officially became a city in 1937.

Places of interest

The Murray River
National Parks and Wildlife
Cafe Culture - Langtree Avenue / Feast Street restaurant area
Stefano's Cantina - nationally renowned restaurant. The cook is Stefano de Pieri (ABC TVs A Gondola on the Murray, Lifestyle Channels Stefano's Cooking Paradiso)
Over 300 festivals and events held each year
Local produce markets
Paddlesteamers / houseboats / rivercraft

Accommodation

Mildura and the surrounding region offer an array of diverse accommodation to suit all modes of travel. Choose from luxury historic hotels, unique bed and breakfasts and resort style accommodation to motels, holidayparks and backpacker accommodation catering for budget travellers and families.
For a unique experience, spend a night or two drifting down the river on a houseboat, or camp on its banks near one of the many beautiful riverbanks or in a national park.
www.visitmildura.com.au has all the details or contact the Mildura Visitor Information Center on 1800 039 043.
The Mildura Visitor Information Centre is location within the city of Mildura.

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