The internet is chock-full of tempting travel offers and some people often think that the last-minute deals will save them a bundle. Quentin Long explores the myths and the realities of clicking on that too-good-to-true dream holiday, asking us to think twice or thrice before booking.
1. Beware the ‘50 per cent off’ temptation
Ask yourself, 50 per cent off what, because it can be a meaningless term. The bulk of people buying a particular fare could be paying 40 per cent, for example. Research the original offer by cross checking as many booking engines as possible.
2. Do your research and find the average price first
Know roughly what you should be paying for a hotel in your city of choice. Expedia.com and Hotels.com have a great service where you can discover the average price for hotels at any given star level in a given city.
3. Great rate! Pity about the room…
Check that the room you’re being shown in the picture is the one you are actually booking. Beware of extremely cheap rooms in quality hotels because they may be offering you the worst room (pokey, noisy). Also, check out how close your hotel is to the centre of town (or wherever you want to be) otherwise you could end up in the middle of nowhere. Overall, cheap last-minute accommodation deals are associated with lower quality rooms.
4. They want you to pay up front… but should you?
Many of the cheapest travel deals require you to pay upfront on your credit card. Calculate if the interest on the purchase to see if the deal is still in your best interest. How much better would that cash be on your mortgage offset account, for example?
5. Run a fine-tooth comb through the fine print
Timing is probably one of the biggest issues with last-minute deals and many offers will lock you into a rigid contract. First up, check the cancellation policy – what penalty will you be charged if you need to cancel or reschedule (if it’s allowed). Often, there will be a minimum stay policy too.
No matter your interests, you’re bound to find a unique and utterly memorable experience along the mighty Murray River.
Along the Murray River lies a network of towns that are at once intertwined and wildly diverse. Linked by the legendary waterway yet strikingly distinct, each has its own personality, pace and collection of experiences you won’t soon forget.
1. On the river
Get out onto the pretty Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Visit Victoria)
A visit to the region wouldn’t be complete without a jaunt on the iconic river. If you’re something of an adventurer, Lake Mulwala – an inlet on the Murray – is perennially popular for all kinds of watersports. Glide among ghost gums on a kayak or stand up paddleboard, or pick up the pace by waterskiing or windsurfing.
For a more relaxed (but no less immersive) river experience, hop on board one of the famed paddle steamers. Departing from Echuca Moama, Swan Hill and Yarrawonga Mulwala, these historic boats provide a nostalgic view of the Murray.
2. First Nations culture
Wander the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk.
The river is a meeting place of ancient cultures, home to over 50 First Nations clans and an integral part of their communities, storytelling and way of life.
To learn more about the Traditional Owners, take yourself on a guided stroll through the Wagirra Trail. Situated in Albury/Wiradjuri country, the trail passes through red gum forest, riverside wetlands and the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk.
Alternatively, visit the Dharnya Centre in the heart of Barmah National Park on Yorta Yorta country. The centre tells the history and stories of the Yorta Yorta people, offering guided walking tours and cruises.
3. Delicious eats
Savour a relaxed riverside meal at Mildura Boat House.
For a representative taste of the Murray’s epicurean highlights, a few destinations are well worth your time (and appetite).
Opa in Echuca is a local staple, serving up authentic and bold Greek dishes in lively surrounds. Greek not your thing? The twin towns of Echuca Moama have numerous top-notch drinking and dining spots to choose from and an ever-evolving food scene.
In Albury, the River Deck Cafe is perched right on the river, delivering scenic vistas and a vibrant daytime menu. Expect lemon meringue waffles or Green Goddess smashed avo for breakfast, or a zippy duck salad with Southeast Asian flavours for lunch. For more waterfront dining options, head to Mildura Boathouse. Enjoy iconic views and a modern Australian menu focused on local producers and wines.
4. Hiking and biking trails
Discover the Murray Region on two wheels. (Credit: Ewen Bell)
The best ways to experience the Murray’s surrounding landscapes are on foot or by bike. Luckily, plenty of well-marked trails take you through the diverse scenery.
The Mildura Riverfront has a shared path for both walkers and cyclists, connecting the town centre with a string of parks and lookouts. The path lets you take in the entire town and its distinctive terrain at a leisurely pace, and is relatively flat throughout.
For a more challenging experience, head to the Huon Hill Parklands or Nail Can Hill Reserve in Albury Wodonga. Both feature a varied network of bushwalking and mountain biking trails through undulating terrain.
5. Best views along The Murray
Spot the birdlife at Wonga Wetlands. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)
The Murray region is perhaps unsurprisingly a prime destination for epic vistas. The Wonga Wetlands just outside Albury are an aquatic feast for the eyes, a winding web of billabongs and lagoons. Take a stroll through the tranquil landscape and see if you can spot one of the more than 170 bird species living within.
Stop by Moama Beach at sunset to catch the dazzling display. Vivid hues of pink, amber and gold flare against a backdrop of river red gum trees and are reflected in the river’s glassy waters.
Head away from the Murray itself, 15 mins from Albury Wodonga, for stunning mountain views at Lake Hume. Or head to Gunbower National Park, a picturesque place boasting a diverse wonderland of waterbirds, wildlife and aquatic plants.
6. Art and culture
Immerse yourself in art at the MAMA, Albury. (Tourism Australia)
The region’s diverse mix of galleries, museums and cultural hubs provides a window into its past and present.
One of the most prominent is Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), which has a rotating roster of contemporary exhibitions. The Burrajara Gallery is another Albury gem, with a powerful collection of works from local First Nations artists.
There are several smaller museums and galleries scattered across Echuca Moama and Mildura reflecting the artistic depth of the Murray. Popular picks include The Foundry Arts Space and Customs House Gallery in Echuca Moama, and the Arts Centre, Riverfront Gallery and NAP Contemporary in Mildura.
7. Murray Region Events
Time your trip around one fo the regions live music events. (Credit: Riverboats Music Festival)
Each year, the Murray hosts events as unique and characterful as the region itself.
The Massive Murray Paddle takes place every November, a 415-kilometre, five-day river paddle raising money for local charities. Whether you take part in a canoe, kayak, stand up paddleboard or boat, or watch from the riverbanks, you’ll be in for a memorable experience.
If you’re a music lover, you’re in luck throughout the year. In summer, plan a trip for Riverboats Music Festival. And in the cooler months, head to the Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival for four days of performances across different venues.
8. Best stays along The Murray
Find unique stays by the river or in the countryside.
Throughout your busy few days of exploring, you’ll need a comfortable spot to rest.
Echuca Moama Riverside Holiday Park is right on the river and has gorgeous views. Pick from riverfront and pet-friendly lagoon cabins, or set up camp at one of the powered sites set among native bush. Or head into the countryside to stay in the quaint glamping or lodge options of Charm Lodge.
Alternatively, treat yourself to a night or two at The Sebel Yarrawonga Silverwoods, which has stylish modern rooms and luxe amenities. There’s a heated infinity pool, day spa and an on-site restaurant doing elevated fare with local produce.
For a quintessential Murray experience, hire a houseboat from one of the many operators in Mildura. Available for weekend and week-long adventures, these well-appointed boats immerse you in the leisurely rhythm and quiet beauty of the Murray River.
