We started our mornings with a strong coffee at Nash Lane, a little café that punches well above its weight when it comes to coffee. The space has a cool, industrial feel with exposed brick and greenery, but it’s the coffee that keeps people coming back. Their flat whites are consistently spot on, and the cold drip was a welcome refresher on a warm Mildura morning.

For an early lunch, we settled in at Dockside Café on the Mildura Marina. With big windows opening out over the Murray, it’s the sort of spot where you watch the houseboats drift past as you tuck into something fresh and simple. We shared a calamari salad and a buffalo chicken pizza.

Dinner in Mildura has to include a visit to Stefano’s Restaurant. Hidden in the old cellars beneath the Grand Hotel, it’s atmospheric from the moment you step inside. The menu changes with the seasons, but we ate roasted Mallee lamb and a prawn linguine. Many of their dishes are the perfect showcase of the region’s produce. It’s perfect for a special occasion. Hot tip: settle in for the tiramisu if you’ve got space.

On nights when you’re chasing something more casual, Mildura Brewery Pub is our go-to. Housed in a refurbished art deco venue, it has an easy-going vibe with plenty of space to grab a table inside or out. The wood-fired pizzas are a staple, but we couldn’t go past a classic chicken parma (or parmi depending on where you’re from) paired with one of their in-house craft beers. It’s friendly, hearty and exactly the kind of place you want after a day exploring the river. 

If you’d rather stay in, the park makes self-catering easy with a fully equipped Camp Kitchen, BBQ areas and plenty of space to enjoy your meal outdoors by the river.

It’s easy to fill your days without leaving the park. With the Murray flowing right past your doorstep, you can cast a line, launch a kayak, or simply settle into a riverside picnic spot. The incredible kids facilities mean you’ll be dragging them away from the splash park or indoor playground.

A must while in town is a cruise aboard one of the heritage Murray River Paddle Steamers. Watching the giant paddle wheel churn through the water is like stepping back in time, and it’s a gentle, unhurried way to see the river from a new perspective. Some cruises even offer meals on board, making it a memorable experience for couples and families alike.

For a dose of culture, we loved spending a few hours at the Mildura Arts Centre & Sculpture Park. The gallery rotates exhibitions from both local and touring artists, and the gardens outside are dotted with contemporary sculptures set against lush lawns. It’s a calm, creative space that balances perfectly with all the outdoor adventure.

If you’ve got the time, set aside a day for a trip to Mungo National Park, about two hours’ drive from Mildura. The landscapes here are extraordinary — wind-sculpted sand dunes, ancient dry lakebeds and the Walls of China ridges are like something from another planet. Walking amongst these formations, with their layers of geological and cultural history, is a humbling experience and a true highlight of the region.

Mungo National Park is an unforgettable day trip, but it’s a two-hour drive each way and services are limited once you’re out there. Bring water, food, and fuel up before you leave Mildura.