Pack up the kids and head out on a three-day weekend to Deni. Have a fun-filled family adventure before returning to the working week.
Friday
Hit the road and head for Deni. If you’re coming from Melbourne or Ballarat it’ll be around 3.5 hours (assuming no big hold ups on the Ring Road!). From Wagga it’s under three hours.
Accommodation: You pick, from hotels and motels to resorts and camping.
Dinner: If you haven’t stopped along the way, keep it simple and grab a perfect pub meal from any of our locals.
Saturday
Morning: Start the day with coffee and a superfood smoothie bowl at Nourish Sushi & Juice Bar or something tempting from one of Deni’s bakeries and cafes.
Exploring town by bike is fun and easy! Borrow bikes for free at the Visitor Information Centre then head to McLean Beach (you can also hire bikes at the Holiday Park there) then ride along the 'Beach to Beach' bike trail that follows the river through town into the Murray Valley Regional Park (2.6km).
Visit the Information Centre along the way, where you can visit the Peppin Heritage Centre, which tells the history of the Peppin Merino, houses an original school room, the Wanganella Gaol, and so much more.
Then follow the Town Walk map to the Island Sanctuary, a natural bushland island that boasts unique native flora and fauna, including kangaroos and over 100 varieties of birdlife. Also in the sanctuary is the burial site of 'Old Jack', who suffered at the hands of the notorious Melville gang of bushrangers when they paid Deni an unwelcome visit in 1851.
Continue further on your choice of cycle trails through the forest and along the river, surrounded by birdlife and native wildlife in their natural habitat.
Afternoon: Back in town, linger over a long lunch in the shade of the broad umbrellas and trees at The Crossing Café on the banks of the river – where there’s a big lawn for the kids to play barefoot.
With so much activity in the morning, a quiet afternoon at McLean Beach is ideal. Build sandcastles, play in the water, read a book and simply enjoy life.
Evening: Get cleaned up and head into town for dinner. After a big lunch, maybe try something lighter at a pub, club or one of the casual local restaurants.
Sunday
Morning: Well, you didn’t come all this way not to get out on the water! If you don’t own your own craft, you can always hire: there’s houseboats, canoes, kayaks and pontoon boats.
Downstream of McLean Beach is a fantastic playground for motorised craft while upstream is perfect for being active with quieter rides like canoes and kayaks as the river meanders through magnificent red gum forest abundant with native wildlife. This is what family memories are made of!
Grab a quick café breakfast in town while you pick up supplies for a picnic or BBQ lunch on the one of the many river beaches.
Afternoon: With a comfortably full belly after lunch, there’s no better next choice than to chill out on one of the many sunny days in Deniliquin by floating gently downriver in an inner tube from beach to beach. A favourite launching spot is Willoughby’s Beach and an hour or so later you’ll arrive at McLean Beach. Drift slowly along with the current, relax, and just take in the beautiful scenery. If you didn't bring an inner tube, just call into the store at the Visitor Information Centre and pick one up.
Evening: If the weather’s good – and it usually is – grab a picnic spot for an early barbecue. Enjoy each other’s company in the glorious open air at McFaull Park or any other public barbecue and picnic area; there might even be facilities where you’re staying. Relax your way through another perfect Deniliquin evening. This is the life!
Monday
Morning: For something different, take an indigenous tour with Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre staff who will show you the native flora and fauna as well as trees of historical importance to the local Wamba Wamba and Perrapa Perrapa people.
If your kids get excited by farm animals, another option is the Long Table Café. Aside from great coffee and food, it’s also a working farm with chooks, pigs and goats.
Afternoon: Pack your bags, enjoy a light lunch at a cafe in town, and hit the road for home – refreshed and recharged.
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