Welcome to Swan Hill

SWAN HILL

WELCOME TO

Swan Hill

The Swan Hill region boasts a strong culture, wonderful food, a vibrant community and, of course, a bounty of local produce. Everything you need is here, surrounded by one of the country’s most beautiful natural assets - the Murray River.

Once upon a time, the Murray River was Australia’s most important river highway. Even today it's a crucial link in the irrigation system that enables farmers to overcome the vagaries of weather.

There is a special magic about rivers, and the Murray is one of the most magical of all. From its source in the Snowy Mountains to its meeting with the sea at Encounter Bay, it travels more than 2,756 kms. It is the third largest navigable river in the world, and the Swan Hill region is home to the most unspoilt natural section of it all.

The Murray River provides an array of fresh fish, including the famed Murray cod (in season). You can experience this magical environment through a leisurely stroll along the Swan Hill River Walk or drive through the river forests.

The Swan Hill region is the centre of Australia’s fresh stonefruit industry where each season bares a different variety of fruit. Throughout the region, specialist growers contribute to the generous supply of local produce.

You can also experience the beautiful surrounds at the award winning Murray Downs golf course or explore nature’s remarkable features in one of the many reserves and parks in the region. Alternatively, enjoy a Murray River cruise or a houseboat holiday, a historic paddleboat trip or discover the fantastic festivals, events, arts and many other unique family attractions the area has to offer.

Whatever the season, when you begin your exploration of the Swan Hill region you’ll find yourself in a very special part of the world.

Aerial view of the Murray River at Swan Hil

Things to See & Do

SWAN HILL REGIONAL ART GALLERY

Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery is well recognised as having one of Australia's most comprehensive collections of naive art. Along with a growing collection of Australian works on paper, prints and drawings, the Gallery presents an exciting program of touring exhibitions and events throughout the year. Open Tues - Fri 10am-5pm, Sat & Sun 10am-4pm. Gold coin entry by donation.

PIONEER SETTLEMENT & HEARTBEAT OF THE MURRAY

Visitors can experience the contrast between an old world early Australian village and modern technology at the ‘Heartbeat of the Murray’ show.

Heartbeat of the Murray in the Pioneer Settlement is a world class laser show that is presented against a back drop of river and red gum forest depicting the story of the Murray River. The show canvasses the history of the Murray, from prehistoric times to the pioneering days, in spectacular fashion with a nine metre water screen setting. Using water light, laser, sound, special effects and multi-media components, visitors are transported back 30 million years before travelling forward through time to the Murray River as we know it today. (First Prize winner in the International Laser Design Association multi-media show category). Heartbeat of the Murray is one experience not to be missed.

While you are there, be sure to book a river cruise on the PS Pyap, taking in the natural beauty and sounds of the Murray.

Open 7 Days per week 9.30am-4.30pm.

LAKE BOGA FLYING BOAT MUSEUM

Located 14kms south of Swan Hill, in Lake Boga you will find Lake Boga's Flying Boat Museum. Hidden under the canopy of a modern hangar, you will discover what the imperial enemy couldn’t find, the secret No.1 Flying Boat Repair Depot in Australia, used during the Second World War.

Lake Boga was the No.1 repair base for the Catalina where Australian, Dutch and American planes and five other flying boats (Sunderland, Dornier, Martin Mariner, Walruses and Kingfishers) were repaired during World War II.

The base operated from 1942 through to 1945 with 1,000 personnel stationed at Lake Boga. It was decommissioned in 1946/47, and subsequently anyone could purchase a Catalina Flyaway for between 100 to 1,000 pounds.

A couple of members of the Lake Boga Lions Club set in motion the idea to commemorate the war effort at Lake Boga with the creation of a Flying Boat Museum. With many hands on deck, the project was hard earned taking ten years to dismantle a Catalina and relocate it to its current site.

Under the guidance and dedication of the Lake Boga Lions Club, this remarkable museum takes us back to the 1940s, where Catalina’s were more common on the lake than speed boats are today.

Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery

Pioneer Settlement

Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum

MURRAY DOWNS GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

Visiting the region without experiencing the award winning Murray Downs Golf and Country Club is like going to Sydney without seeing the harbour bridge.

For those whose handicap is greater than their age, the experience of walking through the charming, perfectly groomed fairways and stunning signature holes will make up for all those miss-hits, lost balls and cries of ‘fore!’.

For the more serious golfer, once you have carded the 18 holes, your competitive nature will be crying out for more … you may need to hire a cart and bring along the family, just so everyone can enjoy the experience.

RIVERSIDE PARK

The hidden riverside gem is one place not to be missed on a visit to Swan Hill. Luscious green lawns aplenty and playgrounds to suit all ages. Riverside Park is the perfect place to pull up and relax after a busy afternoon exploring the region. Relax on the ten steps or grab lunch at one of the town's many eateries and take in the breathtaking scenery.

If you want to enjoy nature and keep fit, enjoy the outdoor gym facility or experience the adventure of the popular 4.5 kilometre River Walk along the Murray and Little Murray Rivers. It can be followed from start in Milloo Street, Wetlands to Pental Island Bridge or accessed at any point. Look out for signs and learn about the fish, flora, fauna and pioneer history of this vibrant river port.

ACTIVE THINGS TO DO

With more sunny days than Queensland, take a local Yoga class on the riverbank, or hit up one of the many walking and cycling trails along the riverfront or lakeside, our trails range from 5km up to 100km. Visit Lake Boga, just 15 minutes south of Swan Hill, this well-loved holiday camping spot is the perfect base for aquatic fun including swimming, fishing, waterskiing and boating.

PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS

With over 20 playgrounds in the region, the kids will have plenty to explore. From the adventure playground and skate park at Riverside to the Boundary Bend memorial park and many in between. The Swan Hill region’s offering of parks and gardens will keep the walkers and picnic fans happy too! Pop into the Swan Hill Region Information Centre for more information and top picks.

SHOP LOCAL

The Swan Hill region has a bustling cafe and shopping scene, with local produce available in cafes and restaurants, to local boutiques stocking local creators and popular brands. Shopping local has never been more important, we encourage you to explore our regional cafe and retail scene. Campbell Street is our main shopping street along with MaCallum and Beveridge Street.

Note: Swan Hill is home to some 1300 businesses. Which means 117 out of every 1000 residents is a business ownerwell above the Australian average of 92. We also have a high proportion of female business owners.

WALL ART MURALS

Nyah West Kookaburra, Manangatang Outdoor Pool, Alleyway Art (Campbell Street), Bendigo Bank (McCrae Street).

Murray Downs Golf Course, Credit: Visit Swan Hill

Riverside Park

Lake Boga cycling

Pioneer Settlement

A visit to Swan Hill wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Pioneer Settlement. Take a trip back in time as you meander through the settlement which showcases over 50 recreated and original buildings filled with antiques and historical artefacts. Experience firsthand what it was like for those living in the 1800s at this unique attraction.

There’s so much to see and do at Pioneer Settlement. Amble along in a horse-drawn carriage, enjoy a vintage car ride, relax while you take a river cruise aboard the PS Pyap, the choice is entirely yours. End your day with the laser, fire and water spectacular - Heartbeat of the Murray, the world class laser show depicting the story of the Murray River.

Pioneer Settlement is open daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. For more information on Pioneer Settlement including entry costs, be sure to visit www.pioneersettlement.com.au

Swan Hill boasts a rich heritage of pioneer settlement extending back to the 1800s. The iconic attraction, Pioneer Settlement, pays tribute to this bygone era.

Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement

Grocery store at Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement

Regional Trails

Take a stroll along the 4.5km river walk running alongside the Murray River. For visitors who like history, be sure to embark on the ‘Now and Then’ historical walk which meanders through the Swan Hill streetscapes highlighting several old buildings. The walk is designed to start at the Swan Hill Railway Station and finish at Peachy’s Bar (the old Royal Hotel). The Nyah Vinifera Park also offers bushwalking trails along the Murray River as well as within the forest itself.

The Swan Hill region offers many self-drive tours which provide visitors with a great overview of this lovely area. Try any of the following touring trails: the Swan Hill River Precinct, Lake Boga, Woorinen Region, Nyah/ Nyah West and Robinvale Region.

For walking and touring trail guides, drop into the Swan Hill Region Information Centre at the corner of McCrae and Curlewis Streets.

Produce

With its rich soils, Mediterranean climate and abundant Murray River water supply, the area is suitable for growing and processing a diverse range of quality products. Currently more than 60 different agricultural and horticultural products are grown in the region. The principal production activities include fresh table grapes, stone fruit (nectarines, peaches and plums), wine grapes, dried vine fruits, vegetables (carrots and potatoes), almonds, cereals, legumes, lucerne, sheep, beef, dairying and dry land farming.

The region’s horticulture industry has expanded rapidly over the last few years, attracting new plantings from existing growers and large-scale investors. Horticulture is currently

the largest sector, driving the creation of many skilled and semi-skilled jobs on farms, in modern export packing establishments and in allied services.

Many fine shops, cafés, restaurants and hotels provide visitors with the opportunity to sample the distinctive flavours of this region by combining local produce with regional wines.

The wines produced in the Swan Hill region capture the earthy characteristics and relaxed ambience of one of Australia’s leading developing wine regions. Crisp whites and full-bodied reds are particular to the area. For more information on wineries in the region, please visit www.visitswanhill.com.au or drop into the Swan Hill Region Information Centre.

Riverside Park, Credit: Visit Swan Hill

Couple visit roadside stall at Swan Hill

The Swan Hill region has a thriving agricultural and horticultural community which supplies quality fresh produce to millions of Australians and overseas consumers.

The Swan Hill region has a range of walking and touring trails for visitors keen to explore this picturesque region.

Sport & Leisure

Swan Hill offers sporting and leisure activities to suit all tastes and ages.

The beautiful golf greens and fairways in Swan Hill are enhanced by magnificent backdrops of tranquil river views and natural bush scenes. The Murray Downs Golf and Country Club is located along the Murray ten minutes from the Swan Hill CBD, and features an 18-hole championship golf course. For more information, call 5033 1422 or visit www.murraydownsgolf.com.au

World-class tennis courts can also be enjoyed in a superb climate whether you’re a spectator or a player. Escape the winter chills and be welcomed at the many immaculate bowling greens. Alternatively, hire some bikes and explore Swan Hill’s unique region on bike. Call Bikes & Trikes on 5033 2032 for more information on bike hire.

The Swan Hill Leisure Centre, located at 21 Pritchard Street, is a one stop shop for all your leisure activities. Boasting a gym, indoor heated swimming pool, toddler pool and stadium, you can keep your fitness regime on track or merely enjoy the centre with your family. Open daily except for Christmas Day. For more information, call 5032 5222 or visit www.swanhilllc.com.au

Swan Hill abounds with adventure playgrounds for the kids and family. Try George Lay Park, Barry Steggall Park, Riverside Park and Swan Hill Skate Park.

For more information on sport and leisure activities in Swan Hill, go to www.visitswanhill.com.au

Lake Boga Paddleboarding, Credit: Visit Swan Hill

Murray Downs Golf Course, Credit: Visit Swan Hill Cycling

Lake Boga, Credit: Visit Swan Hill

Swan Hill Riverside Park

Murray River sunset fishing

Distances

FROM SWAN HILL TO:

ROAD SAFETY

You are permitted to drive on a current out of state or overseas licence for a period of one year. If you hold an out of state or overseas driver’s licence it must be carried with you when you are driving and produced on demand to a police officer if requested.

Vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory for all passengers. It is illegal to talk on your mobile phone while driving.

DISCOVER MORE SELF GUIDED DRIVES

Take a scenic drive through the Swan Hill region; you will be pleasantly surprised at what you will find! With five distinct trails for you to explore and discover, there is something for everyone. Plan your route using the latest interactive technology including Google mapping and 360 degree imagery. All you need to do is pack the car, your walking shoes, a camera and you’re ready to experience the Heart of the Murray. Pick up a physical copy of our Discover More selfdrive guides, at the Visitor Information Centre or you can view them online here:

SWAN HILL discovermore.com.au/river.html

ROBINVALE discovermore.com.au/robinvale.html

LAKE BOGA discovermore.com.au/lakeboga.html

WOORINEN discovermore.com.au/woorinen.html

NYAH discovermore.com.au/nyah.html

JANUARY - MARCH

Australia Day Breakfast

Swan Hill Speedway Titles Meeting

Country Week Tennis (bi-annual)

Swan Hill Region Food and Wine Festival

Robinvale Euston 80 Ski Race Weekend

Swan Hill Harmony Day

Visions of Lake Boga Art Show

Barefoot social bowls at Murray Downs Golf & Country Club

Monthly Twilight Market at Lake Boga Foreshore during the summer months

Easter Market Day

APRIL - JUNE

Lake Boga Easter Yachting Regatta

Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay

Swan Hill Bowls Club Easter Carnival

Quambatook Tractor Pull Easter

Swan Hill Speedway Easter

Murray Downs Golf and Country Club

June Racing Carnival (June long weekend)

Murray Downs Golf and Country Club Golden Putter Club

JULY - SEPTEMBER

Italian Festa

Swan Hill Kart Club Titles Meeting

Mallee Almond Blossom Festival

Fairfax Festival

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

Swan Hill Agricultural and Pastoral Society Show

Swan Hill Food Truck Festival

Market Day

Show & Shine

Australian Inland Wine Show

Port to Port Bike Ride

For the most up to date Calendar of Events and dates, go to www.visitswanhill.com.au

Water skiing on Lake Boga, Credit: Visit Swan Hill

ESSENTIAL

Services

along

LOCAL

Markets

Anglican Boot Sale Market

3rd Saturday of the month, 9am – 12pm

Anglican Function Centre, Splatt St, Swan Hill

Kerang Community Market

4th Saturday of the month, 8am – Noon

Atkinson Park, Kerang

Murrabit Market

1st Saturday of the month, 8.30am – 1pm

Gonn Avenue, Murrabit

Nyah Lions Club Market

2nd Saturday of the month, 8am – Noon

Nyah Recreation Reserve, Nyah Victoria

Robinvale Country Market

2nd Saturday of the month, 8.30am – 12.30pm

Caix Square, Robinvale

Rotary Club Of Swan Hill Market

3rd Sunday of the month, 9am – Noon

R ailway Carpark, Curlewis Street, Swan Hill

Swan Hill Farmers’ Market

1st Sunday of the month, 8.30am – 12.30pm

Riverside Park, Swan Hill

Easter Market Day

Easter Saturday

Market Day

Last weekend of November

Twilight Market

Monthly at Lake Boga Foreshore during summer months

We respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on this land and commit to building a brighter future together.