Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MILDURA
POP 31,400
After crossing windswept deserts and pale-golden wheat fields, it comes as something of a
shock to see the miles of fertile vineyards and orchards that thrive in the far northwestern
corner of the state. Mildura (meaning 'red soil') is a true oasis, a modern town with its
roots firmly in the grand old pastoralist era.
Considering its remote location, Mildura is a remarkably prosperous and progressive city
with fun nightlife, decent shopping, art deco buildings (such as Mildura Brewery, Sandbar
and T&G Tower) and some of the best dining in provincial Victoria. Thanks to irrigation,
this is also one of Australia's richest agricultural areas - it was once a major citrus-growing
region and is now the second-largest producer of wine in the country. If you're looking for
casual work, this is a popular destination for fruit-picking and agricultural labour.
Of course, the region makes full use of the Murray so it's very easy to get out fishing,
swimming, canoeing, waterskiing, houseboating, taking a paddle-steamer cruise or playing
on riverside golf courses. The weather up here is very much blue sky - you can expect
warm, sunny days even in midwinter.
Most places of interest are around the riverside wharf and the main boulevard, Deakin
Ave, but Mildura sprawls through the suburbs of Red Cliffs and Irymple. Across the river
in New South Wales are the towns of Buronga and Wentworth.
