The Best Things to Do in Mildura

Cruise the Murray River

Alright, this one’s a must-do when you hit Mildura. The Murray River is the lifeblood of the region, and trust us, it’s the perfect place to kick back, unwind, or get a bit adventurous – whatever floats your boat (literally)!

If you’re cruising with your mates, houseboating is the way to go. Imagine drifting down the river, BBQ sizzling, cold drinks in hand, and nothing but epic views. You can rent a houseboat for a day or go all in for a multi-day trip. It’s basically a floating campsite, and you can stop wherever for a swim, fish, or even paddle along the quieter parts of the river.

Feeling the need for some action? Grab a paddleboard or kayak and explore the river at your own pace. It’s an awesome way to get up close and personal with nature (and maybe spot some local wildlife along the banks). You can rent gear at plenty of local spots, and it’s perfect for soaking up the peaceful river vibes.

And for those who want to keep it chill but love a bit of nostalgia, hop on a paddleboat cruise. These old-school riverboats are a vibe, and they give you a solid mix of relaxing and sightseeing. You’ll learn a bit about the history of the Murray while soaking in those beaut river views.

Whether you’re into a full-on adventure or just want to float along with a cold one, cruising the Murray is hands down the way to start your Mildura roadie.

Explore Mungo National Park

Get ready to feel like you’ve landed on another planet. Mungo National Park is where our ancient planet has conspired to create some epic alien landscapes. About a 1.5-hour drive from Mildura, this place is famous for its lunar-like dunes and the Walls of China – massive formations that look straight out of a sci-fi movie.

Hike through the park and check out the ancient lakebed that’s been dry for thousands of years. It’s an awesome spot for sunset if you’re keen to snap some unreal pics. Plus, you’ll be walking where some of the oldest human remains in Australia were found: Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, from around 40,000 to 42,000 years ago. How cool is that?

Mungo is one of those hidden gems that’s defo worth the drive – don’t skip it!

Take in the Murray River from the Skies

The Murray River is stunning from the water, but it’s next level from above. You can take a scenic flight over the local landscapes with a service like RamAir. There’s nothing quite like floating above the meandering Murray River, with killer 360-degree views of vineyards and sprawling farmlands – total bucket list material.

Yeah, it’s a bit of a splurge, but if you’re looking to treat yourself to something seriously epic, this is it. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just after that unforgettable experience, a scenic flight is one way to switch up the usual roadie routine and get a whole new perspective of Mildura.

See the Psychedelic Pink Lakes

Just a couple of hours from Mildura, the pink salt lakes in Murray-Sunset National Park are something you’ve got to see to believe. Thanks to salt-loving algae, these lakes turn a wild pink, creating a contrast against the red outback that’s super unique.

It’s quiet out here, with nothing but open skies and pink waters stretching out in front of you. It’s a spot where you can slow down, take in the surroundings, and enjoy the raw, untouched landscape. This is one of those rare places that feels totally different from the rest of your roadie – unexpected and unforgettable.

Get Tipsy at Trentham Estate Winery

Time to class it up a bit! Perched right on the banks of the Murray River, Trentham Estate Winery is where you swap the beers for wine glasses. It’s a bit more lux than your usual roadie stop, but that’s all part of the fun – nothing wrong with getting a little fancy for an afternoon.

Now, let’s clear things up: we’re talking wine tasting, not a full-on booze fest. You’ll get to sip on some of the region’s best wines (and maybe even find a new fave) while taking in gorgeous views of the river. It’s the perfect way to slow down, kick back, and treat yourself to something a bit special.

Surf the Dunes at Perry Sandhills

Just 35 minutes from Mildura, the Perry Sandhills are a desert in miniature, but they pack plenty of punch for a quick stop. Formed by wind erosion over thousands of years, these ancient red dunes are a small yet striking part of the outback. The area’s compact size makes it easy to explore, but it’s still got unique features that make it worth the trip.

The standout? Definitely the “God Tree”, a 500-year-old river red gum buried by the shifting sands. It’s a seriously cool sight and gives the place an unreality that sticks with you.

For those up for a bit of action, sandboarding is the way to go – it’s like snowboarding, but with a way better tan. It’s awesome fun, especially if you’ve got kids or just want to embrace your inner thrill-seeker.

But if you’re not up for hitting the slopes, no worries – just wandering around the dunes and soaking up the rolling landscape is epic in itself. It’s a slice of the outback that feels untouched, and definitely adds a wild twist to your Mildura roadie.

Grab a Schooner at the Mildura Brewery Pub

When you’ve wrapped up a day of exploring, there’s no better place to chill than the Mildura Brewery Pub. This joint is a local fave, and for good reason. Housed in a converted theatre, it’s got character for days, with an awesome mix of heritage vibes and modern craft brews.

Order up a schooner (or two) of their house-made beer – whether you’re into pale ales, lagers, or something darker, they’ve got you covered. The laid-back atmosphere makes it a perfect stop to kick back with your mates, and it’s a great way to sample some local flavour, literally. Even if you’re not a big beer fan, the pub itself is worth a visit just for the history and vibe.

Whether you’re winding down after a big day on the road or looking to soak up a bit of Mildura’s local culture, this spot has all the ingredients for a relaxed, no-fuss good time.

Stock Up at Sunraysia Farmers Market

For a taste of the region, the Sunraysia Farmers Market is where it’s at. Held on the first and third Saturday of each month, this market is brimming with local produce – from fresh fruits and veggies to delish homemade jams, honey, and freshly baked goods. It’s the perfect place to grab brekkie while you browse, or to stock up on supplies if you’re cruising around in a campervan.

Beyond the fresh food, you’ll find artisan products and local creations that showcase the best of Mildura. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a riverside BBQ, or just want some local treats for the road, the market has everything you need to fuel your adventure.

Discover Pioneer Life at Kow Plains Homestead

Kow Plains Pastoral Station by denisbin, CC BY-ND 2.0, via Flickr

Step back into the wild past at Kow Plains Homestead, where you can get a feel for what life was like for early settlers in the Aussie outback. A couple of hours from Mildura, this 1800s homestead has been fully restored over many years by local volunteers.

The homestead is small but full of history. Wander through the old rooms, check out the machinery shed, and see how the early settlers made do in such a harsh environment. It’s a laid-back visit, but for those keen on a bit of heritage, it’s a fascinating stop that adds a bit of depth to your Mildura stop.

Get Cultural at the Mildura Arts Centre

Mattinbgn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re craving a bit of culture on your roadie, swing by the Mildura Arts Centre. This place is more than just an art gallery – it’s a hub for visual arts, live performances, and even includes the Rio Vista Historic House. From contemporary exhibitions to theatre productions, there’s always something happening.

It’s a chilled spot to take a break from the outdoors and dive into the local creative scene. Whether you’re catching a show or wandering through the gallery, the Arts Centre mixes up a Midura adventure with a splash of culture.

Now that you’ve nailed down your Mildura itinerary, it’s time to sort out your ride. Whether you’re cruising the Murray or hitting the Perry Sandhills, a campervan gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

At RatPack Travel, we’ve spent years road tripping across Australia and New Zealand, so we know exactly what makes the perfect camper for every kind of adventure. With our experience (and the reviews to back it up), we’ll match you with the ideal van – plus, it’s cheaper than booking online.

So why wait? Click here to book your campervan and get ready to hit the open road – yewww!