Destination overview

Known as the heart of Sun Country on the Murray, the twin towns of Yarrawonga and Mulwala boast more sunshine hours than their far northern neighbours and have become a natural magnet for holidaymakers.

Yarrawonga is situated between Cobram and Rutherglen in the north of the state, across the Murray River from the New South Wales town of Mulwala.

Captain Charles Sturt probably never suspected, as he trekked the dense bushland of north-eastern Victoria in 1838, that his newly discovered area would become known as the heart of Sun Country on the Murray. Nor would he have believed that Yarrawonga-Mulwala would become a natural magnet for holiday makers.

Along with the Mediterranean climate, comes dramatically colourful sunsets that can be enjoyed from many vantage points around Lake Mulwala. One for the artists! Lying between the twin towns of Yarrawonga and Mulwala is Lake Mulwala, a manmade lake of some 6000 hectares.

Both sides of the lake have attractive foreshores, providing a year-round recreation area centrally located for all aquatic activities, including picnic and barbecue facilities, two giant waterslides, three swimming pools and a toddlers' pool.

When the weather turns cooler, you will find an attraction or activity to suit including golf, boating, fishing, wineries, cosy fires, fine food and nature at its best, it's all here just waiting to be discovered and explored. Unwind, slow down and really take some time to enjoy the tranquillity that is instilled with the rhythmic and soothing flow of the majestic Murray River.
There's also plenty do to on dry land with historic homesteads and art and craft galleries to be explored. Take a scenic flight; pick up some local produce at the bush markets; try horse riding; or play a round at the 45 hole Yarrawonga and Border Golf Club - the largest golf complex in Australia situated adjacent to the mighty Murray River.

There are some fantastic parks and scenic walks in the area including Yarrawonga Regional Park where you'll find a typical redgum forest with its magnificent birdlife and statuesque trees that line the banks of the mighty Murray River.

A family favourite, the Chinaman's Island Walking Track, is where you'll see a multitude of wondrous bird life such as cockatoos, galahs, water birds, thornbills, white ibis, herons, pelicans and swans. Or make an appointment to visit Savernake Station Forest which offers an awesome 40 hectares of native vegetation which is home to over 120 bird species and a lengthening list of over 200 flora species.

Other attractions in the area include the Old Yarra Mine Shaft tourist complex; the Tudor House Clock Museum; the Yarrawonga Mulwala Pioneer Museum; Tunzafun Amusement Park offering mini golf, dodgems, mini train, chair-o-plane, trampolines, and more; or Byramine Homestead, and historic homestead established in 1842 by pioneer, Elizabeth Hume which also features magnificent gardens.

Early explorers saw the region's open and fertile grassland as exceptional sheep and cattle grazing country and so the area was settled. Byramine Homestead, now classified "A" by the National Trust (to be preserved at all costs), was part of the original Yarrawonga Station and can still be visited for a fascinating insight into the area's colonial times.
If you enjoy all the pleasures of winter sports, the Alpine region is just two hour's drive from Yarrawonga.

Yarrawonga’s main shopping strip is located along Belmore Street, with attractive parks and gardens located at the northern end which front onto Lake Mulwala. Other attractions in town include the Old Yarra Mine Shaft tourist complex, located at the Visitor Information Centre and the Tudor House Clock Museum. Good views along the Murray River and across Lake Mulwala can be enjoyed from the road and walkway along the Yarrawonga Weir.
There are two crossings of the Murray between Yarrawonga and Mulwala – across the weir, which carries a single lane of traffic and a bridge over Lake Mulwala. This bridge contains an unusual bend and dip in the middle, a result of miscommunication between the two state governments.

There’s plenty to see and do, whether you want to enjoy a leisurely round of golf, explore the river beaches and walking tracks, take a trip to sample local wines and produce, or check out museums. Lake Mulwala is an unforgettable sight, lying between the two towns, with its majestic and ghostly river red gums. Close to town it is enjoyed for water skiing, sailing, swimming, canoeing, fishing and cruising.

Downstream, the Murray River is popular for hiking, bike riding and all sorts of water activities. Upstream the lake disappears into a wonderland of protected water and wetlands at the junction of the Ovens and Murray Rivers.

You might not have time to see everything that this picturesque region has to offer, but try to pack in as much as you can. Here are some of our favourites:

Boosey Creek Cheese
Boosey Creek Cheese offers several varieties of cheeses, handmade on the farm with milk from contented Friesian cows. Balancing the use of technology and age-old processes, this attraction is a must for cheese-lovers.

Buffalo Brewery
Buffalo Brewery makes beers of outstanding quality for discerning drinkers. Traditional techniques are employed to handcraft beers of lasting quality, integrity and heritage.

Byramine Homestead
This historic homestead was built by Elizabeth Hume, the first person to live in north-east Victoria. Here you can enjoy light lunches and Devonshire teas, boutique beer, wine tasting and vegetable sales, as well as touring the magnificent house and surrounds.

Why not visit a winery or two?
There are a range of wonderful wineries to explore in the region. These include Campbells Winery, Chambers Rosewood Vineyards, Fyffe Field Wines, Monichino Wines, Pfeiffer Wines, St Leondards Vineyard, Vintara Estate and Warrabilla Wines. You can also enjoy a day out visiting six wineries in the Corowa Rutherglen region, without having to drive. Just take one of the daily tours available.

Country pub tours
This is a fun day for everyone where you will visit six hotels within a 100 kilometre radius of Yarrawonga, stopping for lunch at one of the old pubs along the way. Tours can be tailored to suit your individual needs.

Farm Gate Trail
This trail is made up of a cooperative group of primary producers who provide their product direct to you from the farm.

Rich Glen Olives
Call in for a superb tasting of a huge range of salad dressings, flavoured oils, wine, beauty products, meat rubs, pasta, dukkah, jams, savoury pastes, and of course, olives.

Mungo National Park
Remains of the earliest known humans to inhabit the Australian continent have been found in Mungo National Park, dating back nearly 40,000 years. The park's red, sandy country is home to an array of animals, birds and plant life, including wedge-tailed eagles and red kangaroos which can be seen when you explore the carefully plotted pathways within the Park. In the 1850s, squatters moved into the area and established Gol Gol Station. While at the Park, make sure you explore the Mungo Woolshed near the Visitor Information Centre. This beautiful structure was built around 1869 from local cypress pine and is an important part of the region's pastoral history.

Yarrawonga-Mulwala Pioneer Museum
This museum is housed in a spacious, modern facility featuring one of the largest and most comprehensive exhibits of the early pioneering days of Australia. Displays show early farming, aviation history, sport and leisure, vintage cars, fashion, dental surgery and much more.

If you love life by the water, you’ll love Yarrawonga and Mulwala. Whether you’re up for an adventure, want to relax and soak up some sunshine, do a little shopping or enjoy some great food and wine, the Yarrawonga Mulwala area truly is a unique oasis.