We have visited Albury-Wodonga quite a number of times and always enjoyed the friendliness of these large co-joined country towns. The Albury Brewhouse is recommended for a cooling craft beer on a warm day. The Flying Fruit Fly Circus is Australia’s national youth circus is based in Albury Wodonga since it was founded in 1979 and we have enjoyed their shows over the years in various locations. Ed Kevin Parker
Albury-Wodonga, located on the Murray River border of New South Wales and Victoria, is a twin city with Albury on the NSW side and Wodonga on the Victorian side. Functionally, they are one entity for travelers, serving as gateways to the gourmet regions of Beechworth, Bright, and Rutherglen, and a convenient stopover on the Melbourne-Sydney route.
While they operate as a unified community, the twin cities have separate local governments and state services. Albury’s proximity to Melbourne and its strong Australian Rules Football culture align it more with Victoria. The government had ambitious plans to transform Albury-Wodonga into a major inland city, resulting in rapid growth from quiet towns to regional centers.
The Wiradjuri people inhabited the area before European settlement in the 1820s-1830s. European presence began in 1839, and the 1851 separation of Victoria from NSW led to Albury and Wodonga becoming border towns with customs points.
In 1860, a permanent bridge over the Murray River was built, leading to complex railway operations with different gauges. Compatibility was achieved in the 1960s. Albury also played a role in the early efforts to open up inland trade along the Murray River using paddlesteamers, although they weren’t financially successful. Today, Albury’s wharves and paddlesteamers serve as a tribute to the pioneers of this era.
Here’s your guide to making the most of your visit:
What to Do and See
- Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA). MAMA hosts new exhibitions every month, showcasing both local and international art.
- Albury Botanic Gardens are over a hundred years old and change with every season.
- Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk. This scenic walk along the river features contemporary Aboriginal sculptures, allowing visitors to connect with Indigenous culture and art.
- Historic Building Tour. Explore Albury’s historic buildings on a self-guided tour to appreciate the city’s architectural heritage.
- Bonegilla Migrant Experience. Gain insight into the lives of over 320,000 post-war migrants who passed through the migrant camp between the 1940s-1970s.
- LibraryMuseum and Lavington Library. Explore the Albury LibraryMuseum, which combines a library and museum with historical displays. The Lavington Library also offers various cultural and educational experiences.Visitors can enjoy workshops, talks, art courses, and programs for kids. The museum provides an immersive and stimulating cultural experience.
- Living Arts Festival. Held annually in April, this festival features a program of music, theatre, dance, and visual arts events, providing a vibrant cultural experience.
- Crossing Place: A Story of Albury. Immerse yourself in the city’s evolution from first contact with the Wiradjuri people to the present day through this exhibition at the LibraryMuseum.
- Wonga Wetlands and Wagirra Trail. Walk through the Wonga Wetlands on the Wagirra Trail to learn more about local Indigenous history and observe local wildlife.
- Local Events. Attend local events like Write Around the Murray and the Music in the Gardens season for festival fun and cultural entertainment.
- Cultural Tours. Engage in cultural tours offered by Barkindji Tours and explore the indigenous culture and history of the region.
The Jindera Pioneer Museum, located 15 km north of Albury, is renowned as one of the finest regional museums in Australia. It marked its 50th year of operation in 2018.This exceptional museum encompasses a diverse array of attractions.
The museum complex includes a fascinating old store and an assortment of dwellings, each meticulously preserved in authentic pioneer to late Victorian architectural styles, complete with period furnishings. Set across two picturesque acres, it boasts over 25 rooms and galleries, offering a captivating journey through history.
One of the museum’s standout features is its remarkable collection of historic machinery and transport, which is both extensive and impressive. Additionally, visitors can explore the 1874 Blacksmith and stables, a popular highlight of the museum.
Wine and Dine
The region’s fertile lands produce a bounty of fresh produce, featured in local restaurants and cafes. From farm-to-table experiences to gourmet dining, Albury Wodonga offers a taste of the best in regional cuisine.Savor fresh regional produce like Murray cod and river red gum smoked pork belly at local restaurants. Explore nearby wineries like Chrismont for wine tastings.
Choose from a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, motels, cottages, bed and breakfasts, and camping/caravan sites.
Events
- Write Around the Murray (WAM) is a five day festival of reading, writing and storytelling which takes place in September each year.
- Christmas in Albury: A series of free events, activations, and community activities that bring the city to life with vibrant, seasonal decorations.
- Gardenesque: Albury’s premiere flower and garden festival set in the magnificent Albury Botanic Gardens1.
- Albury Awards: An event celebrating excellence and inspiration1.
- Summer in Albury: A family day at the Noreuil Park Foreshore with food trucks and giant yard games on the banks of the stunning Murray River.
- Seniors Festival: If you are over 60, this festival gives you the chance to make new friends or get together with old ones at an array of free local community events.
- Twilight Markets: A place to shop, catch up with friends, relax on the lawn or listen to live music.
- Albury Gold Cup: One of the premier country racing carnivals in Australia, attracting in excess of 10,000 racegoers each year.
- Gindaymanha Sports Carnival: A round robin touch football competition with plenty of other fun and entertainment.
- Music in the Gardens: A series of free outdoor concerts in the Botanic Gardens featuring world-class music from Australian and international artists1.
- Sustainable Living Festival: An event promoting sustainable living.
- Hidden Cinema: An event that tempts you with the unknown.
Official Visit Albury Wodonga Website
Remember to drop by the Albury Visitor Information Centre at the Albury LibraryMuseum to plan your visit, grab maps, and find accommodation options.
