For a long time, Albury was merely a stop on the highway from Sydney to Melbourne. These days, it’s a destination in its own right.
Whatever your thing – the outdoors, the arts or eating – you’re spoilt for choice. Spend your break cycling or canoeing along the Murray River, checking out a blockbuster exhibition, or hanging out in laneways sipping wine and feasting on local produce.
Here are five reasons to make your next getaway a road trip to Albury.
THE MIGHTY MURRAY RIVER
Albury is on the banks of the Murray, the longest river in Australia and the third longest navigable river in the world.
To get on the water, rent a canoe with Murray River Canoe Hire, who’ll drop you upstream, so you can paddle your way into town with the help of the current.
Or, for a longer adventure, hire a houseboat and sleep on the river for a night or two. To admire the water from the safety of dry land, head to the Murray River Precinct for a picnic, swim, stroll or bike ride.
MAMA (THE MURRAY ART MUSEUM ALBURY)
In 2015, the Albury Regional Gallery underwent a $10.5 million reinvention, and became the Murray Art Museum Albury (aka MAMA).
Along with this new identity came a new focus on blockbuster exhibitions. Over the past few years, MAMA has hosted the National Photography Prize, plus shows by Tracey Moffatt, Max Dupain, Sidney Nolan and many other big names.
In between looking at art works, drop by the onsite eatery, Canvas, for a fresh, seasonal dish and a glass of boutique wine overlooking the gallery’s garden.
YINDYAMARRA SCULPTURE WALK
This magical trail takes you on a journey alongside the Murray River and deep into First Nations history.
For five kilometres from the Wonga Wetlands to Kremur Street, it wanders by the water, passing 15 sculptures by First Nations artists.
Each tells a different story – from Family Gathering by Michael Quinn, which delves into the importance of family unity, to Bogong Moth Migration by Ruth Davys, which is inspired by Indigenous annual feasting on bogong moths.
WONGA WETLANDS
To escape into nature for a while, head to Wonga Wetlands. Formerly grazing land, this special ecosystem is being restored to its natural state.
There are more than 80 hectares of lagoons, billabongs and forests to explore. They’re a haven for wildlife, especially water birds, who are busiest in winter when the water is at its height. Keep a look out for stunning crowds of pelicans and swans.
THE RIVER DECK CAFE
Albury is home to several excellent cafes, bars and restaurants, and one of the nicest in every way is the River Deck Cafe.
It’s situated right on the banks of the Murray River, surrounded by lush grass and shady trees. If you can, claim a table outside on the deck, and settle in for breakfast or lunch fuelled by fresh, local produce.
Dishes range from buttermilk pancakes with candied maple bacon, blueberry compote, maple syrup and whipped vanilla butter, to 16-hour slow-cooked beef cheek with pecorino mashed potato, caramelised shallots, sour cream and crispy potato skins.
GETTING TO ALBURY
Albury is six hours’ drive southwest of Sydney, three hours’ drive northeast of Melbourne and four hours’ drive southwest of Canberra.
You’ll find SIXT in all three places, so you can hire an EV and travel while minimising your impact on the environment, or an SUV and enjoy total comfort. If you’re passing through Albury on a trip from Melbourne to Canberra, then check out our road trip guide.
