Mildura Top 10 Things to Do | Best Attractions & Experiences in Victoria’s Murray River Region

Mildura Top 10 Things to Do | Best Attractions & Experiences in Victoria’s Murray River Region

Mildura is a vibrant regional city in north-west Victoria, set on the banks of the mighty Murray River. Located approximately 542 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, Mildura enjoys more than 300 sunny days a year, making it a fantastic year-round destination.

Known for its relaxed river lifestyle, Mildura offers a wonderful mix of scenic river cruises, historic landmarks, unique attractions, street art, gardens, and local food and wine. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying longer, there’s plenty to see and do.

Cruise on the Murray River

Step back in time with a cruise aboard a historic paddle boat on the Murray River — one of the most iconic experiences in Mildura. Murray River cruises offer a relaxing way to soak up the scenery and learn about the region’s river history.The PV Rothbury, originally built in 1881, was restored in 1968, during which its original steam engine was replaced with a diesel engine, allowing it to continue operating today.

A highlight of the two-hour cruises is travelling through Lock 11, a fascinating piece of river engineering. You’ll see how the lock operates as the boat is gently lowered to the downstream level and raised again on the return journey.

This unique experience offers a rare and insightful glimpse into the Murray River’s water management system and its importance to the region.

Mildura Holden Museum

The Mildura Holden Museum is located at 58 West Road, Buronga, just three kilometres from Mildura. This privately owned museum showcases a stunning collection of more than 30 immaculately restored Holden vehicles and is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm.

What began as one man’s passion for Holden cars has become the lasting legacy of Mr Ron Morello. The collection spans Holden’s history, from the very first model produced through to more modern vehicles.

Wandering through the museum is a nostalgic journey through Australia’s motoring history, with informative displays and fascinating facts lining the walls.

There’s also a café and a gift shop filled with unique Holden memorabilia, making it a great stop for car enthusiasts and families alike.

Discover Street Art

Take a wander through Mildura’s streets and laneways to discover a vibrant collection of bold, colourful street art created by both local and international artists. The murals bring the town to life, telling stories of the region’s culture, heritage, agriculture, and natural environment, and they provide plenty of fantastic photo opportunities.

One of the standout pieces is the iconic Mildura Mural, designed by artist Travis Price, which celebrates the region’s industries, landscapes, and tourism.

Visit Rio Vista Historic House

Rio Vista Historic House is Mildura’s most important heritage building and is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This beautifully preserved Queen Anne–style mansion was built in 1890 by William Benjamin (W.B.) Chaffey, one of the key founders of Australia’s first irrigation colony.

W.B. Chaffey played a vital role in transforming Mildura from dry scrubland into a thriving agricultural centre by introducing large-scale irrigation to the region. His vision and engineering expertise laid the foundations for Mildura’s success as a major fruit-growing district.

Rio Vista House has been carefully restored to reflect its original grandeur. Inside, you can explore rooms featuring Italian marble fireplaces, stained glass windows, pressed metal ceilings, intricate timber joinery, and beautifully tiled floors. A visit to Rio Vista offers a fascinating insight into the life and legacy of one of Mildura’s most influential pioneers.

Wander along the Mildura Riverfront

The Mildura Riverfront stretches along the banks of the Murray River and is just a short walk from the city centre. This scenic precinct features lovely walking paths, picnic areas, and several cafés, making it an ideal place to relax with a coffee while watching boats glide past and birds gather along the river’s edge.

As you wander along the riverfront, you’ll also discover significant Indigenous cultural and historical elements, adding depth and meaning to this peaceful riverside area.

Discover Orange World

Just five minutes from Mildura, we discovered Orange World, a 50-acre working citrus property that offers a fun and informative experience for all ages. Orange World is open daily from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm and features a café and gift shop where you can purchase fresh fruit and local produce. Tractor tours run daily at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, and 2:30 pm.

The experience begins with an information session about the property and the citrus industry before you hop aboard the tractor for a guided tour through the orchards.

Mildura is a significant citrus-growing region, particularly famous for its oranges. The broader Murray Valley region produces around 21% of Australia’s citrus, making it the country’s second-largest citrus-growing area.

Thanks to Mildura’s warm climate and fertile river flats, conditions are ideal for growing oranges. During our visit, we also saw how the fruit is sorted and graded before heading off to market.

Australian Inland Botanic Gardens

Located just a 10-minute drive across the Murray River in Buronga, the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens are a peaceful and fascinating place to explore. The gardens are open 8:30 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekends. Entry is free, though a gold coin donation is appreciated.

These expansive gardens showcase native and exotic plants from arid regions around the world. One of the highlights for me was seeing the Sturt Desert Peas in flower during our July visit.

You can wander the gardens at your own pace, or if you visit on a Saturday, join a tractor train tour for $10 per person. The rose garden, with more than 1,600 varieties, is especially lovely, with plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the surroundings.

Mildura Arts Centre & Sculpture Park

The Mildura Arts Centre is a cultural hub featuring contemporary and Indigenous art exhibitions, live performances, and community events. Exhibitions include works by local artists, touring exhibitions, and curated collections, highlighting diverse and thought-provoking creative expressions. The Mildura Arts Centre is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Be sure to explore the surrounding grounds, where you’ll find the Mildura Arts Centre Sculpture Park, home to sixteen outdoor sculptures set among landscaped gardens.

The Chaffey Trail

The Chaffey Trail connects 12 significant historical sites in and around Mildura, all linked to the vision and achievements of the Chaffey brothers.Arriving in the late 1880s, the Chaffeys transformed this dry corner of north-west Victoria into a thriving irrigation colony, laying the foundations for one of Australia’s most productive horticultural regions.

We had already visited Rio Vista House and Lock 11, both key stops on the Chaffey Trail. Next, we explored the Mildura Homestead, a recreation of the first home built in Mildura around 1847. Here, we wandered through the homestead, outbuildings, woolshed, and rose garden — the place where the Chaffey brothers’ vision for the irrigation colony began to take shape.

The Mildura Club, built in 1919, was once a hub for the town’s early leaders and visiting dignitaries, with W.B. Chaffey serving as its longest-running president. The Mildura Grand Hotel, originally known as the Coffee Palace, was another early Chaffey project and remains a landmark building today.

Wine Tasting at Local Wineries

Mildura sits in the heart of the vast Murray-Darling wine region, which produces more than 50% of Australia’s wine grapes.

The region is particularly known for varieties such as Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and there are several cellar doors nearby where you can enjoy tastings.

Wine tasting is a relaxing way to round out your visit, offering a chance to sample local flavours while learning more about the region’s important role in Australia’s wine industry.

Why Mildura Should Be on Your Travel List

With its sunny climate, beautiful Murray River setting, and rich mix of history, culture, and local experiences, Mildura is a destination that truly has something for everyone. From cruising the river on a historic paddle steamer and uncovering the Chaffey legacy, to wandering through gardens, street art, galleries, and citrus orchards, Mildura invites you to slow down and enjoy life by the river.

Add in great food, local wines, and a relaxed regional vibe, and it’s easy to see why Mildura is such a rewarding place to explore in north-west Victoria — whether you’re passing through or planning a longer stay.

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