Mildura has plenty of attractions to keep the whole family entertained as you make memories that you’ll reminisce about for years to come.

 

 

Pick your own adventure from the activities below.

 

1. Woodsies Gem Shop

Spend a morning or afternoon at Woodsies Gem Shop, one of Australia’s largest gem and giftware complexes. Test your navigation skills in the Garden Maze and explore Aladdin’s Cave, featuring the Woods family’s personal collection of gemstones from around the world. Learn how jewellery is cast and how stones are cut and polished at the daily gem cutting and grinding demonstrations. Then enjoy a snack or meal from the Cave-Inn Café which offers indoor and outdoor dining and a playground for the kids.

Open: Daily 9.30am-5.30pm. 516 Cureton Ave, Nichols Point. T: 03 5024 5797

Insider tips

• To find a playground near your accommodation, just type the address into the ‘What’s near me?' search bar on the Mildura Rural City Council website.
• To discover what events are on during your stay check out What's On Mildura  to find what's happening in our region. Need more information or advice?
• Drop into the Mildura Visitor Information Centre, call the knowledgeable team on 1800 039 043 or chat online at Visit MIldura.

2. Listo Trapeze/Mildura Circus School

Ever dreamed of running away to join the circus? Now you can, or at least try your hand at it. The Circus School offers a range of experiences including flying trapeze and is for those aged 8 and over. Whether it’s your first try at the circus arts, or you’re a regular performer, these classes will be tailored to your level of skill, strength and flexibility. Book in for a casual class or take a look at the school holiday program.

Open: Daily: 7am-7pm. 6 Industrial Court, Irymple. T: 0450 133 002

3. SRS Benetook Farm

For a great day out, head to the SRS Benetook Farm to feed the chickens, play on the playground and jumping pillow, ride bikes around the track and pick your own vegetables and strawberries (when in season). You can also buy some fresh free-range eggs which supports this social enterprise, designed to provide opportunities for people with disabilities. During the week, there are tours of the farm and you can also browse the wide selection of pre-loved goods in their store.

Open: Daily 8.30am - 4.30pm. 1022 Benetook Avenue, Mildura. T: 03 5022 1741

4. Garden of Hope

The Garden of Hope is just 5 minutes from Mildura on the edge of Lake Hawthorn. The kids will be entertained for hours as they explore the tyre playground, youth activity area, gardens and mini golf course. There’s even an historic 1945 tram to check out. Grab a coffee, cup of tea and a snack from the kiosk and enjoy the tranquil setting.

Open: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am-4pm. 158 Seventeenth Street, Cabarita. T: 0427 121 042

5. Perry Sandhills

According to geologists, the Perry Sandhills originated after an ice age (40,000 years ago) and were formed by wind erosion over thousands of years. The dunes are a unique land formation of 400 acres of continuously shifting sand dunes. Evidence suggests that the Barkindji people have lived here since ancient times and bones of mega fauna found in the sandhills also reveal that huge kangaroos, wombats and other creatures once roamed the region. See if you can spot a familiar landscape, as the Sandhills have been used as a backdrop in many films and television shows and make sure you take a sandboard with you to slide down the huge dunes.

Old Renmark Road, Wentworth NSW

6. Wentworth Gaol

Get a taste of history with a visit to the Old Wentworth Gaol, the oldest of the Australian designed gaols. It was built during 1879-1881 and operated until 1927, and is acknowledged as being in the best original condition of its type. Inside the gaol are the original stocks, whipping stool and rack, and examples of the shackles used to secure the prisoners. Big and little kids can experience gaol life from the inside and take a photo in the prisoner and guard uniforms.

Open: Daily 10am - 5pm (closed Christmas Day). 112 Beverley Street, Wentworth NSW. T: 03 5027 3337

7. Orange World

Just over the river from Mildura is Orange World, a 50-acre working citrus property which produces a wide range of citrus varieties and avocados. Take a tractor train tour to really explore it all. Call into the retail area to try the fresh orange juice and then choose from the wide range of juices, marmalades, preserves and sorbets all made fresh on the property.

Open: Daily 9.30am - 4pm (closed all of February), tractor train tours daily at 10.30am, 11.30am and 2.30pm. 93 Link Road, Mourquong NSW. T: 03 5023 5197

Need a sandboard?

Hire

Intersport
Corner Eleventh Street & Deakin Avenue, Mildura. T: 03 5022 2212

8. Australian Inland Botanic Gardens

Soak up the natural beauty of the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens. There’s a Children’s Garden to explore, complete with a cubby house and a sand pit. Jump aboard the tractor train to fully appreciate the beauty of the botanic gardens (Saturday 11am or call to book at other times). Marvel at the oldest Mallee Tree in the gardens which is estimated to be 2,500 years old then head to the Garnpang Homestead, which was relocated and rebuilt to give visitors an insight into the region’s heritage. It houses the gift and coffee shop so pop in and relax with a snack, coffee or ice-cream.

Open: Monday to Friday 8am-4pm, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 10am-4pm. 1183 River Road, Mourquong NSW. T: 03 50233 612

9. Mildura Holden Motor Museum

Located at the other side of the George Chaffey Bridge, the Mildura Holden Museum features a collection of more than 30 Holden vehicles dating from the first 48-215 model right through to modern day examples. It all began when the late Ron Morello demolished a shed containing an FX Holden, which was in pristine condition, on the instructions of a client of his earthmoving business. Full of guilt, he acquired and restored an FX and the obsession with procuring and restoring Holden vehicles began. The museum is a legacy that is now available for all to view and appreciate this fine collection.

Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30am - 3pm. 58 West Road, Buronga. T: 0408 830 989

Plan ahead - Let off some steam in Red Cliffs!

Red Cliffs Historical Steam Railway

(Corner of Calder Highway and Millewa Road, Red Cliffs)

Take a step back in time and bring the family for a ride at the Red Cliffs Historical Steam Railway.

Open: First Sunday of each month, 11am-4pm (excluding January and February).
T: 0427 211 098

10. Dockside Marina Café

Looking to get out on the river but don’t have a boat? No problem, Dockside Marina Café have you covered with pontoon boats, tinnies, polycraft runabouts, kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats and bikes for hire. No licence or experience is required so call in to enquire or book online. While you’re there, why not grab a snack or meal from the fully licensed café. There’s an outdoor, enclosed play area to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy the views of the Murray River.

Open: Thursday to Monday 8.30am-4pm. Dockside Drive, Mildura. T: 03 5023 3375

11. Sunraysia Tenpin Bowling

Nothing says family fun like a game at Sunraysia Ten Pin. There’s bumper bowling to cater for the little ones. A fully catered café provides a great lunch or afternoon tea and there’s several arcade games, 8 ball table and air hockey table to keep everyone entertained.

Open: Monday and Tuesday 9am - 9.30pm, Wednesday and Thursday 9am - 10pm, Friday and Saturday 9am - 11pm, Sunday 10am - 10pm. 1 King Avenue, Mildura. T: 03 5022 2033

12. Wild Side Outdoors

Explore the region’s hidden treasures by canoe, kayak and mountain bike available for hire from Wild Side Outdoors. For a truly authentic experience, sign up for a two- or five-day Iconic Paddling Journey along the majestic Murray River. Don’t have that much time? Guided and self-guided Eco and Adventure Tours are also on offer. These range from one hour through to a day and can take you along the Murray River, through Kings Billabong or by bike from Mildura to Merbein.

124a Eighth Street, Mildura. T: 0488 770 370

13. Arnnie’s Laserforce

Bring out the family’s competitive side with a game of laser tag. Compete as individuals or as a group in one of the dozen different missions available. Arrnie’s can tailor the experience to suit your family and anyone over the age of five can join in.

During School Terms: Monday-Thursday Bookings Only, Friday 3pm-5pm, Saturday 8.30pm-10.30pm, Sunday 11am-5pm. All other times bookings only. Hours may extend during school holidays. 62 Orange Avenue, Mildura. T: 03 5070 0232

14. Putt Putt Mildura

For an action-packed afternoon, head to Putt Putt Mildura. There’s fun for the whole family with a themed 18-hole mini golf course, dodgem cars, laughing clowns, air hockey, pool table plus more than 40 arcade games including a range of the latest prize redemption games. There’s also a kiosk to pick up a drink, snack or ice-cream.

Open: Monday 11am-6.30pm, Wednesday and Thursday 11am - 9.30pm, Friday 11am - 10pm, Saturday 10am - 10.30pm, Sunday 10am - 9.30pm. 15-17 Orange Avenue, Mildura. T: 03 5023 3663

15. Water Play Park

Located on Hugh King Drive overlooking the Murray River, Mildura’s Water Play Park is a free splash park for the whole family. There’s shallow water for the toddlers plus water mills, bridges and fountains. It is surrounded by a grassed area perfect for a family picnic. There is a fenced lake nearby where you can watch the ducks and water birds. There are also toilet facilities.

Operating hours: Daily 10am - 5pm, daylight savings – Daily 10am - 9pm. Hugh King Drive, Mildura. T: 03 5018 8100

Insider Tips

• Looking for something to do during the school holidays? Mildura City Heart organise a fun and diverse timetable of activities to keep the kids entertained at Langtree Mall.
• Some attractions will require bookings during the school holidays. Call ahead to avoid missing out!
• In need of more splash-tastic fun? There are several stretches of sandy perfection in our region. These include Apex Riverbeach (parolled by Life Saving Victoria during summer), Johnsons Bend, Karadoc Sandbar and James King Park/Gol Gol Boat Ramp.

16. Mildura Paddle Steamers

Take in the view from the Murray River while cruising on one of Mildura Paddle Steamers’ three vessels, the Paddle Steamer Melbourne (built in 1912), the Paddle Vessel Rothbury (built in 1881) and the Paddle Boat Mundoo (built in 1987). Choose the length of your cruise and whether you’d like a meal and then sit back and relax.

Mildura Wharf, Hugh King Drive, Mildura. T: 03 5023 2200

17. Jaycee Park

This large, grassed park is the perfect place for the kids to run off some energy. There is a fenced area for young children with a swing and rocker. For the bigger kids, there is a rope climbing frame, flying fox, swings, slide and a pirate ship. There’s also plenty of room to kick a ball on the grassed area and the whole family can check out the K class train engine. When it’s time for a refreshment, enjoy a picnic on the grass or at one of the many tables, cook up a barbeque using the onsite facilities or pick up a coffee, snack or meal at Shippys Café located next to the park. There are also toilets onsite.

Hugh King Drive, Mildura. T: 03 5018 7500

18. Wallis Cinema Mildura

Is there anything better than relaxing in the movie theatre with some popcorn while enjoying the latest blockbuster or independent movie? Conveniently located in the Mildura CBD, the four-screen cinema complex is sure to have something to suit every taste.Open: Daily - check website or call for session times. 93 Deakin Avenue, Mildura . T: 03 5023 4452

19. Mildura Waves & Mildura Outdoor Pools

Take a dip or catch a wave at the Mildura Waves Aquatic and Leisure Centre. The indoor facilities include a beach entry wave pool and dedicated learn to swim pool with toddler play area. There’s also a 25-metre lap pool, spa and sauna. In warmer weather, enjoy the outdoor 50 metre pool at the Mildura site or check out one of the other seven outdoor pools in the region.

Open: Monday to Thursday 6am - 9pm, Friday 6am - 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am - 6pm. 180-190 Deakin Avenue, Mildura. T: 03 5018 7500

20. Park for Play

Park for Play is a large, fenced playground designed in the shape of a yabby. It features a double story maze, sound effects, accessible ramps and shade. The playground includes separate accessible components and a Liberty Swing—an innovative and award-winning swing for children and adults in wheelchairs. The keys for the Liberty Swing are available free (refundable $10 deposit) from the Mildura Visitor Information and Booking Centre (03 5018 8380). After working up an appetite, cook up lunch on the barbeque facilities or enjoy a picnic. There are also toilets at the park.

Old Aerodrome Ovals, Eleventh Street, Mildura. T: 03 5018 8100

21. Bushells on Tenth Ye Olde Lolly Shoppe

Step back in time with a visit to Mildura’s original lolly shop. The Shoppe first opened its doors in 1938 and continues to operate with all the original fittings and magic of an old-fashioned store providing more than 4,000 lines of confectionery from all over the world. Take the family in for a treat!

Open: Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm. 227 Tenth Street, Mildura. T: 03 5022 7227

 

More information: Mildura Visitor Information Centre, 180-190 Deakin Avenue, Mildura. T: 03 5018 8380.

 

Family-Friendly Dining Clubs & Restaurants Fasta Pasta Mildura 293 Walnut Avenue, Mildura. T: 03 5022 0622 (kids’ menu) Gol Gol Hotel Sturt Highway, Gol Gol NSW. T: 03 5024 8492 (kids’ menu and outdoor playground) Langtree Café Corner of Langtree Avenue and Eighth Street. T: 03 5023 1843 (kids’ menu) Mildura Working Man’s Club 100 Deakin Avenue, Mildura. T: 03 5023 0531 (kids’ menu, indoor games room & outdoor playground) The Gateway 795 Fifteenth Street, Mildura. T: 03 5021 3288 (kids’ menu & outdoor playground) Pizza Café at the Grand 18 Langtree Avenue, Mildura. T: 03 5022 2223 (kids’ menu) Larry’s Prosciutteria 2160 Fifteenth Street, Irymple. T: 0409 615 991 (kids’ menu and games area) Mr Búnmì 852 Fifteenth Street, Mildura. T: 03 5023 6666 (kids’ menu) Cafes Bobby & Me Nowingi Place, Hugh King Drive, Mildura, T: 0484 027 694 (kids’ menu items & playground next door) Dockside Marina Café Dockside Drive, Mildura, T: 03 5023 5222 (kids’ menu & outdoor playground) Espresso Drive 218 Deakin Avenue, T: 035021 1261 (kids’ menu & play area) Shippy’s Café Hugh King Drive, Mildura, T: 0418 132 715 (kids’ menu items & playground next door) Little Kim’s Café (Woodsies Gem Shop) 516 Cureton Avenue, Nichols Point. T: 03 5024 5797