Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Riverside Caravan Park
( 1800 101 012, 03-5032 1494;
www.riverside-swanhill-holiday-park.vic.big4.com.au
; 1 Monash Dr; unpowered/
powered sites from $31/35, cabins $105-160)
On the banks of the Murray, close to the Pioneer Settle-
ment, this park enjoys a fabulous central location. There's a good range of cabins but
prices soar by more than 50% in holiday periods.
CAMPGROUND
$
MOTEL
$$
Travellers Rest Motor Inn
( 03-5032 9644;
www.bestwestern.com.au/travellersrest
; 110 Curlewis St; d $145; )
Sitting in the
shade of the Burke & Wills Tree, rooms here are spacious and comfortable with the usual
motel accompaniments. There's a heated spa and outdoor pool.
MURRAY COD
The Murray River is great for fishing, from the upper reaches where anglers cast flies in search of trout and sal-
mon to the slow-moving, deep-water sections hiding perch (yellow belly), redfin, bream and the dreaded
European carp. The introduced carp has long been a problem in the Murray-Darling system, breeding intensively,
muddying the waters and generally upsetting the riverine ecology. They are a declared pest, so it's illegal to re-
lease them back into the water once caught. And don't bother eating them - they taste like mud.
The big prize, though, is the elusive Murray cod, Australia's largest freshwater fish and native to these waters.
The Murray cod is a long-lived fish - the biggest and oldest can weigh upwards of 100kg and there are plenty of
tales of the ones that got away. The cod is carnivorous and can be caught using yabbies, grubs, river shrimp, small
fish or trolling with a lure. Anything under 60cm must be released back into the water; the bag limit is two. To
fish in Victorian waters you need a recreational fishing licence ($12/24.50 per month/year), available from many
shops along the Murray or from the
Department of Primary Industries
(
www.depi.vic.gov.au
) .
Murray Downs Houseboats
( 03-5032 2160, 0428 500 066;
www.murraydownsmarina.com.au
; Murray Downs Marina; 12-berth 3 nights from
$1950; )
Nothing beats a luxury houseboat for relaxing on the Murray. The 12-berth
comes with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a deck spa. High-season rates are signific-
antly higher ($2650 over the Christmas period). The marina is 2km from town, on the
NSW side.
HOUSEBOAT
$$$
Eating
The main cafe and dining scene is on Campbell St. Otherwise, head down to the riverside
park for a barbecue or picnic.
Jilarty Gelato Bar
ICE CREAM
$
