Mildura straddles the NSW border in Victoria’s northwest, on the banks of Australia's largest river - The Murray. It is an isolated, outback area, and although in Victoria the closet capital city is in fact Adelaide. It is 540kms from Melbourne and over 1,000 kms from Sydney. 

Mildura really began in the late 1800's when pioneering irrigators the Chaffey brothers purchased a cattle station called "Mildura". With a grant from the federal government the brothers set up an intensive irrigation scheme using the mighty Murray river. The Mediterranean climate and fertile lands have brought people from all cultures to live in this oasis on the banks of the Murray. Today, the Mildura region has world-class wines, fresh produce, excellent restaurants and cafes, and a year-round calendar of festivals and celebrations. The climate is sunny year around with mild winters and hot summers. 

Mildura has grown to be a major regional centre with a population of over 30,000 and boasts many big city characteristics such as a university and a thriving arts scene.

Where to Stay
The standard rural options of motel/hotels like Comfort Inn, All Seasons, Best Western, Mercure are all available. The pick is the Quality Hotels Mildura Grand which also houses the town's most famous restaurant, Stefano's. Alternatively seek out a holiday rental the pick of which is the Murray Haven on 13th. Out of town there are some excellent options like a farmstay at Turlee Station. For more adventure though hope in a houseboat, that’s what the Murray is known for.

What to Do
The Mildura folk have a festival calendar that is the envy of the rest of rural Australia so almost any time of year, there will be some kind of festival. The big ones are the Jazz Food & Wine Festival (October), International Music Festival (January), Arts Festival (February) and the Alternative Wine Varieties Shows (November).  The weekly farmers markets are also well worth a look.

It's the place to cruise the Murray for a couple of nights, and one of the great delights is to pack your golf clubs, park the boat have a swing and refreshment and then continue your leisurely cruise. Mildura is also the leaping off point for the amazing Mungo National Park and a tour with one of Australia’s top indigenous tours, Harry Nanya Tours. You can also stay out at Mungo Lodge. Or alternatively explore the Perry Sandhills, these massive sand dunes are a freak of geology and remains of megafauna (think wombats the size of a truck) have been found.   

When to Travel
Well every month there is a great range of events however the best times would be Spring and Autumn when its not too cold and not too hot but just right. 

Transport
Mildura is near the borders of three states, on the crossroads of transport links between three capital cities, and near the meeting point of Australia’s two great rivers: the Murray and Darling. Mildura’s regional airport, 11 km south of Mildura on the Sturt Hwy, is serviced by QantasLink, Virgin Blue, Regional Express (Rex) and Sharp Aviation, with these commuter airlines offering daily flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide. Hire cars are available through the five major rental companies. There is no direct train route to Mildura, with the roughly 7hr journey passing first to Swan Hill or Bendigo, then via the V/Line Coach (13 61 96) to Mildura. Greyhound (13 14 99) travels daily to Mildura from Adelaide and Sydney.