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8 makers and creators of the Murray River region

Fossey's Distillery, Mildura. Image credit: Murray Regional Tourism

30 Jun 2021 by Rochelle Vaisanen

8 Makers and Creators of the Murray River Region

With Australia’s longest river system running through The Murray region, it’s no surprise this corner of the country is regarded as one of Australia’s prominent food bowls, with everything from citrus to avocados thriving on the fertile lands.

From growers to makers and creators, our region offers the chance to go behind-the-scenes, learning how produce is grown or created with farm or distillery tours.

Next time you’re visiting the Murray River region pack your appetite and stop by one of our local farms, distilleries or provedores.

Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with this guide.

1. Rich Glen Olives

Whether you love eating olives whole or prefer them cold pressed into oil, visit Rich Glen Olives Estate, seven kilometres’ drive west of Yarrawonga.

Operating for five generations, Rich Glen produces 150 extra virgin olive oil based food and skin-care products from their local Murray River region farm.

Go behind-the-scenes with a farm tour or book a farm experience (by appointment) to learn more about how their products are made.

If you don’t have time to visit the farm, stock up on their olive oils, sauces or salad dressings (to name a few) from RG Provedore on the main street of Yarrawonga.

2. Barham Avocados

Forget ordering a side of avocado with your breakfast, brunch or lunch, and head straight to the source, Barham Avocados, to pick your own Hass, Bacon, Fuerte or Reed varieties.

While you’ll need to pre-arrange your visit, the owners invite you to pick and taste the seasonal varieties straight from their orchard.

Impress your friends with your avocado knowledge, from smooth-skinned to slender-necked varieties.

3. Bundarra Berkshires Free-Range Pork

Located in Barham on the edge of Koondrook State Forest and the Murray River, Bundarra Berkshires was established in 2010 by owners Lachlan and Lauren who had a desire to produce the highest quality ethically-raised free-range pork.

Stop by the Bundarra Farm to meet and feed the pigs with a Farm Tour (by appointment) or book a Tour and Tasting to taste a range of charcuterie matched with wine.

For locally grown pork cuts and packaged products to take home with you, visit their onsite deli – Little Pork Deli.

4. Miss Amelie Gourmet

What do you get when a chef hatted restaurant opens a gourmet grocer? Miss Amelie Gourmet.

Located in Wodonga, this gourmet grocer stocks world-class produce as well as their restaurant-quality re-heatable meals – perfect for when stocking up for snacks and meals for your holiday home.

If your travel plans allow for a special meal out, book a table at Miss Amelie to experience their passion for local produce with a modern European twist.

5. Boo’s Place Café and Provedore

Stock up on local produce while enjoying breakfast, brunch or lunch at Boo’s Place Café and Provedore.

This local Swan Hill café not only offers an ever-changing paddock-to-plate menu but its shelves are stocked with goodies from local artisans and growers, such as Murray River Salt and Jamie’s fine dressings and spice rubs made in Lake Boga.

6. Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Factory

Calling all Willy Wonka and whisky fans, the destination of your dreams exists in Corowa.

Regardless of the type of treat you prefer, you’ll want to add a stop at Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Factory to your itinerary.

Located in Corowa, you’ll find a distillery, shop and café in the 1920s renovated flour mill, with both whisky tours and chocolate tasting available to take your senses to the next level.

7. Fossey’s Ginporium and Distillery

Love gin? So does The Murray.

Put Mildura on your to-travel list and set your GPS to Fossey’s Ginporium and Distillery.

To see the master distiller in action, plan your visit for Thursday to see Stanley the Still come to life with a live demonstration.

Taste their range of gin and whisky with a tasting paddle or try one of their specialty cocktails using their range of spirits – from a Dessert Lime Gin Martini to Pepperberry Pleasure.

8. Echuca Distillery

Not all distillers follow the same career path, and for owners of Echuca Distillery, theirs involved 20 years of operating a flavour and fragrance manufacturing company before turning to a different type of bottled delicacy.

Using their knowledge of working with perfumes and essential oils and learning the distilling craft, they’ve created a range of 100 per cent pure spirits with natural botanicals from their bespoke copper pot still.

Stop by their local High Street distillery overlooking the historic Port of Echuca and sample their range of spirits – from Hibiscus Rose Gin to Australian Pepperberry infused vodka.

Want more?

If you want to experience a bit of everything – from fruit picking to whisky tasting then follow the 183km Murray Farm Gate Trail from Corowa through Cobram.

While you may only need three hours on the bitumen to cover the distance of the trail, you’ll want to allow additional time to spend at each stop along the way.

The trail includes family-friendly experiences, with stops at The Big Strawberry and Cactus Country.

Note: Experiences available at our local makers and creators may be affected by current COVID-19 restrictions. We recommend contacting ahead of your visit to speak with them.