As the blistering heat of summer begins to subside into crisp mornings and milder days, Swan Hill truly comes to life and invites you to immerse yourself in all its wonders. With the beginning of autumn and Easter break on the horizon, Swan Hill welcomes adventure seekers and those in need of some seriously starry nights and some not so serious fun in the perfect autumn sun.
Swan Hill is a campers’ paradise and as the summer crowds disperse, the region offers abundant options for those seeking to unwind in nature and clock some time along the banks of the Murray, around the campfire and under the stars. Whether seeking some solitude in nature or the best of both worlds, a plethora of options await, allowing visitors to tailor their perfect camping experience.
Pitch your tent along the grassy shoreline of Lake Boga and wake up with the sun glistening across the still lake to begin a day of water based activities. Spanning 3km across, the lake is an absolute haven for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and of course water skiing.
Or if staying dry seems more appealing, bike or walk the gravel track circling the lake where you’ll spot a variety of native birds and wildlife. The south-west corner of the lake is a hive of activity where the caravan park, boat ramps, lakeside cafe and the best shady picnic spots to sit and take it all in, are to be found. The nearby Lake Boga Story Wall highlights the rich and diverse history of the region through a glass mosaic large-scale artwork by artist Zhou Xiaoping, and the recently painted Lake Boga Silo Art also showcases the town’s history and the famed beauty of its vivid sunsets. A must-see stop for World War II enthusiasts, and giving more scope to the history depicted on the silos, is the Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum, which houses a rebuilt A24-30 Catalina, communications bunker and artefacts showcasing the area’s pivotal involvement in the war.
For those with motorhomes or caravans, Nyah Recreation Reserve offers a pretty, idyllic setting to park your home-on-wheels and bask in the beauty of autumn. With cooler nights, still-warm afternoons and a site nestled amidst iconically picturesque and unspoiled landscapes, Nyah provides an ideal base for exploring the surrounding bush. While the reserve may lack modern luxuries, this is exactly the point, as here simplicity reigns, giving you a chance to unwind and reconnect with only the gentle breeze off the Murray and the abundant bird life as your sole creature comforts.
For the more adventurous and those who prefer tent camping off-the-beaten track, the Nyah-Vinifera Park calls, with its rugged beauty and relatively untouched landscape. Explore the 1000 hectare bushland that includes 7kms of pristine river frontage and lose yourself among the ancient red gums, the many billabongs and lagoons. Whether casting a line into the river’s depths or simply seeking the deep quiet of ‘going bush’, Nyah-Vinifera Park offers the perfect escape for those in need of some nature and an easy getaway from everyday life.
Some incredibly exciting events also appear on the autumn calendar for the region. The Swan Hill Region Food and Wine Festival is happening again over the March long weekend. This year, iconic Aussie rockers, Spiderbait headline, fusing together the finest local produce and the famed local backdrop, The Pioneer Settlement, promising a fabulous weekend for the whole family.
The popular Sunday Produce and Design Market is also on again during the Food and Wine Festival and gives visitors an opportunity to stock up on the freshest produce from the heart of Australia’s food bowl.
For watersport enthusiasts, the Robinvale Euston 80 ski race zooms along the Murray just north of Swan Hill on the weekend of March 11. Or if aeroplanes and cars are your engines of choice, the Splash Down, Rev Up event at Lake Boga features aerobatic displays and car exhibitions, ensuring fun for all ages.
If engines aren’t your thing at all, the Easter Regatta
is one of the biggest inland yacht regattas in Australia, and one of the longest running, regularly welcoming around 250 competing yachts. And the much loved, Easter Market Day
will be held Easter weekend in the heart of the CBD.
Swan Hill promises an autumn getaway of relaxation and exploration and invites you to create some wonderful memories amidst its vibrant offerings and jam-packed calendar of events.
