A weekend on the Murray - Your guide to Mildura

With its unparalleled fresh produce, exceptional wineries and spectacular natural scenery, Mildura is easily one of the most beautiful regions of Victoria.

Children play by the banks of the Murray River at Mildura. Image: Robert Blackburn

Tucked in along the border of NSW and a short drive from South Australia, this thriving Victorian regional town makes for the perfect long weekend getaway. 

What to do and see in Mildura

Home to the World Heritage listed Mungo National Park and the world-famous pink lakes of Murray-Sunset National Park, dedicating a few hours to visiting these isolated natural wonders is a must for anyone visiting the region. To make the most of your visit (and find the best photo op spots), take a tour with Discover Mildura or Murray Offroad Adventures, where you’ll learn all about the history of the region and enjoy delicious gourmet food along the way. 

Murray Offroad Adventures. Image: Visit Victoria

In the afternoon, take a stroll around the idyllic grounds of Trentham Estate and enjoy a river-front long lunch or head to Vanden Estate for a wine tasting and enjoy the area’s award-winning vineyards. And if you don’t feel like driving, there are a number of local tour guides who offer specific vineyard tours, as well as vineyard and produce tours. 

If wine isn’t really your thing, head to Fossey’s Distillery in the centre of town to enjoy their unforgettable desert lime gin, blood orange vodka or outback moonshine, which are all made to suit the seasons and celebrate local produce.

Grab a bottle at Fossey's Distillery. Picture: Visit Victoria

To get a taste of farming life and entertain smaller visitors, a train-ride tour of the Orange World orchards, followed by a tasting of hand picked and squeezed orange juice from owners Maria and Mario is guaranteed to leave you satisfied.

Be sure to set aside half an hour to walk the city centre’s mural trail, where you can spot an ever-growing number of murals painted by visiting and local artists that celebrate Mildura’s rich history and blossoming art scene.

Sampling a glass at Trentham Estate. Picture: Visit Victoria

Where to eat in Mildura

To start your morning the right way, head to Bobby + Me, an ultra-relaxed but compact spot that’s a favourite among locals. Overlooking the Murray River, watch the world go by at your own pace with their amazing coffee or smoothies.

For something a little more substantial, the seasonal menu offerings of Brother Chris are seriously impressive, with the signature chilli scrambled eggs with crab a must try. Their takeaway sandwiches and salads are the perfect addition to a picnic basket if your day is one of adventure, as are the next-level sandwiches and cannoli of The Italian. Served up on freshly baked bread and made to order, this paninoteca is an essential stop on any long weekend itinerary.

When it comes to a long and leisurely lunch, look no further than Stefano’s Cafe & Restaurant. The iconic dining spot of famed chef Stefano de Pieri (who many credit with putting the produce of Mildura on the map), there’s a reason this local favourite continues to stand the test of time and draw a crowd. Enjoy local wines al fresco under the vines while sampling an evolving menu that highlights all the beauty of the region. The walls of both the cafe and restaurant are regularly adorned by revolving art exhibitions and the in-house deli and bakery are stocked with plenty of take-home delicacies to enjoy for your next meal, making it the perfect day-to-night dining venue.

Grab yourself a pastry at Stefano's. Image: Visit Victoria

If you’re craving traditional-style pizza and pasta, head to the newest Italian joint in town, 400 Gradi. The regional outpost of the beloved Melbourne chain, Gradi may still be new to the area having only opened in 2022, but it still offers the existing continuity of elevated Italian classics, knowledgeable service and exceptional cocktails it’s built its reputation on in the city. What’s more, its gelato bar is the perfect solution for when the late-night sweets craving hits.

Where to stay in Mildura

If you have the time, staying in a houseboat while visiting Mildura is highly recommended. Houseboats of all shapes, sizes and varying degrees of luxury are available to suit any budget and group size. In addition to spending an afternoon cruising along the Murray River and enjoying swimming, canoeing, fishing and boating from one winery to the next, you can also dock in town come sundown and still enjoy an evening of life on shore.

A houseboat can be a great option, especially for families. Picture: Visit Victoria

If you are looking for an in-town option, the Quest Hotel and Best Western Motor Inn offer proximity to everything that’s happening in town, while the All Seasons Caravan Park is a great family-friendly option thanks to their recently-renovated cabin options.

How to get to Mildura

Having launched a Mildura route in May 2023, Bonza Airlines now offers direct flights from Melbourne for as little as $49, traveling on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Rex Airlines and QANTAS also offer regular flights to the area, with a flight time of just under an hour.

If driving from Melbourne, expect to set aside anywhere from six to eight hours of road time.

Katy Hall was a guest of Visit Victoria and Bonza Airlines.

Originally published as A weekend on the Murray - Your guide to Mildura