Take a look around Berrigan Shire

Incorporating the communities of Berrigan, Cobram-Barooga, Finley and Tocumwal, Berrigan Shire is a much-loved destination for admirers of the great outdoors and good old fashioned hospitality.

If you’re looking for a place blessed with sunny days, bright blue skies and starry nights across all four seasons, this is one of the best year-round holiday locales you’ll find anywhere.

Berrigan:

Berrigan is a charming country township where historic buildings still tell the stories of yesteryear and vast productive lands stretch for miles.

Meander along the main street in Berrigan and take some time to read the interpretive plaques that reveal the heritage highlights like the old post office building, Federal Hotel and Memorial Hall.

The Berrigan Government Nature Reserve Tank Paddock is a local initiative that has created an enjoyable walking track through a regenerated indigenous landscape.

It is a very peaceful spot for a stroll and is close to the caravan park and swimming pool.

In early spring the farmland around Berrigan turns vibrant yellow as the canola bursts into flower and promises of the bountiful season to come. It is worth a drive on the backroads at this time of year.

Cobram-Barooga:

Cobram-Barooga is situated in the heart of Victoria’s ‘Food Bowl’, and is home to some of the most picturesque sections of the mighty Murray River.

Visitors are captivated by the lifestyle, with wide sandy beaches, towering gums and native bushland which blend together to create this unique holiday destination.

One of Australia’s largest inland beaches, Thompson’s Beach, is easily accessible from the centre of town and is a great spot to soak up the tranquillity of the river, enjoy a cruise, meet for a barbecue or picnic and play in the sand.

It is also the perfect spot for hikers to head out to explore Quinn Island.

Finley is a vibrant small community with great shopping, eateries, entertainment and historic attractions, but it is the Finley Lake which really draws people in.

The first practical suggestion for a town lake was put to a public meeting in March 1964. It took a further 10 years of planning, fundraising and overcoming the difficulties for the project to begin, and Finley Lake was officially opened on November 6, 1975.

Since then it has provided a welcome oasis for the weary traveller as well as being a venue for many and varied pursuits from fishing to bird watching, from sailing and canoeing to power boating and water skiing.

While in Finley, make sure to stop by the Finley Railway Museum in Endeavour St, to learn more about how it was the first town selected for a pioneer railway. The rail was eventually extended to the town in 1898.

The Finley and District Historic Museum and Log Cabin is also worth a visit. Step back in time by walking through the McAllister Homestead, then on to the Museum and enjoy its marvellous collection of machinery and memorabilia.

Tocumwal:

Turn off the Newell Highway and discover a town nestled around the river bends and steeped in unique World War II history.

Tocumwal wears its heritage for all to see with its character filled main street and historic building facades that take you back in time.

An ideal spot from which to explore the region, enjoy exceptional food and wine, get a rush from water sports and flying adventures, relax while bushwalking and camping or visit museums on your hunt for antiques and collectables.

While here, make sure to check out the WAAF Creek Walk. The enjoyable creek sidewalk is lined with interpretive signage that honours and celebrates the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force story, and its role in Tocumwal during WWII.