Swan Hill Victoria Travel Guide - Top Things to See Along the Murray River

Swan Hill Victoria Travel Guide - Top Things to See Along the Murray River

Swan Hill is a vibrant regional city set on the banks of the Murray River in north-west Victoria, approximately 340 kilometres from Melbourne. With a rich pioneer history, an iconic paddle steamer, a wonderful open-air museum, and easy access to the Murray region, Swan Hill is a fantastic place to base yourself while exploring this part of Victoria.

During our visit, we spent time wandering through the Pioneer Settlement, saw the historic PS Pyap paddle steamer, and enjoyed the spectacular laser light show. We also explored the Swan Hill city centre and riverbanks, spotted the town’s famous Giant Murray Cod, and took a short drive to Lake Boga to visit the Flying Boat Museum and admire the silo art.

The Pioneer Settlement

A highlight of our visit to Swan Hill was the Pioneer Settlement. Opened in 1966, it was Australia’s first open-air museum and remains one of the most impressive heritage attractions in the region. The settlement is open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, and your ticket is valid for two full days, allowing plenty of time to explore.

We wandered along the streets of the recreated 1800s Mallee township, popping into the many shops, cottages, and exhibits that bring the past to life.

One of our favourite experiences was a ride around the settlement in a restored 1920s Dodge. These rides are free with your entry ticket and depart from outside the Print Shop.

We also visited the Music Shop on the main street, where one of the friendly volunteers was playing the 19th-century pianola. I was even lucky enough to have a turn playing it myself.

At the Echo Print Shop, you can watch a fully functioning printing press in action, using the original Chandler and Price treadle press. You can also have your own personalised wanted poster printed as a souvenir.

Another lovely way to explore is by taking a horse and carriage ride around the township. These rides are also included with your ticket and depart from under the Peppercorn tree outside the Saddlers’ shop.

The blacksmith shop, originally built in 1896, is another standout. Here you can watch blacksmiths working the forge, using fire and physical strength to shape iron just as it was done more than a century ago.

We also saw the historic Paddlesteamer The Gem, built in Moama in 1876, and enjoyed wandering through the 1800s cottages and gardens scattered throughout the settlement.

PS Pyap Paddlesteamer

One-hour cruises aboard the PS Pyap Paddlesteamer depart from Horseshoe Bend Wharf at the Pioneer Settlement. Cruises operate at 2:30 pm Monday to Friday, with additional departures at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm on weekends and school holidays. Tickets can be purchased from the settlement office.

The Pyap was originally built as a barge in Mannum, South Australia, in 1896 and was converted into a paddlesteamer in 1897. She began life as a floating general store, travelling along the lower Murray River and supplying goods to remote river communities.

In 1970, the PS Pyap was relocated to Swan Hill’s Pioneer Settlement, where she was refitted with a diesel engine. Measuring almost 30 metres long and 4.8 metres wide, the Pyap has a very shallow draft and can float in less than a metre of water.

Laser Light Show

A purpose-built undercover seating area on the riverbank provides the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the laser light shows. At night, the Pioneer Settlement takes on a magical atmosphere as it transforms into the backdrop for these spectacular displays.

Shown on alternate nights, Heartbeat of the Murray or the newer Legends of the Mallee laser light spectaculars combine brilliant colours, water, light, lasers, special effects, and powerful sound.

We saw Legends of the Mallee, an immersive journey through the region’s history that included stories from the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi people, the Burke and Wills expedition, and Lake Boga’s wartime significance.

This state-of-the-art show was the first of its kind in the world to use a natural river environment as its stage, and it’s an experience that truly needs to be seen in person.

Swan Hill City Centre and Riverfront

Swan Hill’s tree-lined city centre is a pleasant place to explore, with great cafés, pubs, restaurants, supermarkets, and boutique shops. The Town Hall, a striking Art Deco building, opened in 1936 and remains a focal point of the town.

The town’s much-loved Giant Murray Cod is located near the train station. Measuring 15 metres long, 5 metres high, and 3 metres wide, it was originally built as a prop for the movie Eight Ball before being donated to Swan Hill.

Along the riverfront, you’ll find a scenic walking trail with playgrounds, picnic areas, and points of interest, making it ideal for a relaxed stroll beside the Murray River.

The Swan Hill Bridge is a heritage-listed timber truss and steel lift-span bridge built in 1896. It was the first lift-span bridge constructed across the Murray River, allowing paddle steamers to pass beneath. Nearby stands the historic Water Tower, built in 1883 to supply the town’s first water system.

You can also see the Burke and Wills Tree near the Commercial Hotel. This enormous Moreton Bay Fig is believed to have been planted when Burke and Wills passed through the area in 1860 on their expedition to the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum

Located just 15 minutes south of Swan Hill, Lake Boga is a popular holiday and camping destination. The lake stretches approximately 3 kilometres across and is ideal for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and waterskiing.

On the shores of Lake Boga, you’ll also find the Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum.

The museum is home to the historic Catalina flying boat and is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. It houses more than 500 artefacts relating to Lake Boga’s important role during World War II.

On display is a Catalina PBY-5 (A24-30), a patrol bomber built in the USA by the Consolidated Aircraft Company and used extensively during the war. Visitors can also explore the underground bunker, which formed part of the No. 1 Flying Boat Repair Depot and served as a communications centre during the war. Today, the bunker has been restored and features fascinating displays that bring this chapter of history to life.

Lake Boga Silo Art

On Station Street, we admired the impressive Lake Boga silo art created by artist Tim Bowtell. His colourful mural depicts the historic Catalina flying boat and renowned aviator George Urquhart “Scotty” Allan, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Boga.

👉 Click here for our Murray River Road Trip that includes Swan Hill

Step Back in Time Along the Murray

With its rich pioneer history, iconic paddle steamers, immersive museums, and beautiful Murray River setting, Swan Hill is a destination that offers far more than you might expect. From wandering the streets of the Pioneer Settlement and cruising the river on the PS Pyap, to enjoying the spectacular laser light show and exploring nearby Lake Boga, Swan Hill delivers a wonderful mix of history, culture, and relaxed river life.

Whether you’re passing through or using it as a base to explore the Murray region, Swan Hill is a rewarding stop that invites you to slow down and soak up its stories.

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