A Houseboating Holiday on the Mighty Murray River
Melanie Ball spends a few long, lazy days houseboating on the Murray and practising the perfect park. Photography by Julian Kingma.
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Mildura boasts an extensive range of accommodation options, so whatever your budget, you’ll find something to suit your taste. Choose from friendly motels, hotels, resort accommodation, apartments and holiday homes - perfect for couples or the full family getaway. If you prefer to stay on the Murray River opt to holiday on a houseboat. Mildura has multiple caravan and holiday parks, plus lodges across the region offering a perfect base for a holiday in regional Victoria.
The city of Mildura is bursting with natural attractions, history and culture. The Murray River is an icon of the region, so be sure to visit the new Riverfront precinct. Take a picnic and stretch your legs on the walking trails or jump aboard a paddle steamer for a relaxing cruise.
Get your culture fix with an afternoon at The Art Vault contemporary art museum and the Mildura Arts Centre. If you prefer the outdoors, take a trip to the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens, situated just over the river in Muorquong. A short drive west of Mildura you’ll find the World Heritage-listed Mungo National ParkOpens in a new tab or window, home to a huge array of historically and geographically important sites — the ancient dried up Mungo River, the Walls of China and the Lunettes formed from the sand and wind.
Mildura’s cafes, restaurants, wineries and bars are as impressive as you’ll find in any capital city. Sip the perfect coffee or stop for lunch at the buzzing Langtree Avenue, known locally as ‘Feast Street’. Sample the best wine of the region at Sunraysia Cellar DoorOpens in a new tab or window located within the CBD or stop off for a gin, whiskey, vodka or rum at the unique Fossey’s Distillery. You can also join the ranks of many Victorian foodies and book a table at either two of the region’s chef hatted restaurants — the renowned Stefano’s RestaurantOpens in a new tab or window located in the cellar of the Grand Hotel or for an authentic Italian cuisine, head to The Province by Matt de Angelo. There’s something for everyone in Mildura.
Melanie Ball spends a few long, lazy days houseboating on the Murray and practising the perfect park. Photography by Julian Kingma.
Read more on Travel InsiderFrom the airport: Mildura Airport is located approximately twelve kilometres from the city centre. A taxi rank is available outside the terminal.
In and around the city: the inner city is easily explored on foot or by bicycle. Several taxi companies service the region, as well as the Buslink Sunraysia network. The best way to explore the wider region is to rent a car.
Disclaimer: ^ Qantas Frequent Flyer members will earn 3 Qantas Points per A$1 value unless otherwise specified, for hotel stays booked through qantas.com/hotels, except Classic Hotel Rewards and Airbnb bookings. Points Club members will earn 25% more Qantas Points, and Points Club Plus members will earn 50% more Qantas Points. Qantas Points will be credited to your account at least 8 weeks after check-out. Qantas Points may be earned by the member in whose name the booking is made. Members will not be able to earn points on additional charges paid to the accommodation provider for extras (including cots, breakfasts and other incidentals) on check-in or check-out (as applicable).
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Disclaimer: ∆ Meals, beverages, entertainment offerings vary between flight times.
Disclaimer: + The number of destinations is correct as of 28 February 2025, subject to change. Some routes are subject to regulatory and government approval.
Disclaimer: #You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.