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Albury Wodonga has traditionally been seen by travellers as a convenience stop on the drive between Sydney and Melbourne.
These days however, it’s a destination in its own right — and a place where you’ll want to linger rather than barrel through. There’s an exciting food scene to indulge in, a rich history to explore, water activities to keep you cool, and a vibrant arts buzz to soak up.
The twin cities straddle the Murray River on the border of New South Wales and Victoria — with Albury on the NSW side and Wodonga on the other in Victoria. And speaking of the river/border, those looking to get off the beaten tourist track should set aside some time to drive the fabulous Great River Road. This 150-kilometre route follows the course of the Murray all the way to the foothills of the epic Snowy Mountains. It’s arguably one of Australia’s most idyllic car trips.
Here’s a checklist of our top ten things to do in Albury Wodonga and along the Great River Road.
1. Get arty at MAMA
The flourishing cultural scene is one of the best reasons to pay a visit to the Albury Wodonga region. Step into the bold and beautiful Murray Art Museum Albury (known as MAMA) for an all-encompassing contemporary art experience, featuring international touring exhibitions and deep connections to the regional surrounds and cultural identity of the city. Interactive workshops are offered to channel your creative flair.
2. Follow the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk
Albury Wodonga has long been home to the Wiradjuri First People and was settled by Europeans in the 1830s. The five-kilometre Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk showcases eleven significant sculptural works created by local Indigenous artists. They reflect the region’s cultural heritage and traditions.
3. Step back in time on a self-guided walking tour
Delve into the Albury city centre’s colourful past by downloading a heritage walking tour map and guide. It covers 21 significant sites, including the Old Albury Court House, Post Office, the T&G Building, and St Patrick’s Catholic Church. Albury railway station (circa 1882) has the longest undercover platform in the Southern Hemisphere, thanks to a number of extensions over the decades.
4. Pay your respects on Monument Hill
The stark white Albury War Memorial — a tribute to fallen soldiers — sits on top of Monument Hill and looks directly down Dean Street — the city’s main thoroughfare. A walk up to the monument offers fabulous views, and is great exercise to boot!
5. Visit the Bonegilla Migrant Centre
More than 300,000 migrants called the Bonegilla Migrant Centre home from 1947 to 1971. Today it’s a poignant and evocative reflection on what camp life was like for those mid-20th century arrivals from many distant shores. Once comprising 24 blocks, churches, banks, sports fields, a cinema, hospital, police station, and railway platform, only Block 19 remains. Audio recollections by former residents reflect the dreams of Australia’s post war migrants.
6. Drive the Great River Road
Back towards town, historic Bethanga Bridge marks the start of the Great River Road, which shadows the course of the Murray (also the border between NSW and Victoria) past historic river settlements and through lush valleys framed by lofty mountain peaks. There’s something special about following Australia’s longest river and seeing first-hand how it shapes the land and the communities alongside it.
You’ll travel through towns with names you may never have heard in your life: Talgarno, Granya, Jingellic, Walwa, Tintaldra, Towong, and the list goes on — each with a story to share and many with a welcoming pub to pull up at for a bite to eat. The Great River Road finishes in Khancoban in the foothills of the Snowies. It can be done in a single day, but what’s the rush? Stay overnight and make the most of your time in this gorgeous part of Oz!
7. Eat out… a lot!
Both Albury and Wodonga offer a tasty array of culinary experiences. In Albury, swing by The River Deck Cafe in gorgeous Noreuil Park. Overlooking the iconic Murray River, it serves an innovative menu of seasonal fare.
Pair your visit to MAMA with a meal at the Gallery’s inhouse eatery — Canvas, which turns fresh local ingredients into delicious treats. Also in the CBD, Din Dins on Townsend Street does flavoursome Asian food. Directly opposite, The Proprietor occupies one of Albury’s oldest buildings and serves modern paddock-to-plate cuisine.
Up in the city’s north, Norma Wine and Pasta is getting plenty of local recognition for its wonderful Italian tastes. The restaurant is housed in what was once was a corner shop.
Across the border in Wodonga, seek out Miss Amelie in the former railway precinct for a modern take on European classics. Keeping up the delectable street food smarts from its nearby shipping container home is Andiamo Street Kitchen.
8. Shop fresh at the Farmers Market
For a taste of the region’s fabulous fresh produce and the chance to mingle with local growers/artisanal food producers, don’t miss the Albury Wodonga Farmers Market. It’s held every Saturday morning at Gateway Village and features around 40 stalls. Browse for homemade preserves, cheese, baked goods, ready-to-eat meals, and arts and crafts made with love.
9. Go for a ‘float’
In summer, bring a tube and join the locals for a ‘float’ down the Murray. Be prepared — even on the hottest day the chilly water temperature almost takes your breath away!
Kayaking and canoeing are also popular ways to get out on the river. However, for access to a wider range of water sports, pay a visit to nearby Lake Hume. Just 15 minutes by car from Albury Wodonga, it’s five times the size of Sydney Harbour and is great for boating, yachting, paddle boarding, water-skiing, and fishing. You can also walk over the dam wall.
10. Enjoy a stroll in the Albury Botanic Gardens
And finally, leave time to stop and smell the flowers — literally — in the magnificent Albury Botanic Gardens. Dating back to 1877, this horticultural wonderland has shady trees, manicured garden beds, and a network of meandering pathways. Wander as you will, but don’t miss seeing the significant collection of rainforest flora.
This post was published thanks to Towong Shire Council.
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Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best things to do in Albury Wodonga? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
About the writer
Sue Wallace studied law at Melbourne University, then swapped to journalism and worked as a finance reporter for The Australian. She soon discovered that the world of travel writing was much more appealing than crunching numbers. Based in Albury (New South Wales), she wrote for The Border Mail (Fairfax) for 29 years and now writes freelance. Sue has bunkered down in luxury hotels, sailed on impressive boats, stood in awe of exotic blood-red sunsets and made the first footprints on pristine beaches at sunrise — but it’s the people she meets along the way that make the story.
About the writer
Adam Ford is editor of Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas, and a travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam worked as a travel consultant for a number of years with Flight Centre before taking up the opportunity to travel the world himself as host of the TV series Tour the World on Network Ten. He loves to experience everything a new destination has to offer and is equally at home in a five-star Palazzo in Pisa or a home-stay in Hanoi.
