Mildura Victoria Australia

Mildura is located in northwest Victoria and sits on the banks of the mighty Murray River. It boasts a rich history and is a major horticultural centre well known for its grape production and the many wineries scattered throughout the region.

Being located on the Murray River, Mildura was a hub for river cargo traffic using paddle steamers. Those days are now gone but there are still a number of paddle steamers operating taking tourists for cruises of various lengths along the Murray River.

Mildura is also home to the Australian Inland Botanic Garden which specialises in native plants but also has other plants including a dedicated rose garden.

We visited Kings Billabong just outside of Mildura. It has a rich history with local Indigenous People having enjoyed the abundance of food supply for thousands of years. Kings Billabong was selected as the central water supply to establish the Mildura Irrigation Settlement.

Lake Tyrrell Victoria Australia

Lake Tyrrell is located 6 kilometres north of the Victorian town of Sea Lake. Lake Tyrrell is a shallow salt crusted depression and much of the time is usually dry. However in winter, it can be covered in about 5 centimetres of water. As a result, the surface of the lake takes on a mirror like appearance and is extremely popular with photographers, especially at night with clear skies when stars are reflected on the lake.

Unfortunately when we visited, the lake was dry. Evaporation results in a layer of salt which is commercially harvested from the nearby town of Sea Lake.

Silo and Water Tower Art – Australia

Silos and water towers around the country are being turned into works of art. The work is carried out usually by local artists and is fully supported by the local community. Previous bland silos and water towers are being transformed in canvases which may highlight local characters, fauna and flora or be turned into a memorial.

This post will be added to as we explore our wonderful country and come across more of this exceptional art.

Swan Hill – Victoria

Swan Hill is a city located on the south bank of the Murray River in the northwest region of Victoria. Swan Hill has a rich indigenous history and it is believed that Aboriginal people have lived in the area for the last 9000 – 13000 years. It was known as “Matakupaat” or “place of the platypus” by the local people.

The area was given its current name by explorer Thomas Mitchell on 21 June 1836.

Mount Buffalo National Park – Victoria

Mount Buffalo National Park is located about 350 kilometres northwest of Melbourne and is found in the alpine region of Victoria. Mount Buffalo is a moderately high mountain with an elevation of 1723 metres above sea level.

In 1910, the Mount Buffalo Chalet was built and the park became a holiday destination until 2007. Restoration of the Chalet’s exterior and gardens took place in 2017 and 2018. It is hoped that a year round cafe would be in operation but with Covid 19, these plans are on hold.

Mount Buffalo is linked to the local indigenous Mitambuta and Taungurong people who climbed the mountain in summer to feast on protein rich bogong moths.

The Chalet overlooks large sheets of granite and has views over the Ovens Valley and Buckland Valley.