Albury
City in New South Wales
Description
Albury is an Australian city in southern New South Wales. It sits on the border with Victoria, hugging the vast Murray River. In the centre, the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) showcases contemporary works, including photography and indigenous art. Paths run through landscaped lawns at the Botanic Gardens, which also include a children’s garden. Monument Hill features WWI and WWII memorials, and views over the city.
Albury-Wodonga
Famous for
- Largest town in The Murray
- A world-class art gallery
- Fun on the river
- Lots of great restaurants
On the historic banks of the Murray River, the charming twin towns of Albury and Wodonga offer a delicious food scene, endless outdoor adventure and thriving arts culture. With the Snowy Mountains and Rutherglen wine region nearby, this area makes a great stopover on the Melbourne-Sydney drive.
The great outdoors
The Murray River is a natural playground. Go swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and cycling at Noreuil Park. Explore the beauty of the river by hiring canoes from Canoe The Murray or joining a guided tour. Kids will love Oddies Creek Adventure Playspace, with its 30m flying fox.
Cycle or walk the scenic Wagirra Trail, a six-kilometre journey along the river that captures Wonga Wetlands, a birdwatcher’s paradise, and the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, which tells the story of Aboriginal history and the cultural significance of the Murray River. You can also fish and boat on Lake Hume.
Arts & culture
The Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) is one of the best regional galleries in Australia. You’ll find contemporary art and important indigenous works. Another great local arts experience is watching the Flying Fruit Fly Circus perform and taking circus classes. Visit the beautiful Albury Botanical Gardens for wild colour – the garden and flower show Gardenesque is in October.
Local flavours
Enjoy lunch, brunch or dinner at Cafe Dalchini, where you’ll find Indian fusion dishes from breakfast potato paratha and bacon to butter chicken schnitzel. For delicious local dining visit the funky 2640 Restaurant and Bar and Bistro Selle, a European-style restaurant that showcases local produce. Or dine by the water at the River Deck.
Fresh produce, local craft and wares await at The Kiewa Street Market, held every Sunday. Explore the local events for more markets, shows, festivals and exhibitions, including Write Around the Murray in September.
Getting there & where to stay
Albury-Wodonga is a 5h 30min drive southwest of Sydney and 3h 30min northeast of Melbourne. You can also fly into the busy Albury Airport and hire a car to explore the region. Arriving by train at the grand Albury Railway Station is a wonderful experience – the trip from Sydney takes around 7hr 30min. You’ll find plenty of accommodation options including hotels, apartments, B&Bs and holiday parks.
Fly into Albury Airport
Albury Airport is 5km from Albury’s city centre. Use the shuttle bus and taxi services at the front of the terminal to take the short journey southwest into the city centre. Alternatively, rent a car from the hire services at the airport and explore the region at your own pace.
Qantas operates daily direct flights between Albury and Sydney. Regional Express operates direct flights to Sydney and Melbourne up to five days a week.
Albury-Wodonga Highlights
Wagirra Trail and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk
Jump on the Wagirra Trail and enjoy a leisurely walk or energetic run along the banks of the Murray River. Alternatively, you can hire a bike and follow the Wagirra Trail and connecting network of paths to explore the two cities.
The 15 kilometre (return) Murray River pathway links Wonga Wetlands with the South Albury Trail. The two-metre wide walking and cycling pathway meanders through Albury’s riverside parks, with plenty of places to stop for a picnic or enjoy the spectacular views.
The newest edition to this beautiful trail is the installed sculptures. Created by local Aboriginal artists, the sculptures are scattered along the five kilometres of Wagirra trail between Kremur Street and Wonga Wetlands (this section is now know as the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk). The sculptures are accompanied by interpretative panels and videos via smartphone which tell the story of Aboriginal history and the cultural significance of the Murray River.
The Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk starts at the Kremur Street Boat Ramp. Kremur Street runs off Padman Drive in West Albury.
Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)
A must-see in Albury is Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), the heart of art and culture on the Murray. One of the most visited art venues outside of Sydney, the museum has earned a reputation for its innovative, original exhibitions, featuring some of the best contemporary artists in Australia, and from around the world.
Nestled between the bustling retail and restaurant precinct of Dean Street and the open greenspace of QEII Square, the recently redeveloped museum combines heritage features with light filled contemporary spaces.
The iconic building is home to the city’s extensive art collection, and some of the most exciting new art in Australia. With up to six exhibitions at any time, MAMA is focussed on living artists, stories and ideas that are relevant today.
The vibrant museum offers guided tours, art classes and workshops, artist talks, kids art activities and school holiday programs. Make sure you check the calendar of events for the dates you are visiting, you might even stumble upon the buzz of an opening night or live event!
Open daily, the museum is the perfect place to escape the weather, be inspired, meet an artist, get creative, learn something new, take a break, shop Australian designers, or enjoy a coffee, wine or meal on the gardened terrace. Embrace art and culture in the heart of Albury. Entry is free.
Albury – Murray River Precinct
Flowing between the twin cities of Albury Wodonga is the mighty Murray River – a unique natural playground that’s enjoyed all year round. Lining the banks of the River, Albury boast a series of parklands and reserves that allows visitors and the local community to enjoy the beauty of the river.
At Noreuil Park you’ll find places for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, bike riding and just relaxing. The mature River Red Gums and magnificent Plane Trees provide a welcome canopy in the summer months to those enjoying the water or taking in the views from a food laden picnic rug.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll, run or bike ride along the peaceful Wagirra Trail which follows the Murray River for over six kilometres. The path features a number of informative signs that highlight the history of the Wiradjuri people as well as a series of sculptural works that depict the Wiradjuri’s connection with the Murray River.
Other Murray River Precinct highlights include Oddie’s Creek Park, Hovell Tree Park and the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk.
Kiewa Street Market
Sunday 24 October 2021 to Sunday 28 November 2021 (WEEKLY event)
Overview
The Rotary Kiewa Street Community Market is a joint venture between the Rotary Club of Albury North and the Rotary Club of Belvoir Wodonga.
The market is held every Sunday. Stalls are situated on the ground floor. All sites are wheelchair accessible. Pedestrian access is available from Kiewa Street and Hume Street. Smoking is not permitted on the ground floor or upper floors of the parking structure.
Almost anything can be purchased at the market from worm farms to woollen socks, from flowers to fishing tackle, from pottery to fresh produce. Entry is by gold coin donation with all proceeds from these donations as well as site fees collected going towards local and international Rotary projects.
Visit the website to find information on hosting a stall (costs, conditions, and contact detail).