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Swan Hill

Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement, Tourism Victoria

Population 9684

In 1836, explorer Thomas Mitchell named this spot Swan Hill because of the black swans that kept him awake all night. The town's swans remain, but there are many other attractions in this pleasant city on the Murray Valley Highway.

Visitor Information

Swan Hill Region Information Centre, cnr McCrae and Curlewis sts; (03) 5032 3033 or 1800 625 373

www.swanhillonline.com

Nearby national parks

  • Hattah–Kulkyne National Park

    On the southern banks of the mighty Murray, Hattah-Kulkyne combines classic Mallee country – where stretches of stunted eucalypts bask...more

  • Wyperfeld National Park

    In the state’s arid north-west, Wyperfeld is a vast park of open plains and spreading mallee eucalypts. The usually bone-dry bed of...more

  • Murray–Sunset National Park

    Declared in 1991, Victoria’s second-largest national park is a landscape of wide Mallee country, rolling sand dunes, magnificent river...more

Nearby towns

  • Kerang

    Kerang, situated on the Loddon River just south of the New South Wales border, lies at the southern end of the Kerang wetlands and lakes....more

  • Barham

    Barham and its twin town, Koondrook, sit beside the Murray River and the New South Wales–Victoria border. Barham is known as the southern...more

  • Balranald

    Balranald is the oldest town on the lower part of the Murrumbidgee River. Situated on saltbush and mallee plains, the area now embraces the...more

In Town

Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement This museum re-creates the Murray and Mallee regions from the 1830s to the 1930s. There are barber shops and chemists, and rides available on the PS Pyap or horse-drawn carts. There is also the Sound and Light Tour; bookings required. An Aboriginal canoe tree can also be found in the park. End of Gray St on Little Murray River.Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery: an impressive permanent collection plus touring exhibitions; opposite the Pioneer Settlement Museum.

Nearby

Swan Hill Wine Region The region, which starts around Tresco to the south-east and ends around Piangil to the north-west, takes advantage of the Murray River and the Mediterranean-style climate. The first vines were planted here in 1930, but the proliferation of vineyards really began when Sicilian immigrants arrived on the Murray after WW II. Today cellar doors offer tastings and sales of predominantly shiraz, colombard and chardonnay varieties. Winery map from visitor centre.Lake Boga The town has an interesting history as an RAAF flying-boat repair depot during WW II. The depot serviced over 400 flying boats, one of which can be seen at the Flying Boat Museum. The underground museum is in the original communications bunker in Willakool Dr. At Lake Boga, the water mass is popular for watersports, fishing and camping, and is home to a variety of bird species that can be seen on the various walks. A yachting regatta is held here each Easter. 17 km SE.Lakeside Nursery and Gardens: over 300 varieties of roses; 10 km NW. Tyntyndyer Homestead: built in 1846; open Tues and Thurs 10am–4pm or by appt; Murray Valley Hwy; 20 km NW. Nyah: good market with local produce; 2nd Sat each month; 27 km NW. Tooleybuc: situated in NSW, it has a tranquil riverside feel and good fishing, picnicking and riverside walks. The Bridgekeepers Cottage has sales and displays of dolls and crafts; 46 km N.

Fishing spots near town

Swan Hill 8 km

From Mulwala to Swan Hill there are excellent fishing opportunities. Some of the top spots along this stretch include Barmah, Echuca and the famous Torrumbarry Weir. The huge Murray cod mounted near the park in Swan... Find out more


Tol Tol 98 km

I made my first serious Murray cod trip on the Murray River near Robinvale and for years was asked not to write about such a special stretch of river that produces a higher-than-average proportion of big cod. It... Find out more


Boyanda 104 km

The red ochre cliff near the Boyanda grape farm is a popular launch site for anglers fishing the Murray River midway between Robinvale and the small horticultural town of Wemen. A track follows the river from Happy... Find out more


Balranald 108 km

The drive from the Monaro to Wagga Wagga and on to Balranald gives some idea of the Murrumbidgee’s length and also of how much a river can change over the course of its flow. Near Balranald, the river has been... Find out more


Robinvale 111 km

We trolled at little more than a fast walking pace, the electric motor giving off a light humming noise. Behind the boat, a couple of large bibbed lures were swimming deep, about a metre off the bottom, their action... Find out more


Euston 112 km

Euston began as Boomiarcool Station in 1847, growing into a small township and subsequently a busy inland port, from which a fleet of paddlesteamers and barges transported the consignments of wool and wheat along the... Find out more


Dimboola 186 km

At first sight the Wimmera River didn’t look special. Barely flowing, it consisted of sandbars and fallen trees interspersed with shallows and a few deeper holes below the timber. I was fishing with local anglers... Find out more


Curlwaa 197 km

Curlwaa is downstream of Mildura, between Dareton and Wentworth. The boat ramp is nothing flash – a basic dirt facility suited to smaller boats. A kilometre or so upstream from the ramp is the old Abbotsford... Find out more


Wentworth 203 km

As you work your way down the Murray, you’ll find locks near most of the major towns. The locks create deep, holding water, which is especially good news for anglers chasing Murray cod. There’s one at... Find out more


Lake Wartook 217 km

Drought and changes to irrigation have left dry many of Victoria’s former favourite fishing lakes. Drive through the cropping plains of the Wimmera and you come across once-famous lakes, including Toolondo,... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Wine-tasting - Robinvale 110 km

Robinvale Wines, near Robinvale, produces a wide variety of wines, certified organic and biodynamic, with no chemicals used.... Find out more


Indigenous tour - Shepparton 202 km

A free, short, bush-tucker tour is available from the Bangerang Cultural Centre in Shepparton. You will need to book, but you can visit the centre on weekdays to see the wide range of artefacts from the area, and from... Find out more


Indigenous tours, Grampians National Park 222 km

Brambuk, the Grampians National Park and Cultural Centre, houses an Aboriginal cultural centre explaining much of the history and stories associated with the area. There is also a bushfoods cafe, where you can try emu,... Find out more


Little Desert National Park 226 km

This park contains one-fifth of all flowering plant species in Victoria. The elusive mallee fowl and rare scrub robin live amid the 600 kilometres of tracks that go out to remote sections of the park near the South... Find out more


Grampians National Park 239 km

There are many, many reasons to go to this remarkable 1680-square-kilometre national park: its spectacular spring wildflowers, its dramatic cliffs and sandstone features, its bushwalking, the stunning views from its... Find out more


Golden Nugget Discovery Tours, Ballarat 248 km

This carbon-neutral business in Ballarat runs small, personalised tours of no more than six people in the Goldfields region, with three themes – wild nature, gold history and heritage, and food and wine.... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Murray Downs Golf & Country Club Resort 5 km

What follows is one of the success stories of golf along the Murray River. Set in the heart of Kidman Reid’s historic Murray Downs sheep station, the Murray Downs Golf & Country Club Resort was constructed... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

Carriages Restaurant

Housed in two old train carriages (with an extra upstairs dining room), this novel restaurant sees hospitality students from Swan Hill International College cooking and waiting on table for up to 150 patrons as part of... Find out more


Java Spice

Indonesian language teacher Peter Morrison and his wife, Trish, didn’t set out to open a restaurant, but such was their love for Asian culture and architecture, it just sort of happened. All the buildings,... Find out more


Quo Vadis

Three generations of the Tripodi family have been involved in the running of this popular Italian restaurant and pizza parlour for more than 20 years. It is spread over three shops in the town’s main street: the... Find out more


Yutaka Sawa

Meaning ‘good harvest’, this simple Japanese restaurant in the town’s main street produces consistently high-quality dishes that are slightly larger than the normal Tokyo-style offerings, which pleases... Find out more


Nearby breweries

Mildura Brewery 181 km

Breweries pop up in some rather exotic locations but this is the first I’ve encountered in a former cinema. Once known as the Astor Theatre, the main building is a lovely example of Art Deco architecture, which has... Find out more


Holgate Brewhouse 240 km

Paul and Natasha Holgate have travelled a decidedly different path to most other craft-brewery operators over the past decade or so. They started brewing ales from a shed adjacent to their family home in Woodend in the... Find out more


Campsites around town

HillTop Resort 6 km

Five km north of Swan Hill on the Murray Valley Highway, at Tyntynder South, you’ll find the 13 ha Hilltop Resort. There are several dozen spots here for tents and camper vans, with the rest of the complex occupied... Find out more


Lake Boga Caravan Park 15 km

Lake Boga is part of a patchwork of lakes on either side of the Murray Valley Hwy to the north-west and south of Kerang. When water is plentiful, the Kerang Lakes, as they’re known, form a significant wetlands area... Find out more


Vinifera camping area 19 km

The Vinifera Reserve is shared by forests of black box and river red gum, and is a pleasant place for a lazy picnic. The camping area is located about 20 km north of Swan Hill, south of Nyah near the town of Vinifera... Find out more


Nyah camping area 24 km

This camping area is beside the township of Nyah, where the Murray River broadens its banks for a few kilometres. South-east of here, down the Murray Valley Hwy, is Tyntyndyer Homestead, which has the dubious honour of... Find out more


The Marshes camping areas 37 km

Though they sound rather unappealing, the marshes in question are in fact significant wetlands with a thriving population of birds; eagles’ nests are scattered throughout the area. There’s dispersed camping... Find out more


Lake Bael Bael camping areas 40 km

Lake Bael Bael is one of the largest of the 50 or so bodies of water that make up the Kerang Lakes, an internationally recognised wetland district. It’s fed by the Avoca River and, in turn, sustains a bewildering... Find out more


Middle Reedy Lake camping area 46 km

This is one of the 3 freshwater bodies that make up the Reedy Lakes system, which in turn is part of the renowned Kerang Lakes wetlands. Middle Reedy Lake is famous for its extensive ibis rookery, but it also attracts... Find out more


Campbells Island State Forest camping areas 47 km

This state forest is about 5 km downstream of Barham via Little Murray Rd off North Barham Rd.... Find out more


Benwell camping area (bush camping) 49 km

Follow Murray Rd from Murrabit township, or Hall or Watsons Lanes from the Koondrook–Murrabit Rd, and you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by river red gums. Fishing in the river is focused on Murray cod and... Find out more


Guttrum camping area (bush camping) 56 km

Bush camping sites are scattered throughout Guttrum State Forest, where campers while away the hours, and the days, by swimming, canoeing and fishing in the waters of the Murray River. From Koondrook, follow Cassidys La... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Swan Hill Riverside Caravan Park 1 km

Within walking distance to the centre of town, and with large expanses of green lawn and a long frontage to the Murray River, this place boasts a heated pool, undercover barbecues and a well-stocked shop. Bookings are... Find out more


BIG4 Swan Hill 2 km

On the northern edge of town, this is a very good quality park that will satisfy the most fastidious traveller. The owner-operated establishment has a range of accommodation and good facilities including a six-hole golf... Find out more


Lake Boga Caravan Park 15 km

Squeezed between the Murray Valley Highway and the shores of Lake Boga, this is ideal for an overnight stop or a restful few days; sailing, water-skiing and swimming are popular activities. The park has good basic... Find out more


Ibis Caravan Park 58 km

This park is 3 km south of Kerang, with nice shady spots and a tennis court. It is an excellent overnight stop at a budget price. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies in all holidays.... Find out more


Balranald Caravan Park 77 km

This is a good, grassy park on the north bank of the Murrumbidgee River within easy walking distance of the town centre. The park, adjacent to the bridge at the east end of town, is easily accessible from the Sturt... Find out more


Robinvale Riverside Caravan Park 111 km

The park is on the banks of the Murray River, just 1 km from the town centre. There is a large expanse of green lawn and shady river red gums. It is great for a few days at a budget price. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more


Echuca Holiday Park 138 km

This is a popular, quality riverside park just a short walk from Echuca’s historic port precinct on the Murray River. The spacious park has a range of accommodation and great facilities. With its excellent... Find out more


Hay Plains Holiday Park 148 km

This is a well-presented park close to the junction of the Cobb and Sturt highways; both highways carry a large volume of tourist traffic. The park is an ideal base from which to explore the town of Hay and the... Find out more


Hay Caravan Park 149 km

Located at the southern end of town, this park has large expanses of lawn and shady trees. Sites are very generous in size and access is particularly easy, making the park ideal for either an overnight stay or for longer... Find out more


The Palms Caravan Park 178 km

This is a quality park in a quiet area on the edge of town, and will appeal to those travelling with dogs. There is a great dog exercise area and dog bath facilities. The place has a range of accommodation and bookings... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

BIG 4 Swan Hill

This award-winning family-focused holiday park is on 4 hectares of landscaped grounds, a two-minute drive from Swan Hill. Accommodation is in one-, two- and three-bedroom cabins – all with reverse-cycle... Find out more


Best’s Riverbed and Breakfast

This traditional B&B offers guests the chance to stay in what was originally part of the shearers’ quarters of historic Murray Downs homestead. Built in 1917, the building has been converted to accommodate... Find out more


Burrabliss B&B

Situated on the shore of Lake Boga about 10 minutes by car from Swan Hill, this traditional B&B property has three accommodation options. Suite Bliss is ideal for a secluded romantic getaway with king-size bed,... Find out more


Murray Downs Resort

You don’t have to be a golfer to stay at this golf resort, but since the course is considered one of the best along the Murray River, it could tempt you to take up the sport – or to at least book a lesson.... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Mungo Lodge 184 km

If you want a more up-market alternative, try Mungo Lodge, near Mungo National Park. Owned by Indigenous Business Australia, this has 16 recently refurbished units with ensuites, a windmill and solar panels that supply... Find out more


MillDuck, Harcourt North 187 km

This strawbale house won a Most Energy Efficient Home award (North West Region) when it was built. More than 1000 trees have been planted on the property since it was purchased, and it is now an alpaca stud. The B&B,... Find out more


Pomponderoo Bush Retreat, Dimboola 188 km

With solar power, rainwater tanks and tree planting to offset carbon emissions, these three self-contained timber cabins are a great accommodation option near the north-eastern edge of Little Desert National Park.... Find out more


Little Desert Nature Lodge, Nhill 211 km

Set on 117 hectares of bushland beside Little Desert National Park, the lodge has 24 rooms with ensuite bathrooms, or 16 bunkrooms with shared facilities. By staying here, you are helping support projects such as the... Find out more


Grampians Eco YHA 220 km

At this eco-hostel you sleep under roof tiles that are actually solar panels. Any extra power generated is fed back to the electricity grid. The passive solar building, featuring rammed earth walls, also has solar... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Lake Boga Park Area 14 km

South side of town Large grassed area around a few trees on the shores of the lake. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 27.192 E143 37.695... Find out more


Nyah Park Area 25 km

Middle of town Parking area in the middle of town. Good facilities. GPS: S35 10.547 E143 22.648... Find out more


Nyah Rest Area 25 km

North side of town Large grassed area on the riverbank behind the Nyah Sporting Complex. GPS: S35 10.183 E143 22.737... Find out more


Nyah Camp Area 26 km

T/O at Nyah Large area located well off the highway among the trees on the riverbank in Nyah State Forest. Good shade. NOTE: Unsealed access. GPS: S35 10.547 E143 22.648... Find out more


Wood Wood Camp Area 32 km

T/O at Wood Wood Large area located just off the highway among trees on the riverbank in Nyah State Forest. Good shade. NOTE: Unsealed access. GPS: S35 06.359 E143 20.952... Find out more


Wood Wood Park Area 32 km

Middle of town Large area just off the highway on the riverbank. Good shade. GPS: S35 06.239 E143 20.749... Find out more


Lake Charm Rest Area 36 km

22 km SE of Lake Boga (R) or 20 km NW of Kerang (L) Large area just off the highway on the shores of the lake. GPS: S35 36.104 E143 47.749... Find out more


Piangil North Rest Area 39 km

92 km S of Robinvale (L) or 44 km N of Swan Hill (R) Small area just off the highway on the riverbank under some large trees. Good shade. GPS: S35 02.585 E143 19.481  ... Find out more


Piangil West Rest Area 44 km

31 km E of Manangatang (R) or 9 km W of Piangil (L) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S35 03.404 E143 12.977 ... Find out more


Ibis Rookery Park Area 47 km

32 km SE of Lake Boga (L) or 10 km NW of Kerang (R) Large area well off the highway near the bird observatory. GPS: S35 40.261 E143 52.393... Find out more


Apex Park Area 49 km

36 km SE of Lake Boga (L) or 8 km NW of Kerang (R) Large grassed area well off the highway around a few trees on the shores of the lake. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 41.162 E143 53.188... Find out more


Kerang Park Area 55 km

West side of town Parking area adjacent to the highway on the west side of town. Good facilities. GPS: S35 44.115 E143 54.914... Find out more


Berriwillock Park Area 61 km

Middle of town Small town park opposite the hotel on the service road through town. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 38.11 E142 59.44... Find out more


Willows Camp Area 67 km

T/O 25 km E of Balranald (R) or 108 km W of Hay (L) Large open area set in a natural bush environment 3 kilometres south of the highway in Yanga Conservation Park. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S34 45.656 E143... Find out more


Sea Lake North Rest Area 68 km

82 km SE of Ouyen (L) or 83 km N of Wycheproof (R) Large open area well off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S35 27.13 E142 49.46 ... Find out more


Green Lake Camp Area 70 km

T/O at Sea Lake (R) or Berriwillock (L) Large shady campground located 10 kilometres south of Sea Lake or north west of Berriwillock among numerous large trees on the shores of the lake. Some powered sites available.... Find out more


Yanga Creek Rest Area 71 km

9 km E of Balranald (R) or 124 km W of Hay (L) Large area well off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 42.007 E143 35.560 ... Find out more


Junction Rest Area 75 km

5 km E of Balranald (R) or 128 km W of Hay (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S34 40.008 E143 33.777  ... Find out more


Mamanga Camp Area 75 km

T/O 3 km E of Balranald (R) or 130 km W of Hay (L) Large secluded area in a natural scrub environment 7 kilometres south of the highway in Yanga National Park. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. Camp fees to apply in... Find out more


Passage Camp Area 77 km

T/O 51 km SE of Robinvale (L) or 85 km NW of Swan Hill (R) Secluded area 5 kilometres north of the highway in Murray River Reserve. Good shade. NOTE: Unsealed access. GPS: S34 42.930 E143 11.494... Find out more


Boundary Bend East Park Area 78 km

46 km E of Robinvale (L) or 90 km NW of Swan Hill (R) Small area adjacent to the highway on the riverbank among some large trees. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 43.130 E143 09.992... Find out more


Cohuna Park Area 79 km

Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway on the west side of town. Good facilities. GPS: S35 48.510 E144 13.266... Find out more


Wycheproof Park Area 88 km

Middle of town Parking area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S36 04.44 E143 13.33 ... Find out more


Birchip Park Area 93 km

South side of town Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. Good facilities. GPS: S35 59.23 E142 54.53... Find out more


Teddywaddy Rest Area 99 km

23 km SE of Wycheproof (L) or 9 km N of Charlton (R) Small area just off the highway among some trees. Good shade. GPS: S36 12.48 E143 21.35 ... Find out more


Gunbower Park Area 100 km

Middle of town Small town park just off the highway on the banks of the creek. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 57.329 E144 22.222... Find out more


Abbotts Tank Rest Area 102 km

27 km E of Euston (R) or 53 km W of Balranald (L) Large area just off the highway among the trees. Limited shade. GPS: S34 32.450 E142 59.790  ... Find out more


Ravensworth Rest Area 103 km

78 km E of Balranald (L) or 55 km W of Hay (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S34 37.877 E144 17.727  ... Find out more


Wooroonook Lake Camp Area 107 km

T/O at Charlton via Borung Highway Large camp area on shores of the lake 14 kilometres west of Charlton. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S36 15.37 E143 11.44 ... Find out more


Lake Benanee Rest Area 110 km

16 km E of Euston (R) or 64 km W of Balranald (L) Large open area well off the highway on the shores of the lake. GPS: S34 31.239 E142 52.624... Find out more


What's on around town

Market: Curlewis St; 3rd Sun each month.

Racing Cup Carnival: June.

Australian Inland Wine Show: Oct.

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