History & heritage

From ancient Aboriginal artefacts and colonial-era feats of engineering to its rich and varied riverboat heritage, the Murray region has plenty to occupy the imagination of history buffs.

Ports and paddle steamers
Travel up and down the Murray on paddle steamers that operate out of Echuca, Mildura and Swan Hill. Explore what was once Australia's largest inland port in Echuca, learn about life as an early settler on the sound and light tour at the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement, or stop by the first Australian-designed gaol in Wentworth.

Ancient Aboriginal history
The Aboriginal history in the area dwarfs that of European settlement, with evidence of indigenous campfires, middens and burials dating back nearly 40,000 years. Join a tour with a local Aboriginal guide and visit some of Australia's most significant Aboriginal sites.

Chaffeys' irrigated colony
The modern-day miracle of Mildura, this oasis in the desert, owes much to the ingenuity of famous irrigation engineers, the Canadian Chaffey brothers. Follow the Chaffey Trail and trace the development of irrigation, viticulture, agriculture and industry by the pioneering siblings.