The Murray Darling wine region – sitting across northwestern Victoria and southwestern New South Wales – produces varying styles of wines, and is home to a whole host of great places to eat, drink and stay.
Those exploring this hot-climate Australian wine region tend to be chasing the relatively new boutique wineries and vignerons, which have only really opened up in the last few years. These spots have focused on producing higher quality wines – helping the region get noticed more and more by true oenophiles.
Feeding on the Murray River, the wine region is also a natural hotspot for holidaymakers, with abundant opportunities for watersports and houseboat adventures. The pink-hued lakes of Sunset National Park, the continually shifting sand dunes at Perry Sand Hills and the awe-inspiring rock formations at Mungo National Park also draw in plenty of nature lovers who aren't afraid of long roadtrips.
To help you find your way around this burgeoning wine region, we’ve rounded up a select few must-hit spots – showing you some of the top places to eat, drink and stay in the Murray Darling area.
Top spots to eat in the Murray Darling region
Mildura Farmers' Market
You can’t go past a good old fashioned regional farmers' market when visiting spots like the Murray Darling. And Mildura’s is a great example – hosting a wide range of local producers and makers on the first and third Saturday of every month (from roughly 8am until midday). Beyond the 40-plus stallholders, you’ll also find a breakfast stall run by volunteers, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations and children’s activities. The community really gets around this market, making it a must-visit.
Stefano’s
Stefano’s is a legendary Italian restaurant in Mildura, and has been a top place to eat in Victoria for decades (it was even awarded restaurant of the year in 2003 by the Good Food Guide). Thankfully, over the years, it has not lost any of its charm nor quality. Drop by for simple but brilliant Italian cuisine – only served as a set menu – as well as exceptional wines (including a luxurious barolo list). Any food or wine lover will be stunned by this regional delight.
Top spots to drink in the Murray Darling region
Trentham Estate
Trentham Estate winery has one fine location – situated right on the gum tree-lined banks of Murray River (on the NSW side). Here, you’ll find its restaurant, cellar door and vast plantings of rank and file vines. Either drop by the restaurant's main dining room for long lunches paired with wines, or opt for a sip-and-snack affair out on its lawns – grabbing platters of light bites and an assortment of desserts from the kitchen.
But if you're most interested in tasting wines, be sure to head straight for the the cellar door, which is open seven days a week. Over 20 different wine styles are available here, but the team is most proud of its Italian varieties, which truly thrive in this particular terroir.
You can also try Trentham Estate’s Cellar Reserve range here – a collection of wines that have thrived particularly well in a certain year. Sip your way through the extensive list of wines, taking advantage of the cellar door deals while you’re at it.
Either return to town by car or stop by when taking a boat tour (or kayak) down the Murray River.
Nangiloc General Store & Tavern
Regional towns throughout the Murray Darling wine region are littered with great local pubs – full of charm and friendly locals – but one that really stands out is the Nangiloc General Store & Tavern. This spot is all at once a post office, restaurant, pub and general store. Drop by for pizza and a parma paired with local beers and wine – before watching some sport on the tele and playing a few rounds of pool. You can easily spend a whole afternoon at this hidden gem.
Where to stay in the Murray Darling region
All Seasons Houseboats
You could stay at a local hotel or Airbnb when visiting Murray Darling, but this whole region revolves around the river – so why not spend a few nights on a riverboat? There are a few places to choose from, but All Seasons Houseboats has one of the best fleets. These boats can hold up to 12 people each, and can come with a fully equipped kitchen, televisions, ensuite bathrooms, a spa, aircon, fireplaces, wine fridges, a coffee machine, a barbecue and heaps of other luxury amenities. What's more, you don’t even need a boat license to hire these – just a non-probationary drivers license (and you need to be over 25 years old). It makes traversing this area by water all too easy (and comfortable).
Top image: Trentham Estate.
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