Victoria & NSW: Four Night Mildura Adventure!
Welcome to Cheeky Quokka Co.’s Four Day Mildura Adventure!
Hey there! Welcome to Mildura, a fantastic spot in regional Victoria that's perfect for young families looking for a long weekend getaway. I'm Megan, a travel-loving Aussie mum with two energetic kids, a wonderful hubby, and a passion for exploring this beautiful country. I also own Cheeky Quokka Co., your go-to source for travel packing cubes, digital travel guides, and products that complement your travel needs. I've put together this guide to help you make the most of your Mildura adventure, just like we did.
How to Use This Guide
Before we dive in, here's a quick heads-up on how to use this guide. I'll walk you through our four-day journey, including must-visit locations, tips, and even a little story from our experiences. At the end of the guide there is some bonus information, so make sure to read through to the end.
To kick things off, here's a sneak peek at our incredible journey:
Day 1: Arrival
* Journeyed from Melbourne, safely arriving in Mildura despite floodwaters.
Day 2: Mall and Orange World
* Explored Langtree Mall and had family basketball fun.
* Visited Orange World for fresh orange juice and fun.
Day 3: Riverside
* Riverside play with paddle steamer fun.
* Indian dinner and mini golf.
Day 4: Border Adventures
* Sand boarding at Perry Sandhills.
* Unexpected river junction surprise.
Day 5: Homeward Bound
* Packed up and headed home via Bendigo.
Let’s Go:
Remember, the number of days we spent in each place is just a suggestion. Feel free to adjust your schedule based on the time you have. So, grab your Cheeky Quokka Co. packing cubes, pack your sense of adventure, and let's get started!
P.S. If you want to see our adventure in action, check out our YouTube channel, where we've captured our Mildura weekend away. Watch our YouTube videos here. 🎥
Day 1: Arrival in Mildura
Day 2: Langtree Mall and Orange World
Morning: Langtree Mall Exploration
In the morning, we ventured to Langtree Mall in Mildura's CBD. We fuelled up on a hearty breakfast, wandered through the mall’s shops, and watched Stu and the girls enjoy the mall's basketball hoop – a great family activity, especially if the kids want an activity while you do a little bit of shopping.
Late Morning: Orange World Delight
After our mall adventure, we headed to the iconic Orange World, a 50-acre citrus property offering educational tours. Our girls had a blast in the play area, and the fresh orange juice was a great treat.
Afternoon: Caravan Park Adventures
We spent the rest of the day at our caravan park, where two water slides, a pool, an outdoor playground, and an indoor playground kept the family entertained. The water slides were the clear favourites, making for a fun filled afternoon.
If you are visiting in the warmer months, make sure to stay in a location with a pool. Tip: Plan your actitvies for the morning, so you can relax at the hottest part of the day.
(The indoor playground was impressive and worth checking out the actual size of it in our YouTube video)
Day 3: Riverside Morning and Waterslide Afternoon
Morning: Riverside Marvel
In the morning, we enjoyed the tranquil banks of the Murray River, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the paddle steamer. The rising water meant the river was right at the edge of the bank, and as the paddle steamer chugged by, it created playful waves that splashed onto the grass. We even had a pelican join in on the fun! It's a delightful experience, especially for boat-loving kids. And for those less enthused about paddle steamers, there's a playground nearby for added enjoyment.
If you have the time, recommend taking a cruise on the Murray. You can book online here:
Afternoon: Waterslide Fun
Our afternoon was a return to the caravan park, where the girls took turns with the GoPro on the waterslides. Their reviews were no surprise - two thumbs up and a solid 5 out of 5 rating. Waterslide adventures provided the perfect end to a relaxing day.
Evening: Dinner and Mini Golf
We enjoyed a delightful Indian dinner at the Langtree Mall food precinct. I’ve been visiting Mildura since I was a teenager, and my absolute favourite activity was mini golf. Stu and I had even played at this exact park back when we were 19 (over 15 years ago!). It was great to take the girls and see how they fared. It's safe to say they may need a little practice, but Evelyn surprised everyone with a hole-in-one!
Day 4: Border Adventures and Unexpected Surprises
Morning: Perry Sandhills - Sand boarding Adventure & Muddy Thrills
Day 4 was filled with action as we ventured into New South Wales to explore the Perry Sandhills. A must-do here is to bring a sand or boogie board (tip: snow toboggans don't work on sand, as we learned the hard way in Tasmania). We started with smaller slopes to get the hang of sliding down, but Stu eventually found the most epic sandhill for boarding. Not to be outdone, our little daredevil Thea had to give it a go. Some families had parked at the bottom, enjoying drinks and food while watching their teenagers slide down. It's a fantastic spot for all ages, and we're already planning a return trip with friends.
Stu had some fun with a mud track to drive through, delighting the girls with water splashing up on the windows.
Late Morning: River Junction Surprise
Our original plan was to visit the Murray River and Darling River junction tower. However, Mother Nature had other ideas. When we arrived, the viewing tower, parkland, and playground were submerged under water. The floodwaters had caused significant damage, and it was astonishing to see how high the river had risen. You can check out the flood footage in our Mildura YouTube video.
Afternoon: Wrapping up our long weekend
In the afternoon, we returned to the caravan park. The girls squeezed in a bike ride and another swim, making the most of the park's wonderful facilities. It was the perfect way to wrap up our eventful day.
Day 5: Homeward Bound with Happy Memories
On our last day, we packed up the car and began our journey back home, making a pitstop in Bendigo for lunch. Although it was a substantial drive for a long weekend getaway, it was absolutely worth it. The warm weather, the laid-back ambiance of the Mallee region, the stress-free day activities, and the joy of watching the girls have the time of their lives at the caravan park made this trip truly special. After all, no holiday can go wrong when you have a waterslide nearby.
Bonus - Megan’s Mildura Bucket List:
While we had an incredible long weekend exploring Mildura and its surroundings, there are still so many more places on our bucket list for this incredible region. Here are some of the fantastic spots you might want to consider for your own Mallee adventure:
Mungo National Park:
Situated in the World Heritage-listed Willandra Lakes region, Mungo National Park is a mesmerising natural wonder. This unique landscape boasts ancient dry lake beds, towering sand dunes, and a wealth of archaeological treasures. It holds vital importance in Aboriginal history, with evidence of human occupation dating back over 40,000 years.
Entry is $8 per vehicle per day, or you can buy an annual pass online:
Lake Tyrrell:
A unique and otherworldly destination in the heart of Victoria's Mallee region. Lake Tyrrell is Australia's largest salt lake, known for its mesmerising mirror-like reflections. It's a photographer's dream and offers an incredible stargazing experience at night.
Trentham Estate Winery:
Discover the art of winemaking at Trentham Estate, one of Mildura's renowned wineries. Enjoy guided wine tastings, explore the picturesque vineyards, and savour delicious food paired with exceptional wines.
Fossey's Ginporium and Whisky Distillery:
Step into the world of craft spirits at Fossey's Ginporium and Whisky Distillery. Learn about the distillation process, taste unique gins, and perhaps even pick up a bottle as a souvenir. A must-visit for spirit enthusiasts.
Cruise through Lock 11 on a Paddle Steamer:
Immerse yourself in the rich history of river travel with a leisurely cruise through Lock 11 on a paddle steamer. Enjoy the serene Murray River, learn about the operation of the lock, and appreciate the beauty of the river landscapes.
Chaffey House:
Explore the heritage of Mildura at Chaffey House, the former home of the Chaffey brothers who played a pivotal role in establishing the region's irrigation system. The house offers a glimpse into their history.
Additional Information and Tips:
Dust Storms:
Occasionally, dust storms can occur in the region, especially during dry springs. If you see a dust storm approaching, seek shelter indoors promptly. These storms can bring cold air and strong winds. They are not common but can be hazardous to drive in.
Summer:
Summers in Mildura are typically hot, with temperatures in the mid to high 30s, and can definitely reach mid 40s (I have experienced this first hand). February often marks the hottest month, but temperatures can remain high into March and April.
Accomodation:
We absolutely adored our stay at the BIG4 NRMA Mildura Riverside Holiday Park. It's easily one of our favourite parks in Australia. With the Murray River at our doorstep and only 4km from town, it's a perfect oasis. The cabins are spacious, and the park's amenities, from the pool and waterslides to the indoor playground, kept the kids entertained. Plus, Mildura's food and wine scene, along with water activities on the Murray River, make it an ideal destination for foodies and outdoor enthusiasts. Highly recommended!
At the moment while the girls are young we are more likely to favour a caravan park. But our other favourite accommodation in Mildura is The Grand Hotel. Several great memories of travelling with friends have been made in and around the hotel, with the convenience of the pool, sports bar and brewery.
What we packed:
We took full advantage of our Cheeky Quokka Co. packing cubes, as we could easily stack them in our ute storage box.
You can buy your own Cheeky Quokka Co. packs at our website.
Mildura and the Mallee region are gems waiting to be explored. We can't wait to return, and we hope this guide helps you have a fantastic adventure, too! Safe travels!
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