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Balldale, Corowa, Bright: Top 10 places to visit in the Albury-Wodonga region

With the ring of steel officially lifted Victorians can start planning their spring and summer getaways. Here are our top 10 best places to visit in the Albury-Wodonga region.

Corowa Whisky & Chocolate located in an old flour mill in Corowa.
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate located in an old flour mill in Corowa.

With borders closed, and the local economies taking a hit from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to get out and explore the tiny towns in our own backyards.

Albury City Council tourism team leader Sue Harper said local and regional tourism had received a boost during the pandemic.

“I sometimes think we don’t explore our own back yards enough, and so it’s been really good for a lot of our local businesses,” Ms Harper said.

“Particularly from an Albury perspective, they always tended to migrate to Beechworth and Bright, but with the NSW border restrictions they had to start exploring east and west.

“Places such as the Balldale Hotel have built a lovely reputation.

“Ideally we want our own community to explore those unique and quirky spots like the Jingellic Hotel that have so much character and personality.”

Ms Harper said Visit Albury Wodonga would be encouraging the community to continue exploring their local areas as restrictions begin to ease.

“I think our local community will continue to support local businesses,” she said.

“We do have such a beautiful place here and there is so much to do.”

Balldale

The Balldale Hotel.
The Balldale Hotel.

Since reopening last year, visitors have come from far and wide to have a beer and a meal at the Balldale Hotel.

Just 50km from Albury, the town itself is not much more than the pub and the post office, but it’s definitely worth the drive.

Beechworth

The historic courthouse and jail in Beechworth where the Kelly trials were held.
The historic courthouse and jail in Beechworth where the Kelly trials were held.

Steep in rich history from the Gold Rush and Kelly trials, taking a walk down Beechworth’s Ford St is like stepping back in time.

The original courthouse where Ned Kelly was arraigned still stands.

As well as a rich history, Beechworth is a rich wine region with plenty of beautiful wineries to explore.

Bethanga

Bethanga Bridge near Albury Wodonga on the NSW-VIC border. Picture: Simon Dallinger
Bethanga Bridge near Albury Wodonga on the NSW-VIC border. Picture: Simon Dallinger

Just 32km from Wodonga, Bethanga is the perfect place for a day trip.

Take a scenic drive over the iconic Bethanga Bridge and visit the stunning Posh Plonk winery which sits on the shores of Lake Hume.

Bright

Amanda Ralph owner of Country Heart and Home which is a year round Christmas shop in Bright, Victoria. Picture: Tony Gough
Amanda Ralph owner of Country Heart and Home which is a year round Christmas shop in Bright, Victoria. Picture: Tony Gough

Bright provides a great base for those wanting to explore the Mount Buffalo and Alpine national parks.

But as well as providing access to the regions natural landscapes, Bright itself is full of boutique shops and restaurants to explore.

The Bright Brewery and the Christmas shop are popular summer time attractions.

Chiltern

Southern hemisphere's longest grape vine at the historic Grape Vine Hotel in Chiltern.
Southern hemisphere's longest grape vine at the historic Grape Vine Hotel in Chiltern.

This old historic town established in the 1850s during the Gold Rush has 21 buildings registered with the National Trust, maintaining their historical integrity.

As well as it’s historical features, Chiltern provides access to the beautiful Mt Pilot National Park.

Chiltern is also home to the Grapevine Hotel, which houses the Southern Hemisphere’s longest grapevine, running right though the centre of the building.

Corowa

Corowa Whisky & Chocolate located in an old flour mill in Corowa. Picture: Alexandra Adoncello
Corowa Whisky & Chocolate located in an old flour mill in Corowa. Picture: Alexandra Adoncello

Settled on the banks of the Murray River, Corowa is famous for being the birthplace of the Federation of Australia.
Situated just 45 minutes from Albury, take a trip and explore the Federation Museum to learn about the important role Corowa played in Australian history.

If you love to eat and drink, Corowa is the place for you, with its very own whiskey and chocolate factory situated in an old flour mill.

Culcairn

Visit Morgan's Lookout in Culcairn for exceptional views. Picture: Visit NSW
Visit Morgan's Lookout in Culcairn for exceptional views. Picture: Visit NSW

Tree-lined streets, pretty parks, and heritage listed buildings, Culcairn is known as the oasis of the Riverina.

But the town has not always been so peaceful, with a sordid past involving a notorious bushranger.

Dan ‘Mad Dog’ Morgan roamed the area in the 1960s and in June 1864, Morgan‘s stand-off at Round Hill Station in Culcairn resulted in the death of station overseer John McLean.

You can explore the history of the bushranger including his hiding spot, and the John McLean memorial.

Jindera

High tea at Jindera Pioneer Museum. Picture: Jindera Pioneer Museum
High tea at Jindera Pioneer Museum. Picture: Jindera Pioneer Museum

Known as one of the best in NSW, the Jindera Pioneer Museum attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Just a short 17km drive from Albury, the museum recreates the material culture of the early German settlers using local relics.

Jingellic

The Jingellic pub is renowned for its beer garden.
The Jingellic pub is renowned for its beer garden.

With a population of just 61 people, Jingellic is known for its pub which boasts one of the best beer gardens in Australia, overlooking the Murray river.

Next-door to the pub is the Jingellic Reserve which has a boat ramp and offers free camping.

Rutherglen

Arthur and Mandy Jones with Rosie, at Jones Winery, Vineyard & Restaurant in Rutherglen. Picture: Jones Winery
Arthur and Mandy Jones with Rosie, at Jones Winery, Vineyard & Restaurant in Rutherglen. Picture: Jones Winery

For food and wine lovers, Rutherglen is the ultimate holiday destination.

With more than 20 award-winning wineries and outstanding cafes and restaurants, Rutherglen also provides an opportunity to try local products including delicious olives and chocolate.

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/albury-wodonga/balldale-corowa-bright-top-10-places-to-visit-in-the-alburywodonga-region/news-story/42100bd3a082db1e63d0126e4def5ebd