Swan Hill

Swan Hill Vic 3585 (Pop 10 500)
Pic: by Scott Davis

Swan Hill is a major Murray River town siting on the NSW border 338 km north of Melbourne. Named after the many black swans in the area, European settlement began in 1840s with Swan Hill becoming the first major inland port. With the clearing of the surrounding Mallee scrub, agriculture took over from the declining river transport trade. Today wheat, wool, citrus fruits, wine and manufacturing support the local economy. Swan Hill markets 3^rd Sun each month. Redgum Festival (Mar), Racing Cup Carnival (June), Italian Fiesta (July) Inland Irrigated Wine Show (Oct), Agriculture Show (Oct).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery, Horseshoe Bend impressive collection of local arts and a number of touring exhibitions. Open (10am-4pm) weekdays and (2pm-5pm) weekends/public holidays. Riverside Park, Monash Drive good recreational facilities and a cairn marking the site of the area’s first encampment (1836). Historic Swan Hill includes the lift-span bridge (1896), the old water tower (1883), Federal Hotel (1889). Burke and Wills Tree, Curlewis St planted by a host of the ill fated explorers (1860) and is probably Australia’s largest Moreton Bay fig. Giant Murray Cod, Curlewis St measures 11m x 6m.  

Nearby:
Lake Boga (17 km south) popular watersports and recreational spot which hosts the annual Lake Boga Yacht Club Easter Regatta. Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum (17 km s-e) housed in a WWII bunker depicting the history of this former repair depot with interesting displays, photographs and memorabilia. Open (9.30am-4pm) daily. Nyah (27 km n-w) great local produce market 2^nd Sat each month.

Accommodation:
Swan Hill has almost 20 motels, 2 hotels, 2 resorts, holidays apartments/cottages, 2 B&Bs and 5 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: 306 Campbell St. Tel (03) 5032 3033 or 1800 625 373.