Looking for the best things to do in Mildura? This Murray River city has much more to offer than I expected, from historic paddle boats and riverfront walks to wineries, street art, galleries and some excellent day trips.
I’d driven through Mildura plenty of times over the years, usually saying, “We really need to stop here properly one day.” I had visited as a teenager and again when my children were young, but it had been around twenty years since I’d spent any real time exploring.
We finally stopped for two nights while travelling from Adelaide to the Snowy Mountains, giving us almost two full days in Mildura.
Unfortunately, our visit coincided with temperatures of around 40°C, which put an end to some of my plans for walks and outdoor attractions. Even so, we managed to see and do plenty – and came away with an even longer list for next time.
Whether you’re spending a weekend in Mildura or using it as a base to explore the surrounding Murray-Darling region, here are the places and experiences I think are worth adding to your itinerary.
Mildura is on the traditional Country of the First Peoples of the Millewa-Mallee.
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Top Mildura Attractions
If you only have a couple of days, I’d start with these Mildura attractions for a good mix of the Murray River, local produce, history and art.
Take a Paddle Boat Cruise on the Murray River
If you grew up in Australia in the ’80s, you might remember watching Sigrid Thornton and John Waters in All the Rivers Run. I certainly did, so taking a cruise on one of the old Murray River paddle boats was high on my Mildura list.
We took the two-hour cruise aboard the historic PV Rothbury, built in 1881. It travels from Mildura Wharf along the Murray River and through Lock 11 before returning to town.
Going through the lock was one of my favourite parts. I’d never been through a river lock before, and it was fascinating watching the water level change.
Cruises don’t operate every day, so check the current timetable and book ahead. Other options include dinner cruises and seasonal cruises to Gol Gol.
FUN FACT: The NSW/VIC border sits at the high water mark of the southern bank of the Murray River - so as soon as you set foot on the boat, you are in New South Wales.
Taste the Local Wine and Beer
Mildura sits within the Murray Darling wine region, so it makes sense to try some of the local wine while you’re here. And if wine isn’t your thing, there’s locally brewed beer too.
Go Wine Tasting at Trentham Estate
We visited Trentham Estate at Trentham Cliffs, around 25 minutes from Mildura and just over the border in New South Wales.
It’s a beautiful spot right on the Murray River, where you can taste the estate’s wines or settle in with a glass and enjoy the river views.
There’s also a restaurant serving lunch on selected days, making this an easy place to turn a tasting into a leisurely lunch.
Visit Historic Chateau Mildura
For a different wine experience, head to Chateau Mildura at Irymple.
Established in 1888 by the Chaffey brothers, it played an important role in the development of the local wine industry and is now one of the stops on the Chaffey Trail.
There’s a cellar door and wine museum to explore. I didn’t make it here during my visit, but it’s somewhere I’d add to my list next time.
Try a Local Beer at Mildura Brewery
Back in central Mildura, Mildura Brewery & Pub is housed in the former Astor Theatre, one of the city’s distinctive Art Deco buildings.
We ducked in partly to escape the heat and partly so Simon could try one of the local beers. I’m not a beer drinker, but he declared the pale ale perfectly drinkable, while I was very happy with a cold virgin mojito.
Look Out for Fossey’s Gin
Fossey’s began in Mildura and still produces locally inspired gins and other spirits, including Pepperberry and Desert Lime Gin.
Its Mildura tasting venue has closed, but keep an eye out for Fossey’s products in local bottle shops, pubs and restaurants.
Explore the Streets on Foot
One of my favourite ways to get to know a new city is simply to walk around it, and central Mildura is compact enough to explore on foot.
Find Mildura’s Street Art
Mildura has an impressive collection of murals scattered through the city centre, particularly around the laneways.
We picked up a street art map and set out to find as many as we could. We walked to most of them, although in the heat we eventually cheated and drove to a few of the outliers.
Read more: Mildura Street Art
Look for Mildura’s Art Deco Architecture
While you’re walking, look up.
Mildura has some fantastic Art Deco buildings, particularly around Langtree and Deakin Avenues. The former Astor Theatre, now home to Mildura Brewery, and the Grand Hotel are two examples.
Pick up information from the Mildura Visitor Information Centre if you’d like to follow a self-guided architecture walk.
Walk Along the Murray River
Head down to the Mildura Riverfront Precinct for walking paths, lawns and plenty of places to stop beside the Murray.
You don’t need a particular route. Wander for as long as you like and combine it with Mildura Wharf, Lock 11 or your paddle boat cruise.
Trail of Lights
This is one Mildura attraction that opened after my visit – and it’s high on my list for next time.
Trail of Lights is an immersive installation by Bruce Munro, the artist behind the famous Field of Light at Uluru.
After dark, Lock Island is transformed by 12,500 tiny lights, along with Munro’s Gone Fishing sculptures, creating a walking trail through the Murray River landscape.
Allow at least 45 minutes. Trail of Lights doesn’t operate every night, so check current opening nights and book ahead.
Check current times and tickets for Trail of Lights →
More Places to Visit in Mildura
Once you have ticked those things off the Mildura list, you can spend the rest of the time on any of these attractions or things to do.
Mildura Riverfront Gallery
While you’re exploring the riverfront, pop into the Mildura Riverfront Art Gallery.
This small working gallery showcases more than 30 local artists, with much of the work available to buy.
When we visited, artists were working and chatting inside, which made it feel much more informal and welcoming than a traditional gallery.
Explore Mildura Arts Centre and Rio Vista
For a mix of art and local history, head to the Mildura Arts Centre.
The precinct includes several gallery spaces, a sculpture park, theatre and café. Next door is Rio Vista Historic House, built for WB Chaffey and his family.
You can explore the restored rooms before wandering through the galleries and sculpture park. Entry to the galleries and Rio Vista is free.
Follow the Chaffey Trail
If you want to understand why Mildura developed where it did, follow at least part of the Chaffey Trail.
The trail links 12 historic sites telling the story of Mildura’s development as an irrigation settlement after brothers George and William Benjamin Chaffey arrived in the region in the 1880s.
Sites include Rio Vista Historic House, Mildura Station Homestead, Lock 11, Mildura Wharf, the Grand Hotel, Psyche Pumps and Chateau Mildura.
You don’t need to visit all 12. We came across several simply while exploring Mildura.
Visit the Mildura Holden Motor Museum
For some Australian motoring nostalgia, head across the Murray River to the Mildura Holden Motor Museum in Buronga.
You’ll find around 30 beautifully maintained Holdens, ranging from early models through to later Monaros and Statesmans, along with plenty of Holden memorabilia.
Even if you’re not a serious car enthusiast, there’s something nostalgic about seeing cars you remember your parents, grandparents or neighbours driving.
One thing to be aware of in summer – on days forecast to reach 40°C or above, the museum closes early at noon.
Explore the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens
Just across the Murray River in New South Wales, the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens are worth a stop if you enjoy native plants and gardens – although don’t arrive expecting something like Melbourne or Adelaide’s lush botanic gardens.
I’ll admit that on first impression, quite a lot of it looked like a big patch of native scrub to me. But once we started exploring, we found plenty of interesting things to see.
My highlight was seeing the bright red Sturt Desert Peas flowering. We also walked to the Wow Tree, an enormous old mallee estimated to be around 2,500 years old.
There’s also a rose garden, children’s garden and café, while tractor-train tours operate on Saturdays. Entry to the gardens is free, although donations are appreciated.
Take a Drive to Merbein
About 15 minutes from Mildura, Merbein is worth a visit for its views over the Murray River.
We stopped at Merbein Lookout, then walked to the nearby Blandowski Stairs leading towards Chaffey’s Landing. It was far too hot for us to contemplate climbing back up from the river, so we enjoyed the views from above instead.
Also look out for The River Runs Through, a large-scale artwork on an old refrigerated storage shed. During the day it’s a colourful mural; after dark, solar-powered lighting transforms the building.
You can also explore nearby Merbein Common or look for the mosaics around town.
Visit SRS Benetook Farm
If you’re visiting Mildura with children, SRS Benetook Farm is one to put on your list.
The social enterprise provides training and opportunities for people with disability while also offering plenty for visitors, including animals, a maze, jumping pillow, pedal cars, mini golf, playground and pickleball court.
Depending on the season, you may even be able to pick your own strawberries.
There’s also a café and General Store, with the small entry fee supporting the social enterprise.
Explore Woodsies Gem Shop
Don’t be fooled by the name – Woodsies Gem Shop is much more than somewhere to buy jewellery.
This family-owned Mildura institution is packed with gemstones, crystals, fossils, carvings and jewellery.
Explore Aladdin’s Cave, watch demonstrations showing how stones are cut and polished or tackle the Garden Crazy Maze, which covers almost a hectare.
There’s also a café and children’s playground, making this a good option for families – or a hot Mildura afternoon.
Take a Tour of Orange World
Another Mildura attraction I tried – but didn’t quite manage – was Orange World.
Located across the river in New South Wales, Orange World is a 50-acre working citrus property where tractor-train tours take you through the orchards to learn about growing citrus and avocados.
We arrived at the advertised opening time only to find everything still closed. After waiting for a while, we eventually gave up and moved on.
It’s still on my list for next time, but I’d check the current opening hours and tour times before heading out. Orange World also closes for February.
Time Your Visit for a Local Market
If you’re visiting Mildura over a weekend, check whether one of the local markets is on. Unfortunately, our Monday and Tuesday visit meant we missed them.
The Sunraysia Farmers and Makers Market would be my first choice, with local produce and products beside the Murray River at Jaycee Park.
Regular markets include:
- Sunraysia Farmers and Makers Market – generally first and third Saturday
- Mildura City Market – generally second Sunday
- Merbein Market – generally third Sunday
- Red Cliffs Country Market – first Sunday
Check current dates before planning your visit around a market.
Take a Drive to Red Cliffs
About 15 minutes south of Mildura, Red Cliffs is an easy side trip.
We stopped to see Big Lizzie, an enormous traction engine used to clear Mallee scrub for the irrigated soldier settlement after World War I.
It’s difficult to appreciate the scale until you’re standing beside it – I barely came up to the top of the wheels.
Then head to Red Cliffs Lookout for views across the Murray River and the red cliffs that gave the town its name.
The first Sunday of the month is a particularly good time to visit, when the Red Cliffs Country Market and Red Cliffs Historical Steam Railway generally operate.
The Red Cliffs Courthouse Museum also usually opens that day.
See Lock 11 in Action
Even if you don’t take a paddle boat cruise, it’s worth walking down to Lock 11 for a closer look.
We wandered down expecting a quick look and ended up staying to watch a boat pass through. It’s surprisingly fascinating watching the water level change before the gates open and the boat continues on its way.
Read the information boards while you’re there and look for the markers showing historic Murray River flood levels. Seeing how high the water has reached really puts the scale of the floods into perspective.
Step Back in Time at Bushells on Tenth
For something a little quirky, stop at Bushells on Tenth Ye Olde Lolly Shoppe.
Mildura’s original lolly shop opened in 1938, and the old-fashioned shop fittings remain, now surrounded by thousands of different lollies and chocolates.
It’s the sort of place where you go in planning a quick look and could easily come out carrying considerably more sugar than you intended.
Visit the Barkindji Wiimpatya Murra Centre
The Barkindji Wiimpatya Murra Centre – also known as BMEET – is an Aboriginal art gallery in Dareton, around 25 minutes from Mildura.
It showcases locally made paintings, jewellery, woodcarvings and other artworks, with much of the work available to buy. You may also see artists working during your visit.
There’s one particularly unusual attraction too – the Ridgy Didge Record Breaker, believed to be the largest playable didgeridoo in Australia.
Entry is free. Check current opening hours before visiting.
Explore Kings Billabong and Psyche Bend
Another place I’d add to my list for a future visit is Kings Billabong Wildlife Reserve, just outside Mildura.
The wetlands are popular for birdwatching, walking and cycling, and within the reserve you’ll find the historic Psyche Bend Pumping Station, an important part of Mildura’s irrigation history.
On selected open days, the restored steam-powered pumps are fired up and operating.
Even when they’re not running, you can combine Psyche Bend with a walk around part of Kings Billabong for an easy nature and history excursion.
Day Trips From Mildura
If you have more than two days in Mildura, there are some excellent places to explore further afield.
Spend Half a Day in Wentworth
Around 30 minutes from Mildura, Wentworth sits at the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers.
I didn’t make it there on this trip, although I visited many years ago and remember going to the Old Wentworth Gaol, which remains one of the town’s best-known attractions.
Head to the Murray-Darling Junction, walk through Junction Island, visit the Wentworth Pioneer Museum or drive out to the striking red Perry Sandhills.
There’s now another reason to stay until after dark.
Near the Perry Sandhills is Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO), a light and sound installation by Bruce Munro, the artist behind Mildura’s Trail of Lights.
Eighty illuminated Hills Hoist clotheslines represent instruments in an orchestra, changing colour in time with an original score.
FOSO operates on selected nights, so check the schedule and book ahead.
Take a Day Trip to Mungo National Park
If I had another day in Mildura, Mungo National Park would be right at the top of my list.
Around two hours away, Mungo forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Willandra Lakes Region, an extraordinary landscape of ancient dry lake beds and eroded dunes.
Aboriginal people have lived in the Willandra Lakes Region for at least 50,000 years. Among the most significant discoveries are the Aboriginal Ancestors known as Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, whose burials date back more than 40,000 years.
One of the most recognisable parts of the park is the Walls of China, a spectacular section of eroded lunette along ancient Lake Mungo.
You can drive yourself, but this is one place where I’d seriously consider a guided tour from Mildura.
Apart from avoiding around four hours behind the wheel, having a knowledgeable guide explain the landscape and its cultural significance would add enormously to the experience.
If driving yourself, check road conditions before leaving Mildura as access roads are unsealed and conditions can change quickly.
See the Walpeup Silo Art
If you’re travelling south from Mildura through the Mallee, consider stopping at Walpeup to see its silo art.
We didn’t make a special trip from Mildura. Instead, we stopped on our way back towards South Australia, which I think makes much more sense than driving around 90 minutes each way just for the silos.
Completed in 2023, the artwork by Julian Clavijo and Camilo Delgado tells the story of local teenager Harold Thomas Bell, who enlisted under a false name at just 16 and served with the 4th Light Horse during World War I.
Unless you’re particularly passionate about silo art, I wouldn’t make Walpeup a dedicated day trip. But if you’re already travelling in this direction, it’s worth stopping.
Explore the Pink Lakes at Murray-Sunset National Park
Around two hours from Mildura, Murray-Sunset National Park is home to Victoria’s famous Pink Lakes.
I’m a sucker for a pink lake, so this is another place I’d love to explore. Just don’t arrive expecting them to always be bright pink.
Their colour varies with conditions, ranging from deep pink through to pale pink and even white. Winter and spring generally offer a better chance of stronger colour.
The 2WD-accessible Pioneer Drive passes Lake Hardy, Lake Crosbie, Lake Becking and Lake Kenyon. There are also several walking trails and excellent birdwatching.
This is a remote area with no mobile reception, so take water and food, download your maps and check current road conditions before leaving.
Visit Millewa Pioneer Park
If you enjoy small-town history and don’t mind getting off the usual tourist route, consider Millewa Pioneer Park at Meringur, around 90 km from Mildura.
The volunteer-run park preserves the history of the Millewa farming district, with more than 50 historic buildings and sites, old farm machinery and displays.
It’s very much a self-guided, old-fashioned country museum rather than a polished tourist attraction – which is probably part of its appeal.
Entry is by donation.
If you’re making the drive, consider exploring more of the Millewa rather than simply driving out and back.
How Many Days Do You Need in Mildura?
I’d recommend spending at least two nights in Mildura, giving you a couple of days to explore the city, the Murray River and nearby towns.
We had almost two full days and fitted in quite a lot, but still left plenty for another visit.
If you want to visit Mungo National Park or Murray-Sunset National Park, add another full day. Three or four nights would give you a much more relaxed visit with time for at least one longer day trip.
There’s also more to do after dark now, with Trail of Lights in Mildura and FOSO near Wentworth giving you two very different evening experiences.
Is Mildura Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Mildura turned out to have far more to do than I expected, and our two days barely scratched the surface.
I loved the combination of the Murray River, local history, food and wine, art and those slightly quirky regional attractions that make a road trip interesting.
And my list for next time is already growing – Mungo National Park, Trail of Lights and a few places we simply didn’t have time to reach.
If you’re driving through Mildura, don’t make the mistake I did for years and simply keep going. Stop for a couple of nights and take a proper look around – you might be surprised by just how much there is to do.
Travelling nearby? Read these posts next
12 Things to Do in Hay
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23 Interesting & Fun Things to do in Renmark
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