Most people when visiting the Murray region don’t stray too far from the river, the region however has so much more to offer – with an array of quirky attractions and great food and wine offerings littered throughout the region.
Located just outside Albury, the Yindymarra Sculpture Walk hugs the river and showcases eleven contemporary Aboriginal sculptures created by local Aboriginal artists. Each piece weaves a story of local indigenous history and the cultural significance of the Murray River through stories from the artists’ lives.
A bit closer to town or specifically in town you’ll find MAMA. Reopened in October 2015, MAMA has re-written what a regional gallery is. Having a motherly element to it, you will not feel like an outsider within its walls - the gallery is about giving people from all walks of like the chance to engage with and enjoy art. Photographs and works on paper are strongly represented in MAMA’s strong collection along with works from regional and emerging artists.
Still within the surrounds, Bonegilla Migrant Experience was once a migrant reception centre for those wanting a new start following the destruction WWII left throughout Europe. With more than 300,000 migrants being processed though the centre from 1947 to 1971, it became the largest and longest operating reception centre in the post-war era – with most visitors knowing someone who had passed through its grip. Bringing to light post-war immigration, it is the only public memory place left standing where people can get an insight in to Australia’s dark immigration past.
If you are feeling adventurous and want to see what excitement sits outside the bigger towns, then Cactus Country is a must visit. Located half way between Albury and Echuca, the name says it all – occupying 10 acres, the attraction has plants that are more than 50 years old, stretching from North American to Mexican and African Species.
The Murray has everything you need in a weekend trip – food and wine experiences, your cultural hit as we as a wealth of history to keep your mind pedalling for the next little while.
