From swan-inspired paddle boats to a riverside winery, there’s oodles to enjoy in this regional city, just across the border.
Review by Carla Caruso
Mildura is almost an honorary South Australian locale – its closest capital city is Adelaide. Although, it’s actually situated, along the River Murray, in northwest Victoria.
The regional city is a bit over four hours’ drive from the Adelaide CBD. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, it makes sense that the Sunraysia region it’s part of has been playfully dubbed ‘Tropical North Victoria’. Actor and comedian Shane Jacobson is a celebrity ambassador of the area.
We recently returned to Mildura, the region’s main centre, after visiting for the first time last summer. (You can read the past review here.) As we discovered, we’d barely scratched the surface on our last trip. We found so much more to enjoy as a family.
While there, we also hit a 40C heatwave; Mildura can get hot over summer! So, if you’re heading over, don’t forget to pack your straw hat, sunscreen, and togs.
Here are some more family-friendly activities to do in Mildura…
Swan pedal boats
You’ve heard of Captain Jolley’s Paddleboats on the River Torrens in Adelaide. Well, this is the same concept, except Mildura’s new pedal boats are swan-shaped. They even have names: Murray, Sunny, and Paddles.
You can hire the paddleboats from the Mildura Dockside Café. They fit up to five people, making them perfect for a family outing.
We did a half-hour paddle around the Mildura Dockside Marina in one. We were provided with life jackets, although the boats are very steady.
It was a bit of a workout, pedalling through the water, but you can share the load by swapping who’s in the front seats during the trip. It was a great way to get up-close to the river, short of having a jet-ski or yacht handy.
The café also has other water toys for hire, including pontoon boats, tinnies, kayaks, paddleboards, and hobies.
After our paddling session, we enjoyed cool drinks and a bite to eat at the marina café.
Putt Putt Family Fun Centre
One go-to for us on family holidays is mini golf. So, we were happy to learn that Mildura has an entertainment complex with a themed 18-hole putt-putt golf course, plus a whole bunch more.
Think dodgem cars, laughing clowns, air hockey, a pool table, and 40+ arcade games including a range of prize redemption games.
The arcade games are coin-operated individually, so you might want to set a money limit for your kids.
The theme of the outdoor golf course reminded me a bit of the Wild West setup at Movie World on the Gold Coast. Nicely, there were water misters dotted around the space. A kiosk also serves up food and drinks.
Trentham Estate Winery and Restaurant
The Sunraysia region is renowned for its wineries and one that’s definitely worth a visit is Trentham Estate Winery and Restaurant.
It’s actually located over the border in NSW’s Trentham Hills, but this is just a 20-minute drive from Mildura.
The family-owned boutique winery is set right on the banks of the River Murray – and the panoramic views compliment its delicious food and fine wine.
The location had me thinking of the Aussie movie, Sirens, set in artist Norman Lindsay’s bucolic compound.
Wine tastings are also available at Trentham’s cosy cellar door.
Sunset walks along the River Murray (or ‘Murray River’, if you’re Victorian!)
Our cabin at the the NRMA Mildura Riverside Holiday Park was conveniently located a few steps from Johnston’s Bend.
The serene setting is ideal for walking, fishing, and appreciating the local flora and fauna. We enjoyed catching sunsets here after the temperature had dipped.
Back at the holiday park (which had to be rejuvenated after the 2023 floods), there was also plenty to entertain the kids – including an outdoor pool, water slides, go-karts for hire, a bouncing pillow, playground, and convenience store.
We’re also excited by the prospect of a Palm Springs-inspired oasis, Trentham Waters Resort, opening nearby in late 2025. The resort is the brainchild of former V8 Supercar champion Rick Kelly and his father, John Kelly.
Mildura, see you next summer?
Location:
For more information on Mildura, please visit the council website here.
All photos by James Elsby for Play & Go Adelaide
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
As per all our Play & Go reviews, this is not a sponsored post and our review is done completely independently. All photos are by Play & Go (unless specified).
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