Ouyen, Pooncarie, Gol Gol: Top 10 towns to visit in the Mildura region

A pristine new lake, wineries and sensational views are among the tourist attractions luring visitors to Sunraysia and the Mallee.

Patchewollock farmer Simon Grigg having fun at the Ouyen Lake. Photo: DANNIKA BONSER

With a renewed focus on domestic tourism, many are contemplating exploring their own backyard these holidays.

Take a short drive from Mildura and you’ll find many places to unwind, including nice spots along the river to camp or throw a line.

Looking for the perfect Instagram snap? You can find that, too.

The towns of Sunraysia and the Mallee have plenty of reasons to visit.

Ouyen

One of the region’s newest drawcards, the Ouyen Lake is the product of this dryland farming community’s determination to have somewhere to cool off, take the boat out or go for a fish.

The lake opened in 2018 and its clear blue water makes it a perfect place to spend a summer afternoon.

Just off the Calder Hwy, you’ll also find the largest Mallee stump in Australia.

Walpeup

Walpeup Memorial Hall features a “welcome home” banner from World War I.

This Mallee Track town has plenty to offer visitors, including the Walpeup Memorial Hall, originally dedicated to those who served in World War I and home to a collection of historic photographs.

Green thumbs should also check out the Walpeup Dryland Garden for native trees and shrubs.

Red Cliffs

Robert Wolfe’s father was the chair of the board which organised Big Lizzie's return to Red Cliffs.

Check out Big Lizzie, the big tractor who played a big role in Red Cliffs’ history.

Then take the family for a journey on the Red Cliffs Historical Steam Railway.

Head back to town and find a nice cafe or, if you’re more inclined towards a glass, Cappa Stone Wines is the place to go.

Merbein

A nice view awaits those who tackle the stairs at Merbein's Blandowski Walkway.

Get some exercise, and a nice view of the Murray River at the Merbein Lookout, by tackling the Blandowski Walk stairs.

Check out the main street and then head to Merbein Common for some river recreation or a place to camp for the night.

Wentworth

The junction of the River Murray and Darling River at Wentworth. Picture: Toby Zerna

See the point where the Murray and Darling rivers meet, before preparing yourself to step back in time.

A short drive will take you to the Perry Sandhills, which geologists say originated from an ice age 40,000 years ago and was formed by wind erosion over thousands of years.

More recent history is on offer at the Old Wentworth Gaol, or check out the PS Ruby paddle steamer.

Lake Cullulleraine

Find calm at Lake Cullulleraine.

Head out to the lake for all its boating, fishing and recreation opportunities.

Perhaps use it as a gateway to explore the rest of the Millewa region, heading to the Werrimull Pub for a beer or the Millewa Pioneer Park at Meringur.

Gol Gol

Kayak the Murray River from Gol Gol.

Speaking of places to get a cool beverage, the Gol Gol Hotel offers a fabulous view of the Murray River, or perhaps nearby Trentham Estate is more your go.

If observing the river from a distance isn’t enough, try a kayak tour offered by Moontongue Eco Adventures.

Pooncarie

Get away from it all in Pooncarie. Picture: Toby Zerna

Head north to the historic river port Pooncarie on the Darling and visit the Old Wharf Site, where there’s a cafe serving breakfast and coffee.

Find a spot for a camping and fishing adventure, or head out to Mungo National Park.

Murrayville

Take a stroll through Murrayville.

Follow the Mallee Track almost as far as the South Australian border and you’ll be able to explore the Historic Walk of Murrayville to admire the old shop fronts.

Adjacent to two national parks, it’s a good spot to take in wildflowers and wildlife.

Kow Plains Homestead in nearby Cowangie might also be on your agenda.

Underbool

Travel out to the Murray Sunset National Park to see the famous Pink Lakes.

Another Mallee Track town to add to your list, Underbool could be your gateway to the Pink Lakes at Murray Sunset National Park.

While in town, you can check out the Pioneer Memorial Wall and Pink Lakes Pantry.

Robinvale

A day in Robinvale could involve immersing yourself in bushland and the river landscape, taking the walk over the bridge to the Euston Weir and Lock 15.

Visit the Rural Life Museum for some history, or drive to the 18.3m-high Southern Cross windmill, built in 1948 to supply the town with water.