Swan Hill
Town
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
Nearby national parks
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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
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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 moreTol 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 moreBoyanda 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 moreBalranald 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 moreRobinvale 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 moreEuston 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 moreDimboola 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 moreCurlwaa 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 moreWentworth 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 moreLake 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 moreEco-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 moreIndigenous 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 moreIndigenous 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 moreLittle 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 moreGrampians 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 moreGolden 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 moreGolf 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 moreCafes & restaurants around town
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
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
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 moreHolgate 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 moreCampsites 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 moreLake 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 moreVinifera 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 moreNyah 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 moreThe 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 moreLake 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 moreMiddle 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 moreCampbells 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 moreBenwell 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 moreGuttrum 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 moreCaravan 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 moreBIG4 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 moreLake 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 moreIbis 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 moreBalranald 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 moreRobinvale 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 moreEchuca 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 moreHay 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 moreHay 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 moreThe 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 moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
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
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
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 moreMillDuck, 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 morePomponderoo 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 moreLittle 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 moreGrampians 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 moreRest 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 moreNyah 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 moreNyah 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 moreNyah 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 moreWood 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 moreWood 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 moreLake 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 morePiangil 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 morePiangil 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 moreIbis 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 moreApex 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 moreKerang 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 moreBerriwillock 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 moreWillows 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 moreSea 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 moreGreen 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 moreYanga 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 moreJunction 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 moreMamanga 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 morePassage 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 moreBoundary 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 moreCohuna 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 moreWycheproof 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 moreBirchip 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 moreTeddywaddy 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 moreGunbower 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 moreAbbotts 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 moreRavensworth 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 moreWooroonook 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 moreLake 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 moreWhat's on around town
Market: Curlewis St; 3rd Sun each month.
Racing Cup Carnival: June.
Australian Inland Wine Show: Oct.