Welcome to Albury Wodonga

WELCOME TO Albury Wodonga

Twin cities, nestled either side of the Murray River, Albury and Wodonga provide an ideal meeting place or stopover between Melbourne and Sydney.

The twin cities are home to a thriving cultural scene and bustling shopping hub, though they also offer natural delights such as the Botanic Gardens, Wagirra Trail and Wonga Wetlands if you want to get away from it all.

Interspersed with modern architecture, the streetscapes of Albury showcase a stunning array of 18th century and art deco buildings. Just over the Murray, Wodonga echoes the character of its twin with everything within a stone’s throw including great shopping, restaurants, cafés, parks and bike paths.

The population of these cities is estimated at 92,000 people. Albury Wodonga also services the wider regional population of 176,000 people and thus offers all the sought-after conveniences of a metropolitan centre in a contemporary yet relaxed way.

Albury and Wodonga are separated by an expanse of waterways including the Murray and Kiewa Rivers, Wodonga Creek, and various lagoons and floodplains. These waterways and the nearby Lake Hume create a perfect backyard for exploration and adventure. Take your time to unearth locally-grown produce, a thriving arts and cultural scene, sprawling parks and gardens, a cosmopolitan shopping haven and charming historic buildings. There’s plenty to explore, experience and enjoy here.

Food, Wine & Dining Out

LOCALLY MADE PRODUCE

Try Butt’s Gourmet Smokehouse at 417 Tribune Street, Albury, for quality smoked goods. Alternatively, join in the fun at The Community Wood Fired Oven and discover the joys of baking. The ovens are fired up every second Sunday and a coordinator is on hand to assist with baking.

DINING OUT

Albury Wodonga offers a diverse range of eateries for you to enjoy during your stay. Visit one of the many pubs, clubs, restaurants, bars and cafés to experience the region’s gastronomical delights. Check out Junction Place which is home to some great eateries. For more information on dining out, go to visitalburywodonga.com/eat-and-drink

WINE

There are many regions surrounding Albury Wodonga that are renowned for their great wine. If you have the time visit Rutherglen, only 45kms west of the Albury region, which boasts a range of popular wineries. For more information on Rutherglen wineries, visit www.winemakers.com.au

If you’re taking a leisurely drive to Beechworth, be sure to drop in on some of the boutique wineries along the way. For more information on Beechworth wineries, visit www. beechworthwineries.com.au.

King Valley, nestled in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, is home to a number of renowned Italian winemakers and cellar doors. For more information, visit www.winesofthekingvalley.com.au

The Albury Wodonga region received a magnificent culinary gift when Europeans settled here post World War II, which means there’s no shortage of gourmet adventures.

Junction Place

Located at the former historic railway station and rail yards in Wodonga, Junction Place is reinvigorating the city’s culinary and events scene.

Enjoy alfresco dining, great food and delicious coffee at this urban meeting place. Choose from a selection of eateries including Miss Amelie - a chefs hatted restaurant, BeanStation Cafe, Thistle and Fern, Piccolo Pod, Andiamo and Topolino Gelataeria. Kick back and enjoy craft beers at The Goods Shed Craft Beer Café.

Don’t miss the Wodonga Junction Square Farmers Market on the first and third Saturday of every month. Junction Place also plays host to the North East Food and Wine Festival and many other vibrant celebrations.

Junction Place is an up and coming precinct that both locals and visitors can enjoy.

Arts & Culture

PERFORMANCE ART

The Albury Entertainment Centre hosts local, metropolitan and international productions, which include theatre, music, dance and comedy. The border’s resident professional theatre company, HotHouse Theatre at Gateway Village, offers a varied program. The Cube Wodonga located in Wodonga’s CBD also offers a diverse program of music, performance and film.

ART GALLERIES

Arts Space Wodonga houses a permanent collection of historical and cultural significance. This is complemented by an ongoing program of major touring exhibitions. Arts Space Wodonga is located in a state-of-the-art gallery adjacent to the Wodonga Library.

Albury’s MAMA (Murray Arts Museum Albury) is a contemporary art museum that balances international touring exhibitions with deep connections to the surrounding regional area and cultural identity. Along with an emphasis on innovative, self-curated exhibitions, MAMA features a stunning 24-hour ‘art skin’, interactive workshops and immersive cultural experiences. Currently undergoing a redevelopment.

MUSEUMS

Albury’s LibraryMuseum is located in a strikingly modern building. The museum boasts a changing program of touring exhibitions from Australia’s state galleries and museums, as well as a permanent exhibition which translates the history of the region.

The Bonegilla Migrant Experience, located at 82 Bonegilla Road, Bonegilla (12 kms from Wodonga), tells the story of the migrants who left Europe after World War II and were initially housed here.

The Army Museum Bandiana is a must-see for its war relics which include weapons, vehicles and uniforms. The museum is located on Murray Valley Highway in Bandiana and is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. To book, call 6055 2525.

TRAILS

Explore the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk where the stories of local Aboriginal artists and their connection to ‘the River’ are told through the sculptures.

The signposted Albury CBD Historic Building Walking Tour will guide you past significant 19th and 20th century buildings including the Post Office, Court House and Telegraph Office. Download the app to use as you go.

BORELLA MEMORIAL

Located at the Peards Complex in Albury, this memorial was built to commemorate Albury’s only Victoria Cross Recipient, Captain Albert Borella VC. Captain Borella received the Victoria Cross for his fearless actions during World War I while serving with the 26th Battalion around Villers-Bretonneux in 1918. He also served in World War II where he achieved the rank of Captain, and later settled in Albury with his wife Elsie.

Albury Wodonga has a strong community of people committed to arts and culture.

Wodonga Oriental Massage

Relax, Heal & Rejuvenate

The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival

The Upper Murray region is rich with natural beauty and some of the most skilled horse riders in the world. Located at the base of the Snowy Mountains and the head of the Murray River, this region has some of the most challenging terrain and experiences some of the most extreme conditions in the country.

For over 25 years Corryong has celebrated bush culture via Banjo Paterson’s iconic poem “The Man From Snowy River”, a Bush Festival that celebrate the culture and heritage of the high country as well as acknowledging the great horse men and women who have helped shape our country and embody what it truly means to be Australian.

The Snowy River Bush Festival is held from the 8th to the 11th April and has events, competitions and entertainment for everyone. Starting with the flagship event The Man From Snowy River Challenge, featuring the best horsemen and women in the country.

Banjo Patterson’s Poem is brought to life with captivating re-enactments which evoke the imagination and stirs the

emotion to what this festival is all about. The Rodeo features the best in saddle bronc, bull riding and barrel racing with John P Gill and sons providing their best bucking stock to test the skill of the riders.

Other displays include the Historic Machinery display as well as the High Country Ute Muster. Crowds gather to witness the Street Parade which is a taste of the week’s events and a great way to enjoy the wide variety of things to see and do during the festival.

More information and the latest updates can be found on The Man from Snowy River Bush festival web page www.bushfestival.com.au

Leisure & Entertainment

SPORTS AND LEISURE

The Commercial Golf Resort in Albury or the Wodonga Golf Club is the place to pass a languid afternoon. Alternatively, if you’re up for an exhilarating experience, book a flight with Forest Air Helicopters for a bird’s eye view of the region. The company also provides Heli-Link, Heli-Scenic and Heli-Shuttle services to the ski fields. Helify also offers this experience.

Tenpin bowling is available at the Twin City Tenpin Bowl in Sanyo Drive, Wodonga. Otherwise there’s a range of movies available at Albury’s nine Regent Cinemas including a Gold Class experience. For movies and session times visit www.regentcinemas.com.au

Bring the family in for some seriously good fun at Zone Laser Tag Albury. The custom made arena ensures obstacles are strategically placed for an exciting game that will get your pulse racing. The centre also has mini golf available.

CLUBS AND PUBS

Albury Wodonga is known for its friendly clubs and pubs. Many of the venues support live music, and several nightclubs along Albury’s Dean Street are open into the early hours.

PAMPERING EXPERIENCES

There is nothing quite like switching off from the frenetic pace of life. To cap off the perfect holiday, be sure to drop into Endota Spa for a rejuvenating spa and body treatment or Wodonga Oriental Massage to relax, heal and rejuvenate.

FUN & ENTERTAINMENT

For a cultural experience, check out the Albury Entertainment Centre (6043 5610) or the HotHouse Theatre (6021 7433).

If you're driving on to Canberra, be sure to drop into Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre. With more than 200 exhibits, there's something here for everyone! Admission fees apply.

If you’re looking for leisure and entertainment, Albury Wodonga has a host of great options for you.

Regional Area

YOUR JOURNEY STARTS WITH US.

Hertz Albury & Wodonga has all of your holiday needs covered.

We have two convenient locations: Albury Downtown & Airport (4 Airport Dr, East Albury NSW) Wodonga Downtown (5 Melrose Drive, Wodonga VIC)

To make your bookings call 02 6021 6166 (Albury) 02 6056 4511 (Wodonga) or visit hertz.com.au

We’re here to get you there.

Yackandandah

Located less than 30 minutes from Albury Wodonga, Yackandandah is a great place to stop, stretch your legs and check out the shops along the main street.

If you’re feeling up to a walk try the The Gorge Scenic Walk, which is a 5km walk boasting waterfalls and rugged hinterland. Revel in the region’s gold mining history underground via the Karrs Reef Mine Tour.

On the way back to Albury Wodonga, stop in at Schmidt’s Strawberry Winery on Osbornes Flat Road, Allans Flat. Farmed from fresh strawberries, this winery specialises in semi-sweet, sweet and dry strawberry wines as well as strawberry liqueur. The winery is open daily except for Christmas and Boxing Days.

For more information on Yackandandah, contact the Yackandandah Visitor Information Centre on 02 6027 1988.

Beechworth

Located just 39kms from Albury Wodonga, Beechworth is home to the famous Beechworth Bakery. Be sure to stop in for some lunch, afternoon tea or to pick up some baked goods. For a list of other great eateries, drop into the visitor information centre located in the historic Town Hall and pick up a ‘Dining in Beechworth’ brochure.

The Beechworth region produces some premium wines. Taste a signature chardonnay at Indigo Vineyard located along the Beechworth Wangaratta Road, among many other cellar doors in the region. Beechworth is also home to its very own microbrewery.

Take a free honey tour and learn more about this wonderful natural product at Beechworth Honey. Located at 31 Ford Street, Beechworth Honey is open 9am to 5.30pm daily.

For a ghoulish adventure, embark on an Asylum Ghost Tour around the former Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum. For history buffs, The Robert O’Hara Burke Memorial Museum in Loch Street allows you to discover the rich mining history that underpins this historical township.

For more information on Beechworth, call the visitor information centre on 1300 366 321.

With the Stanley State Forest as a backdrop, Yackandandah is a quaint and picturesque township well worth visiting.

Surrounded by lush valleys, Beechworth is rich in both beauty and history.

The Best of Nature

ALBURY BOTANIC GARDENS

Albury's Botanic Gardens have been established for over 130 years and are well worth a visit to admire the historical and horticultural beauty of the gardens. There is an enchanting children's garden and play space with a wonderful array of items for children to discover including the life-sized dinosaur with interactive speaking tubes, the living cubbies, a fairy temple, wetland and creek line, and the troll cave as well as trails to explore.

ALBURY WODONGA’S PATHWAYS

Albury Wodonga has more than 120kms of interconnected bike and walking paths. Picturesque parks, including Belvoir Park, are dotted throughout the community and provide an ideal spot to picnic. The High Country Rail Trail stretches from Wodonga to Tallangatta. A bridge over the Sandy Creek Inlet at Lake Hume provides users with spectacular views of Lake Hume.

ALPINE NATIONAL PARK

Further afield, there’s more to explore including the mountain ranges of the Alpine National Park offering the opportunity to ski during winter and take scenic walks in spring through meadows of wildflowers. Falls Creek, a popular ski resort, is situated 165kms from Albury Wodonga. Simply follow the signs to Mt Beauty, the gateway village to Falls Creek. Enquire at Paul’s Ski Shop or Wayne Ritchie’s Skiers Edge for ski gear.

LAKE HUME – HUME DAM

Lake Hume, situated just 16kms from Albury, is a popular tourist destination with things to see and do all year round including boating, jet skiing, water skiing, canoeing, fishing, sightseeing and many more recreational activities.

Visit the striking structure and key landmark of Albury Wodonga, the Hume Dam.

Fishing is a very popular recreational activity at Lake Hume. Golden perch, Murray cod, rainbow trout, brown trout, redfin and carp can be found in the lake. If you are keen to fish, you must have a current Victorian fishing licence.

MURRAY RIVER PRECINCT

The mighty Murray River floats between the twin cities of Albury Wodonga and is a unique natural playground that’s enjoyed year round.

At Noreuil Park you’ll find places for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, bike riding and just relaxing.

Unwind with a leisurely stroll, run or bike ride along the Wagirra Trail which follows the Murray River for over six kilometres. The path features a series of sculptural works as well as informative signs that highlight the history of the Wiradjuri people and their connection with the Murray River.

Other Murray River Precinct highlights include Oddie's Creek Park, Hovell Tree Park and the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk.

NAIL CAN HILL RESERVE

Nail Can Hill Reserve can unearth some of the region’s most precious wildflowers and orchids. Alternatively, ride your bike along its mountain bike tracks.

WONGA

WETLANDS

Downstream on the Murray River floodplains, you’ll find Wonga Wetlands. A stroll along the walking tracks of this tranquil and picturesque river setting is a must for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.

Immerse yourself in nature as you roam the region’s magnificent natural landscapes.

Calendar of Events

JANUARY

• Australia Day Float

• Margaret Court Cup Tennis

• Victorian Junior Grass Court Championships

• Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup

• NSW Country Week Tennis

FEBRUARY

• City2City Fun Run

• Lake Hume Cycle Challenge

MARCH

• Commercial Club Albury Gold Cup

• Chryslers on the Murray

• Harmony Day

• North East Food and Wine Festival

• Fishy Fun Run

• Upstream: Festival of Art & Culture

APRIL

• The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival

MAY

• Mother’s Day Classic

• Nail Can Hill Run

JUNE

• Holbrook Route 66 Festival

• Mighty Morry Muster

• Holbrook Sheep and Wool Fair

AUGUST

• Fed Hill Challenge

• Border Caravan and Camping Expo

SEPTEMBER

• Write Around the Murray

OCTOBER

• Wodonga Children’s Fair

• Border Bike Fest

• Gardenesque

• Caulfield Cup at Wodonga

• Albury Wodonga Dragon Boats Brave Heart Regatta

NOVEMBER

• Albury Flower & Garden Show

• Murray Masters Pro Am

• NSW Men’s Senior Open Golf Championship

• Wodonga Gold Cup

• Border Showjumping Spectacular

• Great Australian Beer Festival

DECEMBER

• Carols by Candlelight

For the most up to date Calendar of Events and dates, visit www.visitalburywodonga.com

REGIONAL Markets

ALBURY WODONGA FARMERS MARKET

Occurs every Saturday 8am - 12pm. The market alternates between Gateway Village Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga, and Hovell Tree Reserve, Albury.

ALBURY WODONGA COMMUNITY MARKET

Occurs every Sunday 8.30am - 12.30pm at Kiewa Street carpark, Albury.

JUNCTION SQUARE FARMERS MARKET

Occurs the first and third Saturday of every month at Junction Place, Wodonga.

HOLBROOK FARMERS MARKET

Occurs the fourth Saturday of every month at the parkland near B11 Submarine in Holbrook.

BEECHWORTH FARMER’S MARKET

Occurs the first Saturday of every month 8am - 12pm in Beechworth.

MYRTLEFORD FARMERS MARKET

Occurs on the fourth Saturday of every month 8am12.30pm at the Piazza in the heart of Myrtleford.

ESSENTIAL Services

WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS

Albury Visitor Information Centre

The Cube Wodonga

Albury LibraryMuseum

Albury Airport

WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS

Mainly located on Dean Street and within shopping centres in Albury.

Mainly located on High Street in Wodonga.

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The information contained in this publication is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, John Batman Group disclaims any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising material appearing in this publication is supplied by the operator or service provider and John Batman Group is not responsible for the accuracy of advertising content.

This guest services room publication is compiled and produced by John Batman Group, publishers of specialist room directories and magazines.

John Batman Group and Just Brilliant Guides are trademarks of Frankie119 Pty Ltd.

Compiled with the assistance of Albury Visitor Information Centre.

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