Once, the magnificent Murray River was as busy as a present-day highway, with whistle-blowing paddle steamers travelling back and forth as they transported goods between rapidly growing towns and cities.
Today, it’s the kind of peaceful, lazy waterway which tempts you to take time out, sit on its broad banks under a shady tree, relax and just let the hours slip by.
And when you feel refreshed and in the mood for exploring, Albury Wodonga is the place to start. These twin cities sit on either side of the Murray River, cleverly blending city style and country pace, history and contemporary attractions, art and adventure, and a great deal more.
Home to around 90,000 people, Albury Wodonga is large enough to provide very varied holiday attractions and entertainment, but small enough for you to enjoy exploring on foot. And that’s certainly the best way to appreciate its distinctive character, with grand old buildings, richly established gardens and broad tree-lined streets.
The contrasts and contradictions of time and place, history and progress, river and mountain, culture and cultivation have melded themselves into an unlikely harmony of differences not experienced anywhere else in the country.
There are contrasts in nature too, with fine formal gardens such as the
1887 Albury Botanic Gardens, Wodonga’s relaxed Sumsion Gardens
with large lagoon and walking tracks, and Albury’s Noreuil Park on the
banks of the Murray River. This is a perfect spot for picnics under the
Plane trees, a coffee in the café and a swim.
And speaking of coffee, those who cherish their daily caffeine hit will
just keep on discovering café after café. Dean Street in Albury is a great
place to start – just watch for the welcoming cafés that are often hidden
up little lanes and alleys. The twin cities are also known for great pubs,
clubs and restaurants which often feature fresh regional produce.
Albury’s Dean Street and High Street in Wodonga are serious shopping
precincts, and you’ll find no less than five large shopping centres with
dozens of retail outlets.
Albury Wodonga residents are also very serious about their art.
Australia’s world-famous Flying Fruit Fly Circus was born here, the
highly regarded Hothouse Theatre is based here and many national and
international performers receive an enthusiastic welcome at the Albury
Entertainment Centre. The visual arts have impressive homes at the
Albury Art Gallery and Arts Space Wodonga and other galleries.
And there’s still more. Albury Wodonga’s location on the Hume Highway, its
excellent airport, great variety of accommodation and impressive convention
facilities mean that many major meetings are held here. Convention
delegates love this destination, with its peaceful valleys, magnificent river,
parklands and mountain backdrops embracing the twin cities.
So come and experience, explore and enjoy!
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