If you are looking for a tranquil riverside break with rich history, fine food and delicious wine, Albury should be at the top of your contact list. This is where you can experience the magic of the mighty Murray River and its surrounding wonders. Dine by the river or gently paddle its historic turns, explore nearby wine country or just grab a quality coffee and browse fresh local produce at farmers markets. Welcome to the perfect melting pot of Riverina Murray region experiences.
Riverside food experiences
There are plenty of memorable food experiences to enjoy in Albury. A good place to start is the River Deck Cafe, an award winning restaurant overlooking the river and nestled in red gums. Open for breakfast and lunch, you’ll find inventive Australian dishes, from duck leg spring rolls to crispy free range pork belly. Bistro Selle is a European-style restaurant that also creatively showcases local produce. Browse fresh produce at The Kiewa Street Market, held every Sunday.
Paddle the Murray in a canoe or kayak
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned paddler, drifting downriver in a kayak or canoe from Murray River Canoe Hire is a memorable way to experience the magnificent Murray River. Set off from the popular riverside Noreuil Park for a half-day leisurely paddle, or for the more adventurous of heart, try a two-day overnight trip paddling from Albury to Howlong, with a handy pickup service at the end.
The Rutherglen Wine Region
Soak up 150 years of winemaking heritage in the beautiful and historic Rutherglen Wine Region, one of Australia’s most iconic food and wine regions and an easy half hour’s drive from Albury. From crisp whites and complex reds to world-class fortified wines and muscats, there’s a fine drop to suit all tastes. Relax over views of rolling vineyards, tour award-winning cellar doors and dine out at hatted restaurants.
Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)
Experience the power of contemporary art at the impressive Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), the cultural heart of the Murray. Showcasing innovative works by both local, national and international artists, the museum is free to enter all year round and a perfect day out for families, with interactive workshops, talks, and activities for all ages. Enjoy a guided tour of the exhibitions, before relaxing over a cocktail or dinner on the garden terrace.
Discover More: Albury: The best of Nature, Art & Fine Dining
Albury Botanic Gardens
Don’t miss the superb Albury Botanic Gardens, which was started with the planting of a single English Elm in 1877. Spread over 10 acres, the award-winning Gardens feature meandering pathways, majestic trees and colourful garden beds. Kids will love the magical Children’s Garden with a life-sized dinosaur, fairy temple and troll caves, while history buffs can stroll the Heritage Walk and learn about the rich history of the Gardens.
Wagirra Trail and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk
Settle in by taking a wander or hire a bike along the Wagirra Trail and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, a riverside pathway shaded by river red gums that weaves through peaceful parks to the Wonga Wetlands. The 5km stretch of the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk features a series of contemporary art installations by local Aboriginal artists, telling the story of the cultural significance of the Murray River and Aboriginal history in the region.
Lake Hume and the Hume Dam
The spectacular Lake Hume, a dammed section of the Murray River east of Albury, is a renowned fishing paradise for local freshwater varieties such as Murray Cod, Rainbow Trout and Golden Perch. Walk along the dam wall for stunning views of the lake and Mount Granya rising in the distance. Go camping on the lakeshore, try an adventurous water sport or relax at a picturesque picnic spot at Kookaburra Point.
Wonga Wetlands
Located on the spectacular Murray River floodplain, the Wonga Wetlands is a system of billabongs and lagoons on former grazing land, now home to 170 different species of native wildlife and birds nesting in towering river redgums. Explore walking trails on foot, go bird spotting in the bird hides, and visit the fascinating Wiradjuri Campsite, a replica of a typical Indigenous camp, established by the local Wiradjuri people.
How do I get to Albury?
Albury is a beautiful 5.5 hour drive from Sydney and 3.5 hours from Melbourne, on the border of New South Wales and Victoria. Catching a train to the historic Albury Railway Station from Sydney takes around 7.5 hours, and you can also choose to fly to Albury Airport and hire a car.
Where to stay in Albury
For accommodation right near the galleries and gardens, The Quality Resort Siesta is a great choice with plenty of modern conveniences. The Econo Lodge Border Gateway Wodonga is a perfect for guests looking for both short and longer stays, located just off the Hume Freeway in a peaceful landscaped garden setting.
