How to spend an afternoon in 5 Murray River towns, according to the locals

There's a whole lot of satisfaction in finding something good in a town where you didn't expect it. Like the café you walked into on a whim or the riverside path that turned out to have the best view in town.

The problem is you usually find out about these things ten minutes before you planned to leave.

We asked locals across five Murray River towns — Mildura, Swan Hill, Echuca Moama, Yarrawonga Mulwala and Albury Wodonga — what they'd actually do with an afternoon. Here's what they said.

Mildura sits in the northwest corner of Victoria, not too far from where the Murray meets the Darling-Baaka.

First of all, you’ll want a coffee and there’s no shortage in Mildura when it comes to your morning (or afternoon) brew. B2M, Steampunk and Brother Chris are all worth knowing about. Nash Lane has been such a hit, they’ve opened not one, not two but three cafes in town.

Once you’ve got your cup of choice in hand, you’ll be able to appreciate the murals spread around the CBD from postcard-inspired pieces to graphic art and local birdlife.

Next, grab takeaway from Pizza Café at the Grand on Langtree Avenue (go with Nonna's Favourite if you're undecided). Head to the corner of Seventh Street, cross the road and follow the stairs or ramp down to the river. Find a spot and settle in.

From there, head downstream (left) along the water to Shippy's, a café at the Powerhouse precinct. You’ll find good coffee, smoothies and toasties (if there’s any room left after pizza), plus quick service. If you've got kids threatening to combust, Jaycee Park playground is a short walk further along the riverfront.

Keep going and you'll hit Lock 11, a working river lock where the Murray’s water level drops around four metres and houseboats, paddle steamers and river craft of every size queue to make the change. Cross over to Lock Island and wander around if you've got the time.

If you'd rather peel away from the river, Mildura Arts Centre is close by and free. The ever-changing exhibitions are worth a look, as is Rio Vista Historic House. It was once home to the Chaffey family, who started Australia’s first irrigation scheme right here on the Murray River. Head up the main staircase and don’t miss a look at the stained glass window, it’s a favourite among locals and visitors.

One of several towns worth stopping in between Mildura and Echuca Moama, Swan Hill is also one most people wish they'd had more time in.

Pioneer Settlement has its own half-day (or more) agenda if you let it, but even a short stop pays off. Find the old printing press, put your name on a wanted poster, part with a few bucks and leave with something way more fun than a regular souvenir.

Niko Niko handles lunch, and the bento box and bibimbap are the picks. And the takeaway sushi cabinet is worth a scan if you need something super quick to hit the road again.

Shop like a local at The Rustic Ivy for florals and a selection of gorgeous knick-knacks. Clarks will be a firm favourite among anyone you ask when it comes to clothing and homewares, while My2Girls is Swan Hill’s answer to Peter Alexander with pyjamas, lingerie and self-care moments.

If you’re still hungry, Spoons Riverside is the place. Ask for the balcony table right in the middle and you’ll have the river directly below and the PS Pyap right alongside depending on the day. Order the maple bacon pancakes and thank us later. We know people who’d drive hours for these.

If you have the time to stay the night, you won’t be sorry about grabbing tickets to the Heartbeat of the Murray light and sound show back at Pioneer Settlement.

The Port precinct is where most people end up in Echuca Moama, and for good reason. The paddlesteamers alone are worth the stop, but there’s also even more to see than a quick look around the wharf.

Watson St Pavilion sits above the river with the steamers in view. Order a coffee and, if you've got kids or a sweet tooth, order a strawberry milkshake too, as the proceeds go to cancer charities in honour of the owners’ late daughter.

From there, the afternoon has options. The Port Ice Creamery is a short walk away and their New York Chunk Choc and Rock Salt Caramel are the flavours to go for (though you can’t really go wrong). Rich Glen is worth a browse for the body scrub, body oil and salad dressings, and I Want I Need handles the sleepwear if you're in the market.

If you've got a spare hour, the Port of Echuca Museum and Wharf runs a guided tour with one of the more considered tellings of the Murray's past you'll find along the river.

Sticking around long enough for dinner? Head to Embr for wood-fired pizza and pasta or Two Lads Brewery if you want a beer and a burger to end the day.

Yarrawonga sits on the Victorian side of Lake Mulwala, Mulwala on the New South Wales side, with a bridge in between. We consider them one, and strongly suggest you do the same.

Start at Hardluck Coffee Co. Owners Jarrod and Tammie have Allpress coffee alongside a rotating menu of seasonal specials. The house-made ricotta gnocchi with creamy mushroom ragù is the current pick if you're there for more than coffee.

The foreshore is a couple of blocks' walk from Hardluck. Follow the path along the water out towards the Yarrawonga Yacht Club, even better if you’ve brought your bike along. If you’ve got kids in tow, head over to Purtle Park Adventure Playground on the NSW side of the lake.

Belmore Street is ready for you to hit the shops, with Rich Glen’s Provedore and Skin and Beauty among the boutiques. Pick up the limited release Early Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil and pair it with one of their dipping dishes for a truly memorable (and delicious, and useful) souvenir.

If you find yourself in town come Thursday evening, Jaycee's converts from daytime cafe to cocktail bar. Owner Adele runs a $22 pasta menu on Thursdays, and the vodka sauce rigatoni with whipped ricotta is the one to order. Follow it with one of Jaycee's signature cocktails and you've found your reason to stay, just in case you weren’t already a convert.

Albury Wodonga is technically two towns sitting on either side of the border along the Hume Highway. The Lincoln Causeway is smack bang in between the two, with Gateway Village for exploring, or kick back for a break and grab “a beer with no name” (so good, it apparently speaks for itself) at Murray Towns Brewing Co.

Umami at Junction Place in Wodonga is worth planning around. Owner Novita runs ramen evenings on Thursdays and Fridays that sell out. We hear it’s the best ramen on the Murray. Topolino is a perfect follow-up if you’re into things like locally made gelato (and if you’re not, why wouldn’t you be?).

If you're after something with a bit more ceremony, over the river in Albury, Sen Vietnamese does flaming scallops, which is more an experience than a menu item and highly recommended.

For more culture, visit the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk. Park at Kremur Street where you're right on the river. You don't need to do the whole thing either; a short stretch is worth it and you can always come back again to do the full 5.3 kilometres.

Families should forget everything and go straight to Belvoir Park. There's a zipline, a ninja course, a liberty swing and a walk around the lake where plenty of birdlife tends to show up.

Where to next?

An afternoon in any of these towns will give you something to come back for. And across The Murray, there are plenty more towns worth the same attention. Browse the full length of the river (and beyond) and go from there.