SWAN HILL REGION category culture duration 2 days suitable for families and history buffs LEARN ABOUT SWAN HILL S The Swan Hill region offers a rich tapestry of history, art and culture. Immerse yourself in what this vibrant pioneer city has to offer with historic walks, museum and gallery visits don t miss out on exploring Swan Hill s famous Pioneer Settlement too! It s time to visit the Swan Hill region with this specially tailored two-day itinerary as the key to unlocking this region s secrets.
Discover Swan Hill s Saddle up and prepare yourself for the most memorable and interactive history lesson you ll have in your life! Explore this historic town s charm on foot before working your way to Swan Hill s popular Pioneer Settlement. A delicious start If you re craving a morning latte, visit Café Allure by the clock tower or High Thyme Café on Beveridge Street - both eateries also do scrumptious breakfasts. A popular brunch option is Boo's Place Cafe and Provedore where owner and chef Rebecca Hart combines a paddock to plate philosophy with local produce to create mouthwatering dishes. And if the sun is shining, go alfresco at La Mangia Café where produce such as fresh almonds and relishes are sourced from the nearby Sonre Farm.
History Explore the town s past via two picturesque walking trails. The River Walk is a leisurely 4.5km stroll along the Murray and Little Murray Rivers that can start from Milloo Street Wetlands and completed at Pental Island Bridge, or at any point here and there. Now and Then takes you through Swan Hill's modern streetscapes; this walk highlights beautiful historical buildings as well those lost to the evolution of progress. Visit Swan Hill s Pioneer Settlement where history comes alive via immaculately preserved buildings from a bygone era. Tuck into scrumptious cakes from a nineteenth century tearoom, ride in the old car and enjoy a leisurely Murray River cruise on board the PS Pyap paddle steamer. Be sure to stay for the Heartbeat of the Murray, a laser light spectacular chronicling the life of the Murray from the beginning of time. Screens daily from 7:30pm. Paragon Café, Pioneer Settlement If hunger strikes while you re exploring the Pioneer Settlement, head to the Paragon Café for a snack or lunch with beautiful views of the Main Street and river. Housed in the original Dumosa Towaninnie the café is named after a famous establishment from Swan Hill s past and serves delicious homestyle meals, milkshakes, spiders and coffees.
in Swan Hill There is a wide range of accommodation options available within walking distance to main attractions such as the Pioneer Settlement and Swan Hill s various museums and galleries. Burrabliss Bed and Breakfast Lake Boga Overlooking the breathtaking Lake Boga, Burrabliss Bed and Breakfast is the ideal setting for a peaceful weekend away. Surrounded by luscious gardens, Burrabliss offers various accommodation options including self-contained units and private suites. Guests are treated to a bottle of Burrabliss wine and chocolates upon arrival, with the added option to enjoy dinner with hosts Tricia and Bruce if they wish. Ibis Styles Swan Hill Resort Just minutes from the city centre, Ibis Styles Swan Hill Resort is conveniently located from Swan Hill s major attractions. This 62-suite resort offers refurbished rooms with modern amenities as well as two heated pools, a sauna, gym, children s facilities and barbeque facilities. Murray Downs Resort Boasting individually air-conditioned family-sized rooms, two-bedroom units and self-contained apartments, Murray Downs Golf Resort is spacious and well appointed. Golf, tennis and bowls facilities are available if you want to blow off some steam before you head out and the tropical pool and spa beckons after a long day on your feet. Paruna Motel This centrally located motel offers all-ground floor units with off-street parking available. Paruna Motel s facilities include an in-ground pool, barbeque area, laundry and trailer parking. A courtesy bus service to Murray Downs Golf and Country Club is available upon enquiry.
Art galleries museums & Spend a day wandering the rooms of Swan Hill s galleries and museums and learn a thing or two about this region s fascinating past. Art Caroline Ellis Art Gallery and Studio Renowned local artist and photographer Caroline Ellis specialises in landscape art and portraiture. The Lake Boga-based Ellis also offers art classes for new and experienced students keen to learn about light saturation, composition and colour combinations. Art classes run on Wednesdays. Bogartz Glass Art Combine your trip to the observatory and planetarium with a visit to Bogartz Glass Art to view beautiful glass works from local artist John Fowler as well as other Australian artists. Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery The Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery is recognised as having one of Australia s best collections of native art. In addition to showcasing a growing collection of Australian works on paper, print and drawing, the gallery offers an exciting program of touring exhibitions and events all year long.
Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum The Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum takes us back to the 1940s where Catalinas were a common sight. Explore the inside of a rebuilt A24-30 Catalina Flying Boat or go underground to the secret bunker to understand the significance of this base during World War II. Lake Boga Observatory and Planetarium Take advantage of the clear southern skies and see the stars come alive in front of your eyes. The Observatory and Planetarium has four telescopes so you can view Jupiter s cloud bands or Saturn s spectacular rings at the press of a button. in Swan Hill You ll never be short of amazing dining options in Swan Hill. Enjoy delicious Italian food in contemporary surroundings at Quo Vadis don t forget to peruse their wine selection. If you feel like mouth-watering Southeast Asian fare, the award-winning Java Spice is your answer. For local and seasonal produce presented in a warm and familial setting, visit Table for 12. Finally, don t leave without trying Spoons Riverside, a breathtaking modern Australian restaurant and function venue uniquely located on an anabranch of the Murray River. Events in The Swan Hill region attracts a variety of touring exhibitions, road shows and performances regularly throughout the year. To see what exciting events are coming up soon, head to the Visit Swan Hill website.