Pristine riverscapes, renowned wineries and a rich pioneering history await in the sun-kissed region of Swan Hill. Travel up the Murray River and discover this vibrant community on the border between Victoria and New South Wales. Tuck into fine food and wine, explore nature trails, and make the most of endless opportunities for boating, fishing and golf.
All the rivers run
Wander through Riverside Park, where the Marraboor River merges with The Murray, and then stop into the nearby Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery to see the comprehensive collection of Australian naïve art. Take a bush walk through the red gum and box tree forests of Nyah Vinifera State Forest. Take to the water to kayak, swim, water-ski and paddle, or explore the river system at your own pace by booking an overnight trip on a houseboat.
History and heritage
The original custodians of the lands are the Latji Latji, Tati Tati, Wamba Wemba, Barapa Barapa and the Wadi Wadi Nations. Before European settlement, the Wamba-Wemba people settled in the area around the Loddon River, through to Matakupaat (Swan Hill).
Major Thomas Mitchell named the area 'Swan Hill' when he camped here in 1836 and was kept up all night by the noisy swans roaming about.
Explore the Pioneer Settlement, an open-air museum where the whole family can have a glimpse of life as an early settler. The streets, shops, homesteads and community buildings bring to life a nineteenth century port town and take you back in time to Swan Hill's pioneer heritage. Go on a horse-drawn carriage ride, get dressed up pioneer-style for a family photo, take a ride on the paddle-steamer PS Pyap and catch the water, laser and fire show; Heartbeat of the Murray. Drive out to Lake Boga, (14km south of Swan Hill) to visit the Flying Boat Museum, known as the No.1 Flying Boat Repair Depot during WWII. View a restored Catalina A24-30 and learn more about the part the original, secret communication bunker played in Australia's war efforts.
Down on the green
Just 5km north of Swan Hill is the outstanding Murray Downs Resort and Golf Club. Complete with gum trees, artificial lakes, sleek greens and a challenging layout, it is regarded as one of the best resort courses on the Murray.
Off the vine
Thanks to its Mediterranean-like climate, Swan Hill is renowned for its stone fruits, wineries, as well as the Swan Hill Food and Wine Festival that takes place annually on the Labour Day long weekend in March. Meanwhile, the river offers an abundance of freshwater fish, including the famed Murray cod.
