Hume Dam Lookout. Image by Visit Albury Wodonga
Bordering both the New South Wales and Victorian side of the Murray River, the twin cities of Albury Wodonga offer a wealth of culture, eateries and seasonal events alongside an abundance of natural parklands, gardens, and scenic viewpoints that positively expand their beauty each autumn.
Follow along for our top 10 things to do making for the ultimate getaway while visiting Albury Wodonga this season.
If you’re wanting an art and culture fix, find galleries, museums and sculpture walks both in and outdoors.
You’ll be pleased to find that entry to the Murray Art Museum Albury is free for everyone. Wander through their collections that include more than 2,400 pieces, ranging from paintings and sculptures to ceramics, woodcarvings, Aboriginal artefacts and photographs.
Check out their ‘what’s on’ page for a rotation of events and workshops, talks and kids activities, or book a guided tour for a more in-depth experience.
Keeping to the theme of creative spaces, the Hyphen-Wodonga Library Gallery is dedicated to nurturing creativity and connection both within the local community and beyond. Featuring the Artspace Gallery, Playspace Gallery, and Community Gallery alongside full library service, there are plenty of ways to get involved with regular workshops and presentations.
For an outdoor arts fix, lace up your walking shoes, and follow the Yindyamarra Sculpture walk and Crossing Place Trail for a peaceful stroll along the Murray River lined with sculptures crafted by Aboriginal artists that share First Nations’ stories.
Forget spin class, the best way to get your endorphins pumping is with a bike ride along the High Country Rail Trail, with views that will take your breath away faster than the cycle. The trail guides you along 30 kms of Lake Hume’s foreshore and the Kiewa River woodlands. Keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife and animals as you drink in the views around the lake.
If you’re not travelling with your own bikes or you’re after some assisted pedal power, you can hire ebikes for a full or half day with Eating Travel Tours. You can also book a custom guided tour as they take you through all the best parts of Albury Wodonga, or book the Full Day Foodie that will have you meeting producers and feasting on tasty seasonal and locally-grown meals.
For whisky lovers, a visit to Two Fingers Bar is a must, an authentic old-style gentleman's bar in Albury’s CBD where everyone is welcome.
If you prefer your drinks pint size or by the jug, head to Albury Brewhouse. Try any four of their exclusive Brewhouse Ales on a beer paddle and grab a bite to eat from their share plates, large plates or pizzas that pair exceptionally well with a couple of rounds.
For a cold one among the locals, Beer Deluxe Albury is the place to go. Catch a game and cheer on your team near one of their sports screens, or head there on a Monday night for $15 parmis.
Located in the old Wodonga Railway Precinct you’ll find The Goods Shed Craft Beer Cafe, which as its name suggests was originally used as a transport hub to move goods between Melbourne and Sydney. Nowadays you’ll find them supporting local and independent businesses with 16 craft beer taps, an extensive bottle range, a locally-focused wine list, and a tasty menu from share plates to traditional-style pizzas.
Dreaming of being whisked away to Palm Springs with a cocktail in hand? The Astor Hotel Motel Albury may be just what you’re after. Find yourself surrounded by lush greenery, pastel tones, neon signage a line up of cocktails, 28 beer taps across the Main and Garden Bar and a tasty pub menu.
While the autumn weather may be a little too chilly for a refreshing dip in Lake Hume, there are plenty of ways to explore the lake without getting wet that are just as much fun.
Hire a kayak, or SUP if you’re balancing skills are up to the challenge, and navigate the impressive body of water with a paddle in hand. You can hire a canoe to explore at your own leisure from Murray River Canoe Hire or book in for a multi-day guided experience.
If paddling on the water isn’t your thing, snag yourself a table at The Boat Shed Lake Hume and sip cocktails overlooking the water, or enjoy dinner with a view if you time your reservation for sunset.
Event season is ramping up in The Murray and you’ll find an abundance of events happening across Albury Wodonga this autumn.
Camping enthusiasts may want to stop by the Albury Caravan, Camping, Four Wheel Drive, Fish and Boat Show, while car lovers won’t want to miss the biggest annual Chrysler show in the Southern Hemisphere, Chryslers on the Murray, held in March each year.
Head to the iconic Commercial Club Albury Gold Cup Carnival, one of the premier country racing carnivals in Australia, or round up your friends and visit one of the region's music or art festivals, Riverside Vibes, or the Red Hot Summer Tour.
Arm yourself with a tote bag and make your way to the Gateway Village Wodonga where you’ll find the Albury Wodonga Farmers Market held every Saturday from 8 am until midday.
Shopping with the seasons is the best way to take full advantage of fresh and local produce, buying directly from the farmers.
Shop fruit and veggies, baked sourdough bread, preserves, artisan cakes and pies, meat and hand-crafted small goods all sourced from the surrounding region.
The best way to get the lay of the land is to view it from above. Take to the sky with Helifly, for a spectacular helicopter flight over Lake Hume and the Albury Wodonga region.
If you’re looking for a truly special experience book the Winery Flight and take a private flight from Albury to Rutherglen for a delicious winery lunch.
For views that won’t require a launchpad, make your way to Monument Hill or Kurrajong Gap Lookout.
Throw down a rug and grab a basket full of goodies to enjoy a picnic in the glorious autumn weather and golden leaves.
Find 360 views of Lake Hume, the Kiewa Valley, the Alpine Region, Murray River, and the cities below at Huon Hill Parklands. Ideal for picnicking, the parklands have electric barbeques, seating and shelters as well as a variety of walking tracks perfect to explore further.
A sanctuary for bird watchers, Wonga Wetlands makes for a peaceful spot to take a quiet moment out of your day.
Of course, there’s nothing more iconic than enjoying a bite to eat on the banks of the mighty Murray River. Flowing between the twin cities, the Albury – Murray River Precinct provides views of the river, with beautiful parklands lining the banks, perfect for setting down a picnic rug. There’s also a choice of three a playgrounds close by to keep everyone entertained.
For an inner city sanctuary and a picnic among the flowers, take your goodies with you to Albury Botanic Gardens. The gardens officially opened in 1877 with the planting of a single elm tree, now you’ll find over 1,000 species of plant life including a rainforest collection and an enchanting children’s garden including a life-sized dinosaur and a fairy temple.
You’d be right to follow your stomach and enjoy a tasty meal at some of the cafes and restaurants peppered across the two cities.
Covering you from your first coffee of the day to your last cocktail is the BeanStation Café in Wodonga.
For brunch with relaxing views of the Murray River find the award-winning, The River Deck serving up a modern Australian menu using local seasonal ingredients.
Find the Canvas Eatery in the heart of Albury serving brunch in the sun or an evening meal from their garden terrace. Bonus points if you’re heading to the Murray Art Museum Albury, head to the eatery located just outside for a post-art appreciating tipple.
Got dinner on your mind? Enjoy a delicious Asian fusion and Middle Eastern style feed from La Maison Restaurant or enjoy European flavours at Bistro Selle.
Prepare your palate for the bold flavoured menu of Albury’s newest restaurant Yardbird Restaurant and Bar. Discover their tasty dishes inspired by the European tradition of cooking over fire paired with their collection of local and international wines.
Keen anglers or social casters will be keen to lure one of the Murray River region’s specialties from the Murray Cod to the Rainbow Trout, Redfin and Golden Perch.
Luckily, between the Murray River and Lake Hume, you’ll find plenty of places to cast a line.
If you’re eager to reel in a catch of the day from Lake Hume, a Victorian Fishing Licence will cover you.
For the Murray River, however, you’ll need a New South Wales fishing license, which you can easily secure from local stores and service stations in the region or online.
