When it comes to planning the ultimate summer getaway in Australia, it has to tick some serious holiday-vibe boxes. Warm sunny days, balmy starry nights, stunning natural wonders, water views…..and a nice little spread of cafes, pubs and shops to explore.
And in the current climate, there’s another biggie. It has to offer great bang for buck.
The Deniliquin region, nestled on the banks of the Edward River (Kolety), about 3.5 hours drive north of Melbourne, is one of those feel-good destinations that delivers summer lovin’ in spades.
You may know of it as home to the famed Deni Ute Muster - a world-renowned music festival held on Deniliquin’s famous flat plains - but that’s just scratching the surface.
Deniliquin is a place to reacquaint yourself with the summer holidays of old; to reconnect with family and friends over a bbq or picnic by the river; to unwind from the relentless demands of daily life with a good book and a fishing rod; and to camp, bike, paddle, swim, dream, dance and discover the many hidden nooks and crannies of this riverside wonderland on the edge of the outback.
If you ask the locals why people love visiting their part of the world, they’ll tell you it’s simple. Because summertime is just better spent in Deni.
Here’s just a few of the reasons why...
With rising cost of living pressures and economic uncertainty due to some pretty heavy global events, Aussie families are looking for cost effective ways to switch off from the world and enjoy quality time together, without adding extra strain to their budgets. Savvy travellers are seeking out destinations that provide a sense of escape, adventure and relaxation, but also great value for money.
Deniliquin offers a special mix of country hospitality, accommodation, entertainment and dining options that are friendly on the hip-pocket, and that lend themselves to creating the very best kind of summertime memories.
You can book a room at one of many friendly hotels, motels or riverside holiday parks across the region, hire a houseboat for the weekend, experience the brand new glamping tents at BIG4 Deniliquin, or take advantage of the many free camping spots along the Edward River.
When it comes to food and drink, there are so many options both in Deni and in the surrounding villages, and you’ll love getting to know the stories behind the locals who run them.
And with petrol prices at record highs, why not leave the car at home and jump on V-Line’s bus service instead? It travels to and from Deniliquin 7 days a week and the most you’ll pay is the same as a $10 metropolitan Melbourne daily capped fare.
Deniliquin is located in one of the prettiest natural settings mother nature can dish up.
Surrounded by ancient river red gum forests, and set alongside the beautiful Edward River and a series of natural lagoons, this place is made for sunset chasing, daydreaming, bushwalking, cycling and birdwatching.
The region is blessed with spectacular walking and cycling trails, and for the adventurous at heart, the Mountain Bike Trail in the Murray Valley Regional Park is a real crowd pleaser. If you forget to pack the bikes, you can just drop into the Visitor Information Centre to hire a mountain bike for free. And while you’re there, you absolutely must drop into the Peppin Heritage Centre Gallery & Gardens to view one of the free exhibitions that run every day of the week.
You can also pedal or walk around Deni’s unique lagoon system wetlands on the 1.4km Lagoons to River trail, which winds through gorgeous parkland in the centre of town.
Another highlight is the Island Sanctuary, where a walking track meanders through four hectares of red gum bushland, forming part of the Beach to Beach walk, from McLean Beach along the river to Willoughby’s Beach.
If you’re a bird watcher, be sure to bring your twitcher kit, because Deni is home to more than 100 different varieties of birdlife. Popular locations for bird watching are in the Murray Valley Regional Park, McFaull Park, Blake Botanic Reserve, Island Sanctuary, and right along the Edward River.
Deniliquin’s crowning glory, the Edward River, is a source of enjoyment for holiday-makers all year round, but in the summertime the Kolety really puts on a show.
Water skiing, wakeboarding and kneeboarding are popular activities on the river during the warm season, and you can even book in for ski lessons at the Deniliquin Boat Club to fine tune your skills.
If you prefer to spend your river time at a slower pace, you’ll find lots of quiet spots in the designated no-ski zones for fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, camping and relaxing.
If you don’t have a boat of your own, no worries. You can hire a pontoon from BIG4 Deniliquin and explore the river at your own pace. Grab the esky and a bunch of friends - it really is the best way to spend a relaxing afternoon on the water. Be sure to stop off at the beautiful McLean Beach and Willoughbys Beach for a dip and frolic along the soft and sandy river banks during your travels.
The Deniliquin region is home to a collection of iconic country towns that form part of The Long Paddock which follows the tracks of the historic Cobb stock route. A road trip along this trail to the pretty villages of Blighty, Booroorban, Conargo, Mayrung, Pretty Pine and Wanganella is a lovely side-step to take in the unique landscape of the surrounding flat plains.
Be sure to drop in on the townsfolk at the Blighty Hotel, Pretty Pine Pub, and the Royal Mail Hotel at Boorooban for a meal or cold ale, to sample a real taste of life in the outback.
The Riverina region’s most famous pub at Conargo, on the Billabong Creek, is a must-visit destination along the trail. The renowned ‘wild west’ pub burnt down in 2014, but has recently been rebuilt.
While exploring the touring route, also take a detour to Wanganella - the birthplace of the hardy Peppin merino sheep breed. The Wanganella General Store is known across the land for its amazing country hospitality and classic pub meals. It’s also a licensed liquor store, so in the evening you can enjoy your favorite drink with dinner in the outdoor garden overlooking the Billabong Creek. If you’ve got your campervan or tent on board, you can also settle in for the night at the Wanganella Creek Camp Park.
A summer getaway to the Deniliquin region is a sure-fire way to fill the fun tank in the best possible way!
Be it for a night, weekend or an extended stay, Deni offers the perfect playground for families, couples, groups and friends seeking a memorable summer holiday that won’t break the bank.
Subscribe to the Visit Deni newsletter, check out the Events calendar, follow along on Facebook or Instagram and come soak up the sun on the Edwards this summer.
