Yarrawonga, Victoria – Things to Do by Lake Mulwala

Yarrawonga, Victoria – Things to Do by Lake Mulwala

Yarrawonga is a vibrant holiday town set on the banks of Lake Mulwala in north-east Victoria. Located approximately 280 kilometres from Melbourne, it’s a popular destination for relaxed getaways, water-based adventures, and sunshine-filled days by the lake.

Known for its laid-back country atmosphere, Yarrawonga offers excellent water sports, scenic walking paths, heritage buildings, and a great café scene. It’s a destination that suits families, couples, and travellers exploring the Murray River region.

During our stay, we wandered around Yarrawonga’s town centre and foreshore, enjoyed a delicious morning tea overlooking Lake Mulwala, explored the historic Yarrawonga Weir, watched a free laser light show at the Mulwala Water Ski Club, and took a short drive to visit Squires Winery.

Yarrawonga Town Centre

Yarrawonga was proclaimed a town in 1874, and its main thoroughfare, Belmore Street, reflects its long history. The street is lined with grand Victorian and Federation-era hotels, shopfronts, and classic verandahs that give the town plenty of character.

There is a great selection of cafés, restaurants, hotels, boutiques, and specialty shops, making it an enjoyable area to explore on foot.

In Rotary Park on Belmore Street, you’ll find a mural commemorating the site of the town’s former outdoor open-air cinema, affectionately known as “The Grove”. Another notable heritage building is the Yarrawonga Post & Telegraph Office, built in 1904, which now houses a law office.

The Yarrawonga Shire Hall, with its striking clock tower, is also a prominent feature of Belmore Street. Built in 1930, it remains one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks.

Yarrawonga Foreshore & Lake Mulwala

The Yarrawonga Foreshore is a spacious, grassy recreational area located right on the edge of Lake Mulwala. It’s well set up for visitors, with walking tracks, playgrounds, BBQs, picnic tables, and public toilets.

A highlight is the 50-metre outdoor swimming pool beside the lake, which is popular for lap swimming in the warmer months. Nearby is a Splash Park, open daily from November to April, making this area particularly family-friendly.

You can also explore Lake Mulwala by water on a cruise aboard the PS Cumberoona. This traditional side-wheel paddlesteamer is 25.2 metres long and offers scenic cruises across the lake, as well as lunch and sunset cruise options. The PS Cumberoona is dual-powered by a sophisticated diesel-electric system and original 1906 Buffalo Pitt steam reciprocal engines, blending historic charm with modern engineering.

Max’s on the Lake

Max’s on the Lake is a lovely café located near the Yarrawonga–Mulwala Bridge.

Open daily for breakfast and lunch, it’s known for its great coffee and delicious homemade cakes. We enjoyed morning tea sitting outside, soaking up the peaceful views across Lake Mulwala.

Nearby, you can also see the historic Old Customs House, which was built in 1892, adding another touch of heritage to this lakeside spot.

Yarrawonga Mulwala Bridge

The current Yarrawonga–Mulwala Bridge, which replaced an earlier wooden bridge, was completed in 1924 to connect the twin towns across the Murray River. Its construction involved two state governments and two local councils, making it a significant engineering and administrative achievement at the time.

Originally, plans showed the bridge running straight across the river. However, traders along Belmore Street successfully lobbied the Victorian Government, concerned that traffic would bypass the town centre. This resulted in the distinctive curve seen in the bridge today.

A further quirk in the design came from a miscommunication between contractors about the height of the pylons, which created the noticeable dip on the Yarrawonga side of the bridge.

Yarrawonga Weir

Our next stop was the Yarrawonga Weir, where informative signage explains both the construction of the weir and the native reptiles, frogs, and fish that live in the Murray River system.

The weir was constructed between 1935 and 1939 as part of the Murray River irrigation scheme. Its purpose was to regulate water flow and support agriculture across northern Victoria and southern New South Wales.

The project led to the creation of Lake Mulwala, a vast reservoir that now plays a vital role in irrigation while also serving as a popular destination for fishing, boating, and recreation.

Mulwala Water Ski Club Laser Light Show

In the evening, we headed across the river to the Mulwala Water Ski Club to enjoy their free Laser Light and Sound Show.During Autumn, Winter, and Spring, the show runs every Wednesday and Saturday night after dark. In Summer, it also runs on Friday nights.

The show takes place on the Ski Club’s grassed foreshore near the Malibu Deck, making it a fantastic spot to relax, watch the colourful lights reflect on the water, and enjoy the accompanying mix of popular music.

Squires Winery

Squires Winery is located on the banks of the Ovens River at Esmond, approximately 22 kilometres from Yarrawonga. The winery features a welcoming Cellar Door and Restaurant and is open from Thursday to Sunday for wine tastings and lunch. It’s an easy and rewarding side trip for those wanting to sample local wines while exploring the region.

Why Yarrawonga Is Perfect for a Relaxed Murray River Escape!

Yarrawonga is one of those destinations that’s easy to slow down in and hard to leave. With its beautiful Lake Mulwala foreshore, heritage-filled town centre, excellent cafés, scenic river walks, and unique experiences like the Yarrawonga Weir and Mulwala laser light show, there’s plenty to see and do without ever feeling rushed.

Whether you’re enjoying a lakeside coffee, cruising on the PS Cumberoona, wandering Belmore Street’s historic buildings, or heading out for a winery lunch at Squires Winery, Yarrawonga offers the perfect balance of relaxation, history, and outdoor fun.

It’s an ideal stop on a Murray River road trip, a great base for exploring the surrounding region, and a destination that suits couples, families, and travellers looking for an easygoing getaway in north-east Victoria.

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