The Best Road Trips from Mildura: Outback Adventures & Murray River Escapes | Avis Car Rental

 

Longing to experience the beauty of a regional town on your next holiday? Then Mildura is the destination for you. Located in north-west Victoria, the city of Mildura sits just below New South Wales with its natural border hugging the Murray River.

From the vineyards and fruit orchards to nearby Mungo National Park, this special destination has something for everyone. The best part? The Avis Mildura team have shared their insider tips, so you can plan an outback road trip, perfectly tailored to your interests.

Where is Mildura? 

Mildura is located near the intersection of three Australian states. It’s roughly a one-and-a-half-hour drive to the South Australian border, just over a four-hour drive to Adelaide and a six-hour drive to Melbourne. Alternatively, you can cut down the KMs and fly directly to Mildura Airport. 

Top attractions to see in Mildura

Mildura itself has so much to offer, but one of the best ways to make the most of your trip is to explore three nearby attractions: the Mungo National Park, Wentworth and Broken Hill. Here are the best things to see and do so you can plan a great outback adventure.   

Pick some local fruit 

Mildura is one of Australia’s fruit bowls – bursting with citrus groves, grapevines and farm-fresh produce. Depending on the season, you’ll find everything from oranges, mandarins and avocados to table grapes and juicy stone fruit. Many orchards are commercial, but there are still gems offering farm-gate sales or tours.

Look for roadside stalls along Benetook Avenue and Cureton Avenue, or visit Orange World in nearby Buronga for a look at how it all works (plus tractor tours and tastings).

Visit the vineyards 

No Mildura road trip is complete without visiting a cellar door or two. The region’s warm climate and rich soils produce some seriously good drops – particularly Shiraz, Chardonnay and Sangiovese. Start your wine-tasting trail at Trentham Estate, perched right on the banks of the Murray, then head to Oak Valley Estate and Vanden Estate Wines for a more boutique experience.

Local tip: Make sure you plan ahead – local taxis and private transfers are a smart (and safe) option so you can enjoy the local flavours without worrying about the drive.

Catch a riverside sunset 

One of the simplest joys of a Mildura road trip is following the river and watching the day fade into golden-hour perfection. Head to Apex Park for a peaceful swim and a laid-back picnic. Or make the short drive to Lock 11 to see the river in action as boats pass through the working lock. 

Find hidden treasures in town

Back in town, it’s worth spending a few hours wandering around the town. Woodsies Gem Shop is part gift shop, part gemstone museum, and part local legend. Pop into the Mildura Arts Centre to see what’s on (local exhibitions, live theatre, even comedy nights).

And if you're hungry, Mildura’s global dining scene will leave you feeling satisfied – choose from Thai, Italian, Malaysian, American BBQ and more.

Road trips beyond Mildura 

Mildura itself has so much to offer, but if you’re not in a rush, it also serves as the perfect base for a longer outback road trip. Here are two spots you can’t miss.

Wentworth 

Just a thirty-minute drive from Mildura, Wentworth is well worth a visit. The small town is the place where you can view the merging of the Darling and Murray rivers, making it the fourth largest river system in the world. There’s a viewing tower where you can take in the natural attraction.

You can also hire a houseboat from Wentworth or visit the magnificent Perry Sandhills. Rent a board, take in the 400 acres of constantly moving sand dunes and then ride them! 

Mungo National Park 

Mungo National Park is a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Mildura. Once you arrive, you’ll need to pay an $8 park entrance fee (per vehicle). Pick up a park brochure at the Mungo Visitor Centre and learn about the rich indigenous history and cultural heritage of the area. Join a guided tour or start exploring solo.

The park is home to phenomenal desert landscapes and diverse wildlife, including emus, giant kangaroos and birds. Visit the iconic Walls of China and take in the magnificent views of ancient lakebeds. Stay a night at the Mungo Sherers’ Quarters for an extra memorable trip.

Broken Hill 

Love history? Visit the outback town of Broken Hill which is just over a three-hour drive from Mildura and best known for its desert sculptures, artistic community, funky cafes, vast mining landmarks and federation heritage. If you’re visiting in September, don’t miss the Broken Heel Festival, which honours the famous musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert. For a trip in March, get tickets to the Perfect Light Festival – a three-day event that’s full of fun and entertainment.

Ready to book your trip?

Whether you’re planning a family getaway or a trip for work, the Avis team at Mildura makes it easy to get off the beaten track and go beyond the city’s centre. With two convenient locations, you can hire a smaller car for personal use as well as a commercial vehicle like a truck, van or bus. 

Hire a car

If you’re planning to fly, you can hire a car from Mildura airport so you can start your road trip the moment you get off the plane. Not planning on flying? You can also hire a car from Mildura’s city centre.

Hire a commercial vehicle

Travelling for work? You can hire a commercial vehicle from Mildura airport. Or, you can hire a commercial vehicle from Mildura’s city centre.