As an international student, you may think that regional areas in Australia are sleepy spots with little to do. Well, you’ll be pleased to discover that the regional Victorian city of Mildura is far from dull. In fact, Mildura is home to plenty of fun activities and amenities that cater to several interests. Whether you’re keen to explore the outdoors, do some shopping or immerse yourself in arts and culture, Mildura has it all.
Here are the top 10 things to do in and around Mildura.
Explore the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens
Get back to nature by exploring the wide range of native and exotic plants on display at the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens. This popular spot, located 20 minutes from central Mildura, is the first semi-arid botanic garden in the Southern Hemisphere. Featuring three heritage buildings and other special attractions, including the rose garden and the Bush Chapel, the gardens are the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Visit a national park
Hoping to experience the natural beauty of Mildura and the surrounding regions? The World Heritage-listed Mungo National Park is the perfect place to start. About a 90-minute drive from Mildura, Mungo National Park boasts a rich Aboriginal history and breathtaking landscapes. You can explore the park with a group of friends or attend a guided tour with a company like Mungo Tours. These tours typically include direction from local guides, pick-up from Mildura in a 4WD coach, morning tea and more!
Have a glass or two at a local Mildura winery
Fancy a glass of red or white? You can have either – or both – at any of Mildura’s stunning wineries and cellar doors. If you love Italian-style wines, visit Capogreco Winery Estate. Established in 1976, this family-owned and operated boutique winery/vineyard has a history of winemaking dating back to1821 in Calabria, Italy. Alternatively, you can head to Trentham Estate to soak up views of the Murray River while you enjoy your beverage.
Do a little shopping
Mildura offers lots in the way of shopping. From the Sunraysia Farmers Market to homewares and decor at Rose Harvest and old-fashioned sweets at Bushells on Tenth Ye Olde Lolly Shoppe, there are several retail spots in and around Mildura to explore. You can also treat yourself or a friend to a little gift while supporting local vendors – it’s a win-win.
Play some laser tag
Unleash your inner child at Arnnie’s LaserForce. Not only is this a creative method of relieving some study stress, but it’s also a fun way to enjoy a little friendly competition between friends. And that’s not to mention that it’s super affordable (between $8 and $20 per mission) – perfect for a student budget!
Race some go-karts
Right on the banks of the iconic Murray River, you’ll find Mildura’s local go-kart track, MFK Hire Kart Centre. For as little as $25, you can whip around the track, shooting down its long straits and cutting its sharp corners. Slots fill up quickly, so try to book your desired time well in advance.
Go roller skating
Roll your way through Sun City Rollerama, Mildura’s local roller skating rink. Here, you can play inline hockey or take skating lessons to improve your skills. You can even travel back in time to the 1970s by heading to one of the venue’s beloved roller discos.
Kayak down the river
Keen to spend a sunny day outdoors? Why not paddle through the spectacular waters of the Murray and Darling rivers with Moontongue Eco-Adventures? These tranquil and stable waters are easy to paddle, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. As you move through, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close to the fascinating creeks and billabongs across both river systems. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!
Go on a river cruise
Grab a few friends, hop on a Mildura Paddle Steamers cruise and set sail on the Murray River. Whether you opt for the standard two-hour daily cruise, the winery cruise or the evening dinner cruise, this is one of the most luxurious ways to get out on the water.
Immerse yourself in the arts
Broaden your cultural horizons by visiting any of Mildura’s art studios. The Mildura Art Group consists of local artists who collaborate to share skills and interesting works. The group’s home gallery is the Mildura Riverfront Gallery, which is known for its wide range of contemporary, traditional and abstract styles. Mildura also houses The Art Vault, a unique studio featuring three distinct spaces that showcase the works of local, national and Indigenous artists.
